The Killingworth Democratic Eye: Grassroots Democratic Platform Issues
By Kathleen Amoia
July 29, 2008

On Sunday, July 20, the Killingworth Democratic Town Committee held a first time ever national platform meeting, advertised and open to the public. It was one of hundreds of   mini-platform meetings held around the country to get grass roots, non-Washington input to the DNC Platform Committee and the Obama campaign. The KDTC meeting consisted of committee members and guests, including a Republican and at least one independent.

For over two hours, an honest civil discussion of the group’s major concerns and hopes for the future was moderated by Gwenne Lally, KDTC Chairperson. We readily agreed to concentrate on the following areas: veterans issues, energy and the environment, foreign policy, immigration, health care, fiscal policy and the rural American community. Ethics, leadership, government civility, and transparency were considered overriding issues essential to all the others and equally essential to bringing about constructive change.

Perhaps the easiest topic was that of veterans. The consensus was short and simple: a well funded GI Bill and a VA hospital system unequivocally equipped for the tasks it faces. On energy and the environment, consensus stressed that government should be supporting research into clean renewable power sources; that wind and solar power should be perfected and that America should lead the world in such research and product development.  It was generally agreed that corn based ethanol is not the answer in light of soaring prices for corn and corn based products. Energy independence and a reasonably priced food supply were also recognized as vital elements of national security.

A study of rural America and the impact of various farming regulations on the small farmer were also related to the larger issue of security and energy independence. Small farms can produce for local markets, reducing energy use and supplying non bio-engineered produce and meat.

Fiscal policy, like ethics, was considered an overarching issue. Accountability and more taxpayer input into allocation of taxpayer money were on everyone’s agenda. Health care was recognized for the urgent problem it is for many Americans, including many sitting around the table that night. With a goal of universal health coverage, it seemed only logical that the plans of European nations and Canada be studied with an eye toward incorporating the best of theirs with what fits our needs. Immigration was recognized as a very complex issue that needs a systemic overhaul to secure our borders, assess the actual cost of illegal immigration to our social system and treat all involved with fairness and justice.

At the heart of concern for our foreign policy was that it be conducted in a way that supports the rule of law and the Geneva Conventions, and regains the respect for America and its citizens that in the past we took for granted.

Several participants at the table expressed their belief that this time their vote may count for an American renewal in participatory democracy. The concern that once elected our leaders forget we exist was recognized as the fault of an electorate that does not keep reminding them that we expect them to serve us and work for solutions to our problems. There was nothing partisan about the issues discussed or the solutions suggested. These are America’s issues.

Can we keep the momentum going?  Yes, we can!