October 2020
What is happening to our country?
If there ever were a time to go into the voting booth with eyes wide open, November 3 of 2020 is that time. The past few months have been an unfolding drama of lawlessness in the streets, anti-American curricula planned for the schools, and overt attacks on foundational beliefs that most Americans hold dear. The upheaval has been swift and destructive, leading many to wonder how anyone either in or seeking an elected leadership position would not speak out forcefully against the carnage.
Some Democrat leaders of the affected cities have either actively called on the police to stand down, or they have decided not to publicly condemn the burning, looting, and murdering in their cities. Many Republicans, on the other hand, have called for a return to law and order, expressing concern not only for residents and business owners but also for the first responders who are risking their lives trying to help injured people and protect property.
Are these dichotomous responses indicative of the philosophies of these leaders’ political parties, or are they simply personal views that have nothing to do with party affiliation? A comparison of the Republican and Democrat party platforms can provide much-needed information about the worldviews and intentions of current leaders and those who might be elected on November 3.
What is a party platform?
Political party platforms are official declarations of the principles, policy stances, and action items of the parties. Every four years, political parties gather for their national conventions where they nominate their presidential and vice-presidential candidates. They also write their platforms, the documents that outline where they stand on specific issues and what they intend to do on those issues if their candidates are elected.
The differences in 2020 are stark.
If one were to judge the 2020 Republican and Democrat platforms simply by tone, even a cursory review of both would yield important insights into each party’s opinions of the country and its issues. The Democrat Party platform outlines what many might consider to be extremist views of this country – that it is irredeemably racist, that people who were instrumental in the founding and early leadership of the country are unworthy of respect or remembrance, and that the government should take over huge areas of its citizens’ lives. Law enforcement must be overhauled, and white supremacy and nationalism are ingrained sins that must be overcome.
The Republican Party platform, on the other hand, begins with a dedication page to those who protect the country and its citizens:
We dedicate this platform with admiration and gratitude to all who stand strong in the face of danger so that the American people may be protected against it – The men and women of our military, of our law enforcement, and the first responders of every community in our land – And to their families.
The platform Preamble begins with this statement:
We believe in American exceptionalism… We believe America is exceptional because of our historic role – first in refuge, then as defender, and now as exemplar of liberty for the world to see.
Party platforms reveal policy priorities.
The Republican platform follows an outline of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, calling for such things as religious liberty and the right to live according to one’s conscience; freedom of speech, even if not everyone agrees with that speech; the right to property and privacy; parental rights in their children’s education; protection of life, and less governmental interference in people’s lives. In other words, the underlying philosophy described in the Republican Party platform is freedom for all citizens.
The Democrat platform asserts that “protest is among the highest forms of patriotism….in righting the wrongs in our democracy.” The COVID-19 pandemic “has laid bare deep-seated problems in our society — the fragility of our economy and social safety net, the risks posed by growing inequality, the impacts of racial and economic disparities on health and well-being, and the profound consequences of deepening polarization and political paralysis.” The country is guilty of “racism, misogyny, anti-Semitism, anti-Muslim bigotry, and white supremacy,” which must be cured with governmental mandates
such as universal healthcare, no charter schools, “reimagining” (defunding) police, and favoring transgender rights and abortion on demand. The primacy of the government over the individual is the platform’s underlying philosophy.
Educated voters have an important choice to make.
As can be seen in the comparison chart, there are distinct differences between the Democrat and Republican platforms on every key issue. These ideologies will be the foundation for the actions of the candidates who are elected, no matter what their personalities might be.
The choice in 2020 is crystal clear. Our votes matter, and understanding the foundational perspectives of the parties can guide us in making decisions that will have ramifications for the next four years and for generations to come. Becoming more educated will surely help us in “setting things to right” when our country needs us most.
Comparison Chart of Party Platforms
ComparisonChart
Trent England talks about Saving the Electoral College – Eagle Council 2019 – Washington, D.C.
Or, listen to Eagle Forum’s Engage podcast as Trent England explains why we have an Electoral College, and its vital importance to our nation’s elections. Click here to tune in!
Mike Huckabee has created The Kids Guide To The Presidential Election along with online streaming of Learn Our History’s
Election Day: Choosing Our President video lesson and digital workbook. You just pay $1.00 for shipping and processing for the Kids Guide. Click here to learn more!
More Teaching Moments
During an end of the summer visit, Julia Warton, Eagle Forum’s National Field, and Programs Director took the opportunity to share with her eight and ten-year-old grandchildren Carla D’Addessi’s book about the importance of voting wisely from a Biblical perspective. “The kids were very interested, engaged, and later shared what they had learned about choosing good candidates, policies, and why with everyone at dinner,” she said. Afterwards, they asked if they could accompany their parents on November 3 to the polls, and their dad enthusiastically replied, “Yes!”
Carla D’Addesi was inspired by her Grandmother to begin writing. Her ‘Julia’ children’s series has been widely praised by our nation’s most prominent families and leaders. Her books celebrate family and life on every page.
Carla gives a portion of her proceeds to local pregnancy centers and national Pro-life organizations to protect babies. Click here to learn more about Carla and how you may purchase her books.