The shrubs home state GOP platform and what you may be voting for...

[Disney Doll]

Calling the President "shrub" dilutes any message you may be trying to get across. Makes me and ignore you.

Maturity level folks. Let's get one.

Don't tell me what President Bush is doing wrong. I can figure that out for myself, I can read, and make determinations.

Tell me what Senator Kerry stands for specifically and what he will do right. Tell me why I should vote for him. I want to vote for Kerry, not against Bush.

Convince me.

 

[Saffron]

Oh my gosh.

As a Christian, as a woman, as an educator, as an ex wife, as a person with a disability, as a person who is surrounded by children of varying ethnicities, abilities/disabilities, cultural backgrounds and socio-economic backgrounds, as a person who believes that God made all things, great and small; those proclomations are scary as anything!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tinks]

I don't have a problem with this.

 

[jimmiej]

Tell me what Senator Kerry stands for specifically and what he will do right. Tell me why I should vote for him. I want to vote for Kerry, not against Bush.

I like to hear from the Kerry voters on this also. It seems so many (Kerry voters) are just anti-Bush.

 

[Viking]

Originally posted by jrydberg
I agree with a good portion of those items and the others are unlikely to be made into any sort of national policy.

Like Germany in 1933? Medieval times? Nothing like completely blowing things out of proportion to destroy your credibility

You think so?
A lot of the things in that manifest can also be found in 'Mein Kampf'.
Theocracies where the main form of Government in medieval times with impact until now: Queen Elizabeth i.e. is not only the head of state of the UK, but also the head of the Anglican Church.
There is not one just theocracy in the world, but if you want to live in a Christian version of Iran, you now know where to make your cross.

 

[Samsara]

Thanks for pointing that out Viking!

 

[GaryAdams]

good thing other people will post a link for yea.
sure wouldnt want to ruin a perfect 10 by actually adding something to a thread.

 

[Mamu]

If this is truly the Texas GOP Platform I feel entinction can't be far away.

 

[jrydberg]

Originally posted by Viking
You think so?
A lot of the things in that manifest can also be found in 'Mein Kampf'.
Theocracies where the main form of Government in medieval times with impact until now: Queen Elizabeth i.e. is not only the head of state of the UK, but also the head of the Anglican Church.
There is not one just theocracy in the world, but if you want to live in a Christian version of Iran, you now know where to make your cross.

Let me be VERY clear. The parts of that I agree with have nothing to do with discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, political beliefs or any other characteristic/belief. The parts I disagree with, except for the reference to homosexuals and identifying the United States as a Christian nation ( both of which I find extremely distasteful), have nothing to do with discrimination based on race, religion, ethnicity, political beliefs or any other characteristic/belief.

This is not about creating a "theocracy"... No matter how much any group of individuals wants to do so, this nation was founded on protecting against a "tyranny of the majority."

Read Mein Kampf again, because there really is very little correlation. Frankly, I think it's equally offensive to compare such things to Hitler as it is to discriminate against people based on ridiculous characteristics and beliefs.

You disagree with the policy positions -- fine. And yes, there are a couple items in there that I find extremist. But most of those are fairly reasonable policy positions (you may disagree vehemently with the position, but that doesn't make it an absurd position to take).

 

[Octoberbride03]

I don't know what's so "Radical" about the ideology you posted, but you're making me wanna move to Texas. And if i show my Dh he'll say the same thing. I've believed most of those things for years.

G.W. in 04

 

[Peter Pirate]

This is very SCARY and worst yet are the numbers of fellow DIS'ers who agree with all or part. So much for a free America as the framers intended.

As for referring to the shrub as the shrub, when I hear apologies to President Clinton for all of the names tossed his way maybe I'll reconsider. Until then it's just a bit disingenuous, no matter how childish.

Why would anyone be against the endangered species act? Can't make enough money wthout using up this fragile habitat as well?

Why should we be adopting the English language as official...Which English language I wonder? I have a hard time understanding the British or the deep Southerners in America or some New Yorkers or certain African Americans...Which "english" will count? This is just great from a Country that was born of immigration. We've become so self rightous and selfish it's unbelieveable.

How about virtually abolishing the seperation of church and state? I guess the framers were just wrong again...So many are willing to dole out punishment to those who desicrate the flag??? It's a flag people and in America we are supposed to be able to make up our own minds on what to respect or dishonor, even if you or I disagree with it...THAT is what has made this country great. But I guess the freedom many of you want is the freedom to agree or leave! Sorry but that's not America!

I guess gay rights is just a misnomer? I mean gays shouldn't have rights, right? I mean they gave up those rights when they 'decided' to become gay, right? I just cannot believe that in a country where the divorce rate is at 60% we still have a huge sanctimoneous contingent who actually care what other folks do in THEIR prvate lives. Try living your own instead of theirs, it's really easy!

Viking, while many here downplay your analogies, the slippery slope is there. bush firmly believes it's "my way or the highway" and sooner or later a big shoe will drop.

Kerry will win and while I would vote for Darth Vader in order to get rid of bush, Kerry will at least be a large step in the right direction...Heck, a literate President will be a large step in the right direction...

 

[Chicago526]

I don't get it

They want English as the national language, but want to discontinue bi-lingual programs in school? How are immagrants supposed to learn "the national language" if we don't teach it?

 

[Maleficent13]

We call upon the Texas Legislature to rescind no–fault divorce laws.

Someone help me. This one concerns me more than all the others (the rest I disagree with, but already knew about, so it was nothing new there). What exactly would be the process for divorce if they rescind this law? I live in a no fault state, so I don't know. Can someone explain?

 

[jrydberg]

Bi-lingual programs are different from standard programs that provide language assistance to those who do not have the knowledge of English to effectively learn in the classroom. The language will be taught regardless. Bi-lingual programs, as I understand it, place the emphasis on teaching concepts in the student's native language, whereas traditional programs place the emphasis on learning English and assisting the student with parts they don't seem to be able to understand yet in English.

There are reasonable arguments for each approach, but it's not really a simple matter of one being better than the other.

 

[jrydberg]

Originally posted by Maleficent13
Someone help me. This one concerns me more than all the others (the rest I disagree with, but already knew about, so it was nothing new there). What exactly would be the process for divorce if they rescind this law? I live in a no fault state, so I don't know. Can someone explain?

Not an expert on this, but I believe rescinding the law would mean that the party filing for divorce would have to show cause for breaking up the marriage. Honestly, I have no idea what "causes" are acceptable (and I really don't think the government should be in the business of judging what warrants a divorce and what doesn't). This would be one of the things I disagree with

 

[Saffron]

Mal ... it means you would present your case for a divorce before a judge. The judge would decide if you were granted a divorce or if he/she thought you really could make a go of the marriage. He or she could determine that you can make your marriage work iwth counseling or whatever, and SENTENCE you to work on your marriage, granting a stay on your request, then decide whether or not to grant your divorce.

 

[Maleficent13]

Originally posted by jrydberg
Not an expert on this, but I believe rescinding the law would mean that the party filing for divorce would have to show cause for breaking up the marriage. Honestly, I have no idea what "causes" are acceptable (and I really don't think the government should be in the business of judging what warrants a divorce and what doesn't). This would be one of the things I disagree with

So basically, they give you a list of acceptable "causes" (whatever those may be) and if the reason you want to get divorced isn't one of those reasons, you can't? You have to stay married?

I've got to oversimplifying this. This doesn't even make sense. The government is going to tell me who I have to live with?

eta: just read Saffron's post, and apparently, I'm not oversimplifying. Wow. This is unbelievable to me. I think I'm speechless.

 

[Chicago526]

Originally posted by jrydberg
Bi-lingual programs are different from standard programs that provide language assistance to those who do not have the knowledge of English to effectively learn in the classroom. The language will be taught regardless. Bi-lingual programs, as I understand it, place the emphasis on teaching concepts in the student's native language, whereas traditional programs place the emphasis on learning English and assisting the student with parts they don't seem to be able to understand yet in English.

There are reasonable arguments for each approach, but it's not really a simple matter of one being better than the other.

In my school district, bi-lingual teaches kids that don't speak and/or read English, how to do so, while also teaching them other subjects so they don't fall behind while learning the language. Once they know English, they are put in "normal" classes (the average kids is in bi-lingual for 1 to 2 years, unless they are also learning disabled and aren't picking up English very well). I've never heard of a school district that allows classes in non-English formats indefinatly, but if they exist I do feel that goes too far.

I disagree with 100% of the Republican platform. But since I'm a Dem, that's hardly surprising! I was just confused about the English thing, it seems like it contradicts itself.

 

[jrydberg]

Chicago526, the impression I got was that programs referred to in political circles as bi-lingual are more long term. I could be mistaken on that though. I don't think the two of us disagree on substance.

 

[wvrevy]

This is gonna be a long post, but I found that list so nauseating I just can't help but respond to the rampant bigotry it includes (I was halfway through reading these when I figured out that I wasn't reading a joke...people actually believe this crap ):

We oppose the Endangered Species Act.

Yeah, who needs those animals around anyway ? I mean, we could be making money here...

The Party supports repeal of all Motor Voter laws; re–registering voters every four years

Yeah, hell...Why should we ecourage people to get involved ? Let's make it as difficult as possible so all those nasty welfar moms won't have the time to do it. The fact is that these morons know that the youth vote is nearly ALWAYS democratic, which is why they want to discourage them from voting as much as they possibly can.

The Party opposes any governmental action to restrict, prohibit, or remove public display of the Decalogue or other religious symbols.

"...or any other religious symbols" What a bunch of crap. If a judge of any religioin other than Christianity were to hang a symbol of his religion in a courthouse, these idiots would flip.

The Party supports the immediate adoption of American English as the official language of Texas and of the United States of America. While encouraging fluency in additional languages by all citizens, no governmental entity shall require any agency, contractor, business, or individual to publish public documents in a language other than English.

This is a very complicated issue, but all I have to say is this: why ? Exactly what purpose does this serve, other than making immigrants feel as unwelcome as possible in this country ?

The Party views any form of desecration of the American flag as an outward act of disregard for our nation and its people and advocates penalties for such acts.

Can we include the president draping himself in it ? Or how about when he was signing his name on them a year or so ago...should he also have been subject to "penalties" ?

The Republican Party of Texas affirms that the United States of America is a Christian nation.

That's funny, the founders made certain that people like this couldn't gain power for precisely that reason...We are a SECULAR nation. If you don't like that, move to the middle east...there are loads of religious nations over there.

The Party believes that capital punishment should be swift and unencumbered.

Yes, we should definitely enjoy the company we keep in endorsing capital punishment...You know, those bastions of freedom like China, Iran, and Nigeria....

The Party recognizes that addictive drug, alcohol, and pornography use is dangerous and affects all sectors of society.

Yes, I agree...Rush Limbaugh must be stopped

We call upon the Texas Legislature to rescind no–fault divorce laws.

Yeah, because those darn queers aren't the only ones damagin' the fabric of marriage !!

The Party believes that the practice of sodomy tears at the fabric of society, contributes to the breakdown of the family unit, and leads to the spread of dangerous, communicable diseases. Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country’s founders.

Um, the founders made certain that everything they set in motion could be changed, but I understand how you might have missed that since it takes a 7th grade education and all.

The Party opposes the legalization of sodomy.

I hear next there gonna be goin' after "Blasphemy" and "Coveting" What business is it of these jerks what somebody does in their own home ?

The Party believes that pornography is repulsive, addictive and contributes to deviant criminal behavior.

Let's see...we've got freedom of religion pretty well gone, let's try freedom of speech next.....

We urge the reversal of Roe v. Wade.

We urge the making of it retro-active, so we can abort the people that wrote this trash.

The Party supports amendment of the Americans with Disabilities Act to exclude from its definition those persons with infectious diseases, substance addiction, learning disabilities, behavior disorders, homosexual practices and mental stress.

Yeah...screw the gimps ! (But only if they're the opposite sex)...These people are truly low...

We favor strengthening our common American identify and loyalty over the ideology of multiculturalism that emphasizes differences between racial and ethnic groups.

In other words, everyone has to act like these people (you know....rich, white, and ignorant)

The Party supports the termination of bilingual education programs.

Yeah, because if we educate 'em on anything other than english, these immigrant kids will be able to compete with our own kids someday, and we can't have that...They should be doin' the gardenin', not working in a doctor's office (unless, of course, it's sweeping the floors).

The Party believes it is in the best interest of the citizens of the United States that we immediately rescind our membership in, as well as all financial and military contributions to, the United Nations.

Yeah, cause isolationism is a wonderful idea when trying to fight a global war against an entity that could be hiding in any remote corner of any nation on the planet.

This is truly just disgusting, and I can't believe that an actual state party came up with this crap...Sounds like something an idealogue like Hannity or that (won't say it) Coulter would come up with (and that's not a compliment).