The following
was scanned and OCR'ed from a printed copy of the
2003 Oklahoma Republican Party Platform, as approved
at the ORP state convention. Every effort has been
made to preserve the original formatting, including
the numbering of the planks, which is inconsistent in
a couple of places where such inconsistency occurs in
the original.
(Posted 7-7-03)
Oklahoma
Republican Party
Grassroots Platform 2003
2003 Platform
Committee
Chairman Virginia Clendening - Secretary Beverly
Young
Many thanks to the members of the Platform Committee
who spent two long Saturdays to serve in the
preparation of this document, namely:
Bob Adams, Jerry Bowser, William Crozier, Cathy
Garrison, Joe Honing, Ada Hill, Rense Johnson, Scott
Markowitz, Beverly Mitchell, Greg Parker, Doris
Smalley, Lenora Veloz, Betty Wichert, Wilbur Woolen
Ken Barlett, Lisa Kay Brown, Jill Daugherty, Clifford
Gravitt, Terrie Haning, Joy Hill, Stephanie Kotzum,
Michael McCoy, Stephen Moore, Marceline Piper, Keith
Smalley, Gregory Washington, Charles Wilkins, Amy
Wright
Jason Bennett, Bobby Cleveland, Rich Fiedler, Mark
Hall, Tina Hanvey, Jeff Hudson, Ronald Kriesel, Tom
McEndorfer, Oma Gay Nichols, Bob Ross Jr., Tom Smith,
Burl Watson, Charlie Williams, Pauline Young
Robert Bowman, Jan Collins, Bill Fisher, Oran Hall,
Debra Henley, Ed Jantzen, Kyle Loveless, Charlie
Meadows, Irl Nikkel, Steve Satterwhite, Wallace
Smith, David White, Vera Willms
GOP PLATFORM
2003
I. FEDERAL
Preamble
We believe that the United States Constitution sets
limits in that its power is mandated to protect the
life, liberty and property of U.S. citizens. The
Constitution, by limiting the powers of the federal
government, protects individual rights from illegal
and excessive encroachment by government. We support
foreign policy that acknowledges the sovereignty of
the United States and places the interests and values
of its citizens above those of the United Nations or
any international organization. We believe in a
strong national defense and supporting those in the
military who implement it. We support a smaller, less
intrusive federal government.
Defense
1. We support maintaining a strong national
defense and advocate "peace through strength."
2. We believe American lives are better defended than
avenged. Therefore, we support the immediate
development and implementation of a comprehensive
ballistic missile defense system.
3. We believe defense initiatives should protect
against threats from weapons of mass destruction.
4. We support an increase in defense spending to
include technological advancements in weapons
systems, platforms and delivery systems, as well as
equipment, training and facilities for our armed
forces.
5. We support the traditional, historical values of
our military.
6. We oppose the use of U.S. military troops where
they would not be under the ultimate leadership of
American commanders.
7. We support improved pay, living conditions and
educational opportunities for our armed forces to aid
in retention and recruitment. We support concurrent
pay for disabled veterans.
8. We support the scrupulous fulfillment of promised
benefits to our armed forces and veterans.
9. We oppose the relinquishment of strategically
essential U.S. military facilities worldwide.
10. We strongly believe the primary purpose of the U.S.
armed forces is to protect the interests of the
United States.
11. We support the Homeland Security Department's
goal of securing our nation against all enemies,
foreign and domestic, and the enhancement of national
defense against espionage and terrorist activity
while ensuring the protection of individual rights.
12. We support the continued effort to pursue and
bring to justice terrorists and the entities that
harbor or support them.
13. We support policies that protect U.S. allies,
including Israel, Taiwan and South Korea.
14. We believe dependence on foreign energy sources
is foremost a national security issue, not merely an
economic issue.
15. We support the complete accounting of all MIAs
and POWs that were engaged in military actions by the
United States, and the treatment of medical
conditions resulting from these actions.
16. We oppose the erosion of our military's readiness
through:
• "gender norming" for training and
promotion
• co-ed basic training
• "sensitivity training" that supports
or promotes the homosexual lifestyle
• homosexuals serving in the military
• women in combat
17. We believe any learning institution that inhibits
the normal operations of ROTC or military recruiters
should be ineligible for government funding.
18. We assert that the oath of allegiance sworn by
all U.S. military personnel shall be upheld under all
circumstances; and furthermore, we assert that no
other oath shall be sworn to replace or amend it.
19. We support unrestricted use by the military of
their training areas.
Foreign Policy
19. We support the revocation of "Permanent
Normal Trade Relations" status and oppose
admission to the World Trade Organization for any
country that is a security threat to the United
States.
20. We respect the self-determination and sovereignty
of Israel.
21. We oppose attempts by any international
organization or by the United States government to
coerce Israel into accepting the creation of a
Palestinian state.
22. We do not support the normalization of diplomatic
or economic ties with Cuba until democracy has been
instituted there.
23. We oppose any compromise of national sovereignty
by treaties or trade agreements.
24. We oppose the sale of dual-use technologies by U.S.
corporations not only to designated terrorist
nations, but also to antagonistic nations such as
China.
25. We oppose monetary foreign aid. Foreign aid
should be in the form of credits to buy United States-made
goods.
26. We support the protection of American
intellectual property rights.
27. We urge President Bush to resist all pressure,
including that from our own Department of State, to
permit the United Nations any role in the
reconstruction of Iraq.
United Nations
28. We believe that the United States
Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and that
no other laws will supersede it, including
conventions and resolutions, rulings, mandates or any
other laws or policies written by the United Nations
or any other international organization.
29. We oppose relinquishment of our national
sovereignty to the United Nations, and oppose the
action of any international organization that would
supersede the rights of a United States citizen or
conscript their person or property in any fashion.
30. We believe the United States should consider
withdrawal from the United Nations.
Constitutional
Issues
31. We believe the First Amendment's
Establishment Clause was intended to prevent a state-sponsored
religion rather than a separation of God from our
government.
32. We support the right under the Second Amendment
for Americans to keep and bear arms; this is
recognized by the Second Amendment as previously
existing. We oppose any further attempts by law or
regulation at any level of government to restrict any
law-abiding citizen's right to keep and bear arms.
33. We support the repeal of the Brady Bill.
34. We believe the Fourteenth Amendment doctrine of
incorporation, which applies the Bill of Rights to
state and local governments, should include each of
the first ten Amendments.
35. We oppose any legislation that would require the
use of trigger or other locking devices on firearms.
36. We support legislation that will protect gun
manufacturers from lawsuits attempting to hold the
manufacturers liable for criminal misuse of guns.
37. We oppose reauthorization by Congress of the
Feinstein/Schumer ban on so-called assault weapons
that will expire in 2004 and further urge President
Bush not to support its reauthorization.
38. The United States Constitution empowers the
judiciary to interpret law, not make law. Therefore,
we believi the President should nominate and the
Senate confirm only judges who will abide by this.
39. We support the Tenth Amendment that states "the
powers not delegated to the United States by the
Constitution, not prohibited by it to the States, are
reserved to the States respectively, or to the people."
40. We affirm the other provisions enumerated in the
Bill of Rights, including the right to due process
and freedom from unjust search and seizure.
41. We oppose the use of parliamentary procedure to
avoid voting on the confirmation of any judicial
nominee.
Social Security
42. We believe that Social Security, State and
Federal pension funds should be used only for those
purposes.
43. We support efforts to reform Social Security that
will enhance its long-term stability and provide
beneficiaries more ownership and control over their
individual Social Security accounts.
44. We support Medical Savings Accounts and the total
deductibility of all health care costs.
Energy
WE SUPPORT:
47. Creation and enactment of a national energy
policy to reduce dependence on foreign sources.
48. Development of domestic resources and renewable
fuels and research for alternative energy sources.
49. Reasonable expansion of oil and gas exploration
in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge and in
offshore areas currently prohibited.
Agriculture
WE SUPPORT:
50: Country of origin labeling on all whole food and
fiber products.
51. Further Study of genetically modified food
products and the effects on food supplies.
52. Equal access to global markets, as concerns U.S.
agricultural products, and keep out unfair
limitations, including embargoes, on our ability to
market our products anywhere in the world.
53. The use of agricultural products for foreign aid
instead of money.
54. The immediate enforcement of the Anti-Trust Laws
by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture that affect the
livestock packer concentration issue (1929 Stockers
& Packers Act).
55. Reducing fuel taxes, both federal and state.
WE OPPOSE:
56. Self-audit legislation covering large-scale swine
and poultry producers.
57. Overly restrictive regulation of carbon and
particulate matter emissions in the agricultural
industry.
WE RECOMMEND:
58. That the USDA Agriculture appropriations be
divided to accurately show the percentage of money
actually set aside for agriculture.
Immigration
WE SUPPORT:
59. Legal immigration.
60. Stricter enforcement of current laws on illegal
immigration with punishment to the full extent of the
law.
61. Securing our borders against potential enemies of
the United States due to terrorism concerns.
WE OPPOSE:
62. Illegal immigrants being given the same rights as
legal immigrants and U. S. Citizens, including
entitlements and earned income tax credits - even if
they or their children have work or student status.
Election Reform
WE SUPPORT:
63. Continuation of the Electoral College as
prescribed by the U. S. Constitution.
64. The repeal of the Motor Voter Act.
65. Using picture ID at polling places.
66. Stricter penalties for voter fraud.
67. Repeal of the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act.
68. Stricter verification of voter eligibility.
WE OPPOSE:
69. Broadcast of projected and/or actual election
results before all the polls have closed.
70. Same day voter registration and postcard
registrations due to the fact that these laws open
the door to vote fraud and should be prohibited.
71. Campaign finance laws that restrict our First
Amendment right to freedom of speech through
excessively limiting private contributions and
resources.
72. Voting via the Internet.
Federal General
73. Because we all comprise one United States of
America and one Oklahoma, we oppose discrimination.
We believe in the equality of all people before the
law. We believe that individuals should be judged by
their ability rather than their race, creed,
disability, or gender.
WE SUPPORT:
74. The reduction of government bureaucracy, red tape
and regulations.
75. The elimination of government funding for the
Public Broadcasting System, the National Endowment
for the Arts, and National Public Radio. We believe
that Public Broadcasting and National Endowment for
the Arts are fully capable of sustaining themselves
in today's market.
76. Free and open markets.
77. Space exploration when in our national interest.
78. Repeal of the Endangered Species Act.
79. Abolishment of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and
Firearms Department. Its powers, responsibilities,
and authorities should be distributed to state
policing agencies.
80. Abolishment of the Office of the Surgeon General.
81. Abolishment of the Environmental Protection
Agency. Its powers, responsibilities, and authorities
should be returned to the state level.
82. Abolishment of the Federal Department of Labor
and, its powers, responsibilities, and authorities
returned to the state level.
83. Abolishment of the federal minimum wage.
84. Repeal of federal legislation that requires
paying prevailing union wages on government contracts.
85. Protection of public and private sector employee
"Whistle-blowers".
86. The Bush administration's enforcement of the
Supreme Court's decision in "Communications
Workers of America vs. Beck" regarding the
refunding of union dues used for partisan political
activity.
87. A constitutional amendment setting term limits
for the U.S. Congress.
88. Equal rights for all therefore, we oppose
affirmative action.
WE URGE:
89. President George W. Bush to rescind every
unconstitutional executive order in effect. No
president should rule by executive order.
90. Implementation of "sunset laws" and
"zero-based budgeting" to require
justification of the need for government programs and
their budgets.
91. That travel by government employees and elected
officials at taxpayer's expense be severely
restricted.
92. Opposition to the implementation of a "national
identification card".
WE BELIEVE:
93. The government should be required to operate
within a true and accurate balanced budget.
94. That many of society's problems can best be
addressed by faith based organizations, and
therefore, support the government returning these
solutions to these organizations and returning the
tax dollars to citizens so they can support their
community's work.
95. That all official business transactions at all
levels of government be conducted and printed in
English, our nation's common language.
96. That legislation should come from legislative
bodies, not regulatory agencies i.e. F.D.I.C., Know
Your Customer and Kyoto Treaty, Bureau of Land
Management, United States Forestry Service,
Environmental Protection Agency, F.E.M.A., and O.S.H.A.
WE OPPOSE:
97. Socialized medicine.
98. We commend all former presidents and vice
presidents of the U.S. who refrain from making
continual detrimental remarks about current sitting
presidents and vice presidents.
II. STATE
Crime and
Punishment
1. We support the use of the death penalty.
2. We support stiff penalties for identity theft.
3. We favor strict law enforcement and punishment for
all crimes.
4. We support legislation that would eliminate the
filing of frivolous suits by incarcerated persons.
5. We oppose all hate crime laws.
6. We feel compassion for the losses of various
individuals due to crime or riots. We support private
and charitable donations to compensate those with
true financial losses; we do not believe that
reparations should be paid by public tax dollars.
7. We believe a trial, sentence, and carrying out
that sentence should be completed in a timely manner.
Environment
& Water
8. We support reasonable environmental
regulations, with remediation of any problems
utilizing the most reasonable and cost effective
approach based on sound science. We support strict
enforcement of the laws protecting Oklahoma's
watersheds.
9. Whereas preservation of the environment is
essential for fliture generations, we support
environmental regulations that consider the rights of
property owners and that do not impose unreasonable
burdens on our state's businesses.
10. We believe the State of Oklahoma should not sell
water or water rights to out-of-state buyers. We
strongly oppose the use of eminent domain in any out-of-state
water sale.
11. We believe that a sustainable supply of water for
a local area should be a priority before a permit is
granted which would transfer water outside a local
basin or aquifer area.
12. We believe that water permits should not be
allowed to withdraw water in large volumes that
infringe on the private property rights of other
landowners.
13. Water is a natural resource, not a commodity, and
should be protected for use by local residents,
agriculture and industry. No excess should be
declared until a scientific study of 100-year water
needs has been made.
State Agencies,
Departments, Legislature
14. We support external audits and public
disclosure of the financial records of public
institutions, trusts, authorities, public libraries,
and community foundations including all state
retirement fUnds and teacher retirement fUnds.
15. We propose that all state retirement plans be
gradually shifted to individual private retirement
plans.
16. We believe the Oklahoma Legislature, all
Legislative committees and state agencies should be
subject to the Open Meetings and Open Records Act.
17. All state tribal compacts and agreements should
require the approval of both houses of the
Legislature in addition to the ten-member Joint
Committee on State Tribal Relations.
18. We support legislation rescinding Oklahoma's
previous calls for a constitutional convention since
it could not be limited to a specific issue.
19. We support fair, just and swift compensation for
property owners when governmental regulations limit
property use.
20. We oppose laws, agreements, and agency rulings
made with any entity that disenfranchises private
property rights.
21. We believe it is the responsibility of individual
legislators to be knowledgeable of all pieces of
legislation on which they are voting. All bills
should be limited to one issue. Legislators should
completely read each proposed bill prior to voting on
that bill.
State Budget
22. We support the implementation of "sunset
laws" and "zero-based budgeting" to
require justification of every government program and
its budget.
23. We encourage the Oklahoma Legislature to
prioritize funding and fully fund Public Safety,
Transportation, and Education before allocating funds
for other uses.
Economic
Development
24. We support a positive ongoing effort to
bring new business into Oklahoma to produce high-paying
jobs and a rising economy for our state.
25. We support the de-regulation of electric
companies through tax and regulation and not through
direct subsidies.
26. We support the freedom for a private business to
succeed or fail as a private enterprise.
Insurance
27. We oppose no-fault insurance for any street-legal
vehicle.
28. We support tort reform. We propose that no lawyer
can receive more compensation than the client.
29. We support a government cap on liability claims
against farms and ranches.
Roads &
Highways
30. Our system of roads and highways is
essential for sustainable economic growth and
development. Therefore, we support judicious
increased spending on our state's roads, highways,
and businesses.
31. We oppose raising toll fees on Oklahoma highways
as it hurts economic development.
Election Reform
32. We encourage that polling locations be
centrally located in each precinct for voter
availability when boundaries are redrawn.
33. We believe that incarcerated persons should not
be counted in the reapportionment for political
boundaries.
34. We urge the legislature to take up the question
of limiting the number of elections in each political
unit of the state.
State General
35. The people are our country and Oklahoma's
greatest strength. We believe the size of state
government should be reduced in order to allow the
people to do those things people can do best for
themselves.
36. We support the adoption of English as the
official state language.
37. We believe that Oklahoma should ratify a proposed
Federal Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S.
Constitution promptly upon its submission to the
states, only if the amendment requires any deficit to
be resolved through spending cuts except during a
state of constitutionally declared war against a
specific nation or regime.
38. We support the existing ban on casino gambling
and state lotteries.
39. We support Workmen's Compensation reform and
believe that the present court system should be
changed to an administrative system.
40. Everyone applying for a driver's license in the
State of Oklahoma should be required to reveal all
facial features on their photo identification.
41. We oppose the use of fingerprint ID'S for
driver's license.
42. We support the continuation of term limits for
all State elected offices
III. TAXES
In order to reduce the tax burden placed on taxpayers
from all levels of government,
WE SUPPORT:
1. Rewriting the Federal and State tax codes to
simplify reporting and computing taxes.
2. Tax policies that encourage personal
responsibility and provide incentives for economic
creativity, entrepreneurship, and wealth creation.
3. Reducing the Federal and State marginal income tax
rates.
4. Immediate and permanent elimination of federal and
state inheritance taxes known as "death taxes".
5. Repealing federal and state income taxes on all
Social Security income.
Federal Taxes
WE SUPPORT:
6. Eliminating the marriage penalty.
7. Eliminating Capital Gains Taxes.
8. Eliminating the Alternative Minimum Tax.
9. Eliminating the double-taxation of dividends.
10. Limiting the Earned Income Credit to U.S.
citizens only.
State Taxes
WE SUPPORT:
11. Increasing the personal exemption and standard
deduction on the State Income Tax return to equal the
exemption claimed on the Federal Income Tax return.
12. Increasing the Homestead Exemption to $3000
dollars.
13. Requiring approval for any increases or
additional "non-tax" government charges (fees,
user charges, levies, etc.), in the same manner as
required for a general tax increase.
14. Eliminating taxes on qualified retirements plans.
15. Requiring all State Excise Taxes on fuel sales be
credited directly to the Oklahoma Department of
Transportation instead of the State General Fund.
16. Deducting Federal Income Taxes paid from taxable
income without the imposition of a tax rate beyond 7%.
17. Making all federal tax rebates to citizens of
Oklahoma NOT TAXABLE by the State Tax Commission/State
of Oklahoma.
IV. FAMILY
Preamble
The traditional family, consisting of a husband and
wife, is designed to provide each family member's
physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, and social
needs. Both parents are needed to support and
encourage happiness, health and a good education for
their children, creating the next generation of
citizens who are constructive members of society.
Multi-generational families foster mutual, respect
and cooperation while providing support for extended
family members and forming enduring relationships. We
believe God is the Author of human life and that each
individual should be treated with dignity and
compassion.
Marriage, Children and Adoption
1. We support the right of parents to raise,
educate, discipline, nurture and spiritually train
their children without government interference. We
also support those who choose the vocation of
Homemaking.
2. We support tax policies, enactment of legislation
and public assistance policies that encourage a
commitment to traditional marriage and strong
families.
3. We support Federal and State legislation that
prohibits recognition of same-sex marriages or
domestic partnerships.
4. We support legislation calling for voluntary
recognition and corresponding action by couples that
marriage is a covenant relationship, instituted by
God, not to be entered into casually.
5. We believe that in order to encourage and protect
family values, those promoting homosexuality or other
aberrant lifestyles should not be allowed to hold
responsible positions over children or other
vulnerable persons.
6. We support strict adherence to due process of law
in child abuse investigations and the protection of
the constitutional rights of persons accused of child
abuse. We oppose the removal of children from their
family for more than a few days unless abuse
allegations are confirmed.
7. We question "Title IV-E" foster care
payments to states and call for the curtailment of
the State's incentive to remove children from their
families to obtain federal funding.
8. We encourage an adoption process that recognizes
the rights of parents while maintaining safeguards
for the children. Except for adoption by qualified
relatives, we support adoption only by traditional
families.
9. We encourage increased efforts by the State to
find permanent adoptions for children who are now
wards of the State.
10. We support a national Amber Alert system.
Right to Life
and Medical Ethics
11. We believe in the sanctity and value of
human life from conception through natural death. We
oppose abortion (including the use of RU-486 and
partial birth abortion), infanticide, euthanasia and
mercy killings, and the funding of such by the
government.
12. We support legislation that prohibits taking the
life of the unborn for the purpose of harvesting and/or
any service related to the donation or purchase/sale
of organs and tissue.
13. As long as the unsafe practice of abortion is
legal under Roe v. Wade, we expect abortion clinics
to comply with the same medical and safety standards
required of hospitals.
14. As long as Roe v. Wade is law, we support
enactment of legislation to guarantee parental
notification and authorization 24 hrs. prior to a
minor receiving an abortion.
15. We support the right of obstetric and gynecology
residency programs to refuse to provide abortion
training and the individual's right to refuse to
perform abortions.
16. We oppose the manufacture of human life through
the process of cloning.
17. We support legislation requiring abortion
providers to inform patients of the developmental
status of the fetus, supply patients with all ultra-sounds,
and inform the patient that medical evidence
indicates a fetus can feel sensation of pain at 20
weeks.
Elderly
18. We support financial policies that do not
penalize the elderly who choose to marry.
19. We support tax incentives that help alleviate
cost, and thus encourage family members to care for
their elderly parents.
20, We believe' that strict standards should preserve
the dignity of the elderly when in a retirement or
nursing home.
21. We support vigorous prosecution of those who
financially exploit or otherwise abuse the elderly.
22. We support much needed reform in the economically
wasteful Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Religious
Freedom
23. Our Founding Fathers based our Constitution,
Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and
early laws on the Bible and traditional Judeo-Christian
ethics and values. We believe these documents are the
basis for law, order and behavior, allowing people
the freedom to involve God in all activities
according to their consciences.
24. We oppose any government oversight, harassment,
licensing, or taxation of religious institutions and
their ministries.
25. We support retaining the religious significance
of national holidays, and we support the privately
funded display of religious symbols in public places.
26. We strongly support keeping the phrase, "In
God We Trust" on U.S. currency.
27. We support retaining the phrase "One Nation
under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance.
General
28. We believe that homosexuality is not a
genetic trait, but a chosen lifestyle.
29. We support limiting welfare benefits to only
citizens of the United States and legal residents,
including military service members and their
dependents.
30. We believe in welfare reform to help those truly
in need. We support programs that include faith-based
organizations that promote traditional marriage,
stabilized marriages, decrease out-of-wedlock births,
and encourage responsible parenting.
31. We encourage rigorous enforcement of all anti-pornography
laws. Government agencies or tax-supported
institutions, especially libraries and public
schools, should not provide access to pornography.
32. We recognize the rising cost in our health care
system resulting from third party payments.
Therefore, we encourage Congress to legislate
genuine, workable Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs).
33. We believe that organizations such as the Boy
Scouts of America have the right to carry out their
mission without interference by special interest
groups.
V. EDUCATION
Preamble
We acknowledge our dependence upon Almighty God and
ask His blessing upon students, parents, teachers and
nation. It is the right and responsibility of parents
to direct their children's upbringing and education,
whether public, private, charter or home school;
without interference, regulation or penalty from the
government.
The primary goal of public schools should be to teach
proficiency in the basic subjects of phonics-based
reading, written and oral communications,
mathematics, science and the traditional history,
founding documents and Godly heritage of our nation.
Locally elected school boards should have the
authority to determine and implement all public
school curricula, policies and procedures for their
districts. We demand excellence and accountability
from all tax-funded institutions of education in
Oklahoma. We believe in a quality education for all
children so that no child is left behind.
Philosophy
1. The traditional family unit, consisting of a
husband, wife and children, is the foundation of our
social structure. We believe that the Oklahoma
Department of Education should uphold and teach this
definition of family at all levels of public
education.
2. We believe that individuals have the right to
choose their own education and career. We oppose
School-to-Work because this program is a tracking
system to predetermine the occupations of students,
presumes to know what is best for the individual and
the economy, and creates an unnecessary level of
bureaucracy.
3. We support a parent's choice of schools, including
but not limited to, public, private, parochial,
charter or homeschooling. We also support all parents
being allowed to use their tax dollars for the
schooling of their choice through vouchers and/or tax
credits.
4. We support the constitutional right in Oklahoma
for parents; even without a college degree and/or
teaching certificate to home school their children.
5. We affirm students' and teachers' right of free
exercise of religion, as guaranteed by the First
Amendment, and the rights of voluntary vocal prayer,
optional Bible study, religious expression, and the
right of equal access to use school facilities for
these activities.
6. We believe the American flag should be displayed
in the classroom, students should daily recite the
traditional Pledge of Allegiance, and be taught the
history of and respect for our American flag.
7. We support local funding and control with strict
accountability of local schools to parents and
taxpayers.
8. We affirm the right of parents to access, examine
and evaluate, in advance, all materials and programs
used in their children's education. We also support
parental access to educational, assessment,
psychological, medical, physical and other records
pertaining to their children, except in cases where
parental child abuse has been alleged, is being
investigated or where it has been established by a
court of law.
9. We believe that a student's participation in any
special program or counseling should be based,
without repercussion, upon prior written parental
consent (opt-in vs. opt-out). Notification to the
parent should be in clear, simple and descriptive
language.
10. We believe the Ten Commandments should be posted
in all public schools in Oklahoma as a means of basic
moral guidance.
11. We support a prohibition of the deliberate misuse
of standard English or the revision of American
history for the purpose of promoting a political
agenda.
12. We believe in the maintenance of high educational
standards. Promotion and graduation for all students
in Oklahoma should be for demonstrated academic
achievement rather than age or social criteria.
13. We believe that since our schools are prohibited
from promoting any religion, they should be
prohibited from endorsing, using or promoting secular
Humanism, New Age philosophy, Deep Ecology,
reincarnation, psychotherapy, channeling,
transcendental meditation, altered states of
consciousness or any occult practice.
14. Because English is the dominant language of our
nation and the world, we support the requirement that
students are taught in English and that non-English
speaking students be taught English by teachers who
are proficient both in English and the non-English
language.
15. We believe that computer technology should only
be used after basic math and reading proficiency is
achieved in order to reinforce, not replace, the
learning of basic skills in Oklahoma.
16. We oppose any plan that imposes nationalized
curricula, national aptitude testing, national
teacher certification or national education standards
on any Oklahoma school.
Curriculum
We support a strong curriculum that includes the
traditional basics of phonics-based reading, writing,
spelling, penmanship, mathematics, history,
government, science, and geography. Additionally, we
encourage art, music, foreign languages, and sports/physical
fitness being included when possible.
17. We support the teaching of our American
heritage including the following elements: the
influence of the Bible on our laws and principles,
the lives and beliefs of our Founding Fathers, the
concept of limited government, the difference between
a democracy and a republic, and the concept of
entrepreneurship. Additionally, we support close
study of the following documents: the Declaration of
Independence, the U.S. Constitution, the Federalists
Papers and the Oklahoma State Constitution.
18. We support character and values education as a
legitimate element of public school curricula.
19. We support teaching the basic rules of finance,
such as saving, investing, borrowing, balancing a
checkbook and living within a budget.
20. We believe that the scientific evidence that
supports Creation should be included in the Oklahoma
public school science curricula, and that evolution,
if taught, should be taught as a theory.
21. We believe that homosexuality, promiscuous sexual
activities, premarital and extramarital sex are
morally wrong and we do not support any curriculum,
program or policy that promotes these behaviors. As
long as AIDS education is mandated it must:
a) Not endorse homosexuality, premarital and
extramarital sex
b) Clearly state that homosexuality, intravenous drug
use, and promiscuous sexual activity are known to
spread AIDS
c) Teach that AIDS is incurable and fatal
d) Teach that sexual abstinence or fidelity in
marriage with a non-infected spouse, are the only
truly safe ways to avoid the sexual transmission of
AIDS
e) Teach that condoms may not prevent sexually
transmitted diseases (STD's) or pregnancy
f) Guarantee that any presentation to student(s) is
open to parent(s) and school patrons
22. We believe it is ultimately
parents'responsibility to educate and counsel their
children regarding sexual conduct. Therefore, we
oppose comprehensive school-based health clinics or
any other school-based services that intrude into
parent/child relationships on matters of sex
counseling or dispensing of contraceptives.
23. We oppose the portrayal of homosexual or
promiscuous behavior in a positive light in public
schools.
24. We support teaching our children that they are
all equally Americans first, not hyphenated Americans.
We oppose curriculum that promotes or emphasizes
racial or class separation through "multi-culturalism."
25. We favor the retention of the designations B.C. (before
Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini "in the year of
our Lord") as the method of distinguishing
between eras of time in our textbooks.
26. We recognize the benefits of legitimate
counseling, but we oppose intrusive psychological
techniques, such as the lifeboat drama, values
clarification and moral relativism that are regularly
practiced in public schools. We support legislation
that requires fully informed parental consent before
a school can psychologically or medically test,
counsel or treat a student, professional ethical
guidelines, and upholding the parents' constitutional
rights with regard to informed consent.
27. We support an education program where the goal is
academic literacy rather than social engineering that
lowers established standards and alters children's
values or beliefs.
Administration
28. We support a reform of the State school
funding formula to simplify and make it more
equitable.
29. We believe any locally voted millage increase
must be approved by 60% of the voters and that said
increase should be non-chargeable in the state aid
formula.
30. We support the existing provision in the Oklahoma
Constitution requiring a 60°/o majority vote for
passage of public school bond issues.
31. We support open student transfer with receiving
school approval, merit pay for teachers, periodic
teacher competency testing, elimination of teacher
tenure, and other measures that would stimulate
competition to increase excellence in public
education.
32. We oppose the collection, retention and/or
transmission of personal data, including social
security numbers of students, with the exception of
academic transcripts used strictly for graduation or
school transfers.
33. We support the right of public school teachers to
refUse to join or financially support any
organization incompatible with their personal
beliefs, goals, or objectives as educators.
34. We oppose state or federally mandated school
uniforms.
36. We favor a "no-pass no-play" policy
regarding participation in extra curricular
activities in our public schools.
37. We support local School Board appointed textbook
committees, which consider input from local patrons
to select the state-fUnded textbooks to use.
38. We favor the elimination and complete de-funding
of the Federal Department of Education and the
transfer of its functions and funding to the states.
39. We believe compulsory education should continue
to be applied only between the ages of 8 and 16, as
set forth in the Oklahoma Constitution. We oppose
mandatory year-round schooling.
40. We believe the Teachers Retirement Fund should be
actuarially funded and its status made available to
the public.
41. We support extensive background checks of
prospective school employees and the right of local
school boards to refuse employment to anyone that
does not meet professional and moral requirements.
42. We believe that unions must be limited to only
negotiate wages and conditions of employment.
Therefore, we believe that the NEA, OEA and AFT
should be denied tax-exempt status and all federal
funds because they are labor unions and have become
lobbying bodies. We oppose their participation in the
policy-making process of the public schools.
43. We encourage teachers, school administrators and
the local school board to work together to set and
implement policies that give teachers the freedom and
authority to lawfully maintain order and discipline.
44. We support the intended implementation of the
alternative teaching certification program to allow
skilled professionals to teach in public schools.
45. We call for enforcement of Oklahoma statutes
prohibiting teachers from striking during the school
year.
46. We favor changing the date of voting for approval
of school mill levies, school bonds and school board
elections to the same date in order to reduce costs.
47. We support the premise that the elected local
school board is the governing body that has the
oversight and authority to make all decisions for the
efficient, effective operation of the school district
to include, but not limited to, the following:
a. Development and implementation of a zero based
budget and providing the public with an annual
financial statement that meets the General Accepted
Accounting Principles (GAAP)
b. Approval and oversight of any additional fund
raising activities
c. Approval and oversight of any private funds
donated to the school
d. Dress code for teachers and students
e. Classroom size
f. Standards of conduct which produce an environment
of learning, respect, decency and professionalism
g. School discipline policy
48. We support the consolidation of administrative
functions to reduce costs as approved by a vote of
the local school patrons.
Higher Education
49. We support enforcement Of current entrance
requirements at Oklahoma universities, while
consolidating duplicate or sub-standard institutions.
50. We support meaningful reform in the structure of
our higher education system. We insist on:
• Elimination of substandard programs
• Elimination of all remedial programs
• Cost-effectiveness
• Accountability
• Statement of expected achievements
accompanying all requests for increases in
appropriations or tuition
• Reform of the faculty tenure system
51. We oppose the use of any Pell Grant, or other tax
money, for inmates to seek education beyond GED or
high school.
52. We do not support tuition increases for Oklahoma
college students. If more Oklahomans are to attend
college, we must keep tuition costs reasonable and
affordable.
53. We believe that federal and state grants and
opportunities for higher education should be applied
consistently and fairly without regard to marital
status.
54. We support making phonics a course requirement
for teacher certification.
55. The 15 units needed to fulfill the curricular
requirements for admission to Oklahoma colleges and
universities should include classes such as: Military
History, ROTC classes, American Documents, American
Issues, and Twentieth Century Legal Issues.
56. We oppose tuition waivers for out of state
students and illegal immigrants.
ADDENDUM
Republican Party
1. While Oklahomans may not agree on all issues,
we in the Republican Party strive to build a better
community and state for future generations. Our
party, while composed of many individual views,
unites within the ideals of moral and fiscal
conservatism. We believe these Republican ideals are
the best hope for translating positive and successful
principles of government into action.
2. We invite all Oklahomans who support our mandate
on family values and fiscal responsibility to
register Republican and vote. We urge everyone to
help restore and protect integrity and our
constitutional rights and responsibilities through
limited government.
3. We, the Oklahoma Republican Party, conclude that
morality and good character are a must for all
elected officials.
4. We urge the Party to endorse those candidates who
are registered Republicans, and who affirm and
promote a Pro-Life concept, support limited
government, free markets and the original intent of
the U.S. Constitution.
5. When a candidate is elected under a certain party
banner, he/she should remain a member of that Party
until time for filing for re-election in order to
remain faithful to his constituents. No Republican
officeholder should be forced to resign his/her
position because of working to uphold the principles
of this platform.
6. Knowing the importance of input and participation
for all citizens in our republic, we recommend
continuing to document individual ideas, concerns and
suggestions from within our Republican Party.
Legislators, candidates or individuals within the
Party may not agree with every detail of the
platform; however, we believe Republican candidates
should read the Republican Platform and consider it
as a document submitted as a consensus of grassroots
concerns.
7. We oppose the governmental practice known as
"affirmative action" while supporting the
concept of "affirmative access".
8. We support the increased use of the Internet for
Republican Party communication and public education
about our principles.
Commendations
1. We commend the brave men and women in the
Armed Services of the U.S.A. for defending our
country.
2. We commend President George W. Bush and Vice
President Dick Cheney on their return of dignity,
integrity, and honor to the White House, and commend
President George W. Bush for his uncompromising
conviction to strengthen defense, cut taxes, and
improve public education.
3. We recognize and praise our U.S. Senators Don
Nickles and Jim Inhofe and our U.S. Representatives
John Sullivan, Frank Lucas, Tom Cole, and Ernest
Istook for their ideals and their service on behalf
of the people of Oklahoma.
4. We commend former members of the Oklahoma
Congressional delegation: The Honorable Steve
Largent, J.C. Watts, and Wes Watkins for their
service. We also commend former Governor Frank
Keating for his service to the people of the great
state of Oklahoma.
5. We give recognition and praise to our Republican
state legislators for their ongoing service on behalf
of the people of Oklahoma. We realize the nature of
their uphill battle and pledge to work toward the day
we become the majority within the state legislature.
6. We congratulate all State and County Republican
Party officials and grassroots activists on their
efforts to register so many Oklahomans as Republican
voters.
7. We commend Lt. Governor Mary Fallin, Labor
Commissioner Brenda Reneau Wynn and Corporation
Commissioners Bob Anthony, Denise Bode and new
Commissioner Jeff Cloud for their dedicated service
to Oklahoma.
8. We commend all locally elected officials that
promote Republican Principles.
