Friday, February 24, 2012

The GOP: Back to the 1950s or Possibly the 1250s!

Source of GOP Position On Birth Control!

Mainstream politics of the 1950s completely rejected the introduction of Catholic doctrine into political decisions. Today, while Santorum's advocacy of recriminalizing birth control would in many states be a reversion to the status quo ante, his reason for doing so is not the general-pupose misogyny of pre-Sexual Revolution time, but what looks like a heartfelt  religious conviction that makes Scudderism a real consideration.

Misogyny can be cured by evidence. Women have proven they are able to make reproductive decisions without interference from government, and there is substantial evidence that (contrary to Santorum's belief) sex can have socially useful purposes other than making babies. For some, there is the Lysistra treatment.
In contrast, Santorum's position is based on a proudly unthinking doctrine based on infalliable reasoning from divine revelation (... a doctrine that is demonstrably heretical or at least schismatic in my view, but that's another matter ...) that canNOT be altered by any number of mere facts.

That's dangerous.

As for the GOP's other leading policy prescriptions: have you read the Republican Party platform of 1952?

Eisenhower: Too Liberal for Today's Politics!
It's quite entertaining reading; although it leads with the ritual denunciation of Democrats as Communists, it includes such gems as demands for:

"...The right to establish "union shop" contracts by agreement with management.

The right to strike.

The right to free collective bargaining.

...The right to assurance from employers that they will bargain only with certified unions as a protection against unfair labor practices.

...The Federal Government and State and local governments should continuously plan programs of economically justifiable public works.

... We favor amendment of the Old Age and Survivors Insurance system to provide coverage for those justly entitled to it but who are now excluded.

...We favor support of scientific research. We pledge our continuous encouragement of improved methods of assuring health protection.

..The tradition of popular education, tax-supported and free to all, is strong with our people.

[W]e believe that the Federal Government should take supplemental action within its constitutional jurisdiction to oppose discrimination against race, religion or national origin.

We recommend to Congress the submission of a Constitutional Amendment providing equal rights for men and women.

We favor legislation assuring equal pay for equal work regardless of sex.

We favor eventual statehood for Puerto Rico.

We pledge a more efficient and frequent mail delivery service."


See: Republican Party Platform of 1952.

The Republican Party of 1952 was, in many respects, far to the left of today's Democrats!

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