Alabama

Alabama Democrats
by David Andre

          The first permanent European settlement in Alabama was founded by the French at Fort Louis de la Mobile in 1702 The British gained control of the area in 1763 by the Treaty of Paris, but had to cede almost all the Alabama region to the U.S. and Spain after the American revolution. The Confederacy was founded at Montgomery in February 1861 and, for a time, the city was Confederate capitol. Today Montgomery is the capitol and 3^rd largest city of Alabama. Alabama population is a little over 4 million with about 73% White and 25%Black. The Alabama motto is "We dare defend our right", and the state is nicknamed Yellowhammer state. Alabama’s constitution, adopted in 1901, provides for elected governor and a bicameral legislature that is made up of a 35-member senate and a 105-member House of Representatives. The state elects 2 Senators and 7 Representatives to the U.S. Congress and has 9 electoral vote. The Democratic Party from Reconstruction dominated Alabama politics until recently. In 1986 Harold guy Hunt became the first Republican to be elected governor in over a century. He was reelected in 1990, but resigned because of accounts of corruption. Today the Governor is Democrat Don Siegelman (to Jan. 2003).
          The Alabama Democrats believe that America must maintain its world leadership as a defender democracy. In addition, Alabama Democrats are proud of the Party’s historic tradition of standing for the basic freedoms and human rights of all the people of the world. Since America is the world’s strongest military power, it must remain so. However, while maintaining the worlds only super power, the United States cannot bear the sole burden of the cost of defending democracy across the globe. America must look to other nations to pay their fair share.
          Alabama Democrats support policies to maintain strong social Security System and to keep our commitment to our older citizens by maintaining a strong system of Medicare and adequate, affordable nursing home in-home care. Also, Alabama Democrats support tax policies that will promote individual saving plans for younger Americans to allow them to provide for retirement with increased independence and flexibility. In addition, health care reform to give health care access to children and adults who too many suffer unnecessarily by being deprived of its benefits, or suffer financial ruin because of its cost. Reforms should focus on extending the benefits, of the health care system ensuring that health care is affordable, portable, and accessible to all citizens, while preserving the integrity of the doctor-patient relationship.
          Alabama Democrats believe abortion is a tragic event that deeply affects individuals and families. Alabama Democrats are pro-family and respect the fact that decisions concerning abortion involve matters of faith, conviction, health and personal choice including a woman’s relationship with her family physician. Also, respecting the right of all people to differ on this most difficult question. Furthermore, Alabama Democrats are committed to promoting policies and programs, which will reduce the number of, unwanted pregnancies. These include education, economic opportunity, personal mentoring, welfare reform, and law enforcement.
          Alabama Democrats believe that welfare should not be a way of life. Meaningful welfare reform must include a recommitment to improving education, job training, quality child care, where necessary, and access to adequate and affordable health care as welfare recipients move from public assistance into work. Moreover, people, families, and state will benefit through a renewed emphasis on work ethic, a reduction in teen pregnancies and the strengthening of families.
          Alabama Democrats believe that every child has a constitutional right to quality education regardless of where the child lives, whether in a rural area, small town or city. In addition, every child has the right to study and learn in a disciplined, safe and secure school environment. Furthermore, early educational intervention to provide a level playing field for every child, and committed to adequate support for educational programs for children with special needs or gifts, including programs for "at risk" children. Alabama Democrats also, believe an education should not only provide the core subjects, without decent employment are limited, but also, access to music and the arts in order to enrich spirit. Moreover, children should have access to modern technology and that teachers be trained thoroughly in its use. Also, state taxpayers have a right to expect strict accountability in the expenditure of tax monies for education and all other government expenditures.
          Alabama Democrats support Second Amendment that guarantees the right to own and use firearms. They reject efforts to restrict weapons for legitimate hunting and sporting purposes. They advocate swift and certain punishment and longer sentences for all people who commit crimes with guns. Democrats have legitimate disagreements among themselves about private ownership of weapons capable of mass destruction. Law enforcement officials warn about the proliferation of automatic weapons.
          Alabama Democrats believe that there are some crimes so heinous that the only appropriate punishment for the perpetrator is the death penalty. However, Alabama Democrats insists upon a judicial system that is fair and equitable to all classes and races of its citizens. They also, believe that those condemned to capitol punishment must be assured of a fair trial and review of their conviction and sentence prior to execution of their punishment. Where capital punishment is the sentence for a crime, it should not take years and years for the sentence to carry out.
          Alabama Democrats believe that the effect and impact of illegal drugs on the society may be our greatest threat to public safety. Drug induced violence, robbery, burglaries, thefts and homicides are relentless danger to our citizens and communities. In addition, oppose legalizing or decriminalizing drugs of any kind; and support stiff and mandatory sentencing for drug related crimes, especially those committed by those in the society by trafficking or selling these deadly substances. Alabama democrats believe that there are two fundamental ways of reducing crime: 1. Preventing crime by, encouraging, preserving and protecting the family unit and the values that have historically been instilled in our young people by their families; providing quality education to all of our citizens; providing jobs through promoting economic growth and opportunity for all citizens. 2. Punishment providing effective law enforcement, as well as swift, sure and appropriate punishment for those in the society whom commits crimes. In addition, Alabama democrats believe that prisons should serve as a deterrent and as punishment for convicted criminals. Committed to increased efforts toward prevention of crime. Prisons should also require prisoners who are serving less than life sentences to work toward their GED and also require training for employment skills. Prison should also providing drug, alcohol and sexual abuse counseling when appropriate. Prisoners should be made to work to assist in earning their keep.
          Alabama Democrats believe that government must be representative of all the state’s citizens. Alabama citizens must be given reason to renew confidence in government at all levels. At present the political system process shuts out many ordinary citizens who cannot raise vast sums of money. Therefore, Alabama Democrats favor reasonable limits on campaign contributions from all sources and strict laws and full disclosure of campaign contributions. All campaign contributions must be recorded and traceable to the original donor. In addition, eliminating all PAC to PAC transfers that are designed to hide the true source of funding. Also, An initiative and referendum process to allow greater citizens participation in government. Moreover, term limits as imposed by the voter at the ballot box or in statewide referendum and reducing the influence lobbyist and special interest groups have on the government.
          Alabama Democrats are committed to ensure that tax policies of the state and country are fair to married couples and single individuals alike. At the same time, these policies must encourage long-term gainful employment so that no citizen will be discourage from seeking and keeping gainful employment as a result of tax policies. Alabama Democrats support earned income tax credit and oppose republican efforts to repeal a program that affirms the importance of work and increases the living standard of the middle class. In addition, Alabama is the expansion of businesses that are already located there. Tax breaks may be necessary to attract new businesses in some cases, but they should not harm existing businesses, and new corporations should be encouraged to utilize Alabama products and workers. Furthermore, Alabama Democrats believe that government must be responsible and accountable and careful with taxpayer money. They recognize that while there must be limits on government’s involvement in the lives of citizens, responsible government demands that they can only expect the protection and services they are willing to pay. In addition, government at any level should no longer borrow money, increasing debt on children and grandchildren.
         Alabama Democrats believe in economic fairness for all, and oppose all forms of prejudice and bigotry. They are determined to work towards a society in which equal opportunity is a reality. Also, while quotas are unacceptable, they cannot ignore the lingering effects of past discrimination and will work to form new tools and opportunities that can help all Alabama’s reach their potential. In addition, Alabama Democrats support an increase in the minimum wage that restores purchasing power at least levels of 40 years ago. An adequate minimum wage is necessary not only to combat poverty but also to help break the cycle of welfare dependency.