DNC Endorses One Vote '08 Campaign
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and the head of the DNC’s Faith in Action initiative, Rev. Leah Daughtry, issued the following statement praising the announcement of the One Vote '08 Campaign, which will use the 2008 Presidential election to bring national attention to the issue of global poverty:
“Global poverty remains one of the most pressing issues of our time. While it will require a steady focus and united effort to tackle this problem, it is a solvable issue that is not beyond the reach of this generation. Already we have seen what can happen when we join forces to work together for the common good. A diverse group of bi-partisan leaders, from philanthropists, to non-profits, to government have come together to advance this great cause. But there is still work to be done. America has an opportunity to demonstrate moral leadership by showing that we can be a force for compassion that works to alleviate the suffering of others.
“As we head into the 2008 election, Democratic Presidential candidates have made eradicating hunger, poverty and HIV/AIDS a cornerstone of their campaigns. We are proud to have a diverse field of candidates who reflect the core Democratic values of fairness and social justice, values which the Party has a long and proud history of championing. On the Congressional front Democratic leaders have worked to increase funding for the Global Aids Fund and health care programs for developing nations. This much-needed funding will go to fight preventable diseases that continue to ravage poverty stricken areas of the world. In addition, the Congressional Black Caucus has been a tireless advocate in fighting to highlight HIV/AIDS in Africa and genocide in Darfur even before the spotlight was focused on these issues.
“The One Vote 08' effort has brought together a great team of leaders including key Democratic strategists and members of our own DNC Faith Advisory Council. The Democratic Party is wholly committed to playing a leading role in working to eradicate global poverty. As a nation at war in Iraq and Afghanistan, America is witnessing first hand the despair that regional poverty and social instability cause around the world. A lack of education, adequate health care and the absence of hope and opportunity often lead to conditions that wreak havoc on our global and national security. Therefore, it is in all our best interests to work together to address these issues head on. Through our efforts we can send a message to the world that America's concern for the least of these is a core value that reflects the goodness and greatness of our county's founding principles."
