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SECTION XI. SOCIAL POLICY AND THE FAMILY FARM National, state and local government should constantly strive to preserve and expand freedom of thought, speech, radio, television and press, freedom of secret ballot, religion, assembly, freedom to organize and to petition the government for a redress of grievances. 1. CIVIL RIGHTS AND LIBERTIES A. We support equal rights for all, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, race, creed, occupation or national origin.
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B. We are concerned about the constitutional amendment guaranteeing farmers the right to farm using modern farming practices. This raises questions like who defines the term modern and does this right to farm supersede local zoning authority. Because of the vagueness of the language, we are opposed to this amendment until further clarification is provided.
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C. We urge Congress to continue to ensure oversight of government surveillance in the United States, and to investigate violations that occur so that we do not destroy the very rights and freedoms that have made our nation great.
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2. IMMIGRATION A. We must be able to secure our borders.
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B. Immigrants are part of both our rural and urban communities. We must adapt to this reality and recognize the critical role immigration has played in our nation’s history.
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C. Policies must provide a reasonable path to citizenship for those who are here illegally, and are of good character, pay taxes, and are committed to become productive members of our society.
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D. We encourage people to seek permanent residence legally by applying for citizenship with all the rights and responsibilities that accompany it. We encourage programs for new citizens to explore American culture/society. We also encourage programs for citizens that fosters acceptance of all cultures into American society.
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3. GOVERNMENT REFORM We urge the following reforms in our government: A. Enforcement of a code of ethics for all members of all branches of government. We support the formation of an ethics committee with oversight of the North Dakota legislature. B. The United States of America has always been special because of the rights and freedoms that our citizens enjoy. In defending our country, we should not destroy those very rights and freedoms. We therefore urge Congress to ensure further oversight of government surveillance in the United States, including information of what violations might have been committed.
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