Democratic Convention - August 2000

 

Read excerpts from 2000 Democratic Platform
Visit Democratic Convention online
Read about NCSJ's Congressional Policy Breakfast

photo: Stephanie Ross

In Los Angeles for the Democratic Convention: 
(l.-r.) NCSJ's Shai Franklin, Rep. Eliot Engel, 
Agudath Israel's Stanley Treitel

Shai Franklin, NCSJ Director of Governmental Relations, attended the August 14-17 Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles.  Lesley Weiss, NCSJ Director of Community Services and Cultural Affairs, was also in Los Angeles for part of the Convention. 

During the Convention week, Shai also had the opportunity to participate in numerous meetings and receptions including several sponsored by AIPAC, American Jewish Committee, the National Jewish Democratic Council, United Jewish Communities, and the Los Angeles Jewish Federation.  

Click here to read coverage of the August 13 community-wide reception, attended by President and Hillary Clinton.

In addition to Members of Congress and their staff, Shai interacted with Administration officials and candidates, foreign diplomats, community leaders from across the United States, and senior members of the Gore-Lieberman foreign policy team. On August 17, Shai Franklin and NCSJ Vice President Robert Meth both attended Vice President Gore's speech to the Convention.

NCSJ Policy Breakfast

photo: Ari J. Greenberg

At August 17 NCSJ Policy Breakfast: (l.-r.) Former Representative Anthony Beilenson (D-CA) and Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA)

On Thursday morning, August 17, NCSJ sponsored a Policy Breakfast on "U.S. Priorities in the Former Soviet Union," hosted by community leader Marshall B. Grossman of Alschuler Grossman Stein & Kahan LLP.  Speakers included U.S. Representatives Eliot Engel (D-NY) and Brad Sherman (D-CA) as well as former Congressman Anthony Beilenson (D-CA) and NCSJ Board of Governors member Dolores Beilenson.  Rep. Engel recounted his recent visit to Jewish communities in Ukraine, where his grandparents were born, and stressed how Congress can make a difference in people's lives in the region.  He called on the Jewish community to "keep highlighting the issues."  Rep. Sherman discussed the debate shaping up in Congress and within the Presidential campaigns concerning the use of sanctions and the role of human rights in foreign policy and international trade.  Congressman Beilenson reflected on the evolving role of Congress with respect to Jewish concerns in the former Soviet Union.

photo: Ari J. Greenberg NCSJ Board Member Dolores Beilenson (r.) speaking with James K. Cummings at August 17 Policy Breakfast.

At Democratic Convention: (l.-r.) Laurie Saroff of Senator Barbara Boxer's staff; Jack Lew, Director, Office of Management and Budget; NCSJ's Shai Franklin

The foreign policy section of the 2000 Democratic Platform reaffirms the importance of U.S. engagement in the former Soviet Union and support for pluralistic democracy around the world.  Shai also attended the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia, and that update is available here.

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EXCERPTS FROM 2000 DEMOCRATIC PLATFORM
("Prosperity, Progress, and Peace")

....

Engaging Former Enemies

Democrats understand that we must engage former enemies. This Administration’s efforts to design new relationships with the Russian Federation and China have been continuously subjected to every form of harassment and attack by the Republicans — but they have been in America’s national interest and they have been the right thing to do.

We recognize that Russia’s historic transition to a market democracy is difficult — all the more reason we must continue to engage Russia. We recognize that Russian democracy is challenged by corruption that deeply penetrates her society — all the more reason to engage Russia on behalf of reform. We recognize that Russia has her own self-interest and concerns that can and do run contrary to ours — all the more reason to search for constructive forms of cooperation. We deeply disagree with what Russia is doing in Chechnya and remain concerned about signs of Russian efforts to intimidate the press — all the more reason to step up our discussions with them on those issues. The Democratic Party is prepared to pursue American objectives as needed even at the cost of friction with Russia. But it is also of tremendous potential benefit to us if we can nurture a sense of common purpose and trust. Al Gore and the Democratic Party will continue that effort.

....

Preventing Proliferation

We must strengthen our defense against the proliferation of conventional and unconventional weapons that threaten America. Our first priority must be to continue the work we have begun in cutting stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction, halting testing, and ensuring that weapons and weapons-grade material do not fall into the wrong hands. Working with the government of the Russian Federation, we have helped safeguard nuclear material against the danger of theft. We have made it possible for thousands of Russia’s nuclear scientists and weapons experts to find peaceful pursuits. And we have helped deactivate nearly 5,000 nuclear warheads.

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Promoting Democracy, Human Rights, Rule of Law, and Civil Society

American values and freedoms are a beacon unto nations, and we should use the power of our ideals to foster democracy, human rights, rule of law, and civil society throughout the world. The Democratic Party believes that America must continue to work closely with other nations, as well as non-governmental organizations to promote these goals. We aim to rededicate ourselves to the defense of democracy in the Americas at a moment when it is being brought into question in Peru and absent on the island of Cuba. We will continue to work with Haiti to deepen the roots of democracy that we helped replant. We will continue to press for human rights, the rule of law, and political freedom. We will continue to support the spread of democracy across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East and the development of judiciary, legal systems, media and civil society organizations.

To accomplish this, we need the right tools. Al Gore and the Democratic Party support continued funding for the National Endowment for Democracy, Radio Liberty, Radio Free Europe, Radio Free Asia, Radio Marti, and other efforts to promote democracy and the free flow of ideas. We will build on our successful Reinventing Government program, led by Al Gore, to help other nations make their governments more responsive, more open, and more effective. We strongly support international educational exchanges. The students who come to America to study here — at the best academic institutions in the world — learn about our democratic values and institutions, our entrepreneurial skills, and our culture. They learn that Americans are noble dreamers remaining ever inclusive.