Posted by
Michael A. Novak on Saturday, February 17, 2007 2:45:54 PM
2006 WA State Platform Comparison
The difference is clear!
ISSUE REPUBLICANS DEMOCRATS
In order to protect American lives and our national interests, we must engage terrorists before they attack American soil. Republicans support the Bush Administration's war on terror and the historical doctrine of pre-emption in U.S. conflicts.
Republicans support the Patriot Act with all of its provisions as a reasonable and necessary balance between personal freedom and national security.
The Democrats have proposed abandoning the war on terrorism offering instead to: 1) establish a national Cabinet-level Department of Peace; 2) rapidly remove U.S. military forces in Iraq; and 3) repeal the Patriot Act which they characterize as an irrational reaction to the terrorist acts of 2001.
Republicans believe in the need to review and reform the Critical Areas Ordinances, the Endangered Species Act, and other environmental regulations in order to avoid unnecessary limitations being imposed on Washington citizens. Republicans support legislation that will prohibit governmental agencies from using eminent domain for the development of private property in order to increase revenue. Republicans believe in compensating property owners at market value when their property is devalued or taken by government action. Republicans support a balanced approach to salmon recovery in the Pacific.
Democrats support subjecting all United States citizens to the Kyoto Protocol, despite the U.S. Senate's rejection of the treaty 95 to 0 in 1997 during the Clinton Administration. Democrats support expanding the current regulations and scope of the state Growth Management Act. Democrats support government use of "eminent domain" for the development of private property as a source of government revenue.
Republicans believe in the right of parents to direct the education of their children. Republicans support appropriate funding of public schools, including tax credits, vouchers, and charter schools. Republicans support graduation requirements that emphasize rigorous academic skills in English, literacy, mathematics, and sciences.
Democrats oppose charter schools and voucher programs for low-income families and want to eliminate military recruiting in public schools. Democrats want to eliminate the WASL as a high school graduation requirement. Democrats demand publicly funded education for all, at all levels, preschool through university.
Republicans oppose a universal government-run health care system. Republicans support a free-market solution to keep costs down through increasing consumer choice and information. Health care is a personal issue and informed individuals can make better decisions about their own health care than government bureaucracies.
Democrats support government run health care through the "establishment of a comprehensive national healthcare plan (as in HR 676: universal single payer healthcare)."
Republicans support I-601 which placed caps on taxes and government spending, but which was repealed by the Democrat-controlled State Legislature in 2005. Republicans support making the Bush tax cuts permanent. Republicans oppose any form of a state income tax.
Democrats support the creation of a new state income tax with the call for a progressive tax system at both the federal and state level. Their platform does not include a single word on the rate and increase of government spending, but calls for a repeal of the Bush Tax cuts which they have always opposed.
Republicans support gaining control of our borders and adopting immigration reform that includes a guest worker program but does not include amnesty for those who have entered the country illegally.
Democrats want amnesty for illegal immigrants. They believe in allowing access to taxpayer supported social services for illegal immigrants.
Where do you stand?