PLATFORM
2006
GRIMES
COUNTY
REPUBLICAN
PARTY
www.gcrp.org
INDEX
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
1. Crime Victims’ Rights and Compensation
2. Juvenile Justice
3. Right to Keep and Bear Arms
4. Child Abuse
5. Sexual Assault of a Child
6. Criminalization of Partial Birth Abortion
7. Prison Reform
8. Extradition
9. Capital Punishment
10. Sentencing Reform
11. Appeals
12. Judicial Restraint
13. Judicial Financing Reform
14. Federal Judiciary Reform
15. Texas Judiciary Reform
16. Jury Reform
17. DUI
18. Dangerous Drugs
19. Texas Sodomy Statutes
20. Law Enforcement
21. Civil Rights Abuses
22. Frivolous Lawsuits
STATE ISSUES
1. State Sovereignty
2. State Income Tax
3. Fiscal Responsibility
4. Balanced Budget Amendment
5. Direct Election of State Judges
6. Tort Reform
7. Right-to-Work
8. Small Business
9. Worker’s Compensation
10. Prevailing Wage Law
11. Government-Sponsored Gambling
12. Voter Registration
13. Fair Election Procedures
14. Ethics Enforcement
15. Judicial Conduct
16. Term Limitation
17. Preservation of Republican Form of Government
18. Annexation
19. Redistricting
20. Property Ownership and Groundwater Rights
21. Quality Environment and Land Management
22. Use of Public Funding for Private Projects
23. Repeal Property and Business Taxes
24. Health Issues
25. Welfare Reform
26. Homeless and Poverty Stricken
27. Rural Fire Departments
28. Child-care
29. Administrative Justice
30. Civil Rights
31. Support of the Platform
32. Marriage License
33. Religion
34. Lender Late Fees
35. George W.
Bush
36. New Texas Tax Plan
38. Primary Elections
39. Foreign Ownership or Operation of Public Facilities
40. Tolling of Existing Roadways in Texas
41. Prohibiting Secret Agreements by the Texas Department of Transportation
42. Affirmative Action
EDUCATION
1. Local Control
2. State Board of Education
3. Early Childhood Development
4. Discipline
5. Support for Classroom Teachers
6. Traditional Values in Education
7. Private and Home Education
8. School Choice & Funding
9. Higher Education
10. Multiculturalism
11. Religion and Public Education
12. Origin of Life
13. Adult Literacy
14. Bilingual Education
15. Basic Standards
16. Sex Education
17. School Health Care
18. Pledge of Allegiance in Public Schools
19. School Prayer
20. Textbooks
21. School Surveys and Testing
22. U. S. Department of Education
23. Senate Bill 1 Compliance Resolution
24. Clarification of Ambiguities Left by Senate Bill 1
25. Opt Out Resolution
26. Parental Rights and Responsibilities
27. Parental Rights vs. the State Resolution
28. School Funding
29. Title IX
FAMILY ISSUES – FAMILY
1. Marriage and Divorce
2. Parental Rights and Responsibilities
3. Support of Parental Authority
4. Child Support and Visitation
5. Pornography
6. Homosexuality
7. Government Intrusion into Child Care
8. Marriage License
RIGHT TO LIFE
1. Alternatives to Abortion
2. Adoption
3. Human Tissue Harvesting
4. Human Cloning
5. Stem Cell Research
RELIGION
1. Free Exercise of Religion
FEDERAL – ECONOMICS
1. Agriculture
2. Balanced Budget
3. Environment
4. Minority Business
5. Minimum Wage
6. Monetary System
7. Property Rights
8. Support of the Domestic Energy Industry
9. Alternative Energy Sources
10. Federal Tax Reform
11. Home Workers
12. Health Care and Nutritional Supplements
13. Lender Late Fees
14. Internet Taxation
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
1. Congressional Reform
2. National Defense
3. District of Columbia
4. Puerto Rico
5. Electronic Privacy
6. Federal State of Declared Emergency
7. Gun Control
8. Limited Federal Powers
9. NASA
10. Privatization of Government Services
11. Lobbying Limitation
12. Social Security
13. Waste and Fraud in Government Contracts
14. Constitutional Convention
15. Elections Reform
16. Americans with Disabilities Act
17. Contraceptive Public Service TV Announcements
18. Notification of HIV
19. Down-sizing the Federal Government
20. American English
21. Equality of All Citizens
22. Freedom of Access Act
23. Flag Desecration
24. Condom Public Service Announcements on TV
25. Budget Surplus
26. War Powers Act
27. Census
28. Veterans’ Health Care
29. Veterans’ Long Term Care
30. Montgomery G.I. Bill
31. Spending Earmarks
32. Energy – Drilling
33. Energy – Gasoline Blends
34. Energy – New Facilities
35. Election Reform
36. Legislative Rules/Procedures
37. Lobbying
38. Congressional Candidate Support
INTERNATIONAL AND FOREIGN
1. Immigration
2. Border Control
3. International Communism
4. International Trade
5. Repeal World Trade Organization
6. MIA’s and POW’s
7. Middle East
8. United Nations
9. Taiwan and China
10. NATO
11. One World Government Organizations
12. Foreign Military Bases on American Soil
13. Worldwide Republicanism
14. European Union
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
1.
Crime Victim’s Rights and Compensation -
The Grimes County Republican Party believes we must, as a Nation, treat crime victims with more respect and
compassion than criminals. We encourage and support the vigorous judicial implementation of mandatory restitution and
collection of such restitution in crimes of property by all lawful means so that victims of crimes are compensated by
those who perpetrate the crimes against them. With the specific exception of those persons engaged in a public peaceful
demonstration, we strongly believe that any person or persons convicted in a court of law for a criminal offense should
not be able to sue in a court of law or receive any compensation for injuries sustained during or attributed to the
commission of the criminal offense and ask the Texas Legislature to enact such legislation.
2.
Juvenile Justice -
We encourage the continuation of juvenile justice reforms, including trying juveniles as adults for adult crimes.
The Party encourages the growth of private sector programs that deter juveniles from a life of crime.
3.
Right to Keep and Bear Arms -
The Party fully recognizes the constitutional right of citizens to keep and bear arms, and further
recognizes that people, not guns, commit crimes. We support legislation permitting law abiding, mentally competent adult
citizens to carry firearms for their protection. We ask Texas Legislators to reduce hindrances, financial and otherwise,
thus allowing Texans to legally carry handguns for their own protection. We strongly support the proposition that no
governmental agency or the UN shall require citizens to register their firearms. We are against any type of gun control
for law-abiding citizens.
4.
Child Abuse -
The Party recognizes that the family is a sovereign sphere of authority over which the state has no
right to intervene unless a parent or legal guardian is convicted of criminal abuse. We also oppose actions of social
agencies to classify traditional methods of discipline as child abuse Child abusers should be prosecuted to the fullest
extent of the law. Just as the state of Texas has made sexual activity of children illegal, we also call upon the Texas
Legislature to make the dispensing of birth control devices to children illegal.
5.
Sexual Assault of a Child -
The Party believes that aggravated sexual assault (forcible rape) of a child should be considered an
even more heinous crime than assault of an adult and therefore requires capital punishment for convicted child rapists.
6.
Criminalization of Partial Birth Abortion -
We highly commend the majority of both the U.S. Senate and House who recently and appropriately passed the
Partial Birth Abortion Ban, which would criminalize the D and X third trimester abortion. The bill would be law but for
the veto pen of President Clinton. We urge our federal legislators to make the passage of this complete with the
security of a veto override.
7.
Prison Reform -
The Party supports immediate prison reform to include: a) redefinition by the Legislature that the goals of
the prison system should be the protection of society first, punishment of offenders second, and lastly rehabilitation;
b) punishment should be assessed in proportion to the crime and should not only be punitive but serve as a deterrent.
Prisoners should not be released until they have served their entire sentence. No prisoner convicted of a violent
offense should ever be released early; c) all prisoners should be required to perform full time useful tasks to benefit
their victims and society, and to support themselves and the systems which their behaviors made necessary. Successful
completion of academic literacy) or vocational training to prepare themselves for release should also be a prerequisite
to release; d) establishment of a system of “boot” camps of hard labor for first time drug offenders; e) conversion
of closed military bases into prisons; and f) privatization of the prison system, where possible. We instruct the State
of Texas to take all necessary action to remove the Texas prison system from controls mandated by the federal courts. We
urge creation alternatives to maximize prison usage, such as shift rotation for sleeping quarters, eating facilities,
work programs, etc. Tax-funded academic educational opportunities should be limited to GED equivalency and vocational
trades. No extraordinary medical care, organ transplants, replacement body parts, or cosmetic surgery,
shall be performed on prisoners at taxpayers’ expense, nor shall convicted felons be given preferences over other
people.
8.
Extradition -
We urge the Federal Government to establish extradition policies with its trading partners to bring
criminals to trial and protect our citizens.
9.
Capital Punishment -
There are some crimes, which are so heinous and so severe that capital punishment is the only legitimate
method of dealing with people who perpetrate such crimes as murder and forcible rape of a child or an adult. Since the
U.S. Supreme Court in Coker v. Georgia in 1976 ruled that capital punishment for forcible rape was “cruel and
unusual punishment,” the incidence of forcible rape has increased 400%.Since the U.S. Supreme Court limited the states
ability to institute capital punishment for murder (1972, 1976), incidence of murder has increased 300%.The Party
supports laws for capital punishment which are swift and unencumbered.
10.
Sentencing Reform –
The Party deplores the abuses of the parole system and the failure of those who administer punishment
to follow the intentions of the judges and juries who sentence convicts. We call for disclosures to juries of actual
time likely to be served before parole. In the sentencing phase of a criminal trial, we call for disclosure to juries of
prior convictions of the defendant. We further call for legislation that would enact a system for determinant sentences
where judges and juries can set the minimum amount of time actually to be served in a sentence. We call for jurors to be
informed of their rights and powers as jurors under the law. We support the principle that a jury’s sentence shall not
be amended, shortened or altered by parole procedures.
11.
Appeals -
The Party calls for persons convicted in capital cases to be limited to two(2) appeals, one at state level and the other
at Federal level; further, the court shall hear the appeal within 60 days of the appropriate filings by both prosecution
and defendant; and, further, each side shall be granted only one extension of time for a period not to exceed 20 days.
12.
Judicial Restraint -
The Party further adopts the principle of judicial restraint which requires that judges interpret and apply rather than
make the law. We encourage the support of judges who adopt this philosophy since our government is one of law, not of
men .We urge the Governor and the Legislature to remove all judges who refuse to adhere to this philosophy.
13.
Judicial Financing Reform -
We urge state legislators to establish consistent guidelines for contributions to campaigns of state judges in order to
limit ability to unfairly influence the judicial process.
14.
Federal Judiciary Reform -
Federal Judges have usurped their authority under the Constitution in violation of the 10th
Amendment and interfered with the state’s criminal jurisdiction. The Party adopts the principle of judicial
restraint which requires that judges interpret and apply rather than make the law. We encourage the support of judges
who adopt this philosophy since our government is one of law, not of men. We call on
the House of Representatives and the Senate to exercise their constitutional authority to impeach federal judges who
abuse their authority.
15.
Texas Judiciary Reform -
The Party calls for the Texas Legislature to create an adequate number of courts to ensure speedy trials
and reduce backlog of criminal cases in the court system. We urge the Texas Legislature to establish a system of
accountability that would ensure that the courts perform at maximum efficiency.
16.
Jury Reform -
We urge the Texas Legislature to pass legislation protecting the right to privacy and security of
prospective jurors during the jury selection process. The courts must show the relevance of questions asked of jurors
and perform a balancing test between the prospective juror’s right to privacy and the relevance of the lawyer’s need
to know. The Party urges the Texas Legislature to pass legislation enabling an accused party in a criminal trial to
inform the jurors of their right to determine both the law and the facts and to render a verdict according to
conscience. We urge the Texas Legislature to reform the jury selection process to ensure that educated and morally
responsible people are not excluded as jurors.
17.
DUI -
The Party calls upon all elected and appointed officials for more vigorous enforcement of our DUI
laws, whether intoxication is by alcohol or drugs, and calls for mandatory jail sentences. We further call on
legislators to maintain the open container law.
18.
Dangerous Drugs -
The Party recognized the serious danger to our state, nation, and its youth, which demands total
commitment of our nation with all its resources available for a war against drugs. Chemical and drug abusers and dealers
should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. We support a maximum jail sentence without parole, including
consideration of capital punishment in appropriate circumstances, to be imposed on sellers, manufacturers, and importers
of illegal drugs. Specifically, we urge that the selling of controlled substances to a minor, or using a minor to sell
or distribute controlled substances be made a capital offense. We oppose the movement towards the legalization of
illicit drugs. We call upon our federal government to impose economic sanctions and take all action necessary against
any foreign country that aids in the manufacture and distribution of illegal drugs or that harbors any drug traffickers.
We urge random drug testing for all employees and elected officials of federal, state, country, and local governments.
We support educational programs for children which teach that drugs are illegal, that inform them of the debilitating
effects of drug usage, and promote the availability of rehabilitation programs.
19.
Texas Sodomy Statutes -
The Party opposes the decriminalization of sodomy.
20.
Law Enforcement -
According to Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, federal law enforcement powers have criminal
jurisdiction limited to the high seas, federal installations, and counterfeiting operations. The Party believes that
most crime is local and that the states, according to the Tenth Amendment, reserve law enforcement authority.
Implementing this policy would effectively eliminate the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, which we would
applaud. Many citizens have become concerned about the expansion of federal law enforcement authority and the use of
military personnel and equipment against its citizens. The civil rights of American citizens must be respected.
21.
Civil Rights Abuses -
The Party abhors government officials using intelligence files to spy on private citizens. We
encourage our federal legislators to call for independent investigation of government officials who misappropriate FBI
files. This follows a pattern of illegal search and seizure against American citizens which is becoming alarmingly
frequent. In this era of high tech surveillance we further request our legislators to take aggressive action to remedy
this very real threat of invasion of our privacy. We urge federal and state legislators to protect citizens who are
charged with violations of administrative law with the same due process of law required in criminal proceedings.
Examples of administrative law abuses are tax seizures with presumption of guilt, child abuse proceedings, etc. Courts
and prosecutors shall not interpret laws created to prosecute organized crime so as to wrongfully prosecute or persecute
those individuals lawfully exercising their rights to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly during protests of
abortion clinics, or facilities where abortions are performed.
22.
Frivolous Lawsuits -
We support a “loser pays” principle that will cut down on frivolous lawsuits.
STATE ISSUES
1. State Sovereignty -
Not only does the Republican Party of Texas proclaim the freedom of the individual citizen from the
general power of government, it also proclaims the state’s proper freedom from federal control. The Tenth Amendment to
the Constitution reserves to the states or the people all powers not specifically delegated in the Constitution to the
federal government. The federal government was created by the states as an agent of the states. Today the states
are treated as an agent of the federal government. The Party calls on our state legislators to proclaim our sovereignty
under the Tenth Amendment and instruct our agent, the federal government, to cease and desist from instituting mandates
that are beyond the scope of its authority.
2.
State Income Tax -
The Party continues to oppose any personal income tax for Texans and supports the passage of a state
constitutional amendment prohibiting the same .We strongly urge the forthcoming session of the legislature to pass no
new taxes or any tax increase and to repeal the modifications to the state franchise tax which resulted in the creation
of a business income tax.
3.
Fiscal Responsibility -
The State Constitution contains provisions limiting growth of state spending to the growth of the state’s
economy. We call on our state legislators to strictly abide by these constitutional provisions with respect to
increasing state spending. We urge our state legislators to exercise fiscal responsibility be reducing spending and
cutting taxes. We call on the state to institute a hiring freeze in all areas except criminal justice.
4. Balanced Budget
Amendment -
The Party calls for our Texas legislators to rescind their call for a Constitutional Convention to
consider a balanced budget amendment. Rather, we insist that our federal legislators propose to the states a balanced
budget amendment in accordance with the first clause of Article Five of the US Constitution to insure the fiscal
integrity of the republic.
5.
Direct Election of State Judges -
The Party believes the principle of accountability of public officials requires limited terms and the
necessity to face the electorate on a regular basis. We therefore support our right to select our judges by a direct
vote of the people.
6.
Tort Reform -
The Party strongly supports comprehensive tort reform, including caps on noneconomic damages in an
amount not to exceed actual damages and urges the judges to vigorously enforce the provisions of Rule 13 allowing
defendants to recover damages for frivolous and unmeritorious lawsuits brought against them.
7.
Right-to-Work -
An Individual should have the freedom to work in the job he or she desires without being forced to join or pay
dues to any organization. The Texas-Right-to-Work Law, while providing this freedom, also has provided a good climate
for industrial expansion, higher employment, and a stable management-labor relationship. To this end, the Party applauds
the Right-to-Work Law and encourages our legislators to call for a referendum to make this law a constitutional
amendment.
8.
Small Business -
We urge state legislators to find new ways to mitigate the impact of government regulations on small
businesses and to insure that small businesses are adequately represented in the regulatory process.
9.
Worker’s Compensation -
The Party calls on our Texas Legislators to resist any efforts to make Worker’s Compensation mandatory
for Texas employers.
10.
Prevailing Wage Law -
Since the Texas Prevailing Wage Law requires artificially high, noncompetitive wages to be paid to
construction industry workers on government-funded jobs, the Party urges our legislators to repeal the Prevailing Wage
Law.
11.
Government-Sponsored Gambling -
The Party continues to oppose government-sponsored gambling as a means of financing state government.
Government-sponsored gambling has had a devastating impact on many Texas families. Moreover, we oppose any further
legalization, government facilitation, or financial guarantees relating to any type of gambling including casino,
riverboat, slot machine, video keno, and other games of chance.
12.
Voter Registration -
The Party encourages our legislators to pass needed legislation to restore integrity to our election process and
reduce voter fraud. Furthermore, we call upon our state and federal legislators to repeal all Motor Voter laws.
13.
Fair Election Procedures -
The Party demands of Texas legislators, the Governor, the Secretary of State, the respective county commissioners’
courts of all 254 counties of the state, and the United State Justice Department that all citizens of the state be
guaranteed fair and impartially administered elections. A law specifies the manner in which each of the two major
political parties be represented via either the Presiding Judge or the Alternate Presiding Judge in each and every
precinct. The law should specify substantial criminal penalties be assessed each member of each such county
commissioners’ court who, by their action or omission, prevents such bipartisan representation.
Each county approved polling location must be in compliance with state and federal requirements and be equally
available to the two major political parties for use in their primary elections.
14.
Ethics Enforcement -
The Party urges our Texas legislators to take all authority for ethics review, investigation, and
enforcement away from the Public Integrity Unit of Travis County District Attorney’s office and to find a fair
bi-partisan way to perform these functions with respect to elected officials.
15.
Judicial Conduct -
We affirm that judges should not express bias or prejudice. However, judges must retain their
constitutional right to speak out about issues such as homosexual conduct, pedophilia, and other illegal acts. We oppose
the enforcement of and call for the repeal of the section of the Judicial Code of Conduct which could be interpreted as
calling for judges to refrain from exercising their freedom of speech, freedom of association, or freedom of religion.
16.
Term Limitation -
The Party supports a state constitutional amendment limiting terms as follows:
n
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Comptroller of Public Accounts, Land Commissioner, Agriculture
Commissioner, Texas State Senators two (4-year terms)
n Members
of the Texas Railroad Commission one (6-year term)
n Members
of the Texas House of Representatives (four 2-year terms)
n We
call on the U.S. Congress to institute the following term limits:
n Texas members of the U.S. Senate
(two 6-year terms)
n Texas members of the U.S. House of
Representatives (four 2-year terms)
17.
Preservation of Republican Form of Government -
We reaffirm the provisions for a republican form of government as set forth in the Texas Constitution’s
bill of Rights [Art. 1, Sec. 2; Art. 1, Sec 29; Art 11, Sec. 1; and Art XV11] and reject any attempt to introduce direct
democracy that avoids the checks and balances of the three branches of government. We believe that direct democracy
could be a tool of well-financed, well-organized special interest groups (i.e., gaming interest, pro-choice,
homosexuals) to take advantage of a poorly informed electorate with the support of the liberal media. This would result
in a minority dictating to the majority. Direct democracy would limit meaningful legislative debate, deny opportunity
for amendment, and nullify appropriate and well-reasoned gubernatorial vetoes. The result would remove the safeguards to
the God-given right to life, liberty and property, currently secured to all Texans by our republican form of government.
18.
Annexation -
The Grimes County Republican Party recognizes that our government derives its power by the consent of the
governed. We support legislation that will guarantee residents of the proposed area to be annexed, as well as residents
of the municipalities proposing annexation, the right to a binding referendum to approve or disapprove annexation.
Annexation can only occur after independent approval from each group. Within twenty-four (24) months of
annexation the municipality must provide all services to the annexed area or reestablish pre-annexation services and
immediately cease all municipal taxation of the area and return all previously collected taxes.
19.
Redistricting -
The Party supports an amendment to the Texas Constitution requiring that all electoral subdivisions within the
State of Texas be geographically compact with approximately equal populations. We demand that our State Legislators
correct the problem of the costly proliferation of voting districts. Redistricting should restore reason and
neighborhood integrity with due regard given to maintaining existing communities of like interest without violating
existing political boundaries i.e., county lines, city and town limits, etc.)
20.
Property Ownership and Groundwater Rights -
The Party understands that government ownership of land is the cornerstone of socialism. We reaffirm our belief in the
fundamental constitutional concept of a person’s right to own property without governmental interference. We decry the
vast acquisition of Texas land by conservancy groups and government agencies, which potentially reduces the local tax
base. We call on our state legislators to reclaim lands under federal control and return them to the people of Texas. We
Republicans believe that the state should neither make nor enforce any law which may abridge the privileges or
immunities of the citizens of Texas with respect to minerals, water, or property rights without due process of law. We
further affirm that groundwater is an “absolute ownership” right of the landowner.
21.
Quality Environment and Land Management -
The Party supports conservation and wise stewardship of Texas’ natural resources. We decry the transfer of
control over environmental and land management issues to the federal government. We call on our state legislators to
counteract misdirected federal actions such as the Endangered Species Act. We believe that our state government must
seek a balance between protection of the environment and protection of private property rights. We believe that the best
steward of Texas land is the Texas family and future efforts that protect the environment should be encouraged through
incentives, rather than mandated by regulation.
22.
Use of Public Funding for Private Projects -
The Party believes the government should refrain from activities that could be better performed by the
private sector. Public money (including taxes or bond guarantees) or public powers (such as eminent domain) should not
be used to fund or implement any so-called “private enterprise projects” such as high-speed rail or sports stadiums.
23.
Repeal Property And Business Taxes -
All property and business taxes should be repealed. The state
legislature should fund all public schools through a State Retail Sales Tax on all property, materials and utilities
sold to the ultimate consumer as described in our New Texas Tax Plan.
24.
Health Issues -
The Party believes that health care is not primarily a concern of the federal government. We desire adequate
health care for all Texans. We urge our state legislators to insure that no Texan be denied health care solely because
of age, race, physical or mental disability. We affirm that health care choices are primarily a matter of personal
liberty, and we oppose socialized medicine in any and every form .In addition, we urge passage of legislation which
provides for the selection of independent living over institutional care where costs are comparable.
The Party recognizes that AIDS and HIV infection represent one of the greatest threats to human health in the
history of mankind. We view with compassion all people infected with HIV. We call for appropriate research to find a
cure for the disease and ask that the government give full disclosure of the causes. However, because it does represent
such a severe threat to both the health and economic well-being of our citizens, we insist that the epidemic be
de-politicized and that as a society we take all appropriate steps to protect our citizens from this epidemic .All
people, no matter what disease they may contract, are worthy of deep respect as humans. We should, however, love them
enough to tell them the truth: Behavior has personal and social consequences.
25.
Welfare Reform -
The Party believes that the State of Texas should continue taking steps to stop the dramatic
increase in the number of people on welfare and state welfare spending by enacting tough welfare reforms. We believe the
current welfare system encourages dependency on government and robs individuals of their motivation and self-esteem. We
support welfare reforms designed to break the cycle of dependency by requiring welfare recipients to work, learn, or
train in exchange for their benefits. We believe that welfare benefits to the able-bodied should be limited to a period
not to exceed two years. We support the elimination of increased benefits for welfare mothers who have additional
children while on welfare unless the mother reveals the paternity of the child. We urge the office of the Attorney
General to take stronger steps to ensure the collection of child support owed for children on welfare.
26.
Homeless and Poverty Stricken -
It should be the responsibility of the local community to assure adequate and efficient care of those persons
who, through no fault of their own or their family, cannot care for themselves. We encourage private groups to use their
own creativity and initiative to explore private alternatives to government assistance.
27.
Rural Fire Departments -
The Party calls upon the Texas Commission of Fire Protection to recognize the need for and contributions of
rural fire departments and to refrain from limiting their effectiveness by imposing unreasonable and unfounded mandates
upon them.
28. Child-care -
The Party asks that no state agency implement regulations that will adversely affect the
availability, affordability, or the right of parents to choose child-care.
29. Administrative
Justice -
The Party supports the right of citizens to full and open participation in the state’s
administrative law processes. We oppose any amendments to the Administrative Procedures and Texas Register Act or any
other laws, regulations and rules which unreasonably limit ordinary citizen input.
30.
Civil Rights -
The Republican Party of Texas strongly supports legislative action that would clearly direct the
state of Texas, its political subdivisions and agents not to use age, sex, race, color, ethnicity, or national origin as
criteria for either discriminating against or granting preferential treatment to any individual or group in the
operation of the state’s system of public employment, education or contracting.
31.
Support of the Platform -
We deplore the hypocrisy of Republican candidates, officeholders and Party officials who support
Democrats. The Party directs its Executive Campaign Committee to strongly consider candidates’ support of the Party’s
platform when granting financial or other support.
We believe partial birth abortion, the gruesome procedure where an incision is made into a partially delivered
baby’s skull, the brain contents are evacuated before the delivery is completed, is not a principled position;
therefore, we want no Republican Party PAC money used to support candidates who oppose a ban on partial birth abortions.
32.
Marriage License -
The Grimes County Republican Party urges the return to the requirement of blood testing in order to obtain a
marriage license with the same reporting responsibilities as the other dangerous, infectious, communicable diseases
33.
Religion -
The Grimes County Republican Party requests elected Government to support freedom of Religion based on
Biblical Principles as provided by our founding fathers in the 1st Amendment of the Constitution of the
United States of America.
34. Lender Late Fees -
Late fees imposed by lenders and credit card providers should be controlled at the state level. We believe
the $29.00 late fee imposed after the due date is excessive, and is often larger than the minimum payment. The consumer
is at the mercy of the postal system, holidays, vacations, lender billing dates, payment due date, and efficiency level
of lender’s payment processing. The excessive late fee discourages processing efficiency by lenders. We recommend
current laws be changed accordingly.
35.
George W. Bush -
Governor Bush is a proven conservative leader. We believe Governor George W. Bush has earned our support and
we pledge to diligently work for his election to the office of President of the United States.
36.
New Texas Tax Plan -
The State of Texas should levy a Retail Sales Tax on all “new, remanufactured or traded-in”
property or products, and all materials and utilities sold to an ultimate consumer in the State of Texas, but excluding
food and drugs. We support replacing all existing taxes within the State and the United States with a fair tax on
consumption similar to the proposed Linder-Petersen HR-25, but UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD THE TAX BE IMPOSED ON
CONSUMER SERVICES (including rentals) and a consumer should never be responsible for remitting the tax.
A business or person that provides consumer services (including rentals) should pay the tax on all property,
materials and utilities used or consumed in the business or service. Once
an item is taxed at the retail level in any state, no subsequent sales tax should be due regardless of how many times
the item is resold from consumer to consumer and regardless of its condition or value. Businesses that remanufacture, recondition or take trade-ins for resale to consumers must refund a
credit of the tax based on the market value of the returned or traded-in item or offset its value against the price of
the new or resold item.
38.
Primary Elections -
We are in favor of all party primaries being held on the same day each presidential election year in all 50 states about
six (6) months prior to the election. We believe the current system gives greater power to voters in states that have
early elections, including but not limited to Super Tuesday states, and inequitably affects the outcome of the parties’
nominations. We encourage state legislatures to enact such laws to restore balance to the election process.
39.
Foreign Ownership or Operation of Public Facilities -
We oppose any contract between any agency or unit of government of the State of Texas and any foreign
company or government or any private consortium consisting of foreign firms to own or operate our public facilities.
We believe that the laws of the State of Texas should be amended to prohibit agencies and units of government of
the state from entering into any contract with any foreign company or government or any private consortium consisting of
foreign firms for the purposes of transferring the ownership, operation and/or management of any Texas public facility,
and that this measure be applied immediately to prevent any such contracts under consideration from being executed and
to cancel any such existing contracts.
40. Tolling of Existing
Roadways in Texas -
We oppose the tolling of any portion of any existing publicly owned roadway facility and believe that
the laws of the State of Texas should be amended to prohibit the use of any portion of any existing, publicly owned
roadway facility as part of a tolled roadway facility without the majority vote of the citizens in the county in which
the existing public roadway facility or right-of-way is located, and that this measure be applied immediately to prevent
any proposed conversions from occurring without such a vote of the residents of the affected county.
41.
Prohibiting Secret Agreements by the Texas Department of Transportation -
The Texas Department of Transportation must be prohibited from entering into secret or non-public
agreements, and any agreement between the Texas Department of Transportation and any contractor (including Cintra
Zachry) should either be made public or be cancelled, and the Texas Legislature should amend the laws of the State of
Texas to accomplish these ends.
42.
Affirmative Action -
Business loans and education loans should NOT be offered to favor one group over another.
We oppose affirmative action as unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment.
EDUCATION
1. Local Control -
The Party supports the concept of choice in education and believes that quality education is best
achieved by encouraging parental involvement and maximizing local control of public schools. The Party believes the
Texas Education Agency should be abolished and their responsibilities transferred to the elected State Board of
Education. We also believe the control of all facets of public education should be placed firmly into the hands of
locally elected boards of education. Finally, we believe district superintendents and their employees should be made
solely accountable to their locally elected boards.
2. State Board of Education -
The Party believes that the State Board of Education should remain as an elected board. The areas of
decision-making authority that were removed from the elected State Board of Education, but have remained at the state
level, should be restored by the Texas Legislature to the elected State Board of Education.
3. Early Childhood Development -
The Party opposes programs which are designed to bring about a comprehensive, taxpayer-funded,
federally controlled and regulated system of educational, psychological, and physical development for all children (such
as Early Childhood Development and Parents as Teachers). We also oppose a centralized record keeping system of student
information on a national level.
4. Discipline -
The Party recognizes that peace and order are prerequisites for an environment conducive to education
for both the student and the teacher. We therefore recommend that local school boards and classroom teachers be given
more authority to deal with disciplinary problems .Corporal punishment may be used when appropriate.
5. Support for Classroom Teachers -
The Party continues to support quality education by:
A. Recognizing the need to maintain and
attract competent professional teachers in the classrooms of Texas public schools to the end that every student will
receive the best possible education;
B. Recognizing the need for teacher involvement
in educational planning and program development for the betterment of education at the local level;
C. Recognizing the need to minimize
administrative reports and excessive paperwork by teachers not directly conducive to excellence in teaching;
D. Supporting spending the majority of school
education funds for teacher salaries and those needs which directly relate to education;
E. Supporting teacher incentives through
monetary and recognition rewards established at the local level.
6.
Traditional Values in Education -
We oppose faculty in public institutions abusing their positions to manipulate students to reject
traditional American religious, moral, political, and economic values.
7. Private and Home Education -
The Party believes that parents have the primary responsibility for educating their children, and the
state should not have the power to force any parents or guardians to send their children to public school. We believe
that parents or guardians may choose to educate their children either in a private school or at home without government
interference of any type, be it through definition, regulation, accreditation, licensing or testing. Home education has
been recognized as a legitimate educational alternative since the founding of Texas. The courts of Texas have upheld the
rights of parents to teach their children at home Leeper vs. Arlington) without regulation, and the Party
calls on Texas Legislators to oppose any restriction or regulation of this parental right.
8. School Choice & Funding-
The Party supports a state funded voucher system for families to give parents the full freedom to
choose the very best school for their children.
9. Higher Education -
The Party reaffirms its support of local and regional institutions of higher learning (public,
private and parochial).We recognize their commitment to the education of our students and their research leading to
breakthroughs that benefit Texas directly and indirectly. We also recognize them as academic magnets which draw
technologically-advanced industry to Texas, and we, therefore, support a tax deduction for college or vocational
education in addition to the standard deduction for dependents.
10. Multiculturalism -
We support the principle articulated by Dr. Martin King when he asked that we be judged not by the
color of our skin but by the content of our character, and that our great nation is best served by the joining together
of all peoples regardless of gender, racial and ethnic background. We deplore the waste of energy, time, and resources
caused by racial and ethnic separation as well as the hatred and fear that are likewise generated. The concept “Hyphenated
Americans” is totally un-American. We oppose required multi-cultural courses in public schools and state supported
colleges which divide citizens into competing racial, ethnic and gender groups, espouse political correctness, and
promote victimology and racism.
11. Religion and Public Education -
The Grimes County Republican Party affirms President Lincoln’s quote:
“It is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling
power of God and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those
nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.”
Since Secular Humanism is recognized by
the U.S. Supreme Court as a religion, and our government funded schools are prohibited from teaching any religion, the
Party believes that Secular Humanism and New Age Religion in any form should be subjected to the same state and federal
laws as any other recognized religion. We support the return of Bibles and other religious books to the shelves of all
public schools and libraries.
12. Origin of Life -
The Party believes topics such as the question of universe and life origins should not be constrained
to one opinion or theory. We, therefore, also support the teaching of
creation science in Texas public schools.
13. Adult Literacy -
The Party believes that the best defense of a free society as an educated public and encourages all
efforts in adult education and literacy.
14. Bilingual Education -
The Party believes the bilingual education program in Texas prevents students from learning English
in the early grades and should be replaced with the immersion method.
15. Basic Standards -
The Party believes the educational system should return to the basic standards at each grade level
and students be required to pass each grade level test. The curriculum
should contain reading (with an emphasis on phonics), mathematics, geography, history, science, English, citizenship and
constitutional government, and should provide a return to traditional moral values in a disciplined environment.
The Party opposes the implementation of curriculum which is centered on subjective feelings and attitudes, such
as Outcome-Based-Education (OBE) or programs which subjectively analyze student’s skills, such as School-to-Work.
We are in favor of abolishment of the TAAS test.
16. Sex Education -
The Grimes County Republican Party recognizes parental responsibility and authority regarding sex
education. We call upon the state legislature to maintain in public schools where sex education is taught, the teaching
of directive abstinence until heterosexual marriage with an uninfected person is the only safe and healthy means of
preventing STD’s, the spread of AIDS, and pregnancies in unwed students, and is also a way to build strong and lasting
relationships. Sex education classes, if conducted, should be separated by
sex and must teach that the use of condoms does not make sex safe. We also call upon state legislators to mandate that
before any new sex education course or program is implemented, parents must be notified, must be given opportunity to
review the material, and must give their consent.
17. School Health Care -
The Party calls upon state legislators to prohibit reproductive health care services or counseling in
or through the public schools. We also oppose the use of any tax dollars for any program (i.e., Texas Commission on
Children and Youth Education for Self Responsibility, Education 2000, etc.) which teaches and legitimizes sexual
activity, birth control, abortion, and homosexuality and which elevates the rights of students to make sexual and health
care decisions to a level equal to their parents.
18. Pledge of Allegiance in Public
Schools -
The Party believes that students should be led in the Pledge of Allegiance, the Texas pledge and
patriotic songs on a daily basis so as to ensure that the loyal and patriotic spirit of Texas and of America’s past is
preserved and passed on to our children.
19. School Prayer -
Our Founding Fathers based the premise of this nation on God-given rights endowed by our Creator.
Accordingly, the Party urges school administrators and officials to inform Texas school students specifically of their
First Amendment rights to pray and engage in religious speech, in groups or individually, on school property without
government interference. We support and strongly urge Congress to pass a Religious Freedom Amendment which provides . .
. “Neither the United States nor any State shall prohibit student-sponsored prayer in public schools, nor compose any
official student prayer or compel joining therein.”
20. Textbooks -
The Party recognizes that some Texas public school textbooks may contain not only factual and
grammatical errors, but may also present content that is blatantly offensive or does not accurately portray our state
and national heritage. We affirm the State Board of Education’s responsibility and authority to reject proposed
textbooks based on content. We call upon state legislators to make an ample quantity(minimum of three) of proposed
textbooks conveniently available to interested citizens and to guarantee public hearings before the State Board of
Education as a component of the textbook review process.
21. School Surveys and Testing -
The Party believes that public schools should be required to obtain written parental consent for
student participation in any test or questionnaire that surveys beliefs or opinions in the areas of sexual activity,
religion, political persuasion or other areas of morality. Public schools should be required to allow parental viewing
of any test or materials to which their children are exposed.
22. U.S. Department of Education -
The Party recognizes: 1) The many burdensome regulations imposed on local schools by the federal
government, (2) The failure of humanistic, affective education value-free instruction, which denies the existence of
right or wrong and even that of the Creator, to develop responsible citizens, (3) The current re-writing of American
History in which the principles upon which this country was founded are not taught and American heroes are portrayed in
a negative light, (4) The federal emphasis on global interdependence and the goal of becoming “Citizens of the World,”
(5) Federal projects of social restructuring, such as Goals 2000, which involve real interference with parental and
local control. We call for the abolishment of the U.S. Department of Education.
23. Senate Bill 1 Compliance Resolution
-
Whereas not all school districts have come into compliance with Senate Bill 1, whereas it is against
the law not to comply and children have been exposed to vulgarly presented sexually explicit material as a result of
said negligence and it is our desire to see no child suffer personal degradation, the indignity and humiliation
experienced by many as a result of the inexplicable disregard, not just for the law but more importantly the mind of a
child. Therefore, be it resolved that all school districts that want to expose our children to human sexuality
instruction at least comply with Senate Bill 1.
24.
Clarification of Ambiguities Left by Senate Bill 1 -
13. State Purchasing Issues
1.Competitive Bidding - reconcile section 44.031 of the Education Code by upgrading or
eliminating section 271.021 of the Local Government Code (imp. to realty)
2.Land Purchases - should not be subject to the same purchasing methods itemized in 44.031 of the Education Code but
clarification is imperative.
3.School Districts - should be designated as those institutions of learning that receive direct funding from the state
and should exclude those that receive funding via voucher, tax credit, etc.
14. Section 44.031 must clarify that a hearing does not have to be provided to the
lowest bidder when a project is awarded by the school board to someone other than the lowest bidder.
15. Section 26.003 (a) (3) (b) must define in enforceable terms what is meant by “unreasonably
denied”. This is a key element to application and enforcement of parent’s rights and the responsibility of school
boards.
16. Section 26.003 (b) states “The decision of the board of trustees concerning a
request described by Subsection (a) (2) or (3) is final and may not be appealed.” This section in actuality removes
parental rights.
25. Opt Out Resolution -
Whereas all school districts have not complied with Senate Bill 1 and it is violation of the law not
to comply, and it is our desire to see that no child suffer the personal degradation, the indignity and humiliation
experienced by many as a result of the inexplicable disregard, not just for the law but more importantly for the mind of
a child. Whereas the Board of Trustees may opt out of human sexuality instruction and risks involved therein; therefore
be it resolved that School Board of Trustees exercise their rights and protect our children by opting out of human
sexuality instruction.
26.
Parental Rights and Responsibilities -
Whereas according to Senate Bill 1, Section 28.004 (h) “A school district shall notify a parent of
each student enrolled in the district of: (1) the basic content of the district’s human sexuality instruction to be
provided to the student and (2) the parent’s rights to remove the student from any part of the district’s human
sexuality instruction .And whereas, the Board of Trustees may opt out of human sexuality instruction and the risks
involved therein, and their failure to do so will encumber parental rights and to be assured that parental notification
is given and to protect the right of a parent to remove a student from any part of the district’s human sexuality
instruction.”
Therefore, be it resolved that written parental consent must be received by the district in order for a child to
participate in human sexuality instruction.
27. Parental Rights vs. the State
Resolution -
The Republican Party of Texas recognizes that parents have the fundamental right to direct the
education and upbringing of their children and Whereas parental rights and responsibilities are inherent and protected
by the U.S. Constitution, parents have the right to make educational decisions for their children, including the right
to view mandatory public school tests after they are given, health decisions for their children, including
responsibility and authority regarding sex education and other essential decisions without government intervention.
Be it resolved that parents, not government, have the God given responsibility and right to raise their
children.
28.
School Funding -
School districts should be required to publicly publish their budget and expenditures for the prior
year and proposed budget for the following fiscal year before receiving funds for the next fiscal year.
29.
Title IX -
Title Nine athletic spending should be awarded per person regardless of sex.
FAMILY
ISSUES - FAMILY
The Grimes County Republican Party supports the traditional definition of marriage as a God-ordained,
legal and moral commitment between a man and a woman, which is the foundational unit of a healthy society.
1. Marriage and Divorce -
We believe in the sanctity of marriage and that the integrity of this institution should be defended,
protected, strengthened, and nurtured at all levels of government No fault divorce laws have caused untold hardships on
American families, by reducing the standard of living for women, and by harming the emotional and physical well-being of
children. It has contributed to an increase in government assistance of all kinds. We call upon the Legislature to
restrict no-fault divorce laws. We urge the repeal of state and federal laws that place an unfair tax burden on families
by instituting a Federal and State Retail Sales Tax as described in our new resolution in the State Retail Sales Tax
Plan. We call upon the Congress to remove the marriage penalty in their tax code, whereby a married couple receives a
smaller standard deduction than their unmarried counterparts living together. We also oppose the recognition of and
granting of benefits to people who represent themselves as domestic partners without being legally married. 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.
2. Parental Rights and Responsibilities
-
The Grimes County Republican Party believes that parental rights and responsibilities are inherent
and protected by the U.S. Constitution. Local, state or federal laws, regulations or policies shall not be enacted that
limit such rights in the rearing of children, in parental authority to discipline, in the education (public and private)
of children and in medical or surgical treatment including, but not limited to, contraception and abortion without
parental knowledge and consent. We unequivocally oppose U.S. Senate ratification of the United Nations Convention on the
Right of the Child which would transfer jurisdiction over parental rights and responsibilities to international
bureaucracies.
3. Support of Parental Authority -
The Party recognizes parental responsibility and authority regarding sex education. We call for the
teaching of directive abstinence in every public school sex education/health course because it is the only 100%
effective, safe and healthy means of preventing sexually transmitted diseases, spread of the AIDS virus, and
illegitimate pregnancies. This supports parental authority and the teaching of moral values in the home. Further, we
oppose school-based clinics that dispense condoms and contraceptives and that refer, aid, or advise minors to have
abortions.
4. Child Support and Visitation -
We support improvement and equity between responsible parents in child support, custody, and
visitation laws, as well as the strengthening of laws designed to protect children from abuse. No parent/grandparent
should be denied court ordered visitation because of jurisdictional disputes between states .We also believe that
non-payment of court-mandated child support payments should be criminalized. We also believe that no homosexual or any
individual convicted of child abuse or molestation should have the right to custody or adoption of a minor child, and
that visitation with minor children by such persons should be limited to supervised periods.
5. Pornography -
The Party believes, as do the vast majority of Texans, that pornography is repulsive and contributes
to deviant criminal behavior .It exploits men, women, and children and degrades society as a whole. We call upon our
governmental bodies to enforce our laws regarding all forms of pornography currently existing in our music, film,
telephone, computer, electronic media, Internet services, video, cable, and print industries. We must have more
stringent legislation to prohibit access to pornography and sexually-oriented businesses.
6. Homosexuality -
The Grimes County Republican Party believes that the practice of sodomy, which is illegal in Texas,
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, and shared by the majority of Texans. Accordingly, homosexuality should not
be presented as an acceptable “alternative” lifestyle in our public policy.
We are opposed to any granting of special legal entitlements, recognition, or privileges including, but not
limited to, marriage between persons of the same sex, custody or adoption of children, spousal (partner) insurance or
retirement benefits.
7. Government Intrusion into Child Care
-
The Clinton administration has declared child care a “silent crisis,” advocating more government
intervention and federal spending on child care initiatives. In reality,
government is the cause of many of the problems parents face, including arbitrary, cost-increasing regulations at the
local level and discriminatory tax laws at the federal level. The Republican Party believes the care and nurture of
children belongs with parents .We support an increase in the income tax deduction for families with children and an
extension of the child care credit to parents who care for their own children. We encourage home-based businesses,
flex-time and shared-job options, allowing one parent to be at home during the day.
8.
Marriage Licenses -
The Party urges the return to the requirement of blood testing in order to obtain a marriage license with
the previous reporting responsibilities to prevent the spread of dangerous, infectious, communicable diseases.
Marriage licenses may be legally issued only in the name of one male and one female.
RIGHT TO LIFE
We believe all innocent human life
should be respected and safeguarded from conception to natural death. The Party believes that 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 we endorse making clear that the 14th Amendment’s protection applies to unborn children.
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 which advocate or support abortion. We urge the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
We affirm our support for the appointment of judges at all levels of the judiciary who respect family values and the
sanctity of innocent human life. 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 urge the Texas
Legislature to enact laws which restrict and regulate abortion including:
a.
parental, paternal and informed consent;
b.
prohibition of abortion for sex selection;
c.
licensing, liability, and malpractice insurance for abortionists and abortion facilities;
d.
prohibition of financial kickbacks for abortion referrals;
e.
prohibition of partial birth and late term abortions; and
f.
enactment of any other laws which will advance the right to life for unborn children.
1. Alternatives to Abortion -
We support and commend those who provide alternatives to abortion by meeting the needs of pregnant
girls and women and providing adoption services.
2. Adoption -
We support reducing the time, bureaucratic interference with and cost of adoption in Texas. We
support private adoption agencies recruiting and training prospective adoptive parents and placing for adoption all
children in the foster care system of Texas who are legally free for adoption. We applaud Governor Bush’s initiative
of the appointment in the Committee to Promote Adoption in Texas.
3. Human Tissue Harvesting -
The Party opposes state or federal funding for experimentation with human fetal tissue and the
harvesting and use of human tissue or organs for commercial sale. We
support the right of people to donate their human tissue or organs to save the life or improve the quality of life of
other human beings.
4. Human Cloning -
We support legislation prohibiting the cloning of human beings.
5.
Stem Cell Research -
The Party supports stem cell research in order to improve the quality of the lives of suffering people using
cells from donated human tissue, including discarded umbilical cords, adult cells and frozen embryos which would
otherwise be destroyed.
RELIGION
We acknowledge that the church is a
God-ordained institution with a sphere of authority separate from that of civil government; thus, churches, synagogues
and other places of worship, including home Bible study groups, should not be regulated, controlled, or taxed by any
level of civil government, including Social Security. We reclaim freedom of religious expression in public, including
government property, and freedom from governmental interference.
1. Free Exercise of Religion -
The Party believes all Americans have the right to practice their religious faith free of
persecution, intimidation, and violence. We deplore burning or defacing of churches, synagogues, other places of
worship, or cemeteries.
FEDERAL
ECONOMICS
1. Agriculture -
The Republican Party of Texas applauds the cessation of subsidies for
agricultural products .We support movement toward a free market economy in agriculture both domestically and
internationally.
2. Balanced Budget -
The Party supports a constitutional amendment requiring a balanced federal budget which contains a
spending limitation clause and full disclosure of all “on” and “off” budget spending. Pending such amendment, we
demand that our federal legislators vote only for balanced budgets.
3. Environment -
The Party encourages the U.S. Congress to rewrite and reauthorize the Endangered Species Act to
protect wildlife while supporting the rights of private property, the free enterprise systems and the needs of society.
An act that is positive for wildlife and people can be achieved by replacing penalties with incentives and voluntary,
cooperative efforts that begin at the local and state levels – not in the UN. The Party encourages congress to repeal
any provisions of Clean Air and Clean Water acts and any similar law or regulation made without scientific basis and
which do not balance environmental needs with economic opportunity and freedom. The Party strongly urges the
Biodiversity Treaty not be ratified and that global taxation or any aspect of UN control of US natural resources not be
tolerated. The present Democrat administration’s implementation of the Biodiversity Treaty without authorization must
be stopped.
4. Minority Business -
The Party supports private efforts, which do not receive government aid, to develop minority business
which would increase the tax base, provide training for minority youth and make America competitive in the world
economy.
5. Minimum Wage -
The Party believes the minimum wage law should be repealed in order to expand employment
opportunities.
6. Monetary System -
The Party calls for the United States monetary system to be returned to the Gold Standard. Since the
Federal Reserve System is a private corporation, has no reserves, and is not subject to taxation or audit, we call on
Congress to abolish this institution and reassume its authority, enumerated by Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S.
Constitution, for the coinage of money.
We urge Congress to initiate legislation to abolish this institution.
7. Property Rights -
The Party opposes continued federal land acquisition and reaffirms belief in the fundamental
constitutional concept of a person’s right to own property without governmental interference. We urge passage of the
“takings” bill. We oppose any increase in federal land use control. We oppose any international treaty or land
control measure that abridges or overrides the sovereignty of the U.S. The endangered species act must be re-written to
make it land-owner and wildlife friendly by eliminating penalties and by emphasizing incentives and cooperative efforts
that begin at the local and state levels.
We also demand that the federal government adhere to the Fourth Amendment by immediately halting the practice of
wholesale seizure of private property without due process.
8. Support of the Domestic Energy
Industry -
The foundation of our National Energy strategy must be a competitive domestic oil and gas industry.
Federal tax and regulatory policies are destroying the independent sector of this industry. Regulation and rule making
must be done on a cooperative, rather than an adversarial basis, preserving jobs and the economy while promoting
environmental preservation.
The Party encourages the U.S. Congress to (1) aggressively support a greatly expanded use of domestic natural gas
as a method to reduce U.S. dependence on foreign crude oil; (2) repeal all provisions of the alternative minimum tax
that treat intangible drilling costs as tax preference items; and (3) stop the promulgation of unnecessary environmental
legislation or regulation that causes domestic production to be economically not feasible.
9. Alternative Energy Sources -
The Party recognized the value of alternative energy sources and supports continued private research
and development of such sources in order to minimize dependency on a finite supply of fossil fuel.
10. Federal Tax Reform -
The Party urges repeal of the 16th Amendment and abolishment of the IRS. We adamantly
support the elimination of all existing Federal Taxes on businesses and individuals, except for the tax on motor fuel and
tobacco products sold in the United States and support the adoption of a Federal Retail Sales Tax in conformity with our
resolution described in the New Texas Tax Plan.
11. Home Workers -
The Party supports the removal of unreasonable legal and economic barriers to home-based work, in
order to enable anyone who chooses, to work at home.
12. Health Care and Nutritional
Supplements -
We support market-based, private sector initiatives to improve the portability, quality and
affordability of health care. We support consumer choice of providers. We encourage immediate approval of Medical Saving
Accounts. The Party deplores any efforts to mandate that vitamins and other natural supplements be on a
prescription-only basis, and we oppose any efforts to remove vitamins and other nutritional supplements from public
sale. The Party calls upon the United States Public Health Service and all states to declare HIV a “dangerous,
infectious, communicable disease. It should be legally reported in the same manner as any communicable disease.
13.
Lender Late Fees -
Late fees imposed by lenders and credit card providers should be changed at the federal level. We believe
the $29.00 late fee imposed after the due date is excessive and is often larger than the minimum payment. The consumer
is at the mercy of the postal system, holidays, vacations, lender billing dates, payment due date, and efficiency level
of the lender’s payment processing. The excessive late fee discourages processing efficiency by lenders. We recommend
current laws be changed accordingly.
14.
Internet Taxation -
We oppose taxes on internet services and any regulations on blogging as a violation of free speech
under the First Amendment.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
1. Congressional Reform -
The Party believes that any Congressional pay increase should be in a bill by itself. The vote of
each member of Congress on such a bill must be on public record for the bill to pass. We believe that congressional
review and approval is necessary to be enacted before federal regulations are implemented as having the “force of law”.
The Party believes that any proposed legislation include documentation that cites the Constitutional authority for
Congress to enact any such legislation.
2. National Defense -
The Party strongly supports President George W. Bush and our military in the war in Iraq, and we
support continuing our involvement in that war until the President deems it advisable to pull out.
The Party continues to support a strong national defense; the development of the Strategic Defense Initiative;
the disengagement from countries in which we have no clear national interest; that all US forces remain under the
command and control of the Commander in Chief and his military chain of command; the disqualification from service of
homosexuals; the immediate discharge from service of HIV positive individuals; the immediate revocation of Presidential
Decision Directive (PPD)-25; and the exclusion of women from combat roles. The Party opposes the wearing by members of
U.S. forces any item of uniform other than that of the United States. We also support the Defend America Act of 1996
(S.1635 and H.R. 3144).
3. District of Columbia -
The Party strongly opposes all efforts to make the District of Columbia a state in the United States
of America.
4. Puerto Rico -
The Party strongly opposes giving statehood to Puerto Rico, and further encourages independence for
Puerto Rico, which would eliminate a great burden on benefits that are paid for by U.S. taxpayers.
5. Electronic Privacy -
The Party believes that no government trap door encryption standards should be advanced for use in
any civilian communication systems. We also oppose the tracking of American citizens using national ID cards, “smart”
cards, bio-chip implants, or other such electronic monitoring devices.
6. Federal State of Declared Emergency -
The Party urges federal states of declared emergency be reviewed annually for validity and
continuance by the appropriate Congressional oversight committee.
7. Gun Control -
The Party calls upon the Congress of the United States to repeal any and all laws that infringe on
the right of citizens to keep and bear arms; reject the establishment of any mechanism or process to record, register,
or monitor the ownership of firearms; reject the imposition of excessive taxation or regulation on the manufacture or
sale of fire arms and ammunition; ensure, pursuant of Article IV, Section 2, of the United States Constitution that no
municipality, county or state may by any act or law prevent the citizens of the United States from exercising their
right to bear arms; resist international (UN) efforts to achieve gun control or registration; repeal “the Brady Law”,
and implement mandatory sentences for criminals using a gun in commission of a crime.
8. Limited Federal Powers -
The Party urges the re-establishment of states’ rights guaranteed by the Tenth amendment of the
U.S. Constitution, which reserves for the states powers not specifically delegated to the Federal government. We further
support the abolishment of federal agencies involved in activities not constitutionally delegated to the federal
government and all funding be cut off immediately.
9. NASA -
The Party supports the continuation of the Space Station Freedom and continued funding for NASA. We
support returning the space station projects to the U.S. for completion.
10. Privatization of Government
Services -
The Party supports the concept of privatization of government services, including space exploration.
11. Lobbying Limitation -
The Party supports legislation to prohibit former legislators, government employees and officials
from acting as lobbyists for a foreign government and/or any business for a period of five years immediately after
leaving public service; the Party supports legislation to prevent lobbying by any organization receiving federal grants
except that relating to its tax status (such as Planned Parenthood).
12. Social Security -
The Party supports an orderly transition to a system of private pensions based on the concept of
self-directed mandatory individual retirement accounts and gradually phasing out the failing social security system.
Also, the Party recommends the removal of the earnings limit and making benefits non-taxable, except when the benefits
are spent through consumption.
To protect retirement funds they should not be co-mingled with general revenues or invested in unapproved private or
public corporate securities. To protect freedom and privacy, government and private institutions should not require
social security numbers except as necessary to administer payrolls, retirement funds and issuing poverty sales tax
rebates to family households as described in our resolution in the new State Retail Sales Tax Plan.
Family households must apply for the poverty sales tax rebate by identifying the member of the household and
providing supporting proof of membership. Application for social security numbers should not be required before the age
of consent or when an individual enters the workforce. We support requiring
member of Congress (both the House and the Senate) to participate in Social Security in lieu of the plan they now
participate in.
13. Waste and Fraud in Government
Contracts -
The Party is opposed to waste and fraud in government contracts and recommends that the Attorney
General of the United States investigate fraud and misuse of government funds in government contracts, prosecuting those
found to be responsible. The Party also believes that all government contracts should be awarded only on the merits of
the bidders’ ability to produce the quality of the product or service performed at a reasonable cost. We also support
the repeal of the Davis Bacon Act. We encourage the government to follow fair business practices.
14. Constitutional Convention -
The Party opposes a Constitutional Convention or “Conference of the States” to rewrite the
constitution of the United States of America. The Party urges the Texas Legislature to immediately rescind the State’s
1977 vote sent to the Congress of the United States, pursuant to Article V of the U.S. Constitution, for the calling of
a Constitutional Convention. The Party also calls upon other states to rescind their votes for a Constitutional
Convention.
15. Elections Reform -
The Party believes that the 1993 National Voters Registration Act has damaged the integrity of the
voter registration process. We therefore, seek the immediate repeal of the “Motor Voter” law and insist that the
presentation of proof of citizenship and residence be required for voter registration.
16. Americans with Disabilities Act -
The Party supports amendment of the Americans with Disabilities Act to exclude from its protection
those persons with infectious diseases or substance addiction.
17. Contraceptive Public Service TV
Announcements -
The Party urges the federal government and the Center for Disease Control promote and allow the use
of TV ads on contraceptive products to prevent diseases and unwanted teen pregnancies which often result in abortion.
18.
Notification of HIV -
The Party calls upon the United States Public Health Service and all states to declare HIV a “dangerous,
infectious, communicable disease.” It should be legally reported in the
same manner as any communicable disease with the same safeguards to protect the uninfected public as other dangerous,
infectious, communicable diseases.
19. Down-sizing the Federal Government
-
The Party supports the abolishment of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department
of Education, the Department of Commerce, the Department of Energy, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; and
the elimination of federal funding for the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities,
and the Public Broadcasting System (including national public radio).
20.
American English -
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.
21. Equality of All Citizens -
The Party reaffirms the right of all Americans in the areas of politics, economics, and personal
freedom. We oppose any identification of citizen by race, origin, or creed and oppose the use of any such identification
or use of quotas for purposes of employment opportunities, benefits, or any other discriminating purposes.
22. Freedom of Access Act -
The Party supports repeal of the freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances law. We reaffirm our belief in
the right to peaceful protest, and we insist that assaults on peaceful protesters be prosecuted vigorously.
23. Flag Desecration -
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.
24. Condom Public Service Announcements
on TV -
The Party urges the federal government and the Center for Disease Control to immediately discontinue
their condom campaign.
25. Budget Surplus -
A budget surplus should be used for across-the-board tax cuts and reduction of the national debt
only.
26. War Powers Act -
We believe the “War Powers Act” should be repealed. It should only be available in time of war
and not have its many “Executive Order” privileges available when we are not in a state of “Declared War”.
27. Census -
We require that the census count be exact , require only the number of people in each household and
be conducted only as required by the United States Constitution, eliminating opportunities for intrusive government and
inaccurate reporting.