The Progressive Alternative
Founded in 1971 by Julius Hobson
555 Newcomb St., SE
Washington, DC 20032 202-561-6068 email: VHNS60A@Prodigy.com
John Gloster, Chairman
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Guiding principles
The D.C. Statehood Party was founded on the concept that all human beings are entitled to certain rights, that among the rights the right of self-determination in a democratic government is paramount, and that statehood is the best and most necessary means to secure self-determination and other human rights for the citizens of the District of Columbia.
The Party lives by several guiding principles. Among them are: (1) Self-determination and Democracy; (2) Economic Justice and Economic Democracy; (3) Protection of all Human and Civil Rights; (4) Protection of The Public Trust; (5) Promotion of Participation in Government by All Citizens; (6) Humane and Enlightened Treatment of Prisoners.
Self-determination and Democracy-- These form the only means by which the rights mentioned above, as well as the will of the People can be enforced.
Economic Justice and Economic Democracy-- We believe that the People have the inherent right, through a democratic process, to regulate and determine the economic relationships between individuals every ANC district a seat on the City Council. That way everyone would truly have input, everyone could know their council member. No longer would the Council be owned by Big Money Interests. No longer would we see the same 15 faces running our government year after year.
Human and Civil Rights-- The citizens of the District of Columbia have certain inalienable rights, at least on par with those shared by the citizens of the 50 states. We feel the citizens of the District have the right to: health care and public safety; good public schools, including vocational schools, a public university, a public law school, and adult education; affordable housing; ownership in their home; freedom from domestic violence; and, freedom from all forms of discrimination, including race, creed, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sex, sexuality, and age.
The Public Trust-- The People, through their government officials, have a responsibility to protect human and natural resources for the benefit of all, both for the present and future generations. This principle of a Public Trust necessitates care and great public input in the areas of: the care and use of the Environment; Zoning Regulations; use and planning of Infrastructure, including public water and roads; the Promotion of Healthy Families and Family Relationships; Care for those in Need of Special Attention from Society, including the parentless, the homeless, and the mentally infirm, among others.
Participation in Government-- To fulfill the promise of democracy, we need to bring government to the people. We propose doing this through decentralization. We would give every ANC district a seat on the City Council. That way everyone would truly have input, everyone could know their council member. No longer would the Council be owned by Big Money Interests. No longer would we see the same 15 faces running our government year after year.
Prisoners-- We must realize that we assume a tremendous burden when we decide to take away
a person's freedom that we believe has done wrong to society. These prisoners, and their destiny
are in our care due to this decision. As a humane society we have a responsibility to emphasize
rehabilitation over incarceration. We need to aggressively treat mental illness and drug addiction
both before and during imprisonment. As much as possible, we must try to prevent people from
entering prison. Resources should be spent on preventative measures, not on more prisons.
Finally, because prisoners are sometimes falsely accused and sentenced, and because of the
historical racial unfairness on the issue, society should not take it upon itself to institute the
death penalty.
Email the DC STATEHOOD PARTY dcshp@hotmail.com