We believe in you!

We believe you are a sacred being created in the image of God. The Republican Party of Texas believes that all men are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain inalienable rights including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Protecting these inalienable rights for 19,000,000 Texans and our posterity is our mission.

Because we believe in you, we trust you to handle the responsibilities of freedom. We believe you and most people are good and will do the right thing without being excessively watched and regulated by government. We believe you and most people possess God-given innate abilities which, when diligently applied, guarantee a successful future for your goals on your terms.

Our deep commitment to these beliefs is reflected in the fact that the Republican Party has done more to advance civil rights than any other civil institution in history. Real civil rights are always accomplished by a limitation in the power of government. Slavery, segregation and genocide are made possible only by the expanding power of government. We welcome all Americans into our ranks to work for those values we all hold dear--God, family and country!

We believe that the least government is the best government. We believe that a local personal government can respond to your needs better than a distant impersonal government.

We believe that civic rights are maintained only by individual responsibility. We believe that we must first learn to govern ourselves. Morals and good behavior are essential to self-government. No government on earth can replace the nurturing love found in families, churches and communities. The more that paid government intervenes in personal relationships, the more those relationships will be diminished, not strengthened. This is why the more government spends "trying to solve" poverty, education and the decline of the family, the more the problems grow.

We understand that rapidly changing technology has caused many to seek security in strong government and that for some, freedom has become a burden. They will sell their future on the altar of the government’s false promises-guaranteed education, guaranteed jobs, guaranteed security. No government in history has kept these guarantees. Where has communism or socialism worked? Not in ourselves, but in our God, is the source of all that is great and good.

It has been said that the nobles of ancient Rome came to love their property more than their freedom. In the end they had neither.

We will not sell the birthright of all Texans to liberty and freedom on the altar of economic slavery. We believe as Texans have always believed. We believe in excellence and prefer the opportunity of high achievement to the guarantee of a meaningless mediocrity.

COMMENDATION

VIVA RPT!

Whereas, more than 1,348 Republicans serve in elected offices in the State of Texas, more than at any other time in history; and

Whereas, the Republican Party of Texas recruited a county chairman in all 254 Texas counties, and held a primary in all 254 Texas counties; and

Whereas, local government is the most responsive government and Texas Republicans now control more county commissioners courts than at any other time since Reconstruction; and

Whereas, Republicans now have a majority in the Texas Senate and sixty–eight Republicans now serve in the Texas House of Representatives; and

Whereas, Texas Republicans now have a majority on the Railroad Commission, the State Supreme Court, and the State Board of Education; and

Whereas, Texans elected another Republican governor in 1994 by the largest margin of victory in over one hundred years; and

Whereas, thirteen Texas Republicans now serve in the U.S. House of Representatives, more than at any other time in history, and two Texas Republicans elected to full terms now serve in the United States Senate, for the first time since 1875; and

Whereas, Texas has not supported a Democrat candidate for U.S. President in two decades; and

Whereas, in the 1996 Primaries, Texas Republicans outvoted Texas Democrats for the first time in history, and by about 100,000 votes; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that the Republican Party of Texas thanks the thousands of voters, volunteers, activists, delegates, contributors, candidates, and officeholders who together have made our party the majority party in the State of Texas and have made our winning principles standard in Texas politics; and be it further

Resolved, that the Republican Party of Texas commends our State Party Chairman, Susan Weddington, and Vice–Chairman, David Barton for their outstanding leadership of the Party, and for conducting an exciting and innovative convention to kick off the 1998 campaign to capture an overwhelming Republican majority in Texas state government!

Viva RPT!

States Rights – The Party opposes the federal government tying of federal transportation dollars allocated to the states to the respective states’ adoption of the new federal statutes defining the legal level of blood alcohol permissible for operating a vehicle. The federal government was created to be an agent of the states and not vice versa. The Party calls on our Texas legislators to assert our sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment and resist federal government control.

Limited Federal Powers – The Party urges the re–establishment of states’ rights guaranteed by the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which reserves for the states powers not specifically delegated to the federal government. We further support the abolition of federal agencies involved in activities not constitutionally delegated to the federal government.

Federal Judiciary Reform – Federal judges have usurped their authority under the U.S. Constitution in violation of the Tenth Amendment and interfered with the state’s criminal jurisdiction. We call on the House of Representatives and the Senate to exercise their constitutional authority to impeach federal judges who abuse their authority.

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.

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.

District of Columbia – The Party strongly opposes all efforts to make the District of Columbia the fifty–first state in the United States of America.

Census – The Party strongly supports the constitutional method of actually counting each citizen and urges the Governor and elected officials to resist taking a census by any other method than that called for in the U.S. Constitution.

Elimination of Executive Orders – The Party demands the elimination of presidential authority to issue executive orders and other administrative mandates that do not have congressional approval. Further, that there be a repeal of all previous executive orders and administrative mandates.

Preservation of Republican Form of Government – We reaffirm our support for the provisions for a Republican (Representative) form of government as set forth in the Texas Constitution and Texas Bill of Rights [Art. I, Sec. 2; Art. I, Sec 29; Art II, Sec. 1; and Art. XVII, Sec. 2(g)] and we oppose any attempt to introduce direct democracy (I & R) into our state constitution thereby bypassing the legislative process and the checks and balances between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government. We hereby reaffirm the principles espoused in the U.S. Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution.

Constitutional Convention (NO CON–CON) – Whereas, the Party opposes a Constitutional Convention or "Conference of the States" to rewrite the U.S. Constitution. The Party urges the Texas Legislature to immediately rescind the State’s 1977 vote sent to the U.S. Congress, 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.

Personal Confidentiality – The Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects against unreasonable searches and seizures and that this right shall not be violated. The Party directs that legislation be introduced in both the U.S. Congress and the state of Texas to end the ever increasing, incessant, recurring, and calculated gathering, accumulation, and dissemination of finger prints, Social Security numbers, financial, and personal information of law abiding citizens by business and governments for uses that are contrary to and destructive of our individual and collective freedom.

Medical Record Confidentiality – The Party opposes any and all unauthorized access and distribution of an individuals’ private medical records by a government agency or any agent working on behalf of a government agency. The Party also opposes the formation of any state or federal (national) registry into which personal medical information would be deposited.

State of Declared Federal Emergency – The condition of a permanent state of national emergency is incompatible with the U.S. Constitution. This perpetual state of national emergency allows unrestricted growth of government. The Party charges the president to cancel the state of national emergency and charges Congress to repeal the War Powers Act and to declare an end to the previously declared states of emergency.

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 I, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution, for the coinage of money.

Federal Reserve Audit – The Federal Reserve should undergo a congressional audit, and the Federal Reserve Board minutes of meetings should be made public.

Annexation – The Party recognizes that our government derives its power by the consent of the governed. We support legislation that will guarantee residents of the proposed areas to be annexed, as well as residents of the municipalities proposing annexation, the right to a binding referendum to approve or disapprove annexation.

Property Rights – The Party opposes continued federal land acquisition and control. We reaffirm belief in the fundamental constitutional concept of a person’s right to own property without federal interference. We urge passage of a federal "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 United States. 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.

Environment, Property Ownership and Natural Resources – Preamble – The Party affirms ownership of property is the cornerstone of individual freedom and it understands government ownership of land to be the cornerstone of socialism. We reaffirm the belief in the fundamental constitutional concept of an individual’s right to own and use property without governmental interference. Further:

Reforming the Judicial System

Visiting Judges – The Party urges state legislation be enacted prohibiting judges defeated by the electorate from serving as visiting judges, or acting as judges in any capacity, until such time they are reinstated by the electorate through a subsequent election.

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 section 5(1) of the Judicial Code of Conduct which has been interpreted as calling for judges to refrain from exercising their freedom of speech, freedom of association, or freedom of religion.

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.

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 that unreasonably limit ordinary citizen input.

Qualified Juror Service – Because the drivers license rolls contain the names of people who are not qualified for jury service, the Party urges the limitation of jury service to those who are registered voters. Further, any party to a lawsuit may strike for cause any prospective juror who has been convicted of a criminal offense higher than a misdemeanor.

Appellate Jurisdiction of the Supreme Court – Congress should be urged to exercise their authority under Article III, Sections 1 and 2 of the U.S. Constitution, and should withhold appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court in cases involving abortion and religious freedom.

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.

Judicial Financing Reform – We urge Texas legislators to establish consistent guidelines for contributions to campaigns of state judges in order to limit ability to unfairly influence the judicial process.

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 urge re–registering voters every four years and requiring first time registrants to produce photo identification, proof of residency, and citizenship along with voter registration.

Informed Electorate – The Party urges that the Texas Legislature encourage an informed electorate to vote for individual candidates by removing the "one punch" system.

Filing Date for Primary Election – The Party urges the Texas legislators to change the Election Code date of the filing for the March primary from January 2 to January 10 of that year.

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 U.S. Justice Department that all citizens of the state be guaranteed fair and impartially administered elections. Specifically, a law is required which will guarantee that each of the two major political parties will be granted the privilege of having a representative at the main early voting places. In counties without an organized party structure, the State Chairman of that party should nominate the judges or alternates.

Date Change for Primary Election – The Party strongly urges the Texas Legislature to change the date of the Primary Election from the second Tuesday in March to the first Saturday in May, and the Runoff Primary from the second Tuesday in April to the first Saturday in June.

Campaign Finance Reform – The Party opposes any so–called "campaign finance reform" that restricts the right of citizens to make known the voting records of public officials or restricts the amount of individual or Political Action Committee campaign contributions. We support full disclosure of the amounts and source of these funds.

Support of Platform – Any candidate running as a Republican for any public or Party office on any ballot in the State of Texas who has asked the Party for funds shall be expected to complete a signed Republican Party Platform Questionnaire indicating whether the candidate agrees, disagrees, or is undecided on each plank item. This questionnaire could be an outline of the Republican Party of Texas Platform, plank by plank, simplified for ease of response and designed by the State Republican Executive Committee (SREC) or the Platform Committee. Candidate Platform Questionnaires shall be filed with the State Republican Party of Texas in Austin. The Candidate Platform Questionnaire shall be made available at reproduction costs to any person requesting such. We strongly encourage Republican candidates, officeholders, and Party officials to support the Republican platform and fellow Republican candidates and officeholders. The Party directs its Executive Campaign Committee to strongly consider candidates’ support of the Party’s platform when granting financial or other support. This plank may not be applicable for county offices in counties with a population of less than ten thousand.

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 Texas 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.)

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.

Congressional Pay Raises – The Party supports the elimination of the "independent pay raise" committee and that all pay raises must be passed like all other bills, that the Party supports the separation of congressional pay raises from the pay raises of all other government officials in order that they be voted on as separate bills.

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).

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.

Gun Control – The Party calls upon the U.S. Congress to repeal any and all laws that infringe on the right of citizens to keep and bear arms (such as the Lautenberg and Kohl Amendments); to reject the establishment of any mechanism or process to record, register, or monitor the ownership of firearms; to reject the imposition of excessive taxation or regulation on the manufacture or sale of firearms and ammunition; to ensure, pursuant to Article IV, Section 2, of the U.S. 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; to resist international (UN) efforts to achieve gun control or registration; to repeal "the Brady Law," and to implement mandatory sentences for criminals using a gun in the commission of a crime.

Freedom of Access Act – The Party supports repeal of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances law. We reaffirm our belief in our constitutional right to peaceful protest, and we insist that assaults on peaceful protesters be prosecuted vigorously.

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 the Social Security Administration. We reclaim freedom of religious expression in public on government property, and freedom from governmental interference. We request the Governor to release space to reinstate a chapel in the Texas Capitol.

Free Exercise of Religion – The Party believes all Americans have the right to practice their religious faith free of persecution, intimidation, and violence. We call on Congress to sanction any country that is guilty of persecuting its citizens because of their religious beliefs.

Electronic Privacy – The Party believes that no government trap door encryption standards should be advanced for use in any civilian communication systems. We call on Congress to expand the ban on unsolicited faxes to include unsolicited bulk e–mail. We also oppose the tracking of American citizens using national ID cards, "smart" cards, bio–chip implants, or other such electronic monitoring devices. We oppose Texas prisoners having access to private or confidential information of any citizen of the State of Texas.

Expanding Opportunities for Women and Minorities – The Party supports private efforts, which do not receive government aid, to develop minority businesses which would increase the tax base, provide training for minority youth and make America competitive in the world economy. We support race and gender–neutral methods as well as market oriented strategies like tax deductions, tax credits or empowerment zones and public housing tenant ownership and management to expand opportunities for disadvantaged women and racial minorities in the areas of education, employment and contracting. We encourage the Texas Legislature to identify and develop ways to increase the ability of faith–based institutions and community and business organizations to assist individuals and families in need. We also encourage state leaders to explore ways to use new and emerging technologies to expand opportunities for disadvantaged women and minorities in the areas of education, employment and contracting.

Multiculturalism – We support the principle articulated by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 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, race or ethnic background. We support the study of cultures that have created the heritage of the American "melting pot;" however, we oppose politically correct and mandatory multi–cultural courses in public schools and state–supported colleges which divide citizens into competing racial, ethnic and gender groups; espouse anti–Judeo–Christian principles; and promote victimology and racism.

Sensitivity Training – The Party opposes mandated sensitivity training courses that are an affront to Judeo–Christian beliefs and are currently required for employment or attendance at numerous tax–funded agencies or universities.

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; and 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. We support legislative efforts toward the establishment of a system of "boot" camps of hard labor for first time offenders, conversion of closed military bases into prisons, and privatization of the prison system. We instruct the state of Texas to take all necessary action to remove the Texas prison system from any control mandated by the federal courts. We urge creative alternatives to maximize prison usage, such as shift rotation for sleeping quarters, eating facilities, work programs, etc.

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.

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 them. The Party supports laws for capital punishment which are swift and unencumbered.

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.

Extradition – We urge the federal government to establish extradition policies with its trading partners to bring criminals to trial and protect our citizens.

Juvenile Justice – We encourage the continuation of juvenile justice reforms, including "boot" camps and trying juveniles as adults for adult crimes. The Party encourages the growth of private sector programs that deter juveniles from a life of crime.

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 has committed criminal abuse. Child abusers should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law; however, we oppose actions of social agencies to classify traditional methods of discipline as child abuse.

Sexual Assault – The Party believes that aggravated sexual assault (forcible rape) is a heinous crime and should be punished with a sentence of life without parole.

Dangerous Drugs – The Party recognizes that illegal drug use is dangerous and crosses all sectors of society. We encourage the state and federal governments to prosecute illegal drug dealers and manufacturers to the fullest extent of the law and we call on Congress to impose economic sanctions against any nation that harbors these people. Believing that the pursuit of drugs and alcohol is an attempt to fill a void in one’s life, we encourage the utilization of faith–based programs for rehabilitation. We oppose the movement toward the legalization of illicit drugs. We support a strong abstinence–based drug educational program for children. We oppose the availability of entitlement benefits based on illegal drug or alcohol use.

DUI – The Party calls upon all law enforcement officials to more vigorously enforce our DUI laws, whether intoxication is by alcohol or drugs, and calls for mandatory jail sentences for repeat offenders. We further call upon legislators to maintain the open container law.

Strengthening Families and Promoting a Freer Society

Celebrating Traditional Marriage

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 their standard of living, 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 Texas Legislature to rescind no–fault divorce laws. We urge the repeal of laws that place an unfair tax burden on families. We call upon Congress to remove the marriage penalty in the 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.

Homosexuality – The 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 education and 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.

Texas Sodomy Statutes – The Party opposes the decriminalization of sodomy.

Criminalization of Partial Birth Abortion – We encourage the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to pass a bill banning partial birth abortion, which would criminalize the D and X third trimester abortion, and to override any veto by President Clinton. We urge our federal legislators to make the passage of this bill a top legislative priority in every session.

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 Fourteenth 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 traditional 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.

Alternatives to Abortion – We commend those who provide alternatives to abortion by meeting the needs of pregnant women and providing adoption services.

Fetal Tissue Harvesting – The Party supports legislation prohibiting experimentation with human fetal tissue and prohibiting the use of human fetal tissue or organs for experimentation or commercial sale. Until such time that fetal tissue harvesting is illegal any product containing fetal tissue shall be so labeled.

Human Cloning – Each human life is designed by God and has purpose. The Party opposes any and all work or experiments involved in human cloning. Furthermore, criminal penalties should be created and experimenters prosecuted who perform such work, and no government funding should be provided for any human cloning.

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.

Child Care – The Party opposes any government regulations that will adversely affect the availability, affordability, or the right of parents to choose child care.

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.

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.

Funding of Education – The Party supports a tax deduction, tax credit, and/or voucher system for families to give parents the full freedom to choose the very best school for their children: public, private, vocational or home school education. We strongly urge, in the case of the public school system, that Texas legislators take all steps necessary to protect local control of school districts, including a constitutional amendment reserving funding decisions to the Texas Legislature, not the courts. All school tax revenues collected within a school district should remain within that school district to be used at the local level. Further, we oppose legislative educational mandates without available state funding.

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, value–free instruction, which denies the existence of right or wrong and even that of the Creator, in developing 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 political interdependence and the goal of becoming "Citizens of the World;" and 5) Federal projects of social restructuring, such as Goals 2000, which involve real interference with parental and local control. We call for the abolition of the U. S. Department of Education and the prohibition of the transfer of any of its functions to any other federal agency.

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.

Sex Education – The Party recognizes parental responsibility and authority regarding sex education. We support the requirement that schools teaching sex education must teach directive abstinence until heterosexual marriage with an uninfected person as the only safe and healthy means of preventing sexually transmitted diseases, 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 support policies which 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.

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.

Discipline in the Classroom – 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 should be used when appropriate and we encourage the legislature to strengthen existing immunity laws wherever possible, respecting corporal punishment. We urge the Texas Legislature, Governor, Commissioner of Education and State Board of Education to inform administrators and school boards that corporal punishment is effective and legal in Texas.

Support for Classroom Teachers – The Party continues to support quality education by:

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. We support a character education curriculum and a program based upon biblical principles upon which our nation and state law system were founded.

Basic Standards – The Party believes the educational system should return to the basic standards which include a curriculum of reading (with an emphasis on phonics), spelling, writing, literature (including at least one year of high school American literature and another year of British literature), mathematics, geography, history, (including high school history that includes all of U.S. history – currently only history since Reconstruction is covered) science, English, citizenship and constitutional government and should provide a return to traditional moral values in a disciplined environment. To this end, we urge that the Governor, the Texas Education Agency and the State Board of Education reconsider their previous hasty adoption of Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), and incorporate the nationally acclaimed solid English Language Arts/Reading academic standards of the Texas Alternative Document into our state’s formal education standards. Further we call upon the Governor and Texas Legislature to oppose the implementation of curriculum which centers on subjective feelings and attitudes, such as Outcome–Based–Education (OBE) or programs which subjectively analyze students’ skills, such as School–to–Work.

Social Promotion – The Party supports Governor Bush’s effort to end social promotion in Texas’ public schools. We believe the school children of Texas should master basic, minimum skills before advancing to the next grade level.

School–to–Work – The Party finds that while education is necessary to freedom, the School–to–Work program gives up on education in favor of training a docile workforce. While the Party is for a strong workforce and progressive business, and supports vocational training where appropriate, we strongly oppose a system of education such as School–to–Work which:

Major components of the School–to–Work infrastructure have already been implemented by our Governor and Texas Legislature. We call upon our legislators to replace School–to–Work and related outcome or performance–based educational programs with a proven, strong academic education.

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.

Bilingual Education – The Party believes the majority of bilingual education programs in Texas have not proven to be successful and should be replaced with the immersion method or a combination of the existing English as a Second Language (ESL) and immersion methods.

Religion and Secular Humanism – The 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.

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 support the teaching equally of scientific strengths and weaknesses of evolutionary theory as now required (but never enforced) by Texas public school science course standards. We also support the teaching of creation science in Texas public schools.

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.

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."

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. We encourage the Texas Legislature to comply with the law under the Texas Eminent Scholarship Fund, requiring the state to match the investment income earned on monies contributed.

Adult Literacy – The Party believes that the best defense of a free society is an educated public and encourages all efforts in adult education and literacy.

Empowering Families to Direct their Health Care

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 and the expansion 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.

AIDS / HIV – 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. The Party calls upon the U.S. 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.

Americans with Disabilities Act – The Party supports amendment of the Americans with Disabilities Act to exclude from its definition those persons with infectious diseases, substance addiction, learning disabilities, and behavior disorders and thereby reducing abuse of the Act.

School Health Care – The Party calls upon Texas 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 pre–marital sexual activity and 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.

Assisting Families to Self Sufficiency

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.

Social Security – The Party supports an orderly transition to a system of private pensions based on the concept of individual retirement accounts and gradually phasing out the Social Security tax. Also, the Party recommends the removal of the earnings limit and making benefits non–taxable. To protect Social Security funds they should not be co–mingled or spent with general revenues or invested in private or public corporate stock. To protect freedom and privacy, government and private institutions should not require Social Security numbers as ID. Application for Social Security numbers should not be required before the age of consent.

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.

State Tax Reform – We strongly urge the forthcoming session of the legislature to pass no new taxes or any tax increase including any attempt to place new sales taxes on prescription medicine or food not currently included. We also move for the repeal of the state franchise tax.

Reducing the Tax Burden – The Party wants all governments to reduce the amount of taxes in peacetime to 25% of national income—federal, state, and local combined—by the year 2000. We further support the "5, 5, and 8 by 2008" goal of reducing total spending to 18% of national income in the United States by 2008 in peacetime. We support the approximate allocation of spending of taxes for local, state, and the federal government in the proportion of 5%, 5%, and 8% respectively. Government must limit its size in order to restore the American family to a dynamic moral force.

Education Funding – The Party encourages the Texas Legislature to repeal "Robin Hood" and consider the possibility of child–centered funding.

Economic Prosperity

Tort Reform – The Party strongly supports continuation of comprehensive tort reform. We support loser pay for frivolous lawsuits.

Competitive Railroads – The Party supports a strong, safe, and efficient rail system for this state that is consistent with free market principles.

Government Spending

Fiscal Responsibility – We urge our state and federal legislators to exercise fiscal responsibility by reducing spending and cutting taxes. We endorse the appointment of a Texas Grace Commission—a panel of Texas citizens and business owners—to identify cost savings and reductions in state government.

Domestic Energy Industry

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 Congress to (1) aggressively support a greatly expanded use of domestic natural gas as a method to reduce United States 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.

Restoring American Sovereignty and Leadership

Immigration – The Party acknowledges that America is a beacon of hope and a place of new beginnings and we continue to welcome legal immigrants. Because we believe that one responsibility of government is to secure our nation’s borders, we support: 1) returning immigration quotas to traditional levels in practice prior to 1965 of 300,000 per year or less, 2) expeditious hearing on deporting non–violent illegal aliens held in prisons or jails, 3) reclaiming control of international borders, 4) screening immigrants for communicable diseases, including HIV, 5) the amendment of the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1952 to grant birthright citizenship only to the newborn of citizens of the United States of America or permanent legal residents, and 6) Congressional oversight of federal agencies to follow–up over–stayed visas.