The platform affirmed at the Convention for the Common Good in Philadelphia, which will be delivered to both major parties, uses the words to the preamble of the Constitution of the United States and outlines five areas of concern:
? Establish justice. “We are challenged to protect life and to address disparities between ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ in this country and around the world.” The plank addresses economics, and urges investigation of the root causes of migration and calls for reform of “our flawed immigration system.”
? Ensure domestic tranquility. The plank calls for increased attention to “infrastructures and programs to build up local communities and business and to provide access to education, jobs, needed services and green space.” In addition, it calls for reform of the criminal justice system and greater attention to rehabilitation programs.
? Provide for the common defense. “We need to develop an ethical U.S. foreign policy that emphasizes conflict resolution though diplomacy instead of military force.” Under this heading, the convention affirmed fair trade laws, debt cancellation and “responsible international development aid.”
? Promote the general welfare. In calling for support for life and human dignity “at all stages,” the plank urges steps to “increase access to quality education, living wage jobs, safe housing, nutritious food, and comprehensive, quality health care.”
? Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. The plank urges organization of economic development and production “to provide for long-term sustainability.” It envisions “a social and economic order” that, among other considerations, “places human dignity above profits; harness renewable and clean sources of energy; balances corporate interests with the global common good.”
