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THE DEMOCRACTIC CONVENTION 2004 Platform to be approved today
Homeland security
Summary: Favors improved intelligence sharing and analysis, tighter security domestically and at the nation's air, land and sea entry points — in part through more and better-equipped first responders to emergencies.
Terrorism
Summary: Calls for diplomatic collaboration to create peace in Iraq and prevent terrorist recruitment, comprehensive nuclear antiproliferation policies and the appointment of an international "high commissioner" to work with the Iraqi government to oversee the nation's rebuilding.
Military
Summary: Calls for 40,000 more active-duty personnel, better equipment and training of troops and more effective veterans' health services.
Taxes
Summary: Seeks to eliminate tax cuts for families making more than $200,000 annually and end corporate tax loopholes.
Economy
Summary: Proposes fiscal discipline and increasing the federal minimum wage to $7 from $5.15 an hour; advocates tax credits and loans to small businesses, the preservation of Social Security and programs to revitalize manufacturing in the U.S.
Foreign policy
Summary: Backs investment in Africa and the global fight against AIDS, repairing the U.S. alliance with Europe and creating a Palestinian state.
Healthcare
Summary: Proposes tax credits to make health insurance more affordable and providing healthcare to all children by strengthening Medicaid. Embraces in general terms Kerry's proposal that the federal government pay catastrophic medical bills that exceed $50,000 a year to reduce insurance premiums. Supports stem cell and other medical research, lower prescription drug costs, legalizing the importation of cheaper drugs, and streamlining Medicare to lower costs.
Education
Summary: Seeks tax credits for college tuition. Supports public school choice, in which families can elect which local school their child attends, as opposed to providing vouchers that can be used to pay private-school costs. Also favors charter schools, the Head Start program and professional development for teachers.
Abortion (safe, legal and rare)
Summary: Supports a woman's right to choose to have an abortion, regardless of ability to pay, but also supports family planning and adoption initiatives.
Gay marriage
Summary: Supports equal rights for gay and lesbian couples, with the definition of marriage left to the states.
Immigration
Summary: Calls for citizenship for undocumented workers who pass background checks, have jobs and pay taxes; encourages the reunification of families.
Energy
Summary: Favors tax credits for private investment in renewable fuels, incentives to buy energy-efficient vehicles and new oil-production partnerships with nations such as Russia and Canada.
Environment
Summary: Supports more rigorous water and air pollution standards and protection of public lands.
Source: Democratic National Committee
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