Embedded Scribd iPaper - Requires Javascript and Flash Player
Oregon Republican Party 2011 Platform
as amended September 10th 2011
Oregon Republican Party 2011 Platform
as amended September 10th 2011
Preamble
We, the Oregon Republican Party, affirm that the United States of America is one nation under God and that unalienable rights are granted us by our Creator. These rights, as expressed in the Declaration of Independence, confirm in each individual the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We believe in the freedom and equality of every individual as set forth in and protected by the Constitution of the United States of America and which also limits the powers of the federal government. All other powers are reserved to the states or the people. The Oregon Republican Party advocates personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, fiscal accountability and a strong national defense. We support ethical and accountable public officials that advocate these principles and those stated in this platform.
Crime and Justice
The Oregon Republican Party believes that the laws of the United States and the State of Oregon should convey the principles and constraints of the Constitutions of the United States and the State of Oregon as stated in Article I, Section 15 and Sections 42 and 43 of the Oregon Constitution; that laws for the punishment of crime shall be founded on these principles: protection of society, personal responsibility, accountability for one’s actions and reformation; to preserve and protect the rights of crime victims. 2.1 We support the highest prioritization for the funding of public safety. 2.2 We support strong, appropriate and equal enforcement of the law that will reduce and deter crime. 2.3 We believe that an effective criminal justice system should include the use of the death penalty in capital crimes. 2.4 We support mandatory minimum prison sentences for violent offenders. 2.5 We support tougher prison sentences for repeat property offenders. 2.6 We believe all courts should exercise judicial restraint, and not activism, when interpreting our constitution and statutes. 2.7 We support truth in sentencing; that sentences imposed by the courts shall be carried out as ordered and not modified.
Economy
The Oregon Republican Party advocates free-market capitalism and sound monetary policy. 3.1 Individual title, control, use and transfer of private property are foundations of a stable economy. 3.2 Private sector jobs and businesses must be encouraged by reducing the tax,
Page 2 of 7
Oregon Republican Party 2011 Platform
as amended September 10th 2011
fee, charge and regulatory burden for new and existing businesses, entrepreneurs, employers and investors. 3.3 The supply and demand for goods, services and labor shall be determined solely by the market. 3.4 Government must not create, own, operate, subsidize or assume control of any private business nor be party to any enterprise which could be efficiently operated privately. 3.5 A safe, efficient and cost-effective transportation system is essential to the movement of commercial and industrial goods and services.
Education
The Oregon Republican Party believes that all children should have access to a quality education. Parents have the primary right and responsibility to educate their children. We support parents' rights to choose public, public charter, online, private, or home education. Teaching the principles of our Constitutional Republic is an essential element of education. 4.1 Children are best prepared for success when public schools emphasize basic skills, including reading, written and verbal communication, science, mathematics, US History and governance. 4.2 As parental choice and competition is the most effective mechanism for accountability in the public school system, public charter schools, opportunity scholarships, and tax credits for private and home schools should be encouraged. 4.3 English is the language of success in America; therefore, non-English speaking students should be brought to fluency as quickly as possible. 4.4 The abolition of the US Department of Education will empower the ability of local bodies in their efforts to provide higher quality education.
Environment
Good Stewardship and the quality of our environment is the key to our state’s health and prosperity. 5.1 We recognize ecosystems are naturally subject to change and sound economics are critical to environmental management. 5.2 Minimal government intervention and minimal artificial restrictions will naturally encourage the free market utilization of all viable resources. 5.3 Environmental regulation should strive to cause the least harm to individual and business economic pursuits.
Family
The Oregon Republican Party believes that the traditional family is ordained by God our Creator and is the foundation of our society. A traditional family is formed
Page 3 of 7
Oregon Republican Party 2011 Platform
as amended September 10th 2011
through the marriage of one man and one woman. This is environment is the optimum for raising children into responsible, self-sufficient, productive citizens. 6.1 We believe that government intervention into matters regarding the family must be kept to an absolute minimum and be subject to due process. 6.2 Because every person has a fundamental right to life that begins at conception and endures to the natural conclusion of life, we strongly oppose both abortion and assisted suicide. We oppose any government funding for the abortion of an unborn child. 6.3 Marriage is between one man and one woman. 6.4 We believe that where law dictates parents to be unfit to raise children, state and local governments have the responsibility to intervene. In those cases, the grandparents or other immediate family members shall always be the first option as an alternative to the parents. 6.5 We oppose sexual exploitation and human trafficking. We believe that obscenities are degrading, exploitive, and detrimental to Society. 6.6 We believe it is the role of the parent and family to direct topics of education in sexual matters, sexually transmitted diseases, birth control, ethics and moral values. Governmental or public agencies shall obtain parental permission before discussing sex-related subjects with minor age children.
Foreign Policy
The Oregon Republican Party believes that foreign relations and foreign policy decisions must be based upon the security interests and well-being of the United States and its citizens. 7.1 The position of United States in world affairs is based upon our freedoms, moral stand and a strong military force. 7.2 The United States shall defend its sovereignty and is solely responsible for its security. 7.3 We encourage the foundations of the rule of law and human rights. It shall be the moral policy of the United States to oppose genocide and abortion. 7.4 Freedom and self-determination are the foundations of all constitutional republics, such as for Taiwan. Israel should not be deprived of the right to defend its continued existence and independence. 7.5 We support a combined policy of diplomacy and defense to provide global stability. The United States will not tolerate terrorist actions or nations that enable terrorism. 7.6 We oppose movements to cede jurisdiction, to relinquish any control over the United States, its citizens, military, territories or resources, or to give taxing authority in violation of the U.S. Constitution to any world body
Page 4 of 7
Oregon Republican Party 2011 Platform
as amended September 10th 2011
such as the United Nations, World Court and the World Trade Organization.
Government Spending
It is vital that all levels of government exert fiscal responsibility by operating within a percentage of its respective Gross Domestic Product established by the people and limited by the Constitutions of the United States of America and the State of Oregon. We support a Federal Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution with expenditures to be capped as a percentage of GDP. There will be no unfunded mandates or bailouts of private companies from any level of government.
Health Care
We support health care reforms that will lower costs and maintain quality health care delivered in a free-market based system. Families and individuals have the sole responsibility and right to make their own health care decisions. We advocate the repeal of the federal “Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act" and oppose any efforts to implement similar efforts at the state level. We support the protection of the physician-patient relationship, promotion of competition, quality healthcare and patient choice. 9.1 Eliminate government barriers that limit health care choices, options and result in increased costs for individuals, families, groups and employers. 9.2 Remove barriers in Oregon law to the marketing of innovative health care and insurance solutions.
Immigration
The Oregon Republican Party recognizes the benefits of legal immigration. The integrity of our borders is essential to ensure the safety of our citizens and the soundness of our economy. 10.1 All government agencies must work together to enforce immigration laws and secure our borders. 10.2 We oppose both amnesty and the designation of any city, county or jurisdiction thereof in Oregon as a sanctuary for illegal aliens. 10.3 US citizenship shall be conferred to children of whom one or more parents are US citizens or legal permanent residents of the United States. 10.4 English must be the common and official language of Oregon, the United States of America and all government business conducted therein. 10.5 We believe the right to vote is a treasured privilege that can only be earned through naturalization. 10.6 With the exception of life saving medical services, taxpayer funded public services and entitlements should not be provided to illegal aliens.
Page 5 of 7
Oregon Republican Party 2011 Platform
as amended September 10th 2011
10.7 We endorse a simplified guest worker program.
Individual Liberty through Limited Government
The Founders believed that our unalienable rights are endowed by our Creator and that government, without the consent of the governed, is tyranny. They clearly established a separation of governmental powers and responsibilities. The powers of the federal government are limited to those enumerated in the US Constitution and restricted by the 9th and 10th amendments. The Oregon Republican Party stands for the protection of individual rights and freedoms at all levels of government. These essential safeguards for our liberties need to be restored to their original intent.
Natural Resources and Industry
Oregon Republican Party believes that our natural resources are key to our state’s wealth and prosperity. These natural resources can and should coexist with responsible industry to provide a strong economic base for growth and prosperity. We support the free market system in conjunction with minimal regulation to preserve the long-term beauty of Oregon and quality of life for our citizens, provide exports, and create jobs. Among these important industries, we support: 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 12.7 12.8 12.9 A renewable, stable, sustainable and functioning timber industry managed by Oregonians for the benefit of Oregon. State policies to support, not stand in the way of, all sustainable natural resource industries. A healthy and productive agricultural industry within the free market system. Responsible, and economically viable power generation. Tourism. The utilization of both strategic and non-strategic mineral resources through responsible extraction and restoration processes. The opposition to the taking of productive and/or accessible public lands for wilderness, monument and other restrictive categories. Free market determination for the best use of private property. Established water rights as real property.
12.10 Additional water storage sufficient to provide sound water management, hydroelectric power and environmental policy based on verifiable science. We oppose the breaching of dams. 12.11 The recognition of the critical importance of water to agriculture in Oregon. 12.12 The opposition to unreasonable setbacks on public and private lands.
Oregon Seniors
We recognize that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness does not end at age sixtyfive.
Page 6 of 7
Oregon Republican Party 2011 Platform
as amended September 10th 2011
13.1 13.2 13.3 13.4 We oppose mandatory retirement. We oppose age-based discrimination. We support the permanent segregation of the Social Security fund from the general fund. We support the premise that all pensions, whether private or government, except social security retirement benefits, should be treated equally with regard to taxation.
We oppose taxation of Social Security Income.
13.5
Regulation
The Oregon Republican Party affirms the importance of practical regulations that promote confidence in our economy among individuals, families, entrepreneurs and businesses. We support only those regulations that protect free enterprise and personal freedoms.
Self Protection
It is an unalienable right of all people to use any reasonable and necessary force to defend and protect themselves, others and their property. All citizens have the right to keep and bear arms in a manner of their choosing without government interference.
Voter Integrity and Election Reform
16.1 To protect the value of each constitutionally qualified Oregon vote, each voter must prove their United States citizenship, Oregon residency, and legal voting age. We support all measures to ensure that the military vote is properly counted. In support of the original intent of the United States Constitution, we oppose the National Popular Vote movement, in order to maintain the Electoral College as it stands. Ballot security is imperative to ensure confidence in the election results and the rule of law. Therefore, the Oregon Constitution and Oregon Revised Statutes must take precedence over administrative rules. No ballot shall be altered in any way. Election divisions shall be transparent in the receipt, counting and storing of the ballots by opening the entire process to election observers. Penalties for violation of election laws must be sufficiently severe to deter fraud. We support maintaining the current method of direct election of Precinct Committee Persons. Oregon Republican Party is opposed to Vote By Mail.
16.2 16.3
16.4
16.5 16.6 16.7 16.8
Page 7 of 7