WE the Democrats of Massachusetts, in order to best assure our state success in this new century, hereby pledge to work for and support an agenda that creates opportunity, recognizes responsibility, and builds community.
WE embrace the Democratic traditions of our forebears, reaffirming our commitments to the tenets of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
WE recognize that a life which “insures domestic Tranquility” must provide good jobs, a good education, and quality health care.
WE recognize that to “secure the blessings of Liberty” we must honor families, invest in our communities, and safeguard the political rights of all our citizens.
WE recognize that to “promote the general Welfare” we must honor families, invest in our communities, and safeguard the political rights of all our citizens.
WE believe in democratic government and in the power of good governance. As we begin this new century, we acknowledge the wisdom of our Founders, who crafted a Democracy that endures. Looking ahead, we dedicate ourselves to the proposition that the ideals of our past must become a workable force for the future. Cognizant of the challenges of our diversity, we guarantee a place at the table for every citizen and reaffirm our dedication to an all-inclusive Democratic Party. From Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal, through John F. Kennedy’s New Frontier, and Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society, the Democratic Party has always stood strong in support of pro-active solutions. We respect the individual positions members of our Party may take, and welcome all people to participate at every level of our Party. Steadfast in our resolve, we pledge ourselves to making this great experiment called democracy viable for generations to come.
We, the Massachusetts Democratic Party, affirm our belief that government exists to strengthen individuals, families and communities and that all people should be treated with dignity. As Democrats, we are united in our devotion to our country, our Commonwealth, and our democracy. Our message dates from our Constitution and is rooted in our dedication to freedom, equality and opportunity. Our party initiated and fought for equal rights and opportunities for all people. We continue our commitment to basic human values. Now, more than ever, the Massachusetts Democratic Party is united in its determination to protect and advance our core values: individual rights and freedom; excellent public schools and colleges; quality healthcare; a robust economy; consumer protection; a living wage; decent, affordable housing; sound fiscal policies and balanced budgets; environmental safeguards; public safety; effective protection for working men and women, veterans benefits; and Social Security, and the “safety net” for our most vulnerable citizens.
As Massachusetts Democrats, we are proud of the diversity that strengthens and enlivens us. We gratefully acknowledge the struggles of previous generations of Democrats including those who came from other lands, either by choice or by force, and built a party dedicated to equalizing the balance of political power. As Democrats, we owe our political pre-eminence to the founders of our party who eliminated social position and wealth as barriers to full participation in public life. For more than 100 years, we have opened the door of opportunity for new immigrants and citizens. We are committed to reaching out to this generation of immigrants as they join us in building our communities.
The Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform is our covenant with one another and is the foundation on which our party leaders and we generally stand. While the Platform reflects our common commitment, we are also a party of individuals with personal and private beliefs. In joining together to pursue our Democratic agenda, we recognize and respect individual points of view. As Democrat,[sic] we embrace one another and the essential tenets of the Massachusetts Democratic Party.
To thatthis end, on behalf of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, we hereby adopt the following platform:
Developed by Brad Johnson (Boston Ward 4). Presented as a service for the 2005 Massachusetts Democratic Convention by Democracy for America: Boston.