Bogus American Solutions Platform Defeated in Michigan
Michigan Republicans held their state convention yesterday in Novi. The vast majority of the convention was essentially a pep rally for McCain and Michigan Republican Candidates. There were only two uncontested primary races to vote on. There was however, one resolution that was introduced, “strongly encourag[ing] the members of the Platform Committee of the Republican National Convention to consider the adoption of the ‘The Platform of the American People,’” drafted by American Solutions — a political organization chaired by Newt Gingrich.
It is a broad platform full of buzzwords and rhetoric that may initially sound appealing to many Republicans. A more thorough reading of the platform uncovered compromises to core conservative values of limited governments and free-markets. It offers corporate handouts in the form of “prizes,” courtesy of taxpayers (I believe McCain was a trailblazer for this type of anti-market idiocy).
We support giving large financial prizes to companies and individuals who invent an
affordable car that gets 100 miles to the gallon.We support giving a large financial prize to the first company or individual who invents new
ways to successfully cut pollution.We support giving a large financial prize to the first company or individual who invents a
new, safer way to dispose of nuclear waste products.
It calls for enacting programs that would be steps in the direction toward a fascist police state.
The Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies should develop
programs to teach Americans what they can do as individuals to help in the fight against
terror.
The income tax system is called unfair, but then two lines away their alternative is offered, which suggests having the option of a single 17% income tax. That makes it fair?
These are just a few of the planks that not only contradict the principles of conservatives, but are counter productive to the growth and freedom of all Americans.
There were at least a couple small groups that were concerned with the passage of this resolution, and decided to take action. Flyers were distributed at the convention, and some people even spoke at the district caucuses, encouraging people to vote no on this resolution. When the resolution was read, we were pleasantly surprised to hear from the floor, loud booing and people yelling “no!” A vote was taken by district and the resolution was overwhelmingly defeated.