Finally, health care is addressed in the Republican platform but only minimally. Tort reform and interstate competition is encouraged but by and large the status quo is favored. They would repeal what they call Obamacare or "any similar legislation" thus eliminating gains made for consumers concerning obtaining insurance coverage and keeping it regardless of their health status or financial situation. They are opposed to the formation of any kind of Congress-like health plan involving health care exchanges or allowing children to stay on their parents health plans until age 26. Separately, vital health care for illegal immigrants and prison inmates would be denied.
Rarely has the choice between the two major parties been so clear. While the Democratic Party Platform, also available on their web site, could be described as typical for Dems, the Texas Republican platform has been described even by some Republicans as extreme. Unfortunately for Republican candidates who want to distance themselves from some of the planks of the platform, that decision will cost them dearly as the platform itself prohibits the party from providing any support for such candidates or groups, even the Republican National Committee.
One word could describe the Texas Republican Party platform. That word is "fundamentalist". This quote from the platform sums it up: "We further support abolition of federal agencies involved in activities not originally delegated to the federal government under a strict interpretation of the Constitution." While that might make true Libertarians happy, it would have grave consequences for our nation.
Concerning Israel, the platform states, "Our policy is based on God's biblical promise to bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse Israel and we further invite other nations and organizations to enjoy the benefits of that promise."
While those religious and constitutional fundamentalists that drafted this platform for the Republican Party of Texas may believe that their "strict interpretation" of both the Bible and the Constitution will serve this state and country well, I fear they are horribly mistaken. This kind of hateful, paranoid, and extreme agenda not only divides the state but their party and, if allowed to be implemented on a national scale would eventually bring an end to the nation we all love.
God bless the whole world, no exceptions.
(All quotes from the 2010 State Republican Party Platform available on the party's web site.)
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