The Republicans want to go back to their roots, and they want to do it in writing. So, they've created what has been dubbed a "purity test".
1) Smaller government, smaller national debt, lower deficits and lower taxes by opposing bills like Obama’s “stimulus” bill
(2) Market-based health care reform and oppose Obama-style government run healthcare;
(3) Market-based energy reforms by opposing cap and trade legislation;
(4) Workers’ right to secret ballot by opposing card check
(5) Legal immigration and assimilation into American society by opposing amnesty for illegal immigrants;
(6) Victory in Iraq and Afghanistan by supporting military-recommended troop surges;
(7) Containment of Iran and North Korea, particularly effective action to eliminate their nuclear weapons threat
(8) Retention of the Defense of Marriage Act;
(9) Protecting the lives of vulnerable persons by opposing health care rationing and denial of health care and government funding of abortion; and
(10) The right to keep and bear arms by opposing government restrictions on gun ownership
Now, I like most of these and I've long called for something like this in writing. I called for the Republicans to get a contract with America style policy platform for the 2008 elections.
The only thing I don't like is the terminology. The idea of purists means that the party wants to rid itself of all non believers if you will. Newt Gingrich could have called his contract with America the Republican's purity test and it wouldn't have been nearly as effective. If the Republicans keep the principles in place but change the title of this to something like a contract with America, it will be more effective.
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3 comments:
It bugs me that 7 out of 10 of these platform planks is 'support this ideal by opposing this Democrat bill'. I'd far rather see 'support this ideal by supporting a bill that does X'.
We're still the party of 'no' with this 'purity test'.
We need to do what the Contract with America did and, in addition to clearly stating our ideals, also propose how those ideals can be practically implemented, and how that implementation will help the average American.
This isn't rocket science, folks.
Well, the Republicans are so clueless now that I doubt this is real.
I heard a Thanksgiving address by Reagan. Heartfelt speech about liberty and its blessings.
Previous poster is correct, it isn't rocket science. GOP is still stupid party, looking for a gimmick, and this more of the same.
Dump Steele, tell Newt to go back to his think tank and mold, and start making a real conservative case...starting with TERM LIMITS.
Until then, this conservative thinks this is a bunch of GOP hot air.
Personally... I like the following list.. It somewhat encompasses the spirit of the (possibly) too specific Republican list.. THIS LIST is a real contract..
Amendment I
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Amendment II
A well regulated Militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.
Amendment III
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Amendment IV
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
Amendment V
No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
Amendment VI
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.
Amendment VII
In suits at common law, where the value in controversy shall exceed twenty dollars, the right of trial by jury shall be preserved, and no fact tried by a jury, shall be otherwise reexamined in any Court of the United States, than according to the rules of the common law.
Amendment VIII
Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.
Amendment IX
The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
Amendment X
The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the States, are reserved to the States respectively, or to the people.
My personal FAVEs beign the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 9th, and 10th oh gosh.. the choices...
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