Position Paper #1

Sara Penningroth and Christy Crone

Bell 5

10/11/00

1.     Should there be a national or state law permitting abortion on demand by any pregnant woman?

We the Democratic Party, believe strongly in protecting women’s choice and health.  Along with Al Gore, we will fight hard to keep abortion safe and legal.  We will also make investments in education and family planning to help reduce the number of abortions.  We will support the use of Medicaid funds only in cases of rape and/or incest.  We believe that abortion should be the choice of the individual, not the government.  We also believe in supporting freedom of access to abortion clinics. We hope that having the freedom of choice would mean freedom from fear in making that choice, so we will try and make clinics safe, sterile, and free of violence.

2.     Should the government use tax dollars to support parochial schools?

The Democratic Party is against using tax dollars (vouchers) to support private schools.  Gore feels that vouchers will reduce funding for our public schools.  Bush is for vouchers and using TAX dollars towards private schools.  This would cut into our public funding.  Gore and the Democratic Party will try to help close the Education Gap.  Some children can’t afford to go to a private school and they are not able to receive the same education benefits as those who do.  Vouchers would reduce the access to better educational equipment and supplies.  So in conclusion, Al Gore and the Democratic Party are against using    what are now public education funds to support private schools.

3.Should the death penalty be abolished?

          Gore and the Democratic Party believe that the death penalty should not be abolished.  Capital offences deserve capital punishment. The death penalty is an effective way to remove dangerous and threatening people from our society. Gore supports a Justice Department investigation to make sure that the death penalty is being carried out fairly.

                                           Position Paper #2

   1. Should the extent of foreign aid and trade be greatly limited and curtailed?

    No.  Foreign aid should be expanded.  We have to realize that we still have the classic security threats, ethnic rivalries, and nuclear weapons.  We have to remember that we must stop the problems before they start and become crises.  If all else fails, we must have strong forces to back us up.  We must up-grade our weapons, build up our alliances, and be prepared for any surprise conflicts.  On a last note, we must not ignore our leadership position and not retreat to within our own borders.  We must take our position with pride and fulfill our role with dignity.

2. What reforms are necessary to improve the welfare system in the U.S.?

The Gore campaign and the Democratic Party are for making sure that every parent across the country can keep a roof over their children's heads.  With the Clinton/Gore Administration the amount of people on welfare has been cut in half.  We will continue to use additional assistance programs like the welfare reform bill and the Balanced Budget Act.  To improve the system even more, the administration will fight to provide 25,000 housing vouchers.  This will help to move people from welfare to work.  The Democratic Party wants to make sure that parents can provide the proper care for their children, and help make a better working nation.

3. Should cuts be made allocating funds for Defense spending?

No, cuts shouldn't be made in allocating funds for Defense spending.  Actually, we should gradually increase it.  Defense is important in our society and for our protection we will need to fund it.  This will help strengthen the military force and will keep our country strong and make it even stronger.  Gore wants funding to safeguard from nuclear arsenals to fight terrorism, to help slow global warming, and to protect our nation's security.

Position Paper #3

1.  What is the best means of obtaining racial equality in the schools and improving racial relations?

Al Gore believes that in order to obtain racial equality and improve racial relations we need to seek more diversity in schools.  If children are taught early on to accept people for what they are on the inside then that will help break racial tension.  Parents should also start educating their children on the subject or racism.  Because children look up to their role models, parents should give them the right advice.

Should pushers of hard drugs and marijuana users receive harsh criminal penalties as the best means of controlling U.S. drug abuse?

The Democratic Party and Gore believe that there should be tougher drug policies.  Gore does want to loosen restrictions on medical marijuana.