America’s Pledge

A Work in Progress

The following core beliefs represent the fundamental principles upon which progressive independent democrats pledge to follow throughout their tenure as public servants.

A Dedication to Open, Honest, and Regular Communication of Issues

• We promise to engage in relevant honest discussions with constituents regarding policy matters.
• We value compromise, collaboration, and opposing viewpoints.  We will seek to address common problems by gathering information and suggestions from all ideologies rather than impose a predetermined policy or advance manufactured or irrelevant facts.
• We promise to abandon the tired tactic of personal attacks in favor of discussion of policy.  We recognize that demonizing those advancing contrary viewpoints is no substitute for honest debate.
• We promise to challenge and denounce those who continue to rely on dishonest practices, regardless of party.

Return to Competent, Responsive, Efficient, Accountable Government

• We strive to restore trust in government with a genuine commitment to rewarding and acknowledging merit over loyalty, ethics over private financial gain, and principles over rhetoric.    
• We recognize that other professions regulate their members through compulsory disclosure of conflicts and adherence to strict ethical practices.  Government should exceed those ethical expectations.  We promise to implement and follow a robust set of ethical guidelines, those with greater reach and depth than otherwise imposed.
• We promise to communicate these ideals throughout our organization, to put on notice all who are or who desire to be associated with our staff that we do not wish to attract those who enter politics for personal profit.  We will set the tone that anything but a drive to serve the public is unacceptable.
• We believe in a small and effective government, not one that is artificially bloated, intrusive, and serves narrow elitist groups. 

Respect and Represent Constituents

• We live in challenging times and we will challenge Americans to engage in critical examination of the issues that most affect them.  We promise to engage all who desire to be part of the process, to participate in genuine unscripted community meetings, and provide access that is not conditioned on financial contributions.
• We recognize that the political debate is dominated by extremes on both sides because they are most apt to vocalize narrow policy concerns and therefore fabricate the illusion of mainstream beliefs.  We promise to give a voice to the reasonable, practical majority who passively advocate moderate, rational policy.
• We promise to reflect public opinion rather than revel in its disregard.  We recognize that tremendous government resources is wasted on manufacturing the public’s consent for unpopular programs rather then following the public’s inherent desires.   

Respect for the Press

• We recognize that the press serves as the primary vehicle for ensuring that government activities are performed in full disclosure to the public.  This contributes to the public’s open and honest debate of issues.
• We promise open, regular, unrehearsed and honest communications with the press and not to exploit media as a vehicle for public relations.   

Respect for our Military

• America commands the greatest military force ever assembled.
• Military force should be used judiciously and responsibly following considerable debate, to protect American safety; not simply as a demonstration of power, promotion of ideological economic experiments, or enriching private business motives.
• We will respect the individuals of the military by providing them the support and care they deserve both during and after their service.
• We pledge to respect our military by not using them as public relations props to advance superficial dishonest imagery. 

Devotion to Principle over Party

• We hold these principles independent of party.  We are part of the Democratic Party because it is the party that promotes diversity, compromise, and solutions that benefit all. 
• Such variety of ideas and people invariably lead to disagreement.  While opponents may perceive (disingenuously at times) that disagreements reflect chaos or confusion – we believe it’s healthy for the democratic process.  Our goal always remains constant – to arrive at creative solutions through open, honest, and diverse debate that benefit the majority of the American people and reflect their needs and desires. 
• Freedom from Party allows us to embrace the best qualities of all ideologies – fiscal conservatism, focus on security, economic growth, health care, education, and so on.  

Enduring Pledge

• These principles are designed to restore the public’s faith and trust in public servants.  They form the guidance from which we will draw upon, and expect to be measured by, throughout our tenure in public office – not simply short-term slogans manufactured for election cycles.
• We support a new attitude towards government that honors integrity and honesty and identifies and condemns corruption.  One which values principle before party, people before personal profit, and solutions for the many rather than for the privileged few. 
• We pledge not only to following the directives set forth here, but to identify and hold others accountable for failing to follow these simple, fundamental principles.

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