Crime

We support the values of non- violence. We support education and all strategies to end violence in all strata of society. We also believe that the violent treatment of offenders is inconsistent with the values of non-violence and promotes further violence rather than prevents it.

We recognize that drugs are fundamentally a health problem rather than a criminal matter. We support programs that help people to overcome their abuse problems and help communities that are most threatened with drug-related violence. (See Health and Healing Platform.)

We support:

• Full enforcement of laws and appropriate penalties for all violent crimes motivated by bias, hatred, or hostility against individuals or groups because of their race, gender, color, religion, national origin, age, ancestry, sexual orientation, or health condition or disability.
• An expansion of educational, job training, and community- service programs within the prisons.
• Greater use of community-service programs and retribution programs as an alternative to incarceration, when appropriate.
• A judicial system that reflects the community with respect to race, and gender representation, etc.
• Elimination of the death penalty in Missouri.
• Control of hand guns and all automatic weapons.
• A step-by-step program to decriminalize drugs, beginning with drugs that are less dangerous or are used for medical purposes and proceeding as information is gathered and model programs are developed.
• Stiff penalties for the sale of drugs to minors and any usage that endangers or jeopardizes the health or safety of others.
• The rights of communities to be involved in developing their own drug policies and rehabilitation programs.
• Programs that help neighborhoods deal with their drug problems.