Bruin Democrats Platform

Stability in Iraq
As Bruin Democrats, we support the expeditious and responsible withdrawal of troops from Iraq. This unnecessary war has diverted essential resources from domestic affairs. We feel that Iraqi political power and military forces should be transferred into the hands of the Iraqi people. In the immediate future, adequate protection and supplies need to be provided for both the Iraqi and U.S. coalition forces involved in the war.

Public Education
As Bruin Democrats, we believe that education in the state of California should be fully funded, as all students in the state deserve a quality education. Higher education, including graduate level education, must be accessible to all, with an eventual goal of affordable higher education for everyone.

Social Security and Healthcare
As Bruin Democrats, we support universal healthcare coverage for all Americans, with a system that emphasizes preventative care. We believe in adequate funding for Medicare and Medicaid, with a prescription drug benefit for those who need it. Additionally, as Bruin Democrats we are against the privatization of Social Security, increases in the retirement age, or cuts in benefits. To ensure solvency, we support eliminating $90,000 the income cap. Furthermore, as Bruin Democrats we believe it is essential that an efficient and reliable plan be in place to combat elderly poverty.

The Environment
As Bruin Democrats, we believe in the preservation of this planet for us as well as future generations. We believe that oil dependence is a critical vulnerability, and drilling in ANWAR risks permanent environmental damage without providing a real solution to the underlying problem. The rush to harvest limited natural resources should not compromise the integrity of our natural treasures, as Bush's 'healthy forests' initiative would do. We are also very concerned with the reality of global climate change caused by human activity and the detrimental effect this change will have on human society. As such, we encourage the United States to lead the world in utilizing sustainable and clean technologies such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

Civil Liberties
As Bruin Democrats, we believe we can maintain the rights and freedoms guaranteed in the Constitution, while simultaneously maintaining our national security. Our civil liberties have been eroded through the Patriot Act and the blurring of the line between Church and State.

Right to Choose
As Bruin Democrats, we believe that abortion should be the personal choice of every woman. The procedure should be safe, accessible, and remain legal. It should be protected under the constitution as a natural right to reproductive choice and privacy.

Human Rights
As Bruin Democrats, we believe that every individual, regardless of race, gender, age, religion, or sexual orientation, merits a life free from harm and other sufferings in accordance with the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Furthermore, it is our ethical duty to promote these rights, especially for those who cannot do so themselves.

LGBT Rights
As Bruin Democrats, we believe in full civil rights for all Americans, regardless of sexual orientation or identity. We will work to end discrimination against Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender persons in all walks of life, including but not limited to: Housing, the workplace, and the institution of marriage