Nebraska's Democrats
by Alistair D.J. Brunning
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Lying in the center of the United States, in the region of the Great Plains,
the Cornhusker State, with a population estimated by the Almanac of 50
States in1996, to be only 1,652,093, Nebraska is spread over a majestic
77,358 square miles. It is practically the same size as the country of
the United Kingdom. Racially broken down, the state is: 92.5% White, 3.6%
Black, 1% Asian, 1% American Indian and 2.3% Hispanic origin. Nebraska
with two principle cities, Lincoln the capital, and Omaha, has an unpredictable
climate which is marked by extremes in temperature both during the winter
and summer months.
Two main regions define this state. The Loess that makes up just one fifth of the state, and the area of the Great Plains that accounts for the rest of the state geography. The area of rich yellowish soil, known as the Loess Plain, is extremely fertile farmland, whereas the streams and grasses of The Great Plains region make excellent cattle pastures. In the 1803 Louisiana Purchase, France sold the Mississippi valley, which included Nebraska, to the United States. The slavery debate lead to the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, which established the territory known as Kansas and Nebraska. Nebraska became the 37th state of the union in March of 1867. Today Nebraska is working hard to preserve family farms and attract new industry, most of the rural counties are losing population, while towns and cities are rapidly expanding. The 1990's has seen the state become home to the fast-growing ConAgra food combine, and a popular area of the country in which to invest. Only 282,000 of Nebraska's estimated 1,652,093 population receive social security benefits, this includes 206,000 who are retired or who are eligible for dependency allowance. Over 87% of Nebraskans have attained high school certificates, 24% hold a bachelor's degree or above. HEALTH CARE: Through the support of health care legislation the Nebraska Democratic Party wants to see affordable, quality health care made accessible to all. A strong, state-wide community system of public health, federal/state funded immunizations for children, disease prevention through both education and comprehensive research is proposed. The Party also strongly supports the need to increase education and research to the problem of drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse in the community. A comprehensive rehabilitation program is advocated. While opposing mandatory HIV testing, the Party encourages medical research and the provision of social services to people with HIV/AIDS. FOREIGN POLICY: The economic and military interests of the United States should be paramount when the adoption of a policy for foreign affairs comes into question. The Nebraska Democratic Party believes in the importance of promoting and the protection of peace. A foreign relation's policy must be based on a commitment to basic human rights, and must be applied in a consistent manner toward all nations, regardless of their economy or political philosophy. As the only remaining superpower, belief in a strong America who is capable of protecting not only her own national interests, but preserving the peace worldwide is of primary concern to the Democrats of Nebraska. Although, the build up of military force over and above that which is necessary for national interest is not sanctioned. The U.S. should be imbued with a sense of responsibility to promote peace and justice throughout the world whenever possible. The party supports the role of the United Nations and other international organizations in developing and ratifying international laws and treaties, and believes that this country along with other member nations should abide by these laws. Opposition to giving military assistance to any country whose government practices or tolerates violations of civil liberties of its own citizens is expressed. The Nebraska Democratic Party Platform goes on to state that countries in the developing world today should be assisted by the United States through long-term economic and humanitarian aid. These programs should focus on teaching self- sustaining growth and development. On the cusp the 21st century, justice and basic human rights in every nation should be available to all persons regardless of where they may live. GOVERNMENT: Endorsing the closed primary system used in its own state, the Nebraska Democratic Party encourages elected officials from both political parties to implement reforms which would limit the length and cost of presidential campaigns. They support a reasonable limit on campaign spending and contributions, along with a proposed state income tax check-off for political parties, and political campaigns in the state of Nebraska. Voting is the most important civil right, the election process, say the Democrats of Nebraska should be encouraged by eliminating unnecessary obstacles that hinder the process. EDUCATION: In recognizing that Nebraska provides some of the best comprehensive, public education in the United States, Nebraska Democrats see the investment in and promotion of, this service as crucial to the future economic power, and development of the state. The promise of a good basic education for every child and adult, with the option to advanced that education to the highest level possible, is a fundamental right of all citizens of Nebraska. It is only through the education of the work force of today, and the investment in the work force of tomorrow, that Nebraska can maintain her level of competition with other states of the union. This system should be supported by a broad-based tax system. The Nebraska Democratic Party does not encourage the idea of vouchers or tuition tax credits. The withdrawal of resources from public education, for whatever reason, will only serve to undermine the institution it purports to serve. Fully supporting welfare, the Party believes only through education can the cycle of dependency be broken. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: Recognizing that it is beholden upon the state to provide a strong economic cornerstone on which to build society, the Nebraska Democratic Party, sees long-term social stability through a strong, competitive well educated and secure work-force. Providing a nurturing business climate encourages the growth of a strong economy, the rewards of which can be felt by all. This in turn enables the state to be confident in attracting stronger investments, and new business ventures. Through a system of well-balanced, broad-based, just taxes, the business community generates more revenue, while not diminishing the state's attractiveness for company relocation or business development. The Nebraska Democratic Party promotes programs that are concerned with both revitalization of rural and inner-city areas of economic depression.
TRADE POLICY: State and national trade must continue to be expanded throughout
the world. Only through competition on a worldwide scale can American products
remain at a premium. This healthy competition increases the productivity
of foreign markets, which increases the standard of living, allowing other
countries to buy the superior American products. In turn healthy well-balanced
international trade, means better jobs and a higher standard of living
for Americans.
Works Cited Almanac of American Politics.
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