If we were to put together a short list of things we think Democrats should stand strong for

[Bandit]

What would you think those things should be. Lets say five of the most important Democratic Principles.
My number one issue would be Progressive Taxation.
Next Universal Health Care
Energy Independence
Invest in America eg. Infrastructure, Hospitals, Schools,
Protect Environment

Or are there people here who don't agree with these or have better ideas.

[snot]

1. Media reform (including net neutrality!) and Campaign Finance Reform

Without those, we get nowhere with anything else.

[RiverLover]

8. +1 So agree!! ~nt

[upaloopa]

2. Affordable education, rebuild the middle class,

End to American imperialism, end poverty, single payer health care, public funding of elections, affordable housing, full employment, labor organization unions, increase Social Security payment amount, reverse income inequality etc.

[NRaleighLiberal]

3. good starting point - add something about a free, open, fair and truthful media - and getting

dark money out of elections and making it easier for EVERYONE to vote (get rid of Citizens United and restrictive voting laws) - and continuing significant progress on civil rights for all.

I know it's tough, but something about sensible gun use in the country - no more mass killings like we've had - but this is a difficult powder keg issue that has to be tackled in a multidimensional way, since there is such a cultural aspect.

[NYC_SKP]

4. Labor, keeping wealth here, redistribute wealth, social programs and infrastructure nt.

[mikehiggins]

5. More specific

I think the Democratic party should take a no-holds-barred stance in favor of Marijuana legalization.

Considering how many folks have been incarcerated and imprisoned for using a substance provably less harmful than alcohol would have a much more direct effect than the admirable but vague issues commonly pushed by progressives. I know a move like that would open us up to a lot of criticism but mostly the criticism would come IMHO from folks that will NEVER support the Democratic side in the first place.

The US survived the end of Prohibition. It'll survive the end of pointless and harmful persecution of pot users and open the door to the use of cannabis and derivatives. And, of course, with fewer "criminals" being busted we'll save a lot of court costs, and kick the "for profit" prison industry in the butt.

Just saying...

[world wide wally]

6. Reinforce the Antitrust Act, and The Media Fairness Doctrine for starters

[Basic LA]

7. That's a great list.

I can't improve on that at all, although this herd of cats we call a party will surely dilute it with individual pet peeves galore.