Human Rights

We support the rights of all people regardless of age, race, gender, disability, language, religious preference, ethnic or national origin, sexual orientation, or any other group designation. We advocate equal opportunity, equal justice under the law, and the right to adequate housing, employment, self-determination, respect, dignity, and participation in decision-making processes.

Many current history books and curricula present a racist viewpoint. Too often, our written histories are negatively inaccurate and our schools fail to present accurately (or even address) issues of minority races. For example, the popular presentation of the "discovery" of American is inaccurate and distorted. We oppose the U.S. (and Missouri) celebrations of Columbus Day and the "discovery of America," as a representation of racism.

Racial Equality:

Denying the rights of others because of race, ethnic background, or the pigmentation of one's skin cannot be tolerated in a civilized society. We call for all people in government (elected or appointed) to make a conscious effort to neutralize past discrimination when making decisions that affect the use of public resources and institutions. We call for campaigns and strategies to increase the numbers of people of color in all skilled professions. We support proportional representation of people of color in government positions and in our own party that reflects the numbers in our population and party. We encourage the continuation of all efforts to enhance the positive images of people of color in the media and educational systems.

Rights of Persons with Disabilities:

We believe that people with disabilities have the right to live independently in the community and are their own best advocates for securing active involvement in the social and economic mainstream of life. We support changes in Medicaid and other current policies that force disabled citizens into costly state-funded institutions and prevent in-home supportive services.

Children's Rights and Issues:

Traditionally, women and children were considered to be property of the father. Today, women have become emancipated--at least legally--but the rights of children are still abused in the name of the parental rights and family autonomy. Children are our future and the future of a society that values children is much brighter than that of a society that does not.

We advocate a comprehensive system that addresses the needs of children and recognizes children as valued citizens. The basis for such a system is the recognition of the basic rights of all children including the rights to have a healthy, safe environment and a good education so that they can develop their full unique potentials.

We support the recognition of the rights of children to participate in the decisions that affect their lives. We encourage children to be responsible to the extent of their level of ability.

Indigenous People - The Native Americans:

We recognize the sovereignty of all Native American nations and the historical contribution of their laws to principles of participatory democracy. We acknowledge their contribution of the concept of consensus. We support the preservation and reinstatement of traditional cultures and practices, because they embody a wealth of spiritual and ecological concepts that can help us to live more harmoniously with the land and one another. We recognize that constitutional rights such as religious freedom belong to all Americans including Native Americans and we are committed to abolish practices and policies that have forced Native American spiritual practices underground.

Sexual Orientation:

We support civil right protections for all persons whatever their actual or perceived sexual orientation. We support legislation and regulations that prohibit discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. We specifically call for the repeal of that part of the Missouri Sexual Misconduct Statute that criminalizes same-sex conduct among consenting adults, even in the privacy of their own homes. (566.090.1(3) RSMO)

Ageism:

In a sustainable, just society, all citizens have the right to realize their full potentials and participate fully in community life according to their abilities. Discrimination based solely on chronological age is not acceptable. Retirement could be seen as a choice rather than a requirement. Ample opportunities can be made available to older citizens to participate in economic life or provide community service as they choose.

While avoiding discrimination, we must provide for the social and physical needs of all citizens including our older citizens. Public funding of community- based support services encourages the highest degrees of independence, dignity, and choices for the elderly.

We support:


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Formatted by C. L. Spitzer.
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