30/6 Tx GOP: New Anti thought platform

I wish this was satire, but even TYT titled this story including the words "not from the onion"

Of ten principle things start of kind tame

1. Strict adherence to the original intent of the Declaration of Independence and U.S. and Teas Constitutions.

So far so good.

2. The sanctity of human life, created in the image of God, which should be protected from fertilization to natural death.

Ahem, here we run a fowl of the first amendment of the US Constitution. With the freedom from religion enshrined in the word "free exercise thereof" and "No law respecting".

3. Preserving American and Texas Sovereignty and Freedom.

Fair enough

4. Limiting government power to those items enumerated in the U.S. and Texas Constitutions.

OK

5. Personal Accountability and Responsibility.

Par for the course, the Republicans could do with some of that. Who is responsible for gutting assistance programs after all (especially Texas CPS)?

6. Self-sufficient families, founded on the traditional marriage of a natural man and a natural woman.

So they talking about polygamy with options to shag the help?

7. Having an educated population, with parents having the freedom of choice for the education of their children.

How to think or what to think?

8. Americans having the right to be safe in their homes, on their streets, and in their communities,and the unalienable right to defend themselves.

Most of this is OK, but anyone noticed the close ties to the militant organisation known as the NRA?

9. A free enterprise society unencumbered by government interference or subsidies.

If you have been following Occupy you know this one has problems. Adam Smith invent Capitalism and was convinced that banks need tough regulations. The last ten years have done nothing but confirm his opinion.

10. Honoring all of those that serve and protect our freedom.

Er, yeah all the praise in the world, but inadequate services to health to the fractured minds injured in service.

11. “The laws of nature and nature’s God” as our Founding Fathers believed.

So, now they are deists?


Let's have a look at the really offensive stuff here:

Knowledge-Based Education – We oppose the teaching of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) (values clarification), critical thinking skills and similar programs that are simply a relabeling of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) (mastery learning) which focus on behavior modification and have the purpose of challenging the student’s fixed beliefs and undermining parental authority.

You get thoughtful adults by training kids to be thoughtful. How are these kids going to be competitive at anything other than flipping burgers and sharpening pencil?
Secular families have been teaching critical thought to there children without too much hassle.

Basic Standards – We favour improving the quality of education for all students, including those with special needs. We support a return to the traditional basics of reading,  Writing, arithmetic, and citizenship with sufficient discipline to ensure learning and quality educational assessment.

This has never worked, Perhaps they should look at what Finland are doing or even New Zealand who ranks fourth is the OECD. Its got to be better than 49th out of 50 states.

Immunizations ― All adult citizens should have the legal right to conscientiously choose which vaccines are administered to themselves or their minor children without penalty for refusing a vaccine. We oppose any effort by any authority to mandate such vaccines or any medical database that would contain personal records of citizens without their consent.

Congratulations to the pro-Rheumatic Fever, pro-Measles, pro-Mumps, pro-Reubela party. For advancing the ease of the commuicable disease to attack torture and stultify and sterilize children.

Food Choice ― We support the right of individuals to make their own dietary decisions. We oppose any laws regarding the production, distribution or consumption of food. Government should not restrict non-genetically engineered seeds.

Defending the God given right to 4 gallon sodas and 10lb fried chicken buckets, and to ride guernseys on fork lifts in and out of the house.

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) ― We demand the immediate repeal of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which we believe to be unconstitutional.

Despite the fact that 80% of the nation like coverage of pre-existing conditions and now the Supreme court has ruled all but the provision for federal ability to disestablish State Medicaid funds are constitutional.

Limited Federal Powers –We strongly support state sovereignty reserved under the Tenth Amendment and oppose mandates beyond the scope of federal authority, as defined in the U.S. Constitution. We further support abolition of federal agencies involved in activities not originally delegated to the federal government under a strict interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.

This one will be very handy for allowing Texas to legislate prejudice and misogony.

Border Security – The U.S. Border must be secured immediately! It is the fundamental responsibility of our federal government to do so. Narcotics, arms and human trafficking have a devastating effect on our nation. By using every available resource to achieve 100% border security and control, it will enhance the protection
of all Americans, especially border residents. The State of Texas has the rights to protect their citizens, businesses and ranches if the Federal Government fails to enforce their applicable laws.

No border will ever be 100% secure, unless a nation can committed infinite resource to security. Simply builds a hermetic dome. While more practical to implement the second options will kill all exports and imports.

Constitutional Convention - We strongly oppose any constitutional convention to rewrite the United States Constitution. We encourage the Legislature to rescind its 1977 call for such a convention. We call uponother states to rescind their votes for such a convention.

This is in contradiction to the intent of the founding Fathers, who expected the consitution to be completely rewritten every 14 years or so.

Affirmative Action - Inasmuch as the Civil Rights Movement argued against using race as a factor in American life, affirmative action reintroduces race as a divisive force in American life. The Republican Party of Texas believes in equal opportunity for all citizens without regard to race or gender. To that end, we oppose affirmative action.

Sounds great, AFTER after you have removed the need for affirmative action.

Free Speech for the Clergy - We urge amendment of the Internal Revenue Code to allow a religious organization to address issues without fear of losing its tax-exempt status. We call for repeal of requirements that religious organizations send the government any personal information about their contributors.

Mr Jefferson build up that wall! Religion has not place in government just as government has no place in religion. How can men not given the advantages of 300 years of Science, social change be so much smarter than the authors of this Republican platform.

Unions - We support legislation requiring labor unions to obtain consent of the union member before that
member’s dues can be used for political purposes. We strongly oppose card check.

This is designed disenfranchise working americans by creating more red tape for their represention jump through in order to be effective.

Voter Registration - We support restoring integrity to the voter registration rolls and reducing voter fraud. We support repeal of all Motor Voter laws; re-registering voters every four years; requiring photo ID of all registrants; proof of residency and citizenship, along with voter registration application; retention of the 30- day registration deadline; and requiring that a list of certified deaths be provided to the election administrator in order that the names of deceased voters be removed from the list of registered voters.

Voter Fraud is not a problem - this is a thinly veiled attempt to prevent voters like to Democrat from being represented in the polls. It targets first time voters, black and low income voters, and the elderly.

Voting Rights - We support equal suffrage for all U.S. Citizens of voting age who are not felons. We oppose any identification of citizens by race, origin, or creed and oppose use of any such identification for
purposes of creating voting districts.

They done the math, they gain more voters not allowing prisoners vote even though the majority of prison votes republican.

Filibuster – We support return to the traditional Filibuster in the U.S. Senate.

The filibuster is broken because Republicans broke it!

Family and Defense of Marriage ― We support the definition of marriage as a God-ordained, legal and moral commitment only between a natural man and a natural woman, which is the foundational unit of a healthy society, and we oppose the assault on marriage by judicial activists. We call on the President and Congress to take immediate action to defend the sanctity of marriage. We are resolute that Congress exercise authority under the United States Constitution, and pass legislation withholding jurisdiction from the Federal Courts in cases involving family law, especially any changes in the definition of marriage. We further call on Congress to pass and the state legislatures to ratify a marriage amendment declaring that marriage in the United States shall consist of and be recognized only as the union of a natural man and a natural woman. Neither the United States nor any state shall recognize or grant to any unmarried person the legal rights or status of a spouse. We oppose the recognition of and granting of benefits to people who represent themselves as domestic partners without being legally married. We advocate the repeal of laws that place an unfair tax burden on families. We call upon Congress to completely remove the marriage penalty in the tax code, whereby a married couple receives a smaller standard deduction than their unmarried counterparts living together. The primary family unit consists of those related by blood, heterosexual marriage, or adoption. The family is responsible for its own welfare, education, moral training, conduct, and property.

Ahem Seperation clause of the US constitution is being clobbered and ignored whole it lies bleeding in the corner on this one. By "traditional marriage" they mean a model of marriage that is only about 500 years old. They've also ignore the 9th century Christian practice of same sex union. Government can only deal with secular aspects marriage. This is section is out right pandering to the Fundamentalist Christian Conservative.

Homosexuality ― We affirm that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society and contributes to the breakdown of the family unit. Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country’s founders, and shared by the majority of Texans. Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable “alternative” lifestyle, in public policy, nor should “family” be redefined to include homosexual “couples.” We believe there should be no granting of special legal entitlements or creation of special status for homosexual behavior, regardless of state of origin. Additionally, we oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction or belief in traditional values.

Again the much loved separation clause of the first amendment is having a baseball bat shoved where the sun don't shine.  While this slimy piece cr*p mentions "special legal provisions", but the LGBT are NOT asking for special provisions, they are asking provisions enjoyed by the majority of Americans to be extended to them too, regardless of opinions formed in a society that celebrated ritual sacrifice, even human sacrifice, and had no problem with polygamy and slavery.

Pornography ― We encourage the enforcement of laws regarding all forms of pornography, because pornography is detrimental to the fabric of society.

Porn of, by and for consenting adults isn't quite problem Republicans think it is. Since the explosion of the regulated porn industry sexual crime has reduced. This may hurt Republicans, because the reddest states are the largest consumers of adult entertainment.

Right To Life - All innocent human life must be respected and safeguarded from fertilization to natural death; therefore, the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed. We affirm our support for a Human Life Amendment to the Constitution and to make clear that the Fourteenth Amendment’s protection applies to unborn children. We support the Life at Conception Act. We oppose the use of public revenues and/or facilities for abortion or abortion-related services. We support the elimination of public funding for organizations that advocate or support abortion. We are resolute regarding the reversal of Roe v. Wade. We affirm our support for the appointment and election of judges at all levels of the judiciary who respect traditional family values and the sanctity of innocent human life. We insist that the U.S. Department of Justice needs to prosecute hospitals or abortion clinics for committing induced labor (live birth) abortion. We are opposed to genocide, euthanasia, and assisted suicide. We oppose legislation allowing the withholding of nutrition and hydration to the terminally ill or handicapped. Until our final goal of total Constitutional rights for the unborn child is achieved, we beseech the Texas Legislature in consideration of our state's rights, to enactlaws that restrict and regulate abortion including:
1. parental and informed consent;
2. prohibition of abortion for gender selection;
3. prohibition of abortion due to the results of genetic diagnosis
4. licensing, liability, and malpractice insurance for abortionists and abortion facilities;
5. prohibition of financial kickbacks for abortion referrals;
6. prohibition of partial birth and late term abortions; and
7. enactment of any other laws which will advance the right to life for unborn children.

This is the only situation in which the rights of the parasite are to overrule the rights of host. Even when host has responsibilities to family. A woman right to choose should be paramount here.

Parental Consent - We call on the Legislature to require parental consent for any form of medical care and/or counseling to minors. We urge electoral defeat of judges who through judicial activism seek to nullify the Parental Consent Law by granting bypasses to minor girls seeking abortions. We support the addition of a legislative requirement for the reporting of judicial bypasses to parental consent on an annual basis to the Department of State Health Services and such reports shall be made available to the public. Further, we encourage the Congress to remove confidentiality mandates for minors from family planning service programs operating under Title X of the Public Health Services Act and Medicaid.

Texas, already first in repeat teen pregancies, now working elevating death from unsafe DIY and back-street abortion practises which led to the inclusion of abortion services in public health practise around the world.

Stem Cell Research - We oppose any legislation that would allow for the creation and/or killing of human embryos for medical research. We encourage stem cell research using cells from umbilical cords, from adults, and from any other means which does not kill human embryos. We oppose any state funding of research that destroys/kills human embryos. We encourage the adoption of existing embryos. We call for legislation to withhold state and/or federal funding from institutions that engage in scientific research involving the killing of human embryos or human cloning.

It's GOO! It would not suffer the slightest inconvenience if it were dropped into a blender.

Welfare Reform ― Welfare should offer a hand up to transition families and individuals through hard times and welfare reform should encourage partnerships with faith based institutions, community and business organizations to assist individuals in need. The current system encourages dependency on government and robs individuals and generations of healthy motivation and self-respect. It should be limited in scope. We encourage welfare reform in the following areas:
1. Denying benefits to individuals who cannot prove citizenship;
2. Welfare reforms should require recipients to work, learn, and train;
3. Reforms should require recipients to remain substance abuse free in exchange for temporary benefits not exceeding two years.
4. Recipients should be required to submit to random drug testing in order to receive benefits;
5. Welfare cards should be confined to food and vital essentials, not cigarettes, lottery purchases, or alcohol or drugs of any kind;
6. Prisoners should be removed from welfare rolls; and
7. A nominal co-pay should be required to encourage judicious utilization of health care services.

Workfare is a failure; Civil liberties under attack probable cause should be the standard for drug testing. "Drugs of any kind" Because antibiotics are such luxuries that no welfare recipient has any business using welfare money to stop that strep infection eating into their brain.

Foster Care ― We support eliminating bureaucratic prohibitions on corporal discipline and home schooling in
foster homes.

Start reaching for the plumbing supply line and baseball bats folks!

Health Care ― Health care decisions should be between a patient and health care professional and should be protected from government intrusion.

Except for if you're a woman, with a pregnancy that may kill you and you can't afford if it doesn't.

Classroom Discipline –We recommend that local school boards and classroom teachers be given more authority to deal with disciplinary problems. Corporal punishment is effective and legal in Texas.

Yes we Republicans love our plumbling supply line and baseball bats.

Sex Education – We recognize parental responsibility and authority regarding sex education. We believe that parents must be given an opportunity to review the material prior to giving their consent. We oppose any sex education other than abstinence until marriage.

With Texas in the lead of unwanted repeat teen pregnancy in the nation and unwanted teen pregnancies are rate not seen in any developed country that universally teaches safe sex this paragraph leave open the quest why don't Republicans understand that abstinence is not working. 

Private Education – We believe that parents and legal guardians may choose to educate their children in private schools to include, but not limited to, home schools and parochial schools without government interference, through definition, regulation, accreditation, licensing, or testing.

Look Out! Nessie is coming to biology lessons near YOU. Just like Lousiana. Come on guys you are already 49th in education do you really have to work this hard at stupidity? 

Textbook Review – Until such time as all texts are required to be approved by the SBOE, each ISD that uses non-SBOE approved instructional materials must verify them as factually and historically correct. Also the ISD board must hold a public hearing on such materials, protect citizen’s right of petition and require compliance with TEC and legislative intent. Local ISD boards must maintain the same standards as the SBOE.

Great at least some schools can ditch Of Pandas and People

U.S. Department of Education – Since education is not an enumerated power of the federal government, we believe the Department of Education (DOE) should be abolished.

It is so annoying having Washington reminding you that you are 49th in the union for education and doing everything conceivable to sink lower. Not long now you soon win the race to the bottom.

Religious Liberties Abroad – We urge Congress to sanction any foreign government that persecutes its citizens
for their religion.

Hey boys don't forget lack of religion, Folks like Alex Aan(Indonesia) could do with your help too.

Addictive Behaviors – We encourage state and federal governments to severely prosecute illegal dealers and manufacturers of addictive substances and pornography. We urge Congress to discourage import of such substances into our country. Faith based rehabilitation programs should be emphasized. We oppose legalization of illicit drugs. We support an effective abstinence-based educational program for children. We oppose any “needle exchange” program. We urge vigorous enforcement of our DUI laws.

Where do I start, the first sentence criminalises the adult entertainment industry. That war on drugs, hows that working for ya. Haha "effective abstinance-based education" Follow me closely here it's an oxymoron like smart stupidity. Anti-Needle exchange, wow that's cool the addicts can have hepatitis and HIV too - the gifts just keep coming.

Fiscal Responsibility – We urge state and federal legislators to reduce spending. We also support a “cap” on government spending at all levels, with adjustments limited to the effects of inflation and population change.

Of course this would not be so tough if you weren't subsidising the most profitable white market industry while they crap in your water tables. or poison the Golf of Mexico coast line.

Zero Based Budgeting – We urge the use of zero based budgeting policy at all levels of government. We are opposed to base line budgeting.

Check how that's working for greece.

Funding Special Interest Organizations – We oppose any government support of special interest organizations, such as ACORN and the ACLU.

How about the NRA? Of course the right wing nut agenda is transparent in the highlighting of these two organisations. It just so un-america to care for the poor or have an NGO capable of criticising Conservative policy.

Faith-Based Charities – We oppose any restrictions by any government agency on taxpayer contributions to churches and faith-based charities.

That first amendment establishment clause is so pesky.

Capital Gains Tax – We favor abolishing the capital gains tax.

Obvious hand out to GOPs rich friends.

Federal Tax Reform – We recommend repeal of the Sixteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, with the goal of abolishing the I.R.S and replacing it with a national sales tax collected by the States. In the interim we urge the income tax be changed to a flatter, broader, lower tax with only minimal exemptions such as home mortgage interest deductions.

This smells like conditioning for a mass secession of states from the union.

Summary

This rag read like and assault on civil rights and liberties. It and attack on the poor and it does nothing to improve immediate or long term economic prospects or even to prepare the next generation to participate in solving the challenges they will face in their time.

Source Texas Republican Agenda 2012 (pdf)