
Biology
Ecology - General Solutions
Excerpt #1: Introduction (preamble) to Platform
(note - words that are bolded and in italics are defined below the reading)
The conditions which surround us best justify our co-operation; we meet in the midst of a nation
brought to the verge of moral, political, and material ruin. Corruption dominates the ballot-box, the
Legislatures, the Congress, and touches even the bench. The people are demoralized; most of the
States have been compelled to isolate the voters at the polling places to prevent universal intimidation
and bribery. The newspapers are largely subsidized or muzzled, public opinion silenced, business
prostrated, homes covered with mortgages, labor impoverished, and the land concentrating in the
hands of capitalists. The urban workmen are denied the right to organize for self-protection, imported
pauperized labor beats down their wages.... The fruits of the toil of millions are boldly stolen to build
up colossal fortunes for a few, unprecedented in the history of mankind; and the possessors of those,
in turn, despise the republic and endanger liberty. From the same prolific womb of governmental
injustice we breed the two great classes – beggars and millionaires.