Platform

Saw Dean on CNN this morning, and he gave a good sense of what the Democratic platform is shaping up to be.

1. Honesty and open government
2. Defense policy that requires telling the truth to the military and the public
   
3. Jobs in America that will stay in America
   
4. Universal healthcare
5. Public education system that restores optimism and opportunity
   

I'd say that's a pretty good start at a platform. It's short enough to not be a laundry list and does a good job of articulating what the party stands for. However, in my opinion there is a glaring omission from this list - energy policy. Energy is an issue that affects every single person in this country - young or old, male or female, rich or poor - and is tied to the country's environmental well-being. It is an issue that Republicans have consistently sold this country out on to big oil and coal special interests (see latest energy bill), and one on which Democrats can easily take the ideological and pragmatic high ground.

So combine #'s 1 & 2 on Dean's list (they're a little repetitive), and add energy policy. That's economic and social responsibilty for you.