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Speech Backup Alphabetical Files
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George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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[GOP] Platform, 1988
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26
23
3
2
Texts - 17
Text of the GOP Document:
Republican Party Issues Detailed, Long Platform
Following is the text of the Republi-
At the very heart of this platform is
on free enterprise, free markets, and lim-
can platform:
our belief that the strength of America is
ited government, that tradition regards
its people: free men and women, with faith
people as a resource, not a problem. And it
in God, working for themselves and their
works.
Preamble
families. believing in the inestimable value
On every continent, governments are
of every human being from the very young
beginning to follow some degree of Ameri-
to the very old, building and sustaining
ca's formula to cut tax rates, loosen regula-
An election is about the future, about
communities, quietly performing those
tion, free the private sector, and trust the
change. But it is also about the values we
"little, nameless, unremembered acts of
people.
will carry with us as we journey into tomor-
kindness and love" that make up the best
Remember the Carter-Mondale years:
row and about continuity with the best
portion of our lives, defending freedom,
Taxes skyrocketed every year as the
from our past.
proud of their diverse heritage. They are
Democrats' inflation pushed everyone into
On the threshold of a new century, we
still eager to grasp the future, to seize the
higher brackets.
live in a time of unprecedented technologi-
life's challenges and, through faith and love
Prices spiraled, financially strangling
cal, social, and cultural development, and a
and work. to transform them into the valu-
those people least able to keep up. This was
rapidly emerging global economy. This
able, the useful, and the beautiful
heightened by the spending mania of a
election will bring change. The question is:
This is what the American people do,
Democrat-controlled Congress. Savings
Will it be change and progress with the
quietly, patiently, without headlines, as a
plunged as prices rose. A dollar saved in
Republicans or change and chaos with the
nation of communities, every day. This is
1977 was worth only half by 1981.
Democrats?
the continuing American revolution of con-
21.5 percent interest rates - levels not
Americans want leadership to direct
tinuity and change.
seen before or since - placed the basic
the forces of change, on America's terms,
This is the American people's true
needs of life beyond the means of many
guided by American values. The next stage
miracle of freedom. It is to them that we
American families.
of the American experiment will be a new
dedicate this platform.
The Democrats threatened workers,
dynamic partnership in which people di-
investors, and consumers with "industrial
rect government and government empow-
policies" that centralized economic plan-
ers people to solve their own problems and
Jobs, Growth, and
ning.
to have more choices in their lives.
Joblessness eroded the earnings and
In 1984, we said, "From freedom
comes opportunity; from opportunity
Opportunity for All
dignity of millions under the Democrat Ad-
ministration.
comes growth; from growth comes prog-
The number of poor households grew
ress."
America again leads the world, confi-
dramatically during the Democrats' years
In 1988, we reaffirm that truth. Free-
dent of our abilities, proud of our products,
in power.
dom works. This is not sloganeering, but a
sure of our future, the pacesetter for all
Economic stagnation caused by the
verifiable fact. It has been abundantly
mankind Moving toward the threshold of
Democrats' policies made it harder to find
documented during the Reagan-Bush Ad-
the 21st century, the American people are
a job, get a promotion, buy a home, raise a
ministration in terms of real jobs and real
poised to fulfill their dreams to a degree
family, or plan for old age.
progress for individuals, families and com-
unparalleled in human history.
In addition to all of these problems,
munities urban and rural. Our platform re-
Our nation of communities is prosper-
the Democrats were telling us that there
flects on every page our continuing faith in
ous and free. In the sixth year of unprece-
was something wrong with America and
the creative power of human freedom.
dented economic expansion, more people
something wrong with its people.
Defending and expanding freedom is
are working than ever before; real family
Something was terribly wrong, but not
our first priority. During the last eight
income has risen; inflation is tamed. By
with the people. A half-century of destruc-
years, the American people joined with the
almost any measure, Americans are better
tive policies, pitting Americans against one
Reagan-Bush Administration in advancing
off than they were eight years ago. The
another for the benefit of the Democrats'
the cause of freedom at home and around
Reagan Revolution has become a Republi-
political machine, had come to a dead end.
the world. Our platform reflects George
can renaissance. Our country's back -
The Democrats couldn't find a way out, so
Bush's belief that military strength, diplo-
back in business and back on top again.
the voters showed them the door.
matic resoluteness, and firm leadership are
Government didn't work this economic
Now the ideological heirs of [Jimmy]
necessary to keep our country and our al-
wonder. The people did. Republicans got
Carter and [Walter F.] Mondale are trying
lies free.
government out of the way, off the backs of
again to sell the public a false bill of goods.
Republicans know the United States is
households and entrepreneurs, so the peo-
These liberals call America's prosperity an
a nation of communities - churches,
ple could take charge. Once again our peo-
illusion. They fantasize our economy is de-
neighborhoods, social and charitable orga-
ple have the freedom to grow. From that
clining. They claim our future is in the
nizations, professional groups, unions and
freedom come prosperity and security.
hands of other nations. They aren't operat-
private and voluntary organizations in city,
From freedom comes opportunity;
ing in the real world.
suburb, and countryside. It is We, the peo-
from opportunity comes growth; from
They can't build the future on fear.
ple, building the future in freedom. It is
growth comes progress.
Americans know that and are constructing
from these innumerable American commu-
Freedom is not an abstract concept.
their futures on the solid foundation Re-
nities, made up of people with good heads
No, freedom is the inescapable essence of
publicans have already set in place:
and good hearts, that innovation, creativ-
the American spirit, the driving force
We are in the midst of the longest
ity, and the works of social justice and
which makes Americans different from any
peacetime expansion in our country's his-
mercy naturally flow and flourish. This is
other people on the face of the globe.
tory. Where once we measured new busi-
why George Bush and all Republicans be-
The restoration of our country's tradi-
nesses in the thousands, we now count mil-
lieve in empowering people and not bu-
tion of democratic capitalism has ushered
lions. These small businesses have helped
reaucracies.
in a new age of optimistic expansion. Based
create 17 million well-paying, high-quality
Capingle 1983 Congressional Quanterly be
Repreduction - whole or in part except by aditorial class
Aug. 20, 1988-PAGE 2369
Texts - 18
new jobs, more than twice the number of
belonging to the people. Now we call upon
with available jobs.
jobs that were created during that time in
our fellow citizens, at the bicentennial of
We advocate incentives for educating,
Japan. Canada and Western Europe com-
our Constitution, in the words of its pream-
training, and retraining workers for new
bined! Small business has accounted for 80
ble, to "secure the blessings of liberty to
and better jobs through programs like
percent of the jobs created during the re-
ourselves and our posterity" by opening
the Job Training Partnership Act, which
covery. Who says America has lost its com-
new vistas of opportunity.
provides for a public/private partnership
petitive edge?
These "blessings of liberty" - the
- as our country surges ahead.
More Americans are working than ever
chance to make a decent living, provide for
The best jobs program - the one that
before. Because of Republican pro-growth
the family, buy a home, give children a
created 17 million jobs since 1982 - is
policies, the unemployment rate has
superior education, build a secure retire-
lower taxes on people. We believe that ev-
plunged to its lowest level in 14 years.
ment, help a new generation reach farther
ery person who wants a job should have the
Since 1983, 3 million people have risen
and build higher than we were able to -
opportunity to get a job. We reject the
above the government poverty level. The
these are the goals that George Bush and
notion that putting more Americans to
poverty rate is down for the third consecu-
the Republican Party seek for every Ameri-
work causes inflation. The failure of gov-
tive year. The Republican economic pro-
can.
ernment make-work programs proves that
gram has been the most successful war on
But this prosperity is not an end in
jobs are created by people in a free market.
poverty.
itself. It is a beginning. It frees us to grow
Under a Republican Administration,
and be better than we are, to develop
family incomes are growing at the fastest
things of the spirit and heart. This is the
Opportunity for All
pace recorded in 15 years.
direction in which George Bush will lead
With its message of economic growth
Under Republican leadership, tax re-
our country. It is prosperity with a pur-
and opportunity, the GOP is the natural
form removed 6 million low-income people
pose.
champion of blacks, minorities, women and
from the income tax rolls and brought fi-
ethnic Americans. We urge Republican
nancial relief to tens of millions more.
The typical family is now paying al-
Jobs
candidates and officials at all levels to ex-
tend to minority Americans everywhere the
most $2,000 less per year in income taxes
The Republican Party puts the cre-
historic invitation for full participation in
than it would if the Democrats' antiquated
ation of jobs and opportunity first. In our
our party.
income tax system of the 1970s were still in
1980 and 1984 platforms, we promised to
A free economy helps defeat discrimi-
place.
put Americans back to work by restoring
nation by fostering opportunity for all
The Carter "misery index" - the sum
economic growth without inflation. We de-
That's why real income for Black families
of the inflation and unemployment rates
livered on our promise:
has risen 14 percent since 1982 It's why
is half of what it was in 1980. Republican
Small business entrepreneurs have led
members of minority groups have been
economic policies have turned it into a
the way in creating new job opportunities,
gaining jobs in the Republican recovery
"prosperity index."
particularly for women, minorities, and
twice as fast as everyone else. Upward mo-
Republicans reduced inflation to one-
youths.
bility for all Americans has come back
third of its 1980 level, helping not only
Over 17 million new jobs have been
strong.
average Americans but also low-income
created.
We are the party of real social prog-
Americans and elderly Americans on fixed
More than 60% of these new jobs since
ress. Republicans welcome the millions of
incomes, who spend most of their income
1982 are held by women
forward-looking Americans who want an
on necessities.
More Americans are working now than
"opportunity society," not a welfare state.
Interest rates are lower by nearly two-
at any time in our history.
We believe our country's greatest resource
thirds than under the Democrats in 1980.
The unemployment rate is at its lowest
is its people all its people. Their ingenu-
Exports are booming. World sales cre-
level in 14 years.
ity and imagination are needed to make the
ate local jobs!
Statistics show that the great majority
most of our common future. So we will
Productivity is rising three times as
of the jobs we have created are full-time,
remove disincentives that keep the less for-
fast under Republican policies as it did
quality jobs, paying more than $20,000 per
tunate out of the productive economy.
during the late 1970s.
year.
Families struggling near the poverty
Industrial output increased by one-
Job growth for minority and ethnic
line are always hurt most by tax increases.
third during the current expansion.
Americans has been even more impressive:
Six million poor have been removed from
Business investment is increasing 20
Minority workers have been finding
the tax rolls in the 1986 Tax Reform Act
percent faster, in real terms, than before
jobs twice as fast as others.
the largest income transfer to lower-income
the Republican economic resurgence.
Black unemployment has been cut al-
Americans since the early 1970s. The will
The manufacturing sector is now ac-
most in half since 1982 Black Americans
continue to reduce their burden.
counting for. 23 percent of GNP [gross na-
gained 2.3 million new jobs in the last few
We advocate a youth training wage to
tional product]. U.S. manufacturing jobs
years.
expand opportunities and enable unskilled
have increased overall since 1982 The
Black teen unemployment is at its low-
young people to enter the work force.
Democrats are wrong about America losing
est level in 15 years.
As an alternative to inflationary -
its industrial base, except in Massachu-
Sales from the top 100 Black firms
and job-destroying - increases in the
setts, where the Democratic governor of
rose 15 percent between 1982 and 1986.
minimum wage, we will work to boost the
that State has presided over a net decline
The 7.9 percent growth rate for all Black
incomes of the working poor through the
of 94,000 manufacturing jobs.
businesses compares to an overall rate of 5
Earned Income Tax Credit, especially for
This is not a portrait of a people in
percent for all business.
earners who support children. This will
decline. It is the profile of a can-do coun-
Family incomes of Asian-Americans
mean higher take-home pay for millions of
try, hopeful and compassionate, on the
rank among the highest of all ethnic groups
working families.
move. It is America resurgent, renewed, re-
in the United States.
We will reform welfare to encourage
vitalized by an idea: the belief that free
Hispanic employment increased nearly
work as the ticket that guarantees full par-
men and women, caring for families and
three times as fast as for all civilian work-
ticipation in American life.
supporting voluntary institutions in a na-
ers. More Hispanics are at work now than
We will undertake a long overdue re-
tion of communities, constitute the most
at any time since record-keeping began.
form of the unemployment insurance pro-
powerful force for human progress.
We will use new technologies, such as
gram to reward workers who find new jobs
In 1980, Ronald Reagan and George
computer data bases and telecommunica-
quickly.
Bush called upon us all to recover from a
tions, to strengthen and streamline job
We insist upon the right of Americans
failed political system the power rightly
banks matching people who want work
to work at home. The Home Work Rule,
PAGE 2370-Aug. 20, 1988
Copyright 1983 Congramental Quarterly be
Repreduction probibited in where or - - ascept by aditorial class
Texts - 19
banning sale of certain items made at
courts; however, we strongly oppose frivo-
Many economists advising the Demo-
home, must go. It idles willing workers,
lous litigation. In addition, we support en-
crat Party have publicly called for a ne-
prevents mothers from working and caring
actment of fair and balanced reforms of the
tional sales tax or European-style Value-
for their children in their own homes, lim-
tort system at the State level.
Added Tax (VAT) which would take bil-
its the country's output, and penalizes in-
The remarkable resurgence of small
lions of dollars out of the hands of
nocent persons to please special interests.
business under the Republican renaissance
American consumers. Such a tax has been
. We will fight to end the Social Secu-
of the 1980s highlights the key to the fu-
imposed on many nations in Europe and
rity earnings limitation for the elderly. It
ture: plant openings, thousands of them in
has resulted in higher prices, fewer jobs,
discourages older persons from reentering
every part of this land, as small businesses
and higher levels of government spending.
or remaining in the work force, where their
lead the way toward yet another decade of
We reject the idea of putting a VAT on the
experience and wisdom are increasingly
compassionate prosperity.
backs of the American people.
needed. As a first step, we will remove the
Republicans know that sustaining the
earnings limitation for those whose income
is from child care.
Reducing the Burden
American economic miracle requires a
growing pool of private savings. From bank
We will continue our efforts, already
Of Taxes
accounts, small stock purchases, and piggy
marked with success, to revitalize our cit-
banks, the streams of thrift must flow to-
ies. We support, on the federal, State and
The Republican Party restates the un-
gether and form a mighty tide of capital.
local levels, enterprise zones to promote
equivocal promise we made in 1984: We
That rushing force pushes our society
investment and job creation in beleaguered
oppose any attempts to increase taxes.
ahead, lifting everyone as it goes. To keep
neighborhoods.
Tax increases harm the economic expan-
it going:
sion and reverse the trend to restoring con-
We support incentives for private SEV-
Entrepreneurship
trol of the economy to individual Ameri-
ings, such as our deductibility for IRA con-
cans.
tributions.
Our country's 18 million small busi-
We reject calls for higher taxes from
We oppose tax withholding on savings.
ness entrepreneurs are the superstars of job
all quarters including "bipartisan com-
To protect savings by ensuring the
creation. In the past decade, they created
missions." The decisions of our govern-
soundness of our financial system, the fed-
two out of three new jobs. When they are
ment should not be left to a body of un-
eral government must continue to play an
free to invest and innovate, everyone is
elected officials.
active role through its regulatory respon-
better off. They are today's pathfinders,
The American people deserve to know,
sibilities and supervisory duties. We de-
the explorers of America's economic future.
before the election, where all candidates
mand stern punishment for those persons,
Republicans encourage the women and
stand on the question of tax increases. Re-
whether in financial institutions or in Con-
men in small businesses to think big. To
publicans unequivocally reiterate the no-
gress, whose wheeling and dealing have be-
help them create jobs, we will cut to 15%
tax pledge we have proudly taken. While
trayed the public trust.
the current counter-productive capital
we wouldn't believe the Democrats even if
We will reduce to 15 percent the tax
gains tax This will foster investment in
they took the pledge, they haven't taken it.
rates for long-term capital gains to promote
new and untried ventures, which often are
The crowning economic achievement
investment in jobs and to raise revenue for
the cutting edge of constructive change. It
of the Republican Party under Ronald
the federal government by touching off an-
will also build the retirement value of
Reagan and George Bush has been the dra-
other surge of economic expansion. In 1978,
workers' pension funds and raise revenues
matic reduction in personal income taxes.
we cut the capital gains tax from 49.1 per-
for the federal government.
The Reagan-Bush Administration has cut
cent to 28 percent; in 1981, it was slashed
We will increase, strengthen, and re-
the top marginal tax rate from 70 percent
again to 20 percent. The cuts injected a
invigorate minority business development
to 28 percent. We got government's heavy
new vitality into the economy, with the
efforts to afford socially and economically
hand out of the wallets and purses of all
result that revenues from this tax rose 184
disadvantaged individuals the opportunity
our people. That single step has sparked
percent from 1978 to 1985.
for full participation in our free enterprise
the longest peacetime expansion in our his-
We call for a taxpayers' bill of rights to
system.
tory.
give everyone simple and inexpensive
Workplace benefits should be freely
We not only lowered tax rates for all
means to resolve disputes with govern-
negotiated by employee-employer bargain-
We tied them to the cost of living so con-
ment Democrats, using the Massachusetts
ing. We oppose government requirements
gressional Democrats couldn't secretly
Revenue Department as a model, intend to
that shrink workers' paychecks by divert-
boost taxes by pushing people into higher
squeeze more out of the public by making
ing money away from wages to pay for fed-
brackets through inflation. We took mil-
the IRS [Internal Revenue Service] more
eral requirements. These hidden taxes add
lions of low-income families off the tax
intrusive. Republicans will not tolerate tax
to labor costs without paying those who
rolls and we doubled the personal exemp-
cheating by anyone, but we know most
labor. That is the liberals' way of replacing
tion for all.
Americans responsibly pay their fair share.
collective bargaining with congressional
As a result, by 1986 the income tax bill
By restoring their confidence in frugal, lim-
edicts about what's good for employees. It
of a typical middle-income family had de-
ited government, we will enhance compli-
reduces the number of jobs and dishonestly
clined by one-quarter. If the Democrats
ance with tax laws that are simple and fair.
imposes on others the costs of programs
had defeated our economic recovery pro-
the Congress can't afford.
gram, that family would have paid nearly
We call for a reasonable state and fed-
$6,000 more in taxes between 1982 and
Beating Inflation
eral product liability standard that will be
1987. Meanwhile, average Americans and
Today, the dollar is sound again. The
fair to small businesses, including profes-
the working poor carry substantially less of
Republican economic program brought in-
sional and amateur sports, and to all who
the burden. Upper income Americans now
flation under control and lowered interest
are in liability contests. We propose to re-
pay a larger share of federal taxes than
rates. Ten million more American families
turn the fault based standard to the civil
they did in 1980.
have bought homes for the first time. Infla-
justice system. Jobs are being lost, useful
Our policies have become the model
tion has been forced down from over 13
and sometimes life-saving products are be-
for much of the world. Through the power
percent to 4 percent. Interest rates are only
ing discontinued, and America's ability to
of capitalism, governments are rushing to
half of what they were at the end of the
compete is being adversely affected. Re-
reduce tax rates to save their stagnating
Carter years.
form will lower costs for all and will return
economies. This is good for America, for
If the Democrats' inflation rates had
fairness to the system for the benefit of
their recovery will make them better trad-
continued all these years, a family of four
everyone. Republicans recognize the basic
ing partners for our own exuberant econ-
would now be paying an average of $200 a
right of all Americans to seek redress in the
omy.
month more for food and over $300 a
Capyngle 1998 Congramienal Quarterly bec.
Reproduction probibited a whole or . part except by administ cient
Aug. 20, 1988-PAGE 2371
Texts - 20
month more for housing. That's the real
would get a fair return on their savings
and local governments, which are more se-
cost of the Democrats' bad policies.
through market interest rates in place of
sponsive to the public and better able to
The Democrats would drag us back to
artificially low rates capped by govern-
administer critical public services.
those dreadful years when inflation was
ment.
robbing workers of their earnings, consum-
In energy, transportation, telecom-
ers of their spending power, and families of
munications, and financial services, we
Competition in
their savings. Skyrocketing interest rates
made fundamental changes in the way
Public Services
were stalling the economy and pushing de-
Americans could do business. We trusted
cent housing out of reach for millions.
them. We hacked away at artificial rules
Republicans recognize that the Ameri-
We can't let them do it again. To sus-
that stifled innovation, thwarted compe-
can people, in their families, places of
tain the country's economic expansion,
tition, and drove up consumer prices. In-
work, and voluntary associations, solve
confidence in American monetary policy is
deed, telecommunications and computer
problems better and faster than govern-
vital The possibility of imprudent action
technology innovations have improved eco-
ment That's why the Republican Party
nomic performance in nearly every Ameri-
trusts people to deal with the needs of indi-
by government breeds fear, and that fear
can shake the stock and commodity mar-
can industry and business.
viduals and communities, as they have
done for centuries.
kets worldwide. To keep markets on an
In education, housing, and health care,
even keel, we urge objective Federal Re-
we reduced the chilling effect of regulation
In recent decades, however, big gov-
serve policies to achieve long-run price sta-
upon the private sector and communities.
emment elbowed aside the private sector.
Despite opposition from liberals in the
In the process, it made public services both
bility.
Congress, we have at least slowed the ex-
expensive and inefficient. The federal gov-
Regulatory Reform
pansion of federal control.
ernment should follow the lead of those
We turned dozens of narrow programs,
cities and States which are contracting out
This is a success story for the entire
full of strings attached, into a few block
for a wide range of activities.
nation. Eight years ago, the country was
grants with leeway for State and local ad-
We resolve to defederalize, denational-
strangling in red tape. Decades of rules and
ministration.
inc. and decentralize government monopo-
regulations from official Washington
The job isn't over yet. We will resist
bes that poorly serve the public and waste
smothered enterprise, hindered job are-
the calls of Democrats to turn back or elim-
the taxpayer's dollars. To that end, we will
ation, and crippled small businesses. Even
inate the benefits that reducing regulations
foster competition wherever possible.
worse, the federal bureaucracy was spread-
have brought to Americans from every
We advocate privatizing those govern-
ing its intrusion into schools, religious in-
walk of life in transportation, finance, en-
ment assets which would be more produc-
stitutions, and neighborhoods.
ergy and many other areas. We want to
time and better maintained in private own-
At the outset of his Administration,
reduce further the intrusion of government
ership. This is especially true of those
President Rengan asked Vice President
into the lives of our citizens. Consistent
public properties that have deteriorated
Bush to take charge of an unprecedented
with the maintenance of a competitive
under government control, and public
exercise in liberty: relieving Americans
market place, we are committed to break-
housing, where residents should have the
from oppressive and unnecessary regula-
ing down unnecessary barriers to entry cre-
option of managing their own project. In
tions and controls. With George Bush's
ated by regulations, statutes and judicial
other areas as well, citizens and employees
leadership, Republicans turned the tables
decisions, to free up capital for productive
should be able to become stockholders and
investment. Let Democrats trust the fed-
managers of government enterprises that
on the regulators.
We saved consumers tens of billions of
eral bureaucracy. Republicans trust the
would be more efficiently operated by pri-
dollars in needless regulatory costs that
creative energy of workers and investors in
vate enterprise. We will not initiate pro-
had been added to the price of virtually
a free market.
duction of goods and delivery of services by
every product and service.
We are committed to further return
the federal government if they can be pro-
In banking, we ensured that savers
power from the federal government to state
cured from the private sector.
1988
REPUB
Housing
The best housing policy is sound eco-
nomic policy. Low interest rates, low infla-
tion rates, and the availability of a job with
PL
a good paycheck that makes a mortgage
affordable are the best housing programs of
all
That has been the key to the rebirth of
housing during the Reagan-Bush Adminis-
tration. If things had continued the way
they were in 1980, the average family today
would have to pay over $300 more for hous-
inf every month. Instead, we curbed infla-
tice. pulled down interest rates, and made
housing affordable to more Americans than
- before. We promoted home ownership
by stoking the engines of economic growth
The results have been spectacular.
Mortgage rates have fallen from 17.5
percent to single digits today.
Home ownership has become afford-
able for more than 10 million additional
families
Our regulatory reform campaign, in
cooperation with local government and the
ASSOCIATED PRESS
housing industry, has pointed the way to
Nebraska Cor. Kay A. Orr, chairman of the Republican Platform Committee
lower housing through removal of needless
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Texts - 21
rules that inflate prices.
Controlling Federal
spending only for true national priorities.
That's only the beginning. We want to
We oppose any increase in taxes, so that
foster greater choice in housing for all:
Spending
the economy will continue to expand and
First and foremost, Republicans stand
The Reagan-Bush policies of economic
revenues from a growing tax base will re-
united in defense of the homeowner's de-
duce the deficit.
duction for mortgage interest. That sepa-
growth have finally turned around the defi-
We believe the Grace Commission re-
rates us from the Democrats who are al-
cit problem. Through Republican-initiated
ready planning to raise taxes by limiting its
constraints on spending, the federal budget
port to eliminate waste, inefficiency, and
deficit dropped by over 25 percent last
mismanagement in the federal government
deductibility.
must be re-examined; its recommendations
We will continue our successful drive
year. With the help of the Gramm-Rudman
law and a flexible budget freeze, a balanced
should be given a high profile by public
for lower interest rates.
We support the efforts of those in the
budget can be expected by 1993.
policy officials
But the relentless spending of congres-
We call for a balanced budget amend-
States who fight to lower property taxes
that strike hardest at the poor, the elderly,
sional Democrats can undo our best efforts.
ment to the Constitution. If congressional
large families, and family farmers.
No president can cause deficits; Congress
Democrats continue to block it, we urge the
States to renew their calls for a constitu-
We support programs to allow low-in-
votes to spend money. The American peo-
ple must prevent big-spending congres-
tional convention limited to consideration
come families to earn possession of their
of such an amendment.
homes through urban and rural homestead-
sional Democrats from bringing back big
budget deficits; we must return both the
We will use all constitutional authority
ing, cooperative ventures in construction
and rehabilitation, and other pioneering
Senate and the House of Representatives
to control congressional spending. This will
to Republican control for the first time in
include consideration of the inherent line-
projects that demonstrate the vitality of
the private sector and individual initiative.
36 years.
item veto power of the president.
We support the FHA [Federal Hous-
In 1981, we inherited a federal spend-
ing Administration] mortgage insurance
ing machine that was out of control. During
Opening Markets
program, the Government National Mort-
the Carter-Mondale years, spending grew
gage Association, the VA [Veterans Admin-
by 13.6 percent annually. We cut that
Abroad
istration] guarantee program, and other
growth rate in half, but the cancer still
expands, as it has in some States such as
America's best years lie ahead Be-
programs that enhance housing choices for
Massachusetts where the budget has in-
cause Republicans have faith in individ-
all Americans.
creased more than twice as fast as the fed-
uals, we welcome the challenge of world
We pledge to continue to expand
opportunities for home ownership and to
eral budget. We will not be content until
competition with confidence in our coun-
maintain the strength of savings institu-
government establishes a balanced budget
try's ability to out-produce, out-manage,
and reduces its demands upon the pro-
out-think, and out-sell anyone.
tions, including thrifts.
We call on the Departments of Trea-
ductivity and earnings of the American
This is the voters' choice in 1988: com-
sury, Housing and Urban Development,
people.
pete or retreat. The American people and
the Republican party are not about to re-
Agriculture. and the Federal Home Loan
We categorically reject the notion that
treat
Bank Board to develop incentives for the
Congress knows how to spend money better
To make the 1990s America's decade
private sector to bring housing stock fore-
than the American people do. Tax hikes
in international trade, Republicans will ad-
closed on by federal agencies back into
are like addictive drugs. Every shot makes
service for low and moderate income citi-
Congress want to spend more. Even with
vance trade through strength. We will not
the Republican tax cuts of 1981, revenues
accept the loss of American jobs to nation-
zens.
We call for repeal of rent control laws,
have increased by about $50 billion every
alized, subsidized, protected foreign indus-
tries and will continue to negotiate asser-
which always cause a shortage of decent
year. But congressional spending has in-
tively the destruction of trade barriers:
housing by favoring the affluent with low
creased even more! For every $1.00 Con-
We negotiated a sweeping free trade
rents, denying persons with modest in-
gress takes in in new taxes, it spends $1.25.
comes access to the housing market.
That's why congressional Democrats
agreement with Canada, our largest trading
have sabotaged the Republican program to
partner. Under this agreement, Americans
In public housing, we have turned
control the federal budget. They refuse to
will now be able to trade, invest, and pros-
away from the disasters of the past, when
per, with no barriers to competition and
whole neighborhoods became instant slums
put any reasonable restraints on appropria-
economic growth
through federal meddling. We are deter-
tions. They smuggle through pork barrel
We have sought enforcement of U.S.
mined to replace hand-out housing with
deals in huge "continuing resolutions"
vouchers that will make low-income fam-
larded for the special interests. They op-
international trade rights more vigorously
than any previous administration The
ilies neighbors in communities, not strang-
pose the balanced budget amendment and
Reagan-Bush Administration was the first
ers in projects. We have promoted a long-
all reforms in the bankrupt process. They
mock the restraints legally mandated by
to self-initiate formal trade actions against
range program of tenant management with
unfair foreign market barriers.
encouraging results already. We pledge to
our Gramm-Rudman budget plan.
We launched the "Uruguay Round" of
continue that drive and to move toward
Enough is enough. It's time to push
trade talks to promote a more open trading
resident ownership of public housing units,
through the Republican agenda for budget
system and address new trade problems
which was initiated under Ronald Reagan
reform to teach the Congress the kind of
that stifle world economic progress.
and George Bush.
financial responsibility that characterizes
We negotiated long and hard to beat
To ensure that federal housing funds
the American family:
back the most protectionist provisions in
assist communities, rather than disrupt
We call for structural changes to con-
trade legislation and produced a bill that
them, we advocate merging programs into a
trol government waste, including a two-
focuses on opening markets around the
block grant at the disposal of States and
year budget cycle, a super-majority re-
world.
localities for a wide range of needs.
quirement for raising taxes, a legislatively
We support multilateral actions to
We reaffirm our commitment to open
enacted line-item veto, individual trans-
open up foreign markets to U.S. products
housing as an essential part of the op-
mission of spending bills, greater rescission
through the General Agreement on Tariffs
portunity we seek for all. The Reagan-
authority for the chief executive and other
and Trade [GATT]. We will use GATT as
Bush Administration sponsored a major
reforms.
well to deal with problems involving agri-
strengthening of the federal fair housing
We call for a flexible freeze on current
cultural subsidies, trade in services, intel-
law. We will enforce it vigorously and will
government spending. We insist on the dis-
lectual property rights, and economic rela-
not allow its distortion into quotas or
cipline to provide stable funding for impor-
tions with countries that mismanage their
controls.
tant government programs, increasing
economies by suppressing market forces.
Copyright 1983 Congressonal Quarterly be
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Aug. 20, 1988-PAGE 2373
Texts - 22
We will not tolerate unfair trade and
workforce to achieve more than govern-
export: capitalism. While sharing the pie of
will use free trade as a weapon against it.
ment can even attempt.
prosperity with others, we will teach its
To ensure that rapid progress is forthcom-
recipe. It is this simple: Where democracy
ing from our work through GATT, we
stand ready to pursue special arrangements
International
and free markets take root, people live bet-
ter. Where people live better. they produce
with nations which share our commitment
Economic Policy
and trade more. As capitalism spreads
to free trade. We have begun with the U.S.-
throughout the world, more nations are
Israel and U.S.-Canada free trade agree-
Eight years ago, Ronald Reagan and
prospering, international commerce is
ments These agreements should be used as
George Bush offered visionary leadership
booming, and U.S. trade is breaking
a model by the entire Western Hemisphere
to make a clean break with the failed past
records.
as it moves toward becoming a free trade
of international economics.
But even more important than eco-
zone, a powerhouse of productivity that
Our economic success is now acknowl-
nomic progress is the advance of freedom.
can spur economic growth throughout the
edged worldwide. Countries all over the
Republicans want not only a better life for
continents. We are prepared to negotiate
world, even the Soviet Union, are abandon-
the people of developing lands: we want a
free trade agreements with partners like
ing worn out industrial policy planning by
freer and more peaceful future for them
the Republic of China on Taiwan and the
government in favor of the market-ori-
too. Those goals are inextricably linked. It
Association of Southeast Asian Nations
ented policies underlying what foreign
is a case of all or nothing, and we believe
(ASEAN) countries if they are willing to
leaders call the "American Miracle."
that free people can have it all
open their markets to U.S. products.
We encouraged the major economic
From all over the world. capital flows
The emerging global economy has re-
powers to draw greater guidance for their
into the United States because of confi-
quired American workers and consumers to
monetary policies from commodity prices.
dence in our future. Direct investment in
adept to far-reaching transformations on
This was an important step toward ensur-
America creates important economy-wide
every continent. These changes will accel-
ing price stability, eliminating volatility of
benefits: jobs, growth, and lower interest
erate in the years ahead as nations with
exchange rates, and removing excessive
rates. We oppose shortsighted attempts to
free economic systems rush toward a future
trade imbalances.
restrict or overly regulate this investment
of incredible promise. International trade
We support the Administration's ef-
in America that helps our people work,
among market economies is the driving
forts to improve coordination among the
earn, and live better.
force behind an unprecedented expansion
industrialized nations regarding their basic
Most important, we will lead by exam-
of opportunity and income.
economic policies as a means of sustaining
ple. We will keep the United States a shin-
Unfortunately, international markets
non-inflationary growth. It is important
ing model of individual freedom and eco-
are still restricted by antiquated policies:
that we continue and refine efforts to
nomic liberty to encourage other peoples of
procective tariffs, quotas, and subsidies.
dampen the volatility of exchange rate
the world to assert their own economic
These hinder world trade and hurt every-
fluctuations, which have at times impeded
rights and secure opportunity for all
ODE. producers and consumers alike. It is
improvements in investment and trade.
the politicians and special interests who
Further, it is important to guard against
use protectionism to cover up their failures
the possibility of inflation in all currencies
and enrich themselves at the expense of the
by comparing them with a basket of com-
Strong Families
country as a whole.
modities, including gold.
We propose that the General Account-
International price stability will set
and Strong
in Office be required to issue regular sta-
the stage for developing countries to par-
tisies on the costs of U.S. trade restrictions
ticipate in the transforming process of eco-
Communities
to American workers, consumers and busi-
nomic growth We will not turn our backs
Desses.
on the Third World, where Soviet imperial-
Strong families build strong communi-
The bosses of the Democratic party
ism preys upon stagnation and poverty.
ties. They make us a confident caring soci-
have thrown in the towel and abandoned
The massive debt of some emerging nations
ety by fostering the values and character
the American worker and producer. They
not only cripples their progress but also
integrity, responsibility, and altruism -
have begun a full-scale retreat into protec-
disrupts world trade and finance.
essential for the survival of democracy.
ticeism, an economic narcotic that saps the
We will use U.S. economic aid,
America's place in the 21st Century will be
life out of commerce, closes foreign mar-
whether bilateral or through international
determined by the family's place in public
kets to U.S. producers and growers, and
organizations, to promote free market re-
policy today.
costs American consumers billions of dol-
forms: lower marginal tax rates, less regula-
Republicans believe, as did the fram-
has The Democrats' plans would endanger
tion, reduced trade barriers. We will work
ers of the Constitution, that the God-given
201.000 jobs and $8 billion in economic
with developing nations to make their
rights of the family come before those of
activity in agriculture alone! Over the
economies attractive to private investment
government. That separates us from liberal
pas year, U.S. exports have expanded by
- both domestic and foreign the only
Democrats. We seek to strengthen the fam-
30 percent. The Democrats would rev-
lasting way to ensure that these nations
ily. Democrats try to supplant it. in the
erse that growth by cowering behind trade
can secure capital for growth. We support
1960s and 1970s, the family bore the brunt
berriers.
innovations to facilitate repayment of
of liberal attacks on everything the Ameri-
The bottom line in international trade
loans, including -debt for equity" swaps.
can people cherished. Our whole society
== be American excellence. Every part of
We urge our representatives in all multilat-
paid dearly.
our economy is challenged to renew its
eral organizations such as the World Bank
It's time to put things together again.
commitment to quality. We must redouble
to support conditionality with all loans to
Republicans have started this critical task:
oct efforts to cut regulation, keep taxes
encourage democracy, private sector devel-
We brought fairness to the tax code,
low. and promote capital formation to sus-
opment, and individual enterprise. As part
removed millions of low income families
tain the advance of science and technology.
of our commitment to the family as the
from the rolls, and cut tax rates dramati-
Canges in both the managing of business
building block of economic progress, we be-
cally.
and our approach to work, together with a
lieve decisions on family size should be
We reestablished a pro-family tax sys-
Dew emphasis on quality and pleasing the
made freely by each family and remain op-
tem. We doubled the exemption for depen-
customer, are creating a new workplace
posed to U.S. funding for organizations in-
dents and protected families from back-
e:- in our country. We will meet the chal-
volved in abortion.
door tax hikes by linking the exemption to
lenges of international competition by
To dig their way out of debt, those
inflation.
know-bow and cooperation, enterprise and
nations must do more than take out addi-
We tamed inflation to lower interest
daring, and trust in a well trained
tional loans. They need America's greatest
rates, protect the savings of the elderly,
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Reproduction producted - - - . part except by adminical cleants.
Texts - 23
and make housing more affordable for mil-
preserve the role of our traditional volun-
national disgrace. We urge States to re-
lions of households.
tary institutions. Democrats propose a new
move obstacles to the permanent place-
We fought to reverse crime rates and
federal program that negates parental
next of foster children and to reform anti-
launched the nation's first all-out war on
choice and disdains religious participation.
quated regulations that make adoption
drug abuse. though there is still much more
Republicans would never bar aid to any
needleasly difficult.
to do.
family for choosing child care that includes
We appointed judges who respect fam-
a simple prayer.
ily rights, family values, and the rights of
In returning to our traditional commit-
Pornography
victims of crime.
ment to children, the Republican Party
America's children deserve a future
We brought education back to basics,
proposes a radically different approach:
free from pornography. We applaud Re-
back to parents, and strengthened the prin-
Establish a toddler tax credit for pre-
publicans in the 100th Congress who took
ciple of local control
school children as proposed by Vice Presi-
the lead to ban interstate dial-a-porn. We
Through President Reagan's historic
dent Bush, available to all families of mod-
endorse legislative and regulatory efforts to
executive order on the family, we set stan-
est means, to help them support and care
anchor more securely a standard of de-
dards in law for determining whether poli-
for their children in a manner best suited
cency in telecommunications and to pro-
cies help or hurt the American family.
to their families' values and traditions.
hibit the sale of sexually explicit materials
Republicans have brought hope to
Establishment of a plan that does not
in outlets operated on federal property. We
families OD the front lines of America's so-
discriminate against single-earner families
commend those who refuse to sell porno-
cial reconstruction. We pledge to fulfill
with one parent in the home.
graphic material. We support the rigorous
that hope and to keep the family at its
Continue to reverse the Democrats' 30-
enforcement of "community standards"
proper place at the center of public policy.
year erosion of the dependent tax exemp-
against pornography.
tion. That exemption has been doubled un-
Caring for Children
der Republican leadership. This will
Health
empower parents to care for their families
The family's most important function
in a way that public services can never do.
Americans are accustomed to miracles
is to raise the next generation of Ameri-
Make the dependent care Lax credit
in health care. The relentless advance of
cans, handing on to them the Judeo-Chris-
available to low-income families for young
science, boosted by space age technology,
tian values of western civilization and our
children.
has transformed the quality of health care
ideals of liberty. More than anything else,
Eliminate disincentives for grandpar-
and broadened the exercise of our compas-
the ability of America's families to accom-
ents and other seniors to care for children
sion. By the year 2000, more than 100,000
plish those goals will determine the course
by repealing the earnings limitation for So-
Americans will be more than 100 years old.
our country takes in the century ahead.
cial Security recipients.
Yesterday's science fiction regularly be-
Our society is in an era, of sweeping
Encourage States to promote child
comes today's medical routine.
change. In this era of unprecedented
care programs which allow teen-age moth-
The American people almost lost all
opportunity. more women than ever before
ers to remain in school.
that in the 1960s and 1970s, when political
have entered the work force. As a result,
Promote in-home child care - pre-
demagogues offered quack cures for the ills
many households depend upon some form
ferred by almost all parents - by allowing
of our health care system. They tried to
of non-parental care for their youngsters.
annual, instead of quarterly, payments of
impose here the nationalized medicine that
Relatives, neighbors, churches and syna-
income taxes by employees and withhold-
was disastrous in other countries.
gogues, employers and others in the private
ing taxes by employers.
Republicans believe in reduced gov-
sector, are helping to meet the demand for
Encourage employers, including gov-
ernment control of health care while main-
quality care. In the process, we are learning
ernment agencies, to voluntarily address
taining an unequivocal commitment to
more about the needs of children and about
their employees' child care needs and use
quality health care:
the impact of various forms of care. That
more flexible work schedules and job shar-
We fostered competition and con-
knowledge should guide public policy and
ing to recognize the household demands for
summer choice as the only way to hold down
private options on many issues affecting
their workforce.
the medical price spiral generated by gov-
the way we work and raise our families.
Reform the tort liability system to pre-
ernment's open-ended spending on health
Republicans affirm these common-
vent excessive litigation that discourages
programs.
sense principles of child care:
child care by groups who stand ready to
We gave the hospice movement its im-
The more options families have in
meet the needs of working parents.
portant role in federal programs.
child care, the better. Government must
Reform Federal Home Mortgage Asso-
We launched a national campaign to
not constrain their decisions. Individual
ciation rules to retain mortgage eligibility
ensure quality treatment and to prevent
choice should determine child care ar-
for homeowners who offer family child
abuse in nursing homes.
rangements for the family.
care.
We led the way to enacting landmark
The best care for most children, espe-
legislation for catastrophic health insur-
cially in the early years, is parental. Gov-
Adoption
ance under Medicare.
ernment must never hinder it.
We speeded up the regulatory process
Public policy must acknowledge the
Adoption is a special form of caring for
for experimental drugs for life-threatening
full range of family situations. Mothers or
children. We recognize the tremendous
illness and loosened import controls to al-
fathers who stay at home, who work part-
contributions of adoptive parents and fos-
low greater choice by patients.
time, or who work full-time, should all re-
ter parents. The Reagan-Bush Administra-
We promoted home health care
ceive the same respect and consideration in
tion has given unprecedented attention to
through pilot projects in the states. We
public policy.
adoption through a presidential task force,
took extraordinary steps to ensure health
Child care by close relatives, religious
whose recommendations point the way to-
care so that chronically ill children under
organizations, and other community groups
ward vastly expanding opportunities for
Medicaid would not have to stay in the
should never be inhibited by government
children in need.
hospital.
programs or policies.
Republicans are determined to cut
Republicans will continue the recovery
In sum, this is a perfect example of the
through red tape to facilitate the adoption
of America's health care system from the
difference between the two parties. Repub-
process for those who can offer strong fam-
Democrats' mistakes of the past:
licans want to empower individuals, not
ily life based on traditional values. Trap-
We will promote continuing innova-
bureaucrats. We seek to minimize the fi-
ping minority and special needs children in
tion to ensure that tomorrow's miracles are
nancial burdens imposed by government
the foster care system, when there are fam-
affordable and accessible to all. We are en-
upon families, ensure their options and
ilies ready to adopt these youngsters, is a
couraged by advances in communications
Copyright 1998 Congressional Quarterly -
Peproduction prohibited - whole or . port - - advend class
Aug. 20, 1988-PAGE 2375
Texts - 24
REPUBLICAN
NAI
considering data regarding product safety
and efficacy.
TFORM
AIDS
Those who suffer from AIDS, their
families, and the men and women of medi-
cine who care for the afflicted deserve our
compassion and help. The Reagan-Bush
Administration launched the nation's fight
against AIDS, committing more than $5
billion in the last five years. For 1989, the
President's budget recommends a 42 per-
cent increase in current funding.
We will vigorously fight against AIDS,
recognizing that the enemy is one of the
deadliest diseases to challenge medical re-
search. Continued research on the virus is
vital We will continue as well to provide
experimental drugs that may prolong life.
We will establish within the Food and Drug
Administration a process for expedited re-
view of drugs which may benefit AIDS pa-
ASSOCIATED PRESS
tients. We will allow supervised usage of
Platform Committee members Marilyn Thayer of Louisiana, left, and Rick Montoya
experimental treatments.
of New Mexico chat before subcommittee hearings on family and community.
We must not only marshal our scien-
which enable small or isolated facilities to
tific resources against AIDS, but must also
We will foster employee choice in se-
tap the resources of the world's greatest
protect those who do not have the disease.
lecting health plans to promote personal
centers of healing. Many breakthroughs in
responsibility for wellness.
In this regard, education plays a critical
recent years have dramatically reduced the
Recognizing that medical catastrophes
role. AIDS education should emphasize
incidence of surgery and replaced lengthy
that abstinence from drug abuse and sexual
can strike regardless of age, we empathize
hospital stays with out-patient 'treatment.
with the plight of the thousands of Ameri-
activity outside of marriage is the safest
We will work for continuing progress
way to avoid infection with the AIDS virus.
can families with catastrophically ill chil-
in providing the most cost-effective, high-
dren and will work toward making cata-
It is extremely important that testing and
contact tracing measures be carried out
quality care.
strophic health care coverage available to
We will lead the fight for reform of
and be appropriately confidential, as is the
our youngest citizens.
medical malpractice laws to stop the intol-
Recognizing that inequities may exist
case with the long-standing public health
erable escalation of malpractice insurance.
in the current treatment of health insur-
measures to control other communicable
It has artificially boosted costs for patients,
diseases that are less dangerous than AIDS.
ance costs for those who are self employed,
driven many good doctors out of fields such
including farmers, we will study ways to
We will remove barriers to making use
as obstetrics and made care unavailable
of one's own (autologous) blood or blood
more appropriately balance such costs.
from a designated donor, and we call for
for many patients.
We will continue to promote alterna-
We are opposed to the establishment
tive forms of group health care that foster
penalties for knowingly donating tainted
of government mandated professional
competition and lower costs.
blood or otherwise deliberately endanger-
ing others.
practice fees and services requirements as a
We will make special provision for re-
condition of professional licensure or li-
lief of rural hospitals and health care pro-
The latency period between infection
cense renewal
with the virus and onset of AIDS can be
viders who have been unduly burdened by
We are committed to avoiding the
federal cost control efforts. The availability
lengthy. People should be encouraged to
kind of medical crisis facing Massachusetts
of health services, especially during a crisis
seek early diagnosis and to remain on the
- a State the American Medical Associa-
like the current drought, is essential for
job or in school as long as they are func-
tion has labelled the "Beirut of medicine"
rural America.
tionally capable.
where the delivery of quality health care
We will continue generous funding for
has deteriorated.
the National Institutes of Health
Healthy Children,
We will continue to seek opportunities
We will hold down Medicaid costs by
for private and public cooperation in sup-
promoting State pilot programs to give
Healthy Families
port of hospices.
low-income persons the opportunity to se-
We are committed to improving the
As we strengthen the American family,
cure health insurance. We demand tough
we improve the health of the nation. From
quality and financing of long term care. We
penalties against providers who defraud
will remove regulatory and tax burdens to
prenatal care to old age, strong family life
this and other health programs.
is the linchpin of wellness and compassion.
encourage private health insurance policies
We will work to assure access to health
This is especially important with re-
for acute or long term care. We will work
care for all Americans through public and
gard to babies. We have reduced infant
for convertibility of savings, IRAs [Individ-
private initiatives.
mortality, but it remains a serious problem
ual Retirement Accounts], life insurance,
We will promote wellness, especially
and pensions to pay for long term care.
in areas where alcohol, drugs, and neglect
for the nation's youth. Personal respon-
take a fearful toll on newborns. We will
We will encourage the trend in the
sibility in behavior and diet will dramati-
private sector to expand opportunities for
target federal health programs to help
cally reduce the incidence of avoidable dis-
mothers and infants get a good start in life.
home health care to protect the integrity of
ease and curb health costs. in decades
We will assist neighborhood institutions,
the family and to provide a less expensive
ahead.
alternative to hospital stays. We want to
including religious groups, in reaching out
We will call on the Food and Drug
to those on the margins of society to save
ensure flexibility for both Medicare and
Administration to accelerate its certifica-
their children, especially from fetal alcohol
Medicaid in the provision of services to
tion of technically sound alternatives to an-
syndrome, the major cause of birth defects
those who need them at home or elsewhere.
imal testing of drugs and cosmetics when
in this country.
PAGE 2376-Aug. 20, 1988
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Texts - 25
Inadequate prenatal care for expectant
State budget.
mothers is the cause of untold numbers of
The Department of Agriculture has pro-
We will not allow liberal Democrats to
vided hundreds of millions of dollars worth of
premature and low birth-weight babies.
imperil the other gains the elderly have
These newborns start life at severe disad-
surplus food more than 11 billion pounds
made during the Reagan-Bush Administra-
to soup kitchens and shelters.
vantage and often require massive health
tion:
The Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental
care investments to have a chance for nor-
Inflation, the despoiler of household
Health Administration gives the States about
mal childhood. We continue to endorse the
budgets for the aged, has been reduced to
a half-billion dollars a year to offset the lack of
provision of adequate prenatal care for all
less than one-third of its peak rate under
outpatient services.
expectant mothers, especially the poor and
the last Democrat Administration.
Homelessness demonstrates the failure
young.
Passage of our anti-crime legislation
of liberalism. It is the result of Democratic
We bail the way fetal medicine is revo-
has helped target resources to fight crime
lutionizing care of children and dramati-
policies in the 1960s and 1970s that disrupted
against the elderly, many of whom have
cally expanding our knowledge of human
mental health care, family stability, low-cost
been prisoners in their own homes.
housing, and the authority of towns and cities
development. Accordingly, we call for fetal
As a result of the Republican economic
to deal with people in need. Republicans are
protection, both in the work place and in
program, the poverty rate for older Ameri-
ready to deal with the root causes of the
scientific research.
cans has declined by 20 percent during the
problem:
Most of the health problems of young
Republican Administration. When the
Our top priority must be homeless fam-
people today stem from moral confusion
value of non-cash benefits is counted, the
and family disruption. Republicans are
ilies. As part of an overall emphasis on family
poverty rate is the lowest in history: 3 per-
responsibility, we will strongly enforce child
ready to address the root causes of today's
cent.
support laws. We call for development of a
youth crisis:
We dramatically cut estate taxes so
We will assert absolutes of right and
model divorce reform law that will adequately
surviving spouses will not have to sell off
safeguard the economic and social interests of
wrong concerning drug abuse and other
the property they worked a lifetime to en-
forms of self-destructive behavior.
mothers and children while securing fairness
joy just to pay the IRS.
We will require parental consent for
to fathers in decisions concerning child cus-
President Reagan led the Congress in
tody and support.
unemancipated minors to receive contra-
expanding Medicare coverage to include
ceptives from federally funded family plan-
We will improve safety in federally as-
catastrophic health costa.
sisted shelters for the good of all, particularly
ning clinics.
Effective spending on Medicare has
families.
We support efforts like the Adolescent
more than doubled. We have, however,
Family Life program to teach teens the
We will work with State and local govern-
saved money for both taxpayers and bene-
ments to ensure that education is available to
traditional values of restraint, respect, and
ficiaries through reforms in Medicare pro-
homeless children All appropriate federal
the sanctity of marriage.
cedures.
education and health programs must make
We urge all branches of the entertain-
Congressional Republicans have sup-
ment industry to exercise greater respon-
provision for the special needs of these young-
ported reauthorization of the broad range
sters.
sibility in addressing the youth market.
of programs under the Older Americans
To prepare for tomorrow's expanding
Act.
We will create, as a national emergency
effort, a regulatory reform task force drawn
opportunities, today's young Americans
The Republican Party reaffirms its
from all levels of government to break
must be challenged by high values with the
long-standing opposition to the earnings
support that comes from strong families.
through the restrictions that keep 1.7 million
test for Social Security recipients. Industri-
housing units unrehabilitated and out of use.
That is the surest way to guide them to
ous older persons should not be penalized
their own affirmation of life.
We will explore incentives for the private
for continuing to contribute their skills and
sector to put these housing units back into
experience to society.
service.
Older Americans
The 1990s should be the best decade
As detailed elsewhere in this platform, we
ever for America's older worker. Older
Older Americans are both our bridge
will advance tenant management and resi-
Americans will be our natural teachers. In a
to all that is precious in our history and the
dent ownership of public housing as a proven
civilization headed for the stars, they will
enduring foundation on which we build the
means of upgrading the living environment of
help us keep our feet on the ground.
low-income families.
future. Young Americans see most clearly
when they stand on the shoulders of the
We favor expanding Community Devel-
The Homeless
opment Block Grants for acquiring or re-
past.
After eight years of President Reagan's
habilitating buildings for shelters. We urge
Republicans are determined to help
youthful leadership, older Americans are
work requirements, no matter how modest,
the homeless as a matter of ethical commit-
safer and more secure. In 1980, we prom-
for shelter residents so they can retain skills
ment, as well as sound public policy. The
ised to put Social Security back on a sound
and a sense of responsibility for their future.
Reagan-Bush Administration has been at
financial footing. We delivered. We estab-
the forefront of the effort:
Rent controls promise housing below its
lished the national commission that devel-
market cost. but inevitably result in a short-
In 1987, President Reagan signed a $1
oped the plan to restore the system and led
age of decent homes. Our people should not
billion aid package to help local govern-
the way in enacting its recommendations
have to underwrite any community which
ments aid the homeless.
into law.
erodes its own housing supply by rent control.
In 1988, the federal government will
Now that Social Security is in healthy
We call upon the courts to cooperate with
spend $400 million on emergency shelters
shape, congressional Democrats are plot-
local officials and police departments in ar-
and medical care alone. Today, a total of 45
ting ways to use its short-term revenue sur-
ranging for treatment for persons whose ac-
federally assisted programs are potentially
plus for their own purposes. We make this
available to the homeless.
tions disrupt the community or endanger
promise: They shall not do so. We pledge to
their own or others' safety.
In 1983, we launched an Emergency Food
preserve the integrity of the Social Security
and Shelter Program under the Federal
trust funds. We encourage public officials
Emergency Management Administration.
Constitutional
at all levels to safeguard the integrity of
The General Services Administration
Government and
public and private pension funds against
has donated both buildings and equipment
raiding by anyone, in labor, business, or
for shelters.
Individual Rights
government, such as in Massachusetts
In 1985, the Department of Housing
where the current Democrat governor has
and Urban Development [HUD] began to
Equal Rights
raided $29 million from the State pension
lease single family homes at a nominal rent
reserves to fund his enormous deficit in the
for use as shelters.
Since its inception, the Republican
Party has stood for the worth of every per-
Copyright 1983 Congressional Quarterly be.
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Aug. 20, 1988-PAGE 2377
Texts - 26
son. On that ground, we support the plural-
expand ownership to all Americans, for
opportunities for such persons is to remove
ism and diversity that have been part of
that is the key for individuals to control
intentional and unintentional barriers to
our country's greatness. "Deep in our
their own future.
education, employment, housing, transpor-
hearts, we do believe":
To advance private stewardship of
tation, health care, and other basic serv-
That bigotry has no place in American
natural resources, we call for a reduction in
ices. Republicans have played an impor-
life We denounce those persons, organiza-
the amount of land controlled by govern-
tant role in removing such barriers:
tions, publications and movements which
ment, especially in our western States. Pri-
Republicans supported the creation of
practice or promote racism, anti-Semitism
vate ownership is best for our economy,
a new program to provide early interven-
or religious intolerance.
best for our environment, and best for our
tion services to infants and toddlers with
That the Pledge of Allegiance should
communities. We likewise consider water
disabilities.
be recited daily in schools in all States.
rights a State issue, not a federal one.
Republicans initiated a supported em-
Students who learn we are "one nation,
under God, with liberty and justice for all"
Women's Rights
ployment program that allows individuals
with severe disabilities to earn competitive
will shun the politics of fear.
We renew our historic commitment to
wages in integrated work settings, thus, in
In equal rights for all The Reagan-
equal rights for women. The Republican
many instances, creating first-time taxpay-
Bush Administration has taken to court a
Party pioneered the right of women to vote
era.
record number of civil rights and employ-
and initiated the rights now embodied in
Republicans initiated changes in the
ment discrimination cases. We will con-
the Equal Pay Act, requiring equal pay for
Social Security Act that now permit indi-
tinue our vigorous enforcement of statutes
equal work. But legal rights mean nothing
viduals with disabilities to work without
to prevent illegal discrimination on account
without opportunity, and that has been the
losing health insurance coverage.
of sex, race, creed, or national origin.
hallmark of Republican policy. In govern-
Republicans developed legislation to
. In guaranteeing opportunity, not dic-
ment, the Reagan-Bush team has broken
increase the availability of technology-re-
tating the results of fair competition. We
all records for the advancement of women
lated assistance for individuals with dis-
will resist efforts to replace equal rights
to the most important positions: 28 percent
abilities, thereby increasing their ability to
with discriminatory quota systems and
of the top policy-level appointments went
do things for themselves, others, and their
preferential treatment. Quotas are the
to women But far more important than
communities.
most insidious form of reverse discrimina-
what we've done in government is what
Republicans have made a sustained
tion against the innocent.
women have accomplished with the eco-
In defending religious freedom. Mind-
commitment to policies that create oppor-
nomic freedom and incentives our policies
tunities for individuals with disabilities to
ful of our religious diversity, we firmly sup-
have provided them.
lead productive and creative lives.
port the right of students to engage in vol-
We must remove remaining obstacles
untary prayer in schools. We call for full
Republicans will continue to support
to women's achieving their full potential
such policies:
enforcement of the Republican legislation
and full reward. That does not include the
We recognize the great potential of
that now guarantees equal access to school
notion of federally mandated comparable
disabled persons and support efforts to re-
facilities by student religious groups.
worth, which would substitute the deci-
move artificial barriers that inhibit them
That the unborn child has a funda-
sions of bureaucrats for the judgment of
mental right to life which cannot be in-
from reaching their potential, and making
individuals. It does include equal rights for
their contributions, in education, employ-
fringed. We therefore reaffirm our support
women who work for the Congress. We call
ment and recreation. This includes the re-
for a human life amendment to the Con-
upon the Democratic leadership of House
moval, insofar as practicable, of architec-
stitution, and we endorse legislation to
and Senate to join Republican Members in
tural, transportation, communication and
make clear that the Fourteenth Amend-
applying to Congress the civil rights laws
attitudinal barriera.
ment's protections apply to unborn chil-
that apply to the rest of the nation. Women
We support efforts to provide disabled
dren. We oppose the use of public revenues
should not be second-class citizens any-
for abortion and will eliminate funding for
voters full access to the polls and opportu-
where in our country, but least of all be-
organizations which advocate or support
nity to participate in all aspects of the po-
neath the dome of the Capitol
litical process.
abortion. We commend the efforts of those
Recognizing that women represent less
By promoting vigorous economic
individuals and religious and private orga-
than 5 percent of the U.S. Congress, only
growth, we want to provide incentives for
nizations that are providing positive alter-
12 percent of the nation's statewide offices,
natives to abortion by meeting the physi-
the scientific and technological research
plus 15 percent of State legislative posi-
cal, emotional, and financial needs of preg-
that may reverse or compensate for many
tions, the Republican Party strongly sup-
disabilities.
nant women and offering adoption services
ports the achievements of women in seek-
We pledge to fight discrimination in
where needed.
ing an equal role in the governing of our
We applaud President Reagan's fine
health care. Following the example of Pres-
country and is committed to the vigorous
ident Reagan, we insist upon full treatment
record of judicial appointments, and we re-
recruitment. training, and campaign sup-
for disabled infants. We find no basis,
affirm our support for the appointment of
port of women candidates at all levels.
judges at all levels of the judiciary who
whether in law or medicine or ethics, for
respect traditional family values and the
Americans With Disabilities
denying care or treatment to any medically
sanctity of innocent human life.
dependent or disabled person because of
One measure of our country's great-
That churches, religious schools and
handicap, age, or infirmity.
ness is the way it treats its disabled citi-
any other religious institution should not
We will strongly enforce statutory pro-
zens.
hibitions barring discrimination because of
be taxed. We reject as wrong, bigoted, and
Our citizens are the nation's most pre-
a massive violation of the First Amend-
handicap in any program receiving federal
cious resource. As Republicans, we are
financial assistance.
ment the current attempt by the ACLU
committed to ensuring increased opportu-
[American Civil Liberties Union] to tax the
We will protect the rights established
nities for every individual to reach his or
Roman Catholic Church or any other reli-
her maximum potential This commitment
under the Education for All Handicapped
Children Act, Section 504 of the Rehabili-
gious institutions they target in the future.
includes providing opportunities for indi-
viduals with disabilities. The 1980s have
tation Act of 1973, and the Civil Rights of
Private Property
Institutionalized Persons Act. We will bal-
been a revolution, a declaration of indepen-
We believe the right of private prop-
dence for persons with disabilities, and Re-
ance those rights against the public's right
to be protected against diseases and condi-
arty is the cornerstone of liberty. It safe-
publicans have initiated policies which re-
guards for citizens everything of value, in-
tions which threaten the health and safety
move barriers so that such persons are
of others.
cluding their right to contract to produce
more independent.
We recognize the need to procedural
and sell goods and services. We want to
The most effective way to increase
due process rights of persons with disabil-
PAGE 2378-Aug. 20, 1988
Capingle 1988 Congrement Quorterly -
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Texts - 27
ities both to prevent their placement into
National Labor Relations Act to provide
ration of powers among the three branches
inappropriate programs or settings and to
greater protection from labor violence for
of government. In that system, judicial
ensure that their rights are represented by
workers who choose to work during strikes.
power must be exercised with deference
guardians or other advocates when neces-
towards State and local authority, it must
sary.
The Right to Political Participation
not expand at the expense of our represen-
We endorse policies that give individ-
Republicans want to broaden involve-
tative institutions. When the courts try to
uals with disabilities the right to partici-
ment in the political process. We oppose
reorder the priorities of the American peo-
pate in decisions related to their education,
government controls that make it harder
pie, they undermine the stature of the judi-
the right to affect how and where they live
for average citizens to be politically active.
ciary and erode respect for the rule of law.
and the right to choose or change a job or
We especially condemn the congressional
That is why we commend the Reagan-Bush
career.
Democrats' scheme to force taxpayer fund-
team for naming to the federal courts dis-
To further promote the independence
ing of campaigns.
tinguished women and men committed to
and productivity of people with disabilities
Because we support citizen participa-
judicial restraint, the rights of law-abiding
and their integration into the mainstream
tion in politics, we continue to favor what-
citizens, and traditional family values. We
of life, the Republican Party supports leg-
ever legislation may be necessary to permit
pledge to continue their record. Where ap-
islation to remove the bias in the Medicaid
Americans citizens residing in Guam, the
propriate, we support congressional use of
program toward serving disabled individ-
Virgin Islands, American Samoa, the
Article III, section 2 of the Constitution to
uals in isolated institutional settings and
Northern Mariana Islands, and Puerto
restrict the jurisdiction of federal courts.
ensure that appropriate, community-based
Rico to vote for president and vice presi-
services are reimbursable through Medic-
dent in national elections and permit their
Government Ethics
aid.
elected federal delegate to have the rights
and Congressional Reform
and privileges - except for voting on the
As the United States celebrates the
Native Americans
floor - of other Members of Congress.
bicentennial of the U.S. Congress, many
We support self-determination for In-
Puerto Rico has been a territory of the
Americans are becoming painfully aware
dian Tribes in managing their own affairs
United States since 1898. The Republican
that they are being disenfranchised and in-
and resources. Recognizing the govern-
Party vigorously supports the right of the
adequately represented by their elected of-
ment-to-government trust responsibility,
United States citizens of Puerto Rico to be
firials.
we will work to end dependency fostered by
admitted into the Union as a fully sover-
Indeed, the process of government has
federal controls. Reservations should be
eign State after they freely so determine.
broken down on Capitol Hill The Found-
free to become enterprise zones so their
Therefore, we support the establishment of
ing Fathers of the United States Constitu-
people can fully share in America's pros-
a presidential task force to prepare the nec-
tion would be shocked by congressional be-
perity. We will work with tribal govern-
essary legislation to ensure that the people
havior:
ments to improve environmental condi-
of Puerto Rico have the opportunity to ex-
The Democrat congressional leaders
tions and will ensure equitable partici-
ercise at the earliest possible date their
exempt themselves from the laws they im-
pation by Native Americans in federal
right to apply for admission into the Union.
pose on the people in areas like health,
programs in health, housing, job training
We also pledge that a decision of the
safety and civil rights.
and education.
people of Puerto Rico in favor of statehood
Salaries and staff keep growing. Levish
We endorse efforts to preserve the cul-
will be implemented through an admission
free mailing privileges and other power
ture of native Hawaiians and to ensure
bill that would provide for a smooth fiscal
perks help most incumbents hold onto
their equitable participation in federal pro-
transition, recognize the concept of a mul-
their offices, election after election.
grams that can recognize their unique place
ticultural society for its citizens, and en-
Out of 91 appropriations bills in the
in the life of our nation.
sure the right to retain their Spanish lan-
past seven years, only seven made it to the
guage and traditions.
president's desk on time.
The Right of Gun Ownership
We recognize that the people of Guam
A catch-all bill to fund the government
have voted for a closer relationship with
Republicans defend the constitutional
for 1988 was 2,100 pages long, lumping to-
the United States of America, and we reaf-
gether 13 money bills that should have
right to keep and bear arms. When this
firm our support of their right to improve
right is abused by an individual who uses a
been separately subject to presidential re-
their political relationship through a com-
view.
gun in the commission of a crime, we call
monwealth status.
for stiff, mandatory penalties.
$44 billion is currently being spen: for
The Republican Party welcomes, as
programs not authorized by legislation.
the newest member of the American fam-
The Rights of Workers
Special interest spending and pork
ily, the people of the Commonwealth of the
barrel deals are larded throughout massive
We affirm the right of all freely to
Northern Marianas Islands, who became
bills passed in chaotic late-night sessions.
form. join or assist labor organizations to
U.S. citizens with President Reagan's 1986
Vetoed bills are not dealt with directly
bargain collectively. consistent with state
presidential proclamation
by the Congress but are buried in other
laws. Labor relations must be based on
pending legislation.
fairness and mutual respect. We renew our
Immigration
Phony numbers are used to estimate
long-standing support for the right of
We welcome those from other lands
budgets and to cover up the true costs of
states to enact "Right-to-Work" laws. To
who bring to America their ideals and in-
legislation.
protect the political rights of every worker,
dustry. At the same time. we insist upon
Even worse, outright offenses against
we oppose the use of compulsory dues or
our country's absolute right to control its
ethical standards and public laws are
fees for partisan purposes. Workers should
borders. We call upon our allies to join us
treated lightly. National security leaks go
not have to pay for political activity they
in the responsibility shared by all demo-
unpunished. In the House of Represen-
oppose, and no worker should be coerced
cratic nations for resettlement of refugees,
tatives, the Ethics Committee has become
by violence or intimidation by any party to
especially those fleeing Communism in
a shield for Democrats who get caugh: but
a labor dispute.
Southeast Asia.
don't get punished.
The Republican Party supports legis-
After 36 years of one-party rule. the
lation to amend the Hobbs Act, so that
Restoring the Constitution
House of Representatives is no longer the
union officials. like all other Americans, are
We reassert adherence to the Tenth
people's branch of government. It is the
once again subject to the law's prohibition
Amendment, reserving to the States and to
broken branch. It is an arrogant oligarchy
against extortion and violence in labor dis-
the people all powers not expressly dele-
that has subverted the Constitution The
putes.
gated to the national government.
Democrat congressional leaders:
We also support amendments to the
Our Constitution provides for a sepa-
Stole a congressional seat from the
Capynght 1983 Compressional Quarterly Inc.
Reproduction prohibited in whole or - - except by editorial clients.
Aug. 20, 1988-PAGE 2379
Texts . 28
people of Indiana by barring a duly elected,
tunity, we must make America a nation of
formance at all levels of education is the
and officially certified, Republican Mem-
learners, ready to compete in the rapidly
key to continuing reform in education. We
ber.
changing world of the future. Our goal is to
must reward excellence in learning. in
Flagrantly abuse every standard of ac-
combine traditional values and enduring
teaching and in administration.
cepted procedure by adjourning and, con-
truths with the most modern techniques
Values are the core of good education.
trary to 200 years of House tradition, im-
and technology for teaching and learning.
A free society needs a moral foundation for
mediately reconvening in order to create a
This challenge will be immense. For
its learning. We oppose any programs in
"new day" and pass legislation previously
two decades before 1981, poor public poli-
public schools which provide birth control
defeated.
cies had led to an alarming decline in per-
or abortion services or referrals. Our "first
Deny the century-old right of the mi-
formance in our schools. Unfocused federal
line of defense" to protect our youth from
nority party to offer its final alternatives to
spending seemed to worsen the situation,
contracting AIDS and other sexually com-
bills.
hamstringing education with regulations
municable diseases, from teen pregnancy,
Change House rules to prevent debate
and wasting resources in faddish programs
and from illegal drug use must be absti-
and thwart the offering of amendments.
top-heavy with administrative overhead.
nence education.
Rig adoption of substantive legislation
Then President Reagan and Vice Pres-
Quality in education should be avail-
on mere procedural votes, so their followers
ident Bush rallied our "nation at risk." The
able to all our children within the commu-
won't be accountable on controversial votes
response was in the best traditions of the
nities and neighborhoods. Federal policy
to the people back home.
American people. In every state, indeed, in
should empower low-income families to
Protect their cronies charged with per-
every community, individuals and orga-
choose quality and demand accountability
sonal misconduct or criminal activities.
nizations have launched a neighborhood
in their children's schooling.
Refuse to allow the House to vote on
Throughout all levels of education we
issues of tremendous concern to the Ameri-
can people and viciously penalize indepen-
W
must initiate action to reduce the deplor-
able dropout rate which deprives young
dent Democrats who vote their conscience.
people of their full potential.
Rig the subcommittee system to give
Federal programs must focus on stu-
themselves artificial majorities and addi-
dents at special risk, especially those with
tional staff members.
physical disabilities or language deficits, to
Republicans want to hold accountable
increase their chance at a productive future
to the people. the Congress and every other
in the mainstream of American life.
element of government. We will:
Because America's future will require
Extend the independent counsel law to
increasingly competent leadership in all
Congress.
walks of life, national policy should empha-
Apply health and safety laws and civil
size the need to provide our most talented
rights statutes to the Congress.
students with special programs to chal-
Give to whistleblowers on Capitol Hill
lenge their abilities.
the same legal protection they have in the
Based OD these principles, the Repub-
executive branch, to encourage employees
lican agenda for better education looks first
to report illegalities, corruption and sexual
to home and family, then to communities
harassment.
and States. In States and localities, we sup-
Implement the budget reform agenda
port practical, down-to-earth reforms that
outlined elsewhere in this platform - a
have made a proven difference in actual
balanced budget amendment, line-item
operation:
veto. and other steps - to restore account-
Choice in education, especially for
ability, order, and truth in government to
poor families, fosters the parental involve-
the way Congress spends the people's
ment that is essential for student success,
money.
and States should consider enacting
Support citizen efforts in the Senate to
voucher systems or other means of encour-
defeat the gerrymanders that steal seats for
aging competition among public schools.
Democrat congressmen by denying fair
Performance testing, both for students
representation to the voters.
and teachers, measures progress, assures
Force democracy into the committee
accountability to parents and the public,
system of the House so that committees
ERCA WA,TERS
and keeps standards high
and staffs reflect the overall composition of
Merit pay, career ladders, or other re-
the House
movement for education reform. It has
wards for superior teachers acknowledge
We favor a constitutional amendment
brought together Americans of every race
our esteem for them and encourage others
which would place some restriction on the
and creed in a crusade for our children's
to follow their example of dedication to a
number of consecutive terms a man or
future. Since 1980, average salaries for ele-
profession that is critical to our nation's
woman may serve in the U.S. House of
mentary and secondary teachers have in-
future.
Representatives or the U.S. Senate.
creased to over $28,000, an increase of 20
Making use of volunteerism from the
percent after inflation. We can enhance
private sector and providing opportunity
this record of accomplishment by commit-
for accelerated accreditation for those with
Educating for
ting ourselves to these principles:
needed expertise broadens the classroom
Parents have the primary right and
experience and encourages excellence.
the Future
responsibility for education. Private insti-
Expansions of curriculum to include
tutions, communities, States, and the fed-
the teaching of the history, culture, geogra-
eral government must support and stimu-
phy and, particularly, the languages of key
Republican leadership has launched a
late that parental role. We support the
nations of the world is a necessity. To com-
new era in American education. Our vision
right of parents to educate their children at
pete successfully throughout the world, we
of excellence has brought education back to
home.
must acquire the ability to speak the lan-
parents, back to basics, and back on a track
Choice and competition in education
guages of our customers.
of excellence leading to a brighter and
foster quality and protect consumers'
Excellence in the teaching of geogra-
stronger future for America.
rights.
phy is essential to equipping our people
Because education is the key to oppor-
Accountability and evaluation of per-
with the ability to capture new markets in
PAGE 2380-Aug. 20, 1988
Capyright 1998 Quarterly Inc.
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Texts - 29
all parts of the world.
to encourage youth to stay in school and
will be obtained outside of regular educa-
Discipline is a prerequisite for learn-
graduate. The Labor Department funds
tional institutions. Unprecedented flexibil-
ing. Our schools must be models of order
would be made available to local employers
ity in working arrangements, career
and decorum, not jungles of drugs and vio-
and business groups to hire high school
changes, and a stampede of technological
lence.
students after school and during the sum-
advances are ushering us into an era of
On the federal level, Republicans have
mer with the requirement that they keep
worked to facilitate State and local reform
lifelong learning. Therefore, we support
their grades at a "C" average or above until
employment training programs at all levels
movements
graduation.
We kept the spotlight on the reform
of government such as the Job Training
In higher education, Republicans want
Partnership Act and the recently restruc-
movement through White House leader-
to promote both opportunity and respon-
tured Worker Adjustment Program for dis-
ship, and we refocused the Department of
sibility:
located workers. The placement success of
Education to recognize and foster excel-
We will keep resources focused on low-
these programs can be directly traced to
lence.
income students and address the barriers
We enacted legislation to ensure equal
their public/private sector partnerships
that discourage minority students from en-
access to schools for student religious
and local involvement in their program
tering and succeeding in institutions of
development and implementation.
groups and led Congressional efforts to re-
higher education.
In the 1960s and 1970s, we learned
store voluntary school prayer.
We are determined to reverse the in-
what doesn't solve the problems of educa-
We led a national crusade against illit-
tolerable rates of default in the guaranteed
tion: federal financing and regimentation
eracy, following the example of Barbara
student loan program to make more money
of our schools. In the 1980s, we asserted
Bush.
available to those who really need to bor-
wha: works: parental responsibility, com-
We put into law protection for pupils
row it.
in federally funded programs, to shield stu-
munity support and local control, good
We will keep the spotlight of public
dents and their families from intrusive re-
teachers and determined administrators,
attention on the college cost spiral run-
and a return to the basic values and con-
search and offensive psychological testing.
ning far ahead of inflation overall - and
tent of western civilization. That combina-
We strengthened education programs
challenge administrators to exercise more
tion gave generations of Americans the
by proposing to replace federal aid to
fiscal responsibility.
schools with direct assistance that would
world's greatest opportunities for learning.
We will create a College Savings Bond
It can guarantee the same for future gen-
give choice to low-income parents.
program, with tax-exempt interest, to help
erations.
We broke new ground in early child-
families save for their children's higher
hood development programs, such as Even
education.
Start, that emphasize the involvement of
We will condition federal aid to post-
Arts and Humanities
parents in the learning process and address
secondary institutions upon their good
Republicans consider the resurgence of
adult illiteracy and school readiness educa-
faith effort to maintain safe and drug-free
tion holistically.
the arts and humanities a vital part of get-
campuses.
We intervened in court cases to defend
ting back to basics in education. Our young
We will insist freedom of speech is not
people must acquire more than informa-
the right of students to learn in a safe,
only a fundamental right, it is one of the
tion and skills. They must learn to reason
drug-free environment.
first lines of education. This freedom
and to appreciate the intellectual achieve-
We will continue to advance that
should be afforded to all speakers with a
agenda and to expand horizons for learn-
ments that express the enduring values of
minimum of harassment.
our civilization. To that end, we will:
ing. teaching. and mastering the future:
We will continue education benefits
Continue the Republican economic re-
We will protect the Pledge of Alle-
for veterans of military service and advance
naissance which has made possible a tre-
giance in all schools as a reminder of the
the principle that those who serve their
values which must be at the core of learn-
mendous outpouring of support for arts
country in the armed forces have first call
and bumanities.
ing for a free society.
on federal education assistance.
Support full deductibility for dona-
We will use federal programs to foster
We will continue the Reagan-Bush
tions to tax-exempt cultural institutions in
excellence, rewarding "Merit Schools"
policy of emphasizing vocational-technical
which significantly improve education for
order to encourage the private support of
education. A large number of jobs in our
arts and bumanities.
their students.
society require secondary and post-second-
Support the National Endowments for
We will urge our local school districts
ary vocational-technical education. Federal
the Arts and Humanities and the Institute
to recognize the value of kindergarten and
programs and policies must recognize and
of Museum Services in their effort to sup-
pre-kindergarten programs.
enhance vocational-technical students.
We will direct federal matching funds
port America's cultural institutions, artists,
We will support educational programs
and scholars.
to promote magnet schools that turn stu-
in federal prisons that will allow prisoners
dents toward the challenges of the future
Guard against the misuse of govern-
the opportunity to become literate and to
rather than the failures of the past.
mental grants by those who attack or dero-
learn an employable skill. We encourage
We will support laboratories of educa-
similar programs at the state level
gate any race or creed and oppose the po-
liticization of the National Endowments
tional excellence in every State by refocus-
To compete globally, our society must
for the Arts and Humanities.
ing federal funds for educational research.
prepare our children for the world of work.
We will increase funding for the Head
While recognizing the diversity of our
We cannot allow one of every eight 17-
people. we encourage educational institu-
Start program to help children get a fair
year-olds to remain functionally illiterate.
tions to emphasize in the arts and human-
chance at learning, right from the begin-
We cannot allow 1 million students to drop
ning.
ities those ideas and cultural accomplish-
out of high school every year, most of them
We will work with local schools and
ments that address the ethical foundations
without basic skills; therefore, we must
of our culture.
the private sector to develop models for
teach them reading, writing and math-
evaluating teachers and other school offi-
ematics. We must re-establish their obliga-
cials.
tion to learn.
Science and Technology
We will continue to support tuition tax
Education for the future means more
credits for parents who choose to educate
Our nation's continuing progress de-
than formal schooling in classrooms. About
their children in private educational insti-
pends on scientific and technological inno-
75 percent of our current workforce will
vation. It is America's economic fountain of
tutions.
need some degree of retraining by the year
We would establish a public-private
youth Republicans advocate a creative
2000. More than half of all jobs we will
partnership using the Department of La-
partnership between government and the
create in the 1990s will require some educa-
bor's Job Training Partnership Act funds
private sector to ensure the dynamism and
tion beyond high school, and much of that
creativity of scientific research and tech-
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Aug. 20, 1988-PAGE 2381
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nology.
climatic forces.
the hands of those who coddle hardened
We recognize that excellence in educa-
A resurgent America, renewed sco-
criminals. Republicans oppose furloughs
tion, and especially scientific literacy, is a
nomically and in spirit, must get on with its
for those criminals convicted of first degree
precondition for progress, and that eco-
business of greatness. We must commit to
murder and others who are serving a life
nomic growth makes possible the nation's
manned flight to Mars around the year
sentence without possibility of parole. We
continuing advancement in scientific re-
2000 and to continued exploration of the
believe that victims' rights should not be
search.
Moon.
accorded less importance than those of
We consider a key priority in any in-
These goals will be achievable only
convicted felons.
creased funding for the National Science
with full participation by private initiative.
We will re-establish the federal death
Foundation the retooling of science and en-
We welcome the Reagan-Bush initiative to
penalty.
gineering labs at colleges and universities.
increase the role of the private sector in
We will reform the exclusionary rule,
We endorse major national projects
transport, particularly in the launch of
to prevent the release of guilty felons on
like the superconducting Super Collider.
commercial satellites. The Reagan-Bush
technicalities.
We will ensure that tax policy gives
Administration's proposed space station
We will reform cumbersome habeas
optimum incentive for the private sector to
will allow the private sector additional
corpus procedures, used to delay cases and
fund a high level of advanced research. To-
opportunities in the area of research and
prevent punishment of the guilty.
ward that end, we will make permanent the
manufacturing.
We support State laws implementing
current tax credit for research and develop-
Our program for freedom in space will
preventive detention to allow courts to
ment and extend it to cooperative research
allow millions of American investors to put
deny bail to those considered dangerous
ventures.
their money on the future. That's one of
and likely to commit additional crimes.
We will strengthen the role of science
the ways to lift the conquest of space out of
The election of 1988 will determine
and engineering in national policy by re-
the congressional budget logjam. Republi-
which way our country deals with crime. A
inforcing the Office of the President's Sci-
cans believe that America must have a
Republican President and a Republican
ence Advisor with the addition of a Science
clear vision for the future of the space pro-
Congress can lay the foundation for a safer
Advisory Council.
gram, well defined goals, and streamlined
future.
We will encourage exchange of scien-
implementation, as we reach for the stars.
tific information, especially between busi-
ness and academic institutions, to speed up
Drug-Free America
the application of research to benefit the
Strong Communities
The Republican Party is committed to
public.
and Neighborhoods
a drug-free America. Our policy is strict
We will improve the acquisition of sci-
Crime
accountability, for users of illegal drugs as
entific and technical information from
well as for those who profit by that usage.
other countries through expedited transla-
Republicans want a free and open soci-
The drug epidemic didn't just happen.
tion services and more aggressive outreach
ety for every American. That means more
It was fueled by the liberal attitudes of the
by federal agencies.
than economic advancement alone. It re-
1960s and 1970s that tolerated drug usage.
We will include international technol-
quires the safety and security of persons
Drug abuse directly threatens the fabric of
ogy flows as part of U.S. trade negotiations
and their property. It demands an end to
our society. It is part of a worldwide nar-
to ensure that the benefits of foreign ad-
crime.
cotics empire whose $300 billion business
vances are available to Americans.
Republicans stand with the men and
makes it one of the largest industries on
We will encourage innovation by
women who put their lives on the line every
earth
strengthening protection for intellectual
day. in State and local police forces and in
The Reagan-Bush Administration has
property at home and abroad. We will pro-
federal law enforcement agencies. We are
set out to destroy it. In the past six years,
mote the public benefits that come from
determined to re-establish safety in the
federal drug arrests have increased by two-
commercialization of research conducted
streets of those communities where the
thirds. Compared with 1980, two and a half
under federal sponsorship by allowing pri-
poor, the hard-working, and the elderly
times as many drug offenders were sent to
vate ownership of intellectual property de-
now live in fear. Despite opposition from
prison in 1987. Federal spending for drug
veloped in that manner.
liberal Democrats, we've made a start:
enforcement programs more than tripled in
We will oppose regulation which stifles
The rate of violent crimes has fallen 20
the last seven years. And we have broken
competition and hinders breakthroughs
percent since 1981. Personal thefts fell 21
new ground by enlisting U.S. intelligence
that can transform life for the better in
percent. robberies fell 31 percent, assaults
agencies in the fight against drug traffick-
areas like biotechnology.
fell IT percent, and household burglaries
ing.
That is an agenda for more than sci-
fell 30 percent.
Drug usage in our armed forces has
ence and technology. It will broaden eco-
In 1986, crimes against individuals
plummeted as a direct result of an aggres-
nomic opportunity, sustain our ability to
reached their lowest level in 14 years.
sive education and random testing pro-
compete globally, and enhance the quality
The Reagan-Bush Administration has
gram. In 1983, we instituted random drug
of life for all
crusaded for victims' rights in trials and
testing in the Coast Guard. At that time,
sentencing procedures and has advocated
10.3 percent of the tests showed positive
Space
restitution by felons to their victims.
drug usage. As a result of this testing pro-
We have been tough on white-collar
gram, the positive usage rate fell dramati-
The Republican Party will re-establish
crime. too. We have filed more criminal
cally to 2.9 percent in 1987. The Reagan-
U.S. preeminence in space. It is our na-
antitrost cases than the previous Adminis-
Bush Administration has also undertaken
tion's frontier, our manifest destiny. Presi-
tration.
efforts to insure that all those in safety
dent Reagan has set ambitious goals for a
We pushed an historic reform of
related positions in our transportation sys-
space comeback. We are determined to
toughened sentencing procedures for fed-
tem are covered by similar drug testing
meet them and move on to even greater
eral courts to make the punishment fit the
requirements. We commend this effort.
challenges.
crime.
We are determined to finish the job.
We support further development of
We appointed to the courts judges who
The Republican Party unequivocally
the space station, the National Aerospace
have been sensitive to the rights of victims
opposes legalizing or decriminalizing any
Plane, Project Pathfinder, a replacement
and law-abiding citizens.
illicit drug.
shuttle, and the development of alternate
We will forge ahead with the Republi-
We support strong penalties, including
launch vehicles. We endorse Mission to
can anti-crime agenda:
the death penalty for major drug traffick-
Planet Earth for space science to advance
We must never allow the presidency
ers.
our understanding of environmental and
and the Department of Justice to fall into
User accountability for drug usage is
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long overdue. Conviction for any drug crime
ful assault on poverty in our era. Millions
should make the offender ineligible for dis-
women and children vulnerable to eco-
of families have worked their way into the
nomic distress.
cretionary federal assistance, grants, loans
mainstream of national life. The poverty
Children in poverty deserve our stron-
and contracts for a period of time.
rate continues to decline. However, many
To impress young Americans with the
gest support. We are committed to safer
remain in poverty, and we pledge to help
seriousness of our fight against drugs, we urge
neighborhoods and full prosecution for
them in their struggle for self-sufficiency
child abuse and exploitation. We will reach
States to suspend eligibility for a driver's
and independence.
license to anyone convicted of a drug offense.
out to these children through Head Start
For most of our country's history,
We urge school districts to get tough on
and targeted education, basic health and
helping those less fortunate was a commu-
illegal drug use by notifying parents and po-
autrition assistance, local community ef-
nity responsibility. Strong families pulled
lice whenever it is discovered.
forts and individual concern. But some-
together, and strong communities cared for
He will encourage tougher penalties for
thing more is required to fulfill the hope
those in need. That is more than a descrip-
those who use children in illegal narcotics
tion of the past. It is a prescription for the
for self-sufficiency: a job in an expanding
operations.
future, pointing the way toward real reform
economy. The most compassionate policy
We will require federal contractors and
for children in need is the chance for fam-
of today's welfare mess through these Re-
grantees to establish a drug-free workplace
publican principles:
ilies to stand on their own feet in a society
with the goal that no American will have to
filled with opportunity.
We support the maintenance of in-
work around drug abuse.
Fighting poverty means much more
come assistance programs for those who
We will suspend passports from those
than distributing cash. It includes educa-
cannot work. In particular, we recognize
convicted of major drug offenses.
our responsibility to ensure a decent stan-
tion and work programs. It means reducing
To protect residents of public housing,
illiteracy, the single greatest indicator of
dard of living for the aged, the disabled,
we will evict persons dealing in drugs. We will
and children dependent upon the commu-
life-long poverty. It involves combating
foster resident review committees to screen
nity.
crime 50 that the homes and earnings of
out drug abusers and dealers. We will pro-
the poor are secure. It includes Republican
Poverty can be addressed by income
mote tenant management as the surest cure
reforms in public housing, like resident
assistance or in-kind services. Dependency,
for the drug plague in public projects.
on the other hand, requires a comprehen-
management and ownership. It requires
The will strengthen interdiction of foreign
sive strategy to change patterns of attitude
regulatory reforms to open up opportuni-
drugs and expand the military's role in stop-
ties for those on the margins of the work
and behavior. We will work to address both
ping traffickers.
force. It means streamlining adoption rules
poverty and dependency.
the will work with foreign governments
Work is an essential component of wel-
and ensuring poor parents a real say in
to eradicate drug crops in their countries.
fare reform, and education is an essential
their children's educations. Above all, it
In a summit of Western Hemisphere na-
means maintaining a strong, healthy econ-
component of employability. Welfare re-
tions, we will seek total cooperation from
omy that creates jobs.
form must require participation in educa-
other governments in wiping out the interna-
tion and work, and provide day care assis-
tional drug empire.
tance and continued access to Medicaid
Urban Revitalization
In addition to our enforcement activities,
during the transition to full independence.
we encourage drug education in our schools.
Urban America is center stage of our
Fathers of welfare dependent children
These programs should begin as early as the
country's future. That is why we address its
must be held accountable by mandating
elementary school years, before children are
problems and potential throughout this
paternity determinations and requiring the
subjected to peer pressure to experiment with
platform, rather than limiting our concern
participation of unemployed fathers in
drugs, and should continue through high
education and work programs.
to a particular section. In doing so. Repub-
school Cutting down on the demand for drugs
licans follow three broad principles:
State and local administration of edu-
will be of great assistance as we increase our
cation, work, and welfare programs is best
Economic growth is the most impor-
enforcement efforts to reduce drug supply.
for both the taxpayers and those in need.
tant urban program. Because we cut taxes,
We will encourage seizure and forfeiture
State and local pilot programs in wel-
a new prosperity has transformed many
programs by the Department of the Treasury
towns and cities. Because we forced down
fare are the cutting edge of welfare reform.
and each State to take the profits out of illicit
inflation, cities pay much lower bond rates.
States should be granted the authority by
drug sales.
the federal government to pursue innova-
Because we created 17.5 million new jobs
We commend our fellow citizens who are
through a thriving economy, millions of ur-
tive programs which return teen mothers to
actively joining the war against drugs. Drug
school and welfare recipients to work. Con-
ban residents have seized the opportunity
dealers are domestic terrorists, and we salute
to escape welfare and unemployment Be-
gressional Democrats are blocking the ex-
the heroic residents of poor neighborhoods
cause we slashed regulatory burdens. enter-
pansion of this vital process. A Republican
who have boldly shut down crack houses and
Congress will give the States authority to
prise is transforming areas untouched by
run traffickers out of their communities.
meet local needs.
government programs of past years.
We recognize the need to improve the
Local control is the best form of ad-
Welfare fraud is an offense against
availability of drug rehabilitation and treat-
both the taxpayers and the poor. Whether
ministration. That's why we merged fed-
ment.
eral programs into block grants for commu-
perpetrated by participants or providers of
There's a bright side to the picture. We
nity development and housing.
services, its eradication is an essential com-
know the most powerful deterrent to drug
Citizen choice is the key to successful
ponent of a compassionate welfare policy.
abuse: strong, stable family life, along with the
government. Options in education em-
We are committed to assisting those in
absolute approach summed up in "Just Say
power parents and attract new residents.
need. We are equally committed to ad-
No." Nancy Reagan has made that phrase the
Options in public housing transform slums
dressing the root causes of poverty. Di-
battle-cry of the war against drugs, and it is
into real communities, bustling with enter-
vorce, desertion, and illegitimacy have been
echoed by more than 10,000 Just Say No
prise and hope.
responsible for almost all the increase in
clubs. We salute her for pointing the way to
child poverty in the last 15 years. Because
Building on those principles, Republi-
our nation's drug-free future.
cans will advance our urban agenda which
strong family life is the most remarkable
is to:
anti-poverty force in history, Republicans
Enterprise zones, where tax incentives
Opportunity and
will make the reinforcement of family
rights and responsibilities an essential
and regulatory reforms open the way for
Assistance
creating jobs and rebuilding neighborhoods
component of public policy. Stronger en-
from the ground up which have been
forcement of child support laws must be an
Our country's economic miracle of the
important part of that effort, along with
blocked by the Democrats in Congress.
last eight years has been the most success-
Resident control - both management
revision of State laws which have left many
and ownership - of public housing, with a
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Aug. 20, 1988-PAGE 2383
Texts . 32
goal of transferring one-third of the coun-
focus assistance on those most seriously
Japanese beef and citrus markets. Numer-
try's public housing space to tenants by
hurt by the drought. With strong Republi-
ous markets for specialty products have
1995.
can support in the House and Senate, a
also been opened.
Urban homesteading and other pro-
major relief bill has been signed by Presi-
We ended the notorious "widow's tax"
grams to ensure affordable housing oppor-
dent Reagan.
so surviving spouses don't have to sell fam-
tunities in our cities.
ily farms and ranches to meet inheritance
Emergency waiver of Davis-Bacon
The Record
taxes. We also reduced other burdensome
wage requirements for cities with severe
inheritance taxes for farm and ranch fam-
deterioration of the public infrastructure.
Some disasters are man-made. In the
ilies.
Contract out public services to workers
late 1970a, American agriculture bore the
In 1985, President Reagan signed one
in the private sector.
brunt of bad public policy. Long thereafter,
of the most successful farm bills in modern
Education assistance directed to low-
farmers suffered the consequences of those
history. The dual goals of protecting farm
income households instead of aid to insti-
four years of devastating Democrat mis-
income while gaining back our lost markets
tutions that fail to meet their needs.
management. Inflation drove production
are being achieved.
Continued reduction in crime rates, es-
costs and farm debt to their highest levels
We have given farmers the opportu-
pecially street crime and the violence that
in history. To top it off, the Democrats'
nity to profitably retire millions of acres of
destroys community life.
embargo of grain and other agricultural
erodible and generally less productive land
Unrelenting war on drugs.
products dealt a blow to the nation's heart-
through the Conservation Reserve Pro-
Greater control by local government in
land from which many farmers never re-
gram, and we enacted legislation to ensure
federally assisted programs, especially
covered.
that taxpayers' dollars will not be used to
transportation and housing.
NEVER AGAIN!
subsidize soil erosion or otherwise damage
Steady environmental progress to ensure
For eight years, Ronald Reagan and
the environment that makes rural America
clean air and clean water to our cities and
George Bush have provided the leadership
a place where people want to live.
assist local governments in solving their solid
to turn that situation around. Despite
The Democrats offer nothing for the
waste disposal problems in order to make our
strong Democrat opposition, Republicans
future of farming. Their plan for manda-
cities safe and healthy places to live.
have made a good beginning. Because of
tory production controls would make pro-
Special attention to urban residents in
Republican policies, America's farm and
ductive and efficient American farmers
the national census, to ensure that cities
rural sector is coming alive again:
beat a full-scale retreat from the world
are not shortchanged in federal representa-
Inflation, unemployment, and interest
market:
tion or in federal programs based upon
rates are at their lowest levels in years. Our
It would be a boon to family farms -
population.
dollar exchange rate is more competitive.
in Argentina, Brazil, Canada, the European
Land values, the best indicator of farm
Community, Australia, and other competi-
prospects, have stabilized and are rising in
tor nations.
Rural Community
many areas.
It would pull the plug on rural Ameri-
Farm credit institutions, both public
cans. It would sound a death-knell for rural
Development and
and private, are back on their feet.
towns and cities as land is taken from pro-
Farm debt has been reduced from $193
duction. According to a United States De-
the Family Farm
billion in 1983 to a projected $137 billion in
partment of Agriculture study, it would re-
1988.
duce Gross National Product by $64 billion
Net farm income increased to its high-
and wipe out 2.1 million jobs in the private
est level ever in 1987, reaching $46 billion,
sector.
Introduction
while net cash income was also a record at
In short, Democrats want to put farm-
$57 billion.
ers on welfare while Republicans want to
Republicans see a robust future for
We have reduced price-depressing sur-
look after the welfare of all rural Ameri-
American agriculture. Rural America is our
pluses to their lowest levels in many years.
cans.
country's beartland and pillar of economic
Total grain surpluses have been cut in half
and moral strength From its small towns
from their high in 1986.
and communities comes more than the
In summary, increased agricultural ex-
Our Global Economy
world's greatest bounty of food. From them
ports, higher commodity and livestock
Better than most people, agriculturists
also comes a commitment to the land by a
prices, increased profits and land values,
know we live in a global economy. Ameri-
proud and independent people.
declining farm debt and surpluses. all these
ca's farmers, ranchers, foresters, and fish-
For much of this century, the first line
point to a healthier outlook for the rural
ermen can compete against anyone in the
of defense against world hunger has been
economy.
world if trade rules are fair.
the American farmer and rancher. In the
The recovery is no accident. Republi-
We recognize the historical contribu-
future as in the past- the enterprise of rural
cans have acted decisively in the interest of
tion of agricultural exports to a positive
Americans will be crucial to the progress of
rural America. Look at the record:
national trade balance and will work on all
our country and of mankind. The entire
In 1981, we immediately halted the
fronts to improve agricultural trade.
nation - and indeed. the world - benefits
Democrats' embargo on grain and other ag-
Republicans will aggressively pursue
from their unsurpassed productivity.
ricultural products and kept our piedge al-
fair and free trade for all U.S. products:
When farmers and ranchers face ad-
ways to be a reliable supplier. We now reaf-
We will insist that production-, con-
versity, the communities that depend on
firm our promise never to use food as a
sumption-, and trade-distorting agricul-
them do, too. When farmers' income falls,
weapon as was done by the last Democrat
tural subsidies of the European Economic
the earnings of others follow. When agri-
Administration.
Community and others be phased out
culture suffers, the tax base and public
We have successfully opened more
simultaneously with the phasing out of our
services of whole regions decline.
markets for our agricultural commodities
farm and export assistance programs.
That is why the current drought is an
and value-added products around the
We will continue to put free and fair
emergency for our entire country. It will
world through competitive pricing. aggres-
trade for farmers and ranchers on the
affect every American: the way we live, the
sive use of the Export Enhancement Pro-
agenda of every international conference
food we eat, the land we cherish. We can-
gram, the Targeted Export Assistance Pro-
on trade.
not promise to bring rain, but we can bend
gram, marketing loans, and generic
We will use free trade agreements with
every arm of government to provide for the
commodity certificates.
good trading partners as leverage to open
expeditious relief of farmers and ranchers
Through tough trade negotiations, we
markets elsewhere.
in trouble. We pledge to do 80. We will
have opened markets abroad including the
We will be a reliable supplier of agri-
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Texts 33
cultural products to world markets and will
this and future generations. The soil and
We will ensure that those communities re-
not use food as a weapon of foreign policy.
water resources of our nation must provide
ceive their fair share of aid under federal
In short, instead of retreat, Republi-
profit for farmers and ranchers and a safe
assistance programs.
cans promise a full-scale assault on foreign
and wholesome food supply. Our Land
Discrimination against rural hospitals
markets.
Grant institutions, working with the pri-
and medical practices in federal reimburse-
vate sector, can provide more environmen-
ment of health care costs has contributed
The Future
tally safe and biodegradable agrichemicals
to reduced medical services in rural Amer-
and improved farming techniques that will
ica We pledge to help rural Americans
Republicans will work to improve agri-
help preserve the quality of our under-
meet their health care needs and will en-
cultural income through market returns at
ground and surface water supplies.
sure fair treatment for their health care
home and abroad. not government controls
We pledge that State farm home ex-
institutions under federal health programs.
and subsidies:
emption and redemption rights shall re-
To have full participation in our coun-
We pledge early action to renew and
main inviolate from federal interference.
try's unbounded future, rural people will
improve the successful farm programs set
need access to modern telecommunications
to expire in 1990.
Rural Economic
and satellite communications systems in-
We pledge to continue international
cluding commercial decryption devices.
food assistance, including programs
Development
Adequate supplies of reasonably priced
through the Eisenhower Food for Peace
electric power are also a necessity. We con-
program. to feed the world's hungry and
Republicans realize that rural commu-
tinue to support a strong rural electrifica-
develop markets abroad.
nities face challenges that go beyond agri-
tion and telephone program. We believe
We will continue to provide leadership
cultural concerns. Rural economic develop-
the network of local rural electric and tele-
in the effort to improve standards of qual-
ment is about more than jobs; it is also
phone cooperatives that provide these serv-
ity for grain and other agricultural prod-
about the quality of life. We are ready to
ices represents a vital public/private part-
ucts in order to meet international compe-
address the needs of rural America with
nership necessary to assure growth and
tition.
creativity and compassion:
development of the rural economy.
We call for greater planting flexibility
The best jobs program for rural Ameri-
We will energetically use the Job
in federal programs to allow more diversity
cans is a good farm program.
Training Partnership Act and a newly en-
in farming and more freedom for farmers
The key to rural development is effec-
acted worker retraining program to ensure
to grow what they want to grow and to sell
tive local leadership working in partnership
that rural workers are fully integrated into
their products to whoever will buy them.
with private businesses and federal, State,
the work force of the future.
We recognize the need for appropriate
and local governments. We will advance, in
We will continue to support programs
multiple-use policy on federal range lands
Congress and at the State level, rural en-
that enhance housing, business, and indus-
and retention of a fair and equitable graz-
terprise zones to attract investment and
try opportunities for rural Americans; and
ing fee policy as has been established by
create jobs geared to the opportunities of
we will adapt urban homesteading pro-
the Reagan Administration.
the century ahead.
grams to rural communities.
We support a State's review of the ad-
Education is the crucial element to en-
Sound agricultural policy for rural
equacy of crop irrigation capacity under
suring that rural Americans will be in the
America demands sound economic policy
severe water shortage conditions, such as
mainstream of our national future. We
for all America. We will continue to stabi-
the 1988 drought, to identify areas of po-
must assure rural youngsters quality edu-
lize fiscal and monetary policies in order to
tential need and development.
cation and good schools.
keep inflation in check and interest rates
Water use policy formulation belongs
The roads, bridges, schools, sewer and
stable. This foundation of economic stabil-
to the States without federal interference;
water systems, and other public works of
its must underly all rural initiatives by all
we recognize traditional State supremacy
many rural communities have deteriorated.
levels of government.
in water law, which is the best bulwark
against future water crises.
We resolve to lower tax rates for long-
term capital gains and to work for fairer
preproductive expense capitalization laws,
including the so-called "heifer tax" as just
one example. to promote investment in the
production of food and fiber.
We stand with the nation's foresters
and the communities that depend on the
forest products industry in supporting an
annual timber harvest and multiple-use
policy that meets national needs both for a
sustained yield of wood products and for
sound environmental management.
We will continue our strong support
for agricultural research, including in-
creased emphasis on developing new uses
for farm products, such as alternative fuels,
food, non-food and industrial products.
The agricultural industry is, and always
has been. on the leading edge of the tech-
nological revolution, and it must continue
this tradition in order to be internationally
competitive-
We will encourage public and private
research and technical assistance to ensure
that the resource base of American agricul-
ture is preserved. Sound stewardship of our
ASSOCIATED PRESS
land and water resources is important for
President Reagan surrounded by members of his family
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Aug. 20, 1988-PAGE 2385
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This is our pledge for the continuing
domestic oil, natural gas, coal, nuclear en-
and providing more open access to trans-
renewal of a prosperous rural America.
ergy, alternative sources and renewables.
portation.
We also support the flexible use of
Oil
natural gas to fuel automobiles and boilers.
Energy for the
Over the longer term, natural gas as an
The United States is heavily depen-
alternative fuel could significantly reduce
Future
dent on oil, which represents 40 percent of
overdependence on imported oil, while also
our total energy consumption. We must
improving air quality. We should support
have a healthy domestic industry to assure
cost effective development and greater use
To make real their vision for the fu-
the availability of this fuel to meet our
of this fuel
ture, the American people need adequate,
needs. The decline in oil prices has brought
safe, and reliable supplies of energy. Both
exploratory drilling in the country to a vir-
the security of our nation and the prosper-
Coal
tual standstill, and continuing low prices
ity of our households will depend upon
threaten the hundreds of thousands of
The United States enjoys a rich na-
clean and affordable power to light the way
small wells that make up the most of U.S.
tional endowment of enormous supplies of
ahead and speed a daring society toward its
production.
coal which can provide a secure source of
goals. We recognize that energy is a secu-
We will set an energy policy for the
energy for hundreds of years.
rity issue = well as an economic issue. We
United States to maintain a viable core
We should aggressively pursue the
cannot have a strong nation if we are not
industry and to ensure greater energy self
clean coal technology initiative successfully
energy independent.
sufficiency through private initiatives. We
launched by the Reagan-Bush Administra-
We are part way there. In 1981, Re-
will adopt forceful initiatives to reverse the
tion as part of the solution to coal's envi-
publican leadership replaced the Demo-
decline of our domestic oil production. Re-
ronmental problem.
crats' energy crisis with energy consensus.
publicans support:
A major effort should be made to en-
We rejected scarcity, fostered growth, and
Repeal of the counterproductive
courage coal exports, which could improve
set course for an expansive future. We left
Windfall Profits Tax.
the trade balance, put Americans to work,
behind the days of gasoline lines, building
Maintenance of our schedule for filling
and provide reliable energy supplies to our
temperature controls, the multi-billion dol-
the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to reach
allies.
lar boondoggle of Synfuels Corporation,
750 million barrels by 1993 and encourage-
and the cancellation of night baseball
ment of our allies to maintain similar re-
Nuclear Power
games.
serves.
The Carter-Mondale years of crippling
Tax incentives to save marginal wells,
We must preserve nuclear power as a
regulation and exorbitant costs are a thing
to encourage exploration for new oil, and to
safe and economic option to meet future
of the past. We returned the country to
improve the recovery of oil still in place.
electricity needs. It generates 20 percent of
policies that encourage rather than dis-
Repeal of the Transfer Rule prohibit-
our electricity, and we anticipate the con-
courage domestic production of energy.
ing independent producers from using cer-
tinued expansion of renewable energy and
With a free, more competitive system of
tain tax provisions on acquired properties.
environmentally safe nuclear power. We
producing and marketing energy, American
Elimination of 80 percent of intangible
will promote the adoption of standardized,
consumers gained a wider range of energy
drilling costs as an alternative minimum
cost-effective, and environmentally safe
choices at lower prices.
tax preference item.
nuclear plant designs. We should enhance
During the Reagan-Bush years, we
Exploration and development in
our efforts to manage nuclear waste and
loosened OPEC's [Organization of Petro-
promising areas, including federal lands
will insist on the highest standards of
leum Exporting Countries] hold on the
and waters, particularly in the Arctic, in a
safety.
world's petroleum markets. The United
manner that is protective of our environ-
States built up its Strategic Petroleum Re-
ment and is in the best national interest.
serve and persuaded its allies to increase
Such continued exploration and devel-
Technology, Alterna-
their emergency petroleum stocks as both a
opment of new domestic oil and gas re-
tives, Conservation
deterrent and a cushion against supply dis-
serves are essential to keep our nation from
ruptions. When President Reagan and Vice
becoming more dependent on foreign en-
and Regulation
President Bush took office, the Strategic
ergy sources. Indeed, tax incentives can
Technology is America's competitive
Petroleum Reserve held only 79 million
make our investment in U.S. oil and gas
edge, and it should be encouraged in find-
barrels. Now it contains almost 550 million,
exploration competitive with other coun-
ing new solutions to our energy problems.
a three-month cushion in the event of a
tries. They can stimulate drilling, put peo-
Energy efficiency improvements such as
crisis.
ple back to work, and help maintain our
more efficient cars, better insulated homes,
Conservation and energy efficiency,
leadership in oilfield technology and serv-
and more efficient industrial processes,
stimulated by the oil shocks of the 1970s,
ices. Incentives and opportunities for in-
have resulted in substantial savings, mak-
made impressive gains. The nation now
creased domestic exploration can also help
ing the U.S. economy more competitive.
consumes less oil, and no more energy in
limit the rise in imports, discourage oil
We support funding for research and
total, than it did in 1977, despite the re-
price shocks and enhance energy security.
development, particularly where current
markable growth in our economy under the
market economics preclude private initia-
Reagan-Bush Administration.
Natural Gas
tive.
Despite these gains, much hard work
We will set priorities and, where cost
remains. A strong energy policy is required
Natural gas is a clean, abundant, and
effective, support research and develop-
to assure that the needs of our society are
reasonably priced fuel secure within the
ment for alternative fuels such as ethanol,
met Because of low oil prices, domestic oil
borders of the nation. Increased reliance on
methanol, and compressed natural gas,
and gas production has declined signifi-
natural gas can have significant national
particularly for use in transportation
cantly. New initiatives will be required to
security and environmental benefits. While
We will also support research and
halt the erosion of the domestic oil reserve
U.S. gas resources are plentiful and re-
development for energy efficiency, con-
base, to restore the vitality of the domestic
coverable at competitive prices, regulatory
servation, renewables, fusion and super-
oil and gas industry, to slow the rise in oil
burdens and price controls still impede
conductivity.
imports, and to prevent a return to the
development.
We encourage the improvement of our
vulnerabilities of the 1970s. We must main-
More progress must be made in de-
national electricity transportation network,
tain the progress made in conservation and
regulation of natural gas:
to achieve the economic and environmental
rely more beavily on secure American fuels:
We support fully decontrolling prices
efficiencies and reliability of linking elec-
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Texts - 35
tricity-exporting regions with importers.
We encouraged agricultural conserva-
ner inconsistent with current Reagan-Bush
Substantial progress has been made in
tion, enhanced our wetlands, and preserved
Administration policy. To the extent possi-
eliminating the intrusive and costly regula-
and restored our national parks, which had
ble, consistent with current policy, we
tory functions of the Department of En-
suffered tragic neglect in the years preced-
should keep public lands open and accessi-
ergy and should be continued. Efforts
ing the Reagan-Bush Administration.
ble.
should be made to streamline the depart-
Under Republican leadership, the
We are committed to the historic pres-
ment's functions and evaluate its long-term
most important soil conservation measure
ervation of our American beritage, includ-
institutional role in setting national energy
of the last half-century became law as the
ing our architectural, archaeological, and
policy, in discouraging a return to regula-
Conservation Title of the 1985 Farm Bill.
maritime resoures.
tion, and in promoting long-term scientific
We established 34 national wildlife
We support strong enforcement of our
research.
refuges in 21 States and territories.
environmental laws and are committed to
We believe continued economic prog-
We reformed U.S. and international
accelerating the pace of our national effort
ress requires an adequate and secure sup-
aid programs to assist developing nations
to clean up hazardous waste sites and to
ply of electricity from every possible source
to assure environmental protection.
protect our groundwater. We will promote
in addition to energy conservation. Con-
Republicans look to the environmental
proper use of fertilizers and pesticides to
servation alone cannot meet the energy
future with confidence in the American
minimize pollution of groundwater.
needs of a growing economy. Witness the
people and with a renewed commitment to
Republicans recognize that toxic and
case of Massachusetts, where the State
world leadership in environmental protec-
hazardous waste production is increasing.
government's energy policy of stopping
tion. We recognize the necessary role of the
Therefore, we will utilize the nation's sci-
construction of any significant electric gen-
federal government only in matters that
entific community to develop solutions to
erating plants of all kinds has caused a
cannot be managed by regional cooperation
this waste disposal dilemma as an alterna-
dangerous shortage.
or by levels of government closer to the
tive to the continued burying and ocean
people. Cooperative action by all is needed
dumping of these dangerous substances, as
Preserving and Protect-
to advance the nation's agenda for a
they are no more than stop-gap measures
cleaner, safer environment.
with extremely tragic potential
ing the Environment
The toughest challenges lie ahead of
We are committed to solving our coun-
us. Republicans propose the following pro-
try's increasing problem of waste disposal.
The Republican Party has a long and
gram for the environment in the 1990s:
By 1995, half of our existing Landfills will
honored tradition of preserving and pro-
We will work for further reductions in
be closed, and municipalities will have in-
tecting our nation's natural resources and
air and water pollution and effective ac-
creased difficulty finding new sites. This is
environment. We recognize that the pres-
tions against the threats posed by acid rain.
an issue which will require the dedication
ervation, conservation, and protection of
These goals can and must be achieved
and resolve of our local communities, the
our environment contribute to our health
without harmful economic dislocation.
private sector, and all of us as citizens.
and well-being and that, as citizens, we all
We are committed to minimizing the
Resource recovery, recycling, and waste
share in the responsibility to safeguard our
release of toxins into the environment.
minimalization are critical elements of our
God-given resources. A great Republican
We will continue to lead the effort to
solution, and we will work to ensure that
President, Teddy Roosevelt, once charac-
develop new clean-coal technologies and to
innovative approaches to the problem are
terized our environmental challenge as
remove the barriers that prevent cleaner,
encouraged.
"the great central task of leaving this land
alternative fuels from being used.
We are determined to prevent dumping
even a better land for our descendants than
We support a comprehensive plan of
off our coasts and in international waters.
it is for us." - Satisfying this imperative re-
action to fight coastal erosion and to pro-
Ocean dumping poses a hazard not only to
quires dedication and a commitment both
tect and restore the nation's beaches, coral
marine life, but also to those who live along
to the protection of our environment and to
reefs, bodies of water, wetlands and estu-
our coasts and to those who use them for
the development of economic opportunities
aries such as the Louisiana coast, Chesa-
recreation. Where federal laws have been
for all thre a growing economy.
peake Bay, the Great Lakes, San Francisco
violated, we will prosecute polluters to the
Republicans have led the efforts to
Bay, Puget Sound, Narragansett Bay, and
full extent of the law, including adherence
protect the environment.
other environmentally sensitive areas. The
to the 1991 federal ban on ocean dumping of
We have dramatically reduced air-
restoration of these areas will continue to
sewage sludge. Where laws need to be
borne lead contamination. This reduction
be a priority.
strengthened, we will work at the federal,
has been perhaps the most important con-
A top priority of our country must be
State, and local levels to do so.
tribution to the health of Americans living
the continued improvement of our Na-
We will support all serious efforts to
in urban areas.
tional Parks and wildlife areas. We must
cope with the special problems of illegal
By almost any measure, the air is
upgrade our recreation, fisheries, and wild-
dumping of hospital and medical waste. We
vastly improved from the 1970s. Carbon
life programs in parks, wildlife refuges, for-
pledge close cooperation by the Environ-
monoxide. sulphur dioxide, ozone, nitrogen
ests, and other public lands. We support
mental Protection Agency with States and
dioxide, and other emissions have declined
efforts, including innovative public-private
industry groups to develop new approaches
substantially.
partnerships, to restore declining waterfowl
to the most cost-effective means for the
We brought record numbers of en-
populations and enhance recreational fish-
safe disposal by responsible medical facili-
forcement cases against toxic polluters
eries.
based on the principle that polluters
ties. Those who continue to dump illegally
We will fight to protect endangered
threaten the very life and health of our
should pay for the damages they cause.
species and to sustain biological diversity
We pioneered an international accord
communities, and we call for enactment by
worldwide.
the States of tough new felony laws that
for the protection of the stratospheric
We support federal, State, and local
will permit swift prosecution of these crim-
ozone layer. the first such international
policies, including tax code provisions,
inals.
agreement.
which lead to the renewal and revitaliza-
Dramatic progress has been made in
We will require that federal depart-
tion of our environment through restora-
ments and agencies meet or exceed the
protecting coastal barrier islands, in reduc-
tion and which encourage scenic easements
environmental standards set for citizens in
ing coastal erosion, and in protecting estu-
designed to preserve farmland and open
the private sector.
aries.
spaces.
Many of the most serious environmen-
We have led the fight to clean up our
We will protect the productive capac-
tal problems that will confront us in the
Great Lakes and the Chesapeake and Nar-
ity of our lands by minimizing erosion.
years ahead are global in scope. For exam-
ragansett Bays, some of the most unique
We believe public lands should not be
ple, degradation of the stratospheric ozone
and productive ecosystems on earth.
transferred to any special group in a man-
layer poses a health hazard not only to
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Aug. 20, 1988-PAGE 2387
Texts - 36
Americans. but to all peoples around the
ment of these small businesses has been a
and trade opportunities by assuring that
globe. The Reagan-Bush Administration
welcome alternative to railroad abandon-
American air carriers are afforded full and fair
successfully pioneered an agreement to at.
ments, and we will continue to encourage
access to international route authorities.
tack this problem through worldwide ac-
their growth.
We will not abandon the economic fies-
tion. In addition, we will continue to lead
The Reagan-Bush Administration
ibility that has so enormously strengthened
this effort by promoting private sector ini-
achieved new rail safety legislation which ex-
the health of our railroads and so powerfully
tiatives to develop new technologies and
pands federal jurisdiction over drug, alcohol,
benefited the American economy.
adopt processes which protect the ozone
and safety violations.
Development of high speed rail systems
layer. A similar ability to develop interna-
America's trucking industry has also
to meet the needs for intercity travel should
tional agreements to solve complex global
been improved. The number of motor carriers
be encouraged.
problems such as tropical forest destruc-
has more than doubled since regulatory barri-
Year by year since 1981, Amtrak open-
tion, ocean dumping, climate change, and
ers to competition were removed. Many of
tions have shown improvement. Amtrak's n-
earthquakes will be increasingly vital in the
these new carriers are small or minority-
tip of revenues to costs stood at 48 percent in
years ahead All of these efforts will require
owned businesses. Private enterprise has thus
1981. Last year, 65 percent of the costs we
strong and experienced leadership to lead
been able to restructure routes. reduce empty
covered by revenues. Fiscal year 1988 will see
the other nations of the world in a common
backhauls, and simplify rates. Reduced regu-
the ratio pushing 70 percent. We recognize
effort to combat ecological dangers that
lation saves the American consumer $37 bil-
that intercity rail passenger service plays an
threaten all peoples. The Republican Party
lion annually in lower freight bills, making
important role in our transportation system
believes that. toward this end, the National
businesses in every part of America more
At the same time, we support continued re-
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
competitive.
duction in public subsidies.
should be joined with the Environmental
The successful sale of Conrail through a
A new spirit of competitive enterprise =
Protection Agency.
public offering recouped nearly $2 billion dol-
transportation throughout all levels of gov-
We all have a stake in maintaining the
lars of the taxpayers' investment in bankrupt
emment should be encouraged. We will =
environmental balance and ecological
railroads from the 1970s.
courage both States and cities to utilize A
health of our planet and our country. As
The Reagan-Bush Administration has
vate companies, where effective, to operate
Republicans, we hold that it is of critical
undertaken a comprehensive program to up-
commuter bus and transit services at substace-
importance to preserve our national heri-
grade federal interstate highways and bridges.
tial savings over what publicly funded STS-
tage. We must assure that programs for
Through highway improvements, educa-
tems cost.
economic growth and opportunity sustain
tion, and federal encouragement of tougher
The engines of innovation powered by
the natural abundance of our land and wa-
State laws against drunk driving, highway
regulatory reform have brought forth exciting
ters and protect the health and well-being
safety has vastly improved.
advances in the technology of trucking. mE
of our citizens. As a nation, we should take
As we look to the future, the Republican
and shipping, particularly as they work to
pride in our accomplishments and look for-
Party will continue to press for improved
gether as an integrated system for the move-
ward to fulfilling our obligation of leaving
transportation safety, reduced costs, and
ment of goods domestically and abroad. Ahe-
this land an even better place for our chil-
greater availability and convenience of trans-
native fuels, that are clean and efficient. ==
dren and future generations.
portation through more open markets and
both improve air quality and reduce our de
other mechanisms. The Republican Party be-
pendence on imported oil in meeting trans-
lieves that:
Transportation for
portation needs. These technological ==
Americans demand that those entrusted
proaches are far preferable to outmoded
America
with their safety while operating commercial
regulation, such as the current design of CCC-
motor vehicles, railroads, or aircraft will not
porate average fuel economy (CAFE) stac-
Republican leadership has revitalized
use drugs or alcohol. While we will protect
dards, which create substantial advantages
America's transportation system. Through
individual rights, the Republican Party sup-
for foreign auto manufacturers and actual:-
regulatory reform, we increased efficiency
ports comprehensive efforts to curb drug and
promote the export of U.S. jobs.
in all major modes of transportation. By
alcohol abuse in transportation, including
We consider a privately owned mercha==
making our national transportation system
drug and alcohol testing of all those in safety-
fleet and domestic shipbuilding capacity nec-
safer, more convenient, and less expensive,
related positions.
essary to carry our nation's commerce 4'
we have both strengthened our economy
Our transportation system is based upon
peace and to support our defense responsibl-
and served the interests of all the American
a vast public and private investment in infra-
ities. We will support programs to give the
people:
structure, which must continue to grow and to
American maritime industry greater flexibi-
Aviation deregulation now saves con-
be maintained to meet America's needs. We
ity and freedom in meeting foreign compe-
sumers $11 billion annually through im-
advocate greater local autonomy in decision-
tition.
proved productivity and lower air fares.
making concerning the Highway Trust Fund
We are committed to continuing the Res-
Millions more Americans can now afford to
and the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, and
gan-Bush Administration efforts to stop for-
fly. Even though more people are flying,
we oppose diversion of their resources to other
eign protectionism that inhibits U.S. flag TEC-
the overall safety record for commercial
purposes.
sels from fairly competing abroad.
aviation during the past four years has
Research should be developed for new
Maritime safety, search and rescue, mit-
been the best in history.
technologies to deal with urban gridlock and
tary preparedness, environmental and fisher-
The National Airspace System (NAS)
congested highways.
ies enforcement, and drug interdiction have
Plan is upgrading virtually all the equip-
The travel and tourism industry is a
long been the responsibility of the U.S. Coas:
ment in the air traffic control system to
positive force in enhancing cultural under-
Guard. The Republican Party supports all A,
meet safety and capacity needs into the
standing and sustaining economic prosperity.
these vital roles, and we will support funding
next century.
We recognize its important contributions and
and manpower adequate to enable the Coes:
Rail freight service has been rescued
should work to encourage its continued
Guard to carry out its responsibilities.
from the brink of insolvency and revital-
growth.
ized. Railroads have lowered rates for many
The federal government and local com-
shippers, helping to keep the transporta-
munities must work together to develop addi-
tion cost of coal-generated electric power
tional airport capacity of all types. At the
America: Leading
down and making America's farmers more
same time, we support timely completion of
competitive abroad.
the National Airspace System plan and con-
the World
The creation of regional and short-line
tinuing augmentation of air traffic control
railroads has been encouraged by the Rea-
and aircraft inspection personnel.
Under the leadership of Preside:
gan-Bush Administration. The develop-
We will further increase American jobs
Ronald Reagan and Vice President George
PAGE 2388-Aug. 20, 1988
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Texts - 37
Bush, America has led the world through
ported oppression. Support for freedom-
relations with both of these friends will be
eight years of peace and prosperity.
fighters. coupled with an openness to nego-
based upon continuing cooperation and our
In the years since 1980. our nation has
tiate, will be the model for our resistance to
mutually shared interests. Our attention to
become in fact what it has always been in
Marxist expansionism elsewhere.
trade and environmental issues will con-
principle, "the last best hope of mankind
The world expects the United States
tribute to strong economic growth and
on earth."
to lead. Republicans believe it is in our
prosperity throughout the Americas.
Republicans know that free nations
country's best interest to continue to do $0.
Today, more Latin Americans than
are peace loving and do not threaten other
For this reason, we will engage both our
ever before live free because of their part-
democracies. To the extent, therefore, that
adversaries and friends. We share a com-
nership with the United States to promote
democracies are established in the world,
mon interest in survival and peaceful com-
self-determination, democracy, and an end
America will be safer. Consequently, our
petition. However, the Reagan-Bush Ad-
to subversion. The Republican party reaf-
nation has a compelling interest to encour-
ministration has shown that dialogue and
firms its strong support of the Monroe
age and help actively to build the
engagement can be successful only if un-
Doctrine as the foundation for our policy
conditions of democracy wherever people
dertaken from a position of strength We
throughout the Hemisphere, and pledges to
strive for freedom.
know something the national Democrats
conduct foreign policy in accord with its
In 1961. President John Kennedy said,
seem to have forgotten: If a foreign policy
principles. We therefore seek not only to
"We shall pay any price, bear any burden,
is based upon weakness or unrealistic as-
provide for our own security, but also to
meet any hardship, support any friend, op-
sumptions about the world, it is doomed to
create a climate for democracy and self-
pose any foe to assure the survival and
failure. If it is based upon naivete, it will be
determination throughout the Americas.
success of liberty." Seeds sown by the Rea-
doomed to disaster.
Central America has always been a re-
gan-Bush Administration to make good on
Under our constitutional system, the
gion of strategic importance for the United
that promise are now bearing fruit.
execution of foreign policy is the prime
States. There, Nicaragua has become a So-
Today's Republican Party has the only
responsibility of the executive branch. We
viet client state like Cuba. Democratic
legitimate claim to this legacy, for our op-
therefore denounce the excessive interfer-
progress in the region is threatened directly
position to totalitarianism is resolute. For
ence in this function by the current Demo-
by the Sandinista military machine and
those Democrats who came of age politi-
crat majority in the Congress, as it creates
armed subversion exported from Nicara-
cally under the party of [Harry S.] Truman
the appearance of weakness and confusion
gua, Cuba, and the Soviet Union. The San-
and Kennedy, the message is clear: The old
and endangers the successful conduct of
dinistas are now equipped with Soviet arms
Democrat world view of realistic anti-com-
American foreign policy.
which, in quality and quantity, are far in
munism, with real freedom as its goal, has
The world in 1988 shows the success of
excess of their own defense requirements.
been abandoned by today's national Demo-
peace through strength and the Reagan
The people of Nicaragus are denied
crat Party.
Doctrine advancing America's national in-
basic human, religious, and political rights
In the tradition of the Republican
terests. Our relations with the Soviets are
by the Sandinista junta. Today, thousands
Party, we have long-term foreign-policy
now based on these determined and realis-
of Nicaraguans are united in a struggle to
goals and objectives which provide vision
tic policies. Results such as the INF treaty
free their homeland from a totalitarian re-
and leadership. We also have a realistic,
are a concrete example of the soundness of
gime. The Republican Party stands shoul-
long-term strategy to match those goals.
this approach:
der to shoulder with them with both hu-
The primary objectives of foreign policy
The Afghan people are on the verge of
manitarian and military aid. Peace without
must be defending the United States of
ridding their country of Soviet occupation,
freedom for the Nicaraguan people is not
America and its people; protecting Ameri-
and with our continued support they can
good enough.
ca's vital national interests abroad; and,
secure true liberty.
If democracy does not prevail, if Nica-
fostering peace, stability and security
In Southeast Asia, our policies of isola-
ragua remains a communist dictatorship
throughout the world through democratic
tion toward Vietnam and our support for
dedicated to exporting revolution, the frag-
self-determination and economic prosper-
the Cambodian resistance have contributed
ile democracies in Central America will be
ity.
to Vietnam's decision to get out of Cambo-
jeopardized. The Republican Party stands
To accomplish these goals. we believe
dia.
with them in their struggle for peace, free-
our policies must be built upon three basic
In southern Africa, Cuban troops may
dom, and economic growth. We express our
pillars: strength, realism, and dialogue.
soon be leaving Angola; Namibia may soon
emphatic support for the people and gov-
Republican foreign policy. based on a
enjoy independence.
ernment of El Salvador, a target of foreign-
peace preserved by steadfastly providing
The Iran-Iraq war is closer to a settle-
directed insurgency. Under Republican
for our own security, brought us the INF
ment due to the strong leadership of the
leadership, the United States will respond
[intermediate-range nuclear-force] trea-
Reagan-Bush Administration in the United
to requests from our Central American
ty, which eliminated an entire class of nu-
Nations and the American presence in the
neighbors for security assistance to protect
clear weapons. America's determination
Persian Gulf.
their emerging democracies against insur-
and will, coupled with our European allies'
The party Abraham Lincoln helped to
gencies sponsored by the Soviets, Cuba, or
staunch cooperation, brought the Soviets
establish the party of Teddy Roosevelt.
others
to the bargaining table and won meaning-
Dwight Eisenhower, Ronald Reagan, and
Democracy continues to prosper in El
ful reductions in nuclear weapons. The
George Bush - today offers the United
Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and in
INF treaty was not won by unilateral con-
States of America continued leadership.
Costa Rica, the region's oldest democracy.
cessions or the unilateral canceling of
strong and effective. The President of the
However, economic growth in these coun-
weapons programs.
United States must be a good Commander-
tries has not matched their political prog-
Today's Republican foreign policy has
in-Chief; the Oval Office is no place for on-
ress. The United States must take the lead
been tested and validated. Our formula for
the-job training. The Republican Party,
in strengthening democratic institutions
success is based on a realistic assessment of
tempered by real-world experience, accus-
through economic development based on
the world as it is, not as some would like it
tomed to making tough choices, is prepared
free market principles. We pledge our con-
to be. The Soviet retreat from Afghanistan
to lead America forward into the 1990s.
tinued support to the peoples of the Ameri-
is not the result of luck or the need of the
cas who embrace and sustain democratic
Kremlin to save a few rubles. It is a direct
The Americas
principles in their self-government.
result of a Republican policy known as the
A Republican Administration will con-
Reagan Doctrine: our determination to
Our future is intimately tied to the
tinue to promote policy reforms to free the
provide meaningful aid to people who
future of the Americas. Family, language.
private sector, such as deregulation of en-
would rather die on their feet than live on
culture, environment and trade link us
terprise and privatization of government
their knees under the yoke of Soviet-sup-
closely with both Canada and Mexico. Our
corporations. We will assist friendly de-
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Aug. 20, 1988-PAGE 2389
Texts . 38
mocracies in reviving the institutions of re-
gional economic cooperation and integra-
tion, and will allow Nicaragua to partici-
pate when it enjoys a free, pluralist society
and respects free-market principles.
The growth of democracy and freedom
throughout Latin America is one of the
most positive foreign policy developments
of the 1980s. Republican leadership has
created the environment necessary for this
growth. Over the past decade, Latin Ameri-
cans have moved boldly toward democracy,
with 26 of 33 nations now democratic or in
transition toward democracy. Mexico has a
special strategic and economic importance
to the United States, and we encourage
close cooperation across a wide variety of
fronts in order to strengthen further this
critical relationship.
We believe the governments of Latin
America must band together to defeat the
drug trade which now flourishes in the re-
gion. We must pledge our full cooperation
and support for efforts to induce producers
of illicit drug crops to substitute other
methods of generating income.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Republicans will continue to oppose
any normalization of relations with the
Union. Americans cannot afford a future
Soviet military doctrine remains offen-
government of Cuba as long as Fidel Castro
administration which eagerly attempts to
sive in nature, as illustrated by the intimi-
continues to oppress the Cuban people at
embrace perceived, but as yet unproven,
dating presence of massed Soviet tank divi-
home and to support international terror-
changes in Soviet policy. Nor can we in-
sions in Eastern Europe. This is the reality
ism and drug trafficking abroad. We will
dulge naive inexperience or an overly en-
of Soviet military posture.
vigorously continue our support for estab-
thusiastic endorsement of current Soviet
With a realistic view of the Soviet
lishment of a genuinely representative gov-
rhetoric.
Union and the appropriate role of arms
ernment directly elected by the Cuban peo-
The current leaders in the Soviet
reductions in the U.S.-Soviet relationship,
ple. We reiterate our support of Radio
Union came to power while the United
the Reagan-Bush Administration con-
Marti and urge the creation of TV Marti to
States was undergoing an unsurpassed po-
cluded the historic INF agreement with the
better reach the oppressed people of Cuba.
litical, economic, and military resurgence.
Soviet Union. Ongoing negotiations with
Panama now poses a different chal-
The Reagan-Bush success story - new
the Sovie: Union to reduce strategic nu-
lenge to the regional progress made over
jobs and unprecedented economic growth
clear weapons by 50 percent are possible
the past eight years. Our policy must be as
combined with reasserted leadership of the
because the American people trust Repub-
firm with respect to military authoritarian-
free world - was not lost on the new So-
lican leadership. The American people
ism and narco-terrorism as it is with com-
viet regime. It had inherited a bankrupt
know that for Republicans, no agreement
munist tyranny and guerrilla subversion.
economy, a society with a Third World
is better than an agreement detrimental to
That policy must include a determined ef-
standard of living, and military power
the security of the free world. To pursue
fort to bring to justice any identified narco-
based upon the sweat of the Soviet work-
arms control for its own sake or at any cost
terrorist or drug dealer within his or her
ers. Confronted by the failure of their sys-
is naive and dangerous.
country of residence or in the courts of the
tem, the new Soviet leaders have been
Republicans will continue to work with
United States of America. Republicans
forced to search for new solutions.
the new Soviet leadership. But the terms of
view the Panama Canal as a critical, strate-
Republicans are proud that it was a
the relationship will be based upon persis-
gic artery connecting the Atlantic and Pa-
Republican President who extended free-
tent and steady attention to certain funda-
cific. We believe that U.S. access to the
dom's hand and message to the Soviet
mental principles:
Panama Canal must remain free and unen-
Union. It will be a new Republican Presi-
Humar and religious rights in the So-
cumbered consistent with the foremost
dent who can best build on that progress,
viet Union
principle of the Canal Treaty. We acknowl-
ever cautious of communism's long history
Economic reform in the Soviet Union.
edge, however, the historical partnership
of expansionism and false promises. We are
Cessation of Soviet support for com-
and friendship between the American and
prepared to embrace real reform, but we
munist regimes, radical groups, and terror-
Panamanian people.
will not leave America unprepared should
ists.
Republicans believe that an active, en-
reform prove illusory.
Verified full compliance with all arms
gaged America, clear of purpose and steady
Soviet calls for global peace and har-
control agreements.
in action, is essential to continued progress
mony ring hollow when compared with on-
The right of free emigration for all So-
in Latin America. Passivity and neglect are
going Soviet support for communist guer-
viet citizens.
a sure prescription for the reversal of free-
rillas and governments throughout the
Reduction in the Soviets' massive of-
dom and peace in Latin America.
Third World. Even in Afghanistan, the So-
fensive strategic and conventional capabil-
viet Union is in retreat not as a result of a
ity. In other words, Soviet military doctrine
The Soviet Union:
more benevolent Soviet world view, but be-
must match its rhetoric.
cause of the courage of determined
An end to untied credits, particularly
New Challenges and
Mujaheddin freedom fighters fully sup-
general purpose loans which provide the
Enduring Realities
ported by the United States.
Soviet Union with desperately needed hard
The Soviet military continues to grow.
currency to bolster its weak economy and
Steady American leadership is needed
Tanks and aircraft continue to roll off So-
facilitate Eicit Soviet purchase of U.S.
now more than ever to deal with the chal-
viet production lines at a rate two to three
technology.
lenges posed by a rapidly changing Soviet
times that of the United States.
Repubocans proudly reaffirm the Rea-
PAGE 2390-Aug. 20, 1988
Capynole 1998 Congrassed Quarterly Inc.
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Texts . 39
gan Doctrine: America's commitment to
be drug free. No nation can remain free
other barriers to American products will
aid freedom-fighters against the commu-
when its children are enslaved by drugs.
not be tolerated. The American people de-
nist oppression which destroys freedom
We consider drugs a major national secu-
mand economic fair play in U.S.-European
and the human spirit. We salute the libera-
rity threat to the United States.
trade.
tion of Grenada. We affirm our support for
We urge all nations to unite against
The recently signed INF treaty has
the heroic fighters in the Afghan resistance
this evil Although we salute our hemi-
proven that NATO's dual track policy of
and pledge to see them through to the end
spheric neighbors who are fighting the war
improving NATO nuclear forces in Europe,
of their struggle. We pledge political and
on drugs. we expect all nations to help stop
while negotisting arms reductions with the
material support to democratic liberation
this deadly commerce. We pledge aggres-
Soviet Union, was the only way to make the
movements around the world.
sive interdiction and eradication, with
Soviet leadership accept meaningful DU-
Republicans believe human rights are
strong penalties against countries which
clear arms reductions. NATO's cohesion as
advanced most where freedom is advanced
shield or condone the narcotics traffic.
an alliance, when assaulted by Soviet pro-
first. We call on the Soviet government to
Republicans are proud of the fact that
paganda attacks during the 1980s, proved
release political prisoners, allow free emi-
we have dramatically increased the inter-
its resilience. Bolstered by the strong lead-
gration for "refuseniks" and others, and
diction of dangerous drugs. For example,
ership of the United States, Europe stood
introduce full religious tolerance. Soviet
over the past 6 years, our annual seizure of
firm in opposing Soviet demands for a nu-
Jews, Christians, and other ethnic and reli-
cocaine has increased by over 1,500 per-
clear freeze and unilateral disarmament.
gious groups are systematically persecuted,
cent. While much has been accomplished in
American aid and European industri-
denied the right to emigrate, and pre-
eradicating drugs at the source and in tran-
ousness have restored West Europe to a
vented from freely practicing their reli-
sit, much more remains to be done.
position of global strength In accord with
gious beliefs. This situation is intolerable,
We will use our armed forces in the
this, the Republican Party believes that all
and Republicans demand an end to all of
war on drugs to the maximum extent prac-
members of NATO should bear their fair
these discriminatory practices.
tical. The must emphasize their special ca-
share of the defense burden.
We support the desire for freedom and
pabilities in surveillance and command and
Republicans consider consultation and
self-determination of all those living in
control for interdiction and in special oper-
cooperation with our allies and friends to
Captive Nationa. The Republican Party
ations for eradication of drugs at the
stop the proliferation of ballistic missile
denounces the oppression of the national
source.
technology is a crucial allied goal. We be-
free will of Poles, Hungarians, Czechoslo-
To fight international drug trade, we
lieve that continued support for the Strate-
vakians, East Germans, Bulgarians, Roma-
will stress the swift extradition of traffick-
gic Defense Initiative will yield the type of
nians, and Albanians. We support the de-
ers. We support a comprehensive use of
defensive insurance policy the American
sire for freedom of Estonians, Latvians,
America's resources to apprehend and con-
people want for themselves and their allies.
Lithuanians, Ukrainians, the people of the
vict drug dealers. To enforce anti-drug pol-
We share a deep concern for peace and
Caucasus, and other peoples held captive
icy, we pledge to enhance eradication ef-
justice in Northern Ireland and condemn
in the Soviet Union. We support the Soli-
forts with increased herbicide use; regulate
all violence and terrorism in that strife-
darity free trade union movement in Po-
exports of "precursor chemicals" used in
torn land. We support the process of peace
land.
the manufacture of illicit drugs; train and
and reconciliation established by the An-
We find the violation of human rights
equip cooperating government law-enforce-
glo-Irish Agreement, and we encourage new
on the basis of religion or culture to be
ment agencies; emphasize a strategy to
investment and economic reconstruction in
morally repugnant to the values we hold.
"choke off drug supply routes; and impose
Northern Ireland on the basis of strict
Historical tragedies like the Holocaust
the death penalty for drug kingpins and
equality of opportunity and non-discrimi-
or the terrible persecution suffered by the
those who kill federal law enforcement
nation in employment.
Armenian people vividly remind us of
agents.
The Republican Party strongly en-
the need for vigilance in protecting and
courages the peaceful settlement of the
promoting human rights. We and others
Europe and the
long-standing dispute OD Cyprus.
must ensure that such tragedies occur
The future of U.S. relations with Eu-
never again.
Defense of the West
rope is one of endless opportunity and po-
The Republican Party commends the
tential Increased cooperation and con-
Reagan-Bush Administration for its far-
The United States and Europe share a
sultation will necessarily lead to greater
sighted efforts to modernize our electronic
wide array of political, economic, and mili-
economic, political and military integra-
tools of public diplomacy to reach the Cap-
tary relationships, all vitally important to
tion, thus strengthening the natural bonds
tive Nations. The Voice of America,
the United States. Together they represent
between the democratic peoples on both
Worldnet, Radio Free Europe and Radio
a growing. multifaceted bond between
sides of the Atlantic. This will require a
Liberty are on the leading edge of our pub-
America and the European democracies.
seasoned American leadership, able to
lic diplomacy efforts. These electronic
Culturally, as well as militarily, we
build on the achievements of the Reagan-
means of communication are force-multi-
share common goals with Western Europe.
Bush Administration and prepared to lead
pliers of truth They attack one of the
The preservation of liberty is first among
the alliance into the 1990s and beyond.
darkest pillars of totalitarianism: the op-
these. He will not allow the cultural, eco-
pression of people through the control of
nomic, or political domination of Western
information. We urge the further use of
Europe by the Soviet Union. Our own na-
Asia and the Pacific
advanced technologies such as Direct
tional security requires it, for our democ-
Democratic capitalism is transforming
Broadcast Satellites and videotape, as well
racy cannot flourish in isolation. The
Asia. Nations of the Pacific Rim have be-
as continuing use of television and radio
United States, led by the Reagan-Bush Ad-
come colleagues in the enterprise of free-
broadcasting, to articulate the values of in-
ministration, and our European allies have
dom. They have shown a strong capacity for
dividual liberty throughout the world.
successfully reasserted democracy's ideo-
economic growth and capital development.
logical appeal. This formula is without
The Asia-Pacific arena continues to be
Combatting Narcotics:
equal for political and economic progress.
a vital strategic interest for the U.S. and is
Republicans believe that the contin-
an area of increased military, economic,
Defending Our Children
ued growth of trade between Europe and
and diplomatic activity for the Soviet
the United States is in the best interest of
Union.
By eradication at the source, interdic-
both the American people and their Euro-
Japan has assumed the role earned by
tion in transit, education and deterrence
pean friends However, this economic rela-
her people as a world ecc-Domic power. The
against use, prompt extradition of drug
tionship must be based upon the principle
GOP believes that our relations can only be
kingpins, or rehabilitation, America must
of free and fair trade. Protectionism and
strengthened by attacking trade barriers,
Complete 1998 Compressional Quarterly be
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Aug. 20, 1958-PAGE 2391
Texts - 40
both tariff and nontariff, which not only
china. We will continue to press relent-
We will continue to maintain Israel's
hurt the U.S. now but also will eventually
lessly for a full accounting of America's
qualitative advantage over any adversary
distort Japan's own economy. We believe
POWs and MIAs. We put the government
or coalition of adversaries.
that it is time for Japan to assume a greater
of Vietnam on notice that there will be no
We will continue to solidify our strate-
role in this region and elsewhere. This
improvement in S.-Vietnam relations
gic relationship with Israel by taking addi-
should include a greater commitment to its
until such a satisfactory full accounting has
tional concrete steps to further institution-
own defense. commitment to leading the
been provided by the government of Viet-
alize our partnership. This will include
way in alleviating Third World debt, and
nam.
maintaining adequate levels of security and
fostering economic growth in fragile de-
Republicans are committed to provid-
economic assistance; continuing our meet-
mocracies.
ing assistance for refugees fleeing Vietnam,
ings on military, political and economic co-
Today. democracy is renewed on Tai-
Laos, and Cambodia. Republicans strongly
operation and coordination; prepositioning
wan, the Philippines, and South Korea and
believe that the promise of asylum for
military equipment; developing joint con-
is emerging elsewhere in the area. We
these refugees must be met by adequate
tingency plans; and increasing joint naval
pledge full cooperation in mutual defense
resources and vigorous administration of
and air exercises. The growth of the Sovi-
of the Philippines and South Korea and
refugee programs. We will increase efforts
ets' military presence in the Eastern Medi-
the maintenance of our troops and bases
to resettle Vietnamese refugees under the
terranean and along NATO's southern
vital for deterring aggression. The United
orderly departure program. We are par-
flank has demonstrated the importance of
States, with its friends and allies, will
ticularly committed to assisting the re-
developing and expanding the U.S.-Israel
strenghten democratic institutions in the
settlement of Amerasian children against
strategic relationship.
Philippines by assisting in its economic
whom brutal discrimination is practiced.
We oppose the creation of an indepen-
development and growth. We reaffirm our
We recognize the close and special ties
dent Palestinian state; its establishment is
commitment to the security of Taiwan and
we have maintained with Thailand since
inimical to the security interests of Israel,
other key friends and allies in the region.
the days of Abraham Lincoln. Thailand
Jordan and the U.S. We will not support
We regard any attempt to alter Taiwan's
stands tall against the imperialist aggres-
the creation of any Palestinian entity that
status by force as a threat to the entire
sion of Vietnam and the Soviet Union in
could place Israel's security in jeopardy.
region. We adhere to the Taiwan Relations
Southeast Asia.
Republicans will build upon the efforts
Act, the basis for our continuing coopers-
Republicans strongly support our tra-
of the Reagan-Bush Administration and
tion with those who have loyally stood with
ditional close bilateral relations with our
work for peace between Israel and her Arab
us, and fought at our side, for half a cen-
ally Australia. We also look forward to a
neighbors based upon the following princi-
tury.
rejuvenation of the ANZUS [Australia,
ples:
Today. the communist regime of the
New Zealand and the United States] alli-
A just and lasting peace is essential,
People's Republic of China looks to free
ance with its benefits and responsibilities
urgent, and can be reached only through
market practices to salvage its future from
to all partners.
direct negotiations between Israel and the
stagnant Marxism. We welcome this devel-
Arab nations.
opment. As we draw closer in our relation-
The Middle East
Peace treaties must be reached
ship, the Republican Party believes that we
through direct negotiations and must never
must continue to encourage the abandon-
The foundation of our policy in the
be imposed upon unwilling partners.
ment of political repression in the People's
Middle East has been and must remain the
The PLO should have no role in the
Republic of China and movement toward a
promotion of a stable and lasting peace,
peace process unless it recognizes Israel's
free market. We also look toward contin-
recognizing our moral and strategic rela-
right to exist, accepts United Nations Se-
ued improvement in mutually beneficial
tionship with Israel. More than any of its
curity Council resolutions 242 and 338. re-
trade between our two nations.
predecessors, the Reagan-Bush Adminis-
nounces terrorism, and removes language
We recognize the significant progress
tration solidified this partnership. As a re-
from its charter demanding Israel's de-
made by the Reagan-Bush Administration
sult, the relations between the United
struction.
to assure the end of the Soviet occupation
States and Israel are closer than ever be-
Under Republican leadership, the
of Afghanistan We will continue to press
fore.
United States will explore every opportu-
for self-determination and the establish-
ment of a genuinely representative govern-
ment directly elected by the Afghan peo-
ple. We pledge to continue full military and
humanitarian support and supplies for the
resistance until complete Soviet with-
drawal is realized.
We commend the government of Paki-
stan for its opposition to the Soviet occupa-
tion of Afghanistan and its support of the
Afghan people, particularly its refugees.
We reaffirm our friendship and will con-
tinue the strong security assistance rela-
G
tionship between the United States and
Pakistan
We will press for the withdrawal of
Vietnamese occupation of Laos and Cam-
bodia and will continue support for the
S
efforts of the non-Communist resistance.
Republicans insist that Vietnam, Laos,
and Cambodia must provide adequate in-
formation on American POWs and MIAs.
S
The grief of the POW and MIA families is
a constant reminder to all Americans of the
patriotic sacrifice made by their missing
loved ones. Republicans will not rest until
we know the fate of those missing in Indo-
ERICA WALTERS
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Copyright 1998 Congressivel Quarterly Inc.
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Texts - 41
nity to move forward the peace process
reassertion of Lebanese sovereignty
foreign development programs.
toward direct negotiations as long as the
throughout the nation, with recognition
We believe that peace in southern Af-
security of Israel is not compromised.
that its safekeeping must be the respon-
rica can best be achieved by the withdrawal
Much work remains to establish a climate
sibility of the Lebanese government. He
of all foreign forces from Angola, complete
in the Middle East where the legitimate
will strive to help Lebanon restore its soci-
independence and self-determination for
rights of all parties, including the Palestin-
ety so that, in the future as in the past,
the people of Namibia, a rapid process of
ians, can be equitably addressed.
religious groups will live in harmony, inter-
internal reconciliation, and free and fair
We recognize that Israel votes with the
national commerce will flourish and inter-
elections in both places. The Reagan-Bush
United States at the United Nations more
national terrorism will not exist.
Administration has worked tirelessly to
frequently than any other nation. The Rea-
For nearly four decades, U.S. policy in
achieve this outcome; and while obstacles
gan-Bush Administration supported legis-
the Persian Gulf has reflected American
remain, we are closer than ever to a com-
lation mandating that if the U.N. and its
strategic, economic, and political interests
prehensive settlement of these interrelated
agencies were to deny Israel's right to par-
in the area. Republican policy has three
conflicts. America's strong support for An-
ticipate, the United States would withhold
fundamental objectives:
golan freedom-fighters has helped make
financial support and withdraw from those
Maintaining the free flow of oil
this progress possible. We also oppose the
bodies until their action was rectified. The
Preventing the expansion of Soviet in-
maintenance of communist forces and in-
Republican Party reaffirms its support for
fluence.
fluence in Mozambique.
the rescission of U.N. Resolution 3379,
Supporting the independence and sta-
Republicans deplore the apartheid
which equates Zionism with racism. Failure
bility of the states in the region.
system of South Africa and consider it
to repeal that resolution will justify attenu-
By pursuing those goals, we have are-
morally repugnant. All who value human
ation of our support for the U.N.
ated the political leverage to begin the pro-
liberty understand the evil of apartheid,
We believe that Jerusalem should re-
cess of ending the Iran-Iraq war. Our re-
and we will not rest until apartheid is elim-
main an undivided city, with free and un-
flagging of Kuwaitis ships limited the
inated from South Africa. That will remain
impeded access to all boly places by people
expansion of both Iranian and Soviet influ-
our goal. Republicans call for an effective
of all faiths.
ence in the region.
and coordinated policy that will promote
Republicans see Egypt as a catalyst in
equal rights and a peaceful transition to a
the Arab world for advancing the cause of
Africa
truly representative constitutional form of
regional peace and security. For this rea-
government for all South Africans and the
son, we believe that the United States has a
Republicans have three priorities in
citizens of all nations throughout Africa.
significant stake in Egypt's continuing eco-
our country's relations with Africa. The
We deplore violence employed against in-
nomic development and growth. As the
first is to oppose the forces of Marxist im-
nocent blacks and whites from whatever
only Arab nation to have formally made
perialism, which austain the march of tyr-
source.
peace with Israel, it is resping the benefits.
anny in Africa. This priority includes giv-
We believe firmly that one element in
Egypt's support of the Camp David Ac-
ing strong assistance to groups which
the evolution of black political progress
cords demonstrates that an Arab nation
oppose Soviet and Cuban-sponsored op-
must be black economic progress; actions
can make peace with Israel, be an ally of
pression in Africa.
designed to pressure the government of
the U.S., and remain in good standing in
Our second priority is the need to de-
South Africa must not have the effect of
the Arab world. Republicans support the
velop and. sustain democracies in Africa.
adversely affecting the rising aspirations
Reagan-Bush Administration's formal des-
Democrats have often taken the view that
and achievements of black South African
ignation of Egypt as a major non-NATO
democracy is unattainable because of Afri-
entrepreneurs and workers and their fam-
ally.
ca's economic condition, yet at the same
ilies. We should also encourage the devel-
Our continued support of Egypt and
time they refuse to promote the conditions
opment of strong democratic black political
other pro-Western Arab states is an essen-
in which democracies can flourish Eco-
institutions to aid in the peaceful transi-
tial component of Republican policy. In
nomic freedom and market-based econo-
tion to majority rule. Republicans believe
support of that policy, we deployed a naval
mies are the key to the development of
that it is wrong to punish innocent black
task force to join with allies to keep the sea
democracy throughout Africa.
South Africans for the policies of the apart-
lanes open during the Iran-Iraq war. We
Our third area of concern is humani-
heid government of South Africa.
also/recognize the important role the mod-
tarian assistance, especially food aid, to Af-
erate Arab states play in supporting U.S.
rican nations. The Reagan-Bush Adminis-
security interests.
tration has always provided it.
Child Survival Program
Republicans will continue to build on
Republicans salute the Reagan-Bush
The health of children in the develop-
the Reagan-Bush achievement of increased
Administration for responding with charac-
ing countries of Asia, Africa, the Near East,
security cooperation with the pro-Western
teristic American compassion to famine
Latin America and the Caribbean has been
Arab states. We recognize that these Arab
conditions in Africa by providing record
a priority of the Reagan-Bush Administra-
nations maintain friendly relations with
amounts of food, medical supplies, and
tion. Republicans have designated the
the United States in the face of potential
other life-saving assistance. In spite of our
Child Survival Program as one of our high-
retaliation attempts by radical elements in
efforts, the people of Africa continue to
est foreign assistance priorities. With the
the Middle East.
suffer. Republicans condemn the cynical
creation of the Child Survival Fund in
Continuing strife in Lebanon is not in
Marxist governments, especially in Ethio-
early 1985, we have helped to ensure that
the interest of the U.S. Until order is estab-
pia, which use planned starvation as a
children in developing countries worldwide
lished, Lebanon will be a source of interna-
weapon of war and a tool for forced migra-
get a decent start in life.
tional terrorism and regional instability.
tion.
Our commitment to the Child Survival
To re-establish normaley in Lebanon, the
The recent African drought and result-
Program is more than a compassionate re-
U.S. must strengthen the hand of the over-
ing famine were not just natural disasters.
sponse to this challenge. It is in part an
whelming majority of Lebanese, who are
They were made worse by poorly conceived
indication of the success of the program.
committed to an independent, peaceful,
development projects which stripped lands
Child Survival funding has been put to
and democratic Lebanon.
of their productive capacity. Republicans
good use, and it is making a difference.
In order to achieve this goal, we will
recognize that protecting the natural re-
Experience has shown that a few dollars go
base the policy of the United States on the
source base of developing nations is essen-
a long way in saving a child's life.
principles of the unity of Lebanon; the
tial to protecting future economic opportu-
Republican efforts have seen results.
withdrawal of all foreign forces; the territo-
nities and assuring stable societies. We are
The pilot studies begun by the Reagan-
rial integrity of Lebanon; the re-establish-
leading the fight worldwide to require
Bush Administration a few years ago have
ment of its government's authority; and the
sound environmental planning as part of
resulted in child survival programs that to-
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Aug. 20, 1988-PAGE 2393
Texts - 42
day are reaching hundreds of thousands of
against the vital interests of the United
its interests abroad. Modern diplomacy re-
women and children in the developing
States covers a broad spectrum of conflict.
quires an institution capable of integrating
world. Policies are in place, health workers
We are committed to defending the people
the international dimension of our national
are trained, and host governments
of the United States at all levels. To imple-
values and concerns into a coherent foreign
throughout the world are committed to
ment that commitment, we will rely on the
policy. That institution must be made fully
child survival programs.
planning and strategy of the U.S. Special
responsive to the guidance and direction
Republicans are committed to con-
Operations Command and other Depart-
provided by our country's political leader-
tinuing our contribution to this vital pro-
ment of Defense offices.
ship.
gram. As we look forward to the 1990s,
We commend the Reagan-Bush Ad-
This requires a truly hierarchical deci-
many countries will have achieved what
ministration for its willingness to provide a
sion-making structure in the Department of
only a few years ago seemed like unattain-
measured response to terrorists such as
State to assure that issues not directly de-
able goals. Those countries need to find
Libya's Colonel Qadhafi. We affirm our
cided by the Secretary of State are not out of
ways to sustain those achievements. It will
determination to continue isolating his out-
reach of politically accountable authority.
not be easy. For other countries, the road
law regime. We applaud the Reagan-Bush
Republicans commend the efforts initi-
to these goals will be longer as they strive
Administration's dispatch in implementing
ated by the Reagan Administration, and in
to give every child what should be his or
the Omnibus Diplomatic Security and
particular the Secretary of State, to restruc-
her birthright, a chance to thrive.
Anti-Terrorism Act of 1986. We are
ture and streamline management of the de-
We can help them. We can provide
strongly committed to obtaining the free-
partment in order to provide for greater flex-
leadership and support. We are committed
dom of all Americans held captive by ter-
ibility. efficiency and accountability.
to sustaining this effort to save and im-
rorist elements in the Middle East. Where
he will continue these efforts in the
prove the lives of the world's children.
possible, we will hold accountable those re-
areas of organization, personnel, and
We commend the Reagan-Bush Ad-
sponsible for such heinous acts. We also
ministration for its courageous defense of
responsiveness as part of a long-term pro-
support foreign military assistance that en-
gram to make the Department of State
human life in population programs around
ables friendly nations to provide for their
the world. We support its refusal to fund
more immediately responsive to a complex
own defense, including defense against ter-
and changing world.
international organizations involved in
rorism.
abortion.
We recognize the increasing threat of
terrorism to our overall national security.
Stopping International
We will pursue a forward-leaning posture
Peace Through
toward terrorism, and are prepared to act
Terrorism and Dealing
in concert with other nations or unilat-
Strength
with Low-Intensity
erally, as necessary, to prevent or respond
to terrorist attacks. Our policy will empha-
A Proven Policy
Conflict
size preemptive anti-terrorist measures; al-
lied and international cooperation; negotia-
The nature of warfare itself has
Peace through strength is now a
tion toward an international agreement to
proven policy. We have modernized our
changed. Terrorism is a unique form of
facilitate pre-emptive and proactive mea-
warfare that attacks and threatens security
forces. revitalized our military infrastruc-
sures against terrorists and narco-terror-
and stability around the world. Ranging
ists; and creation of a multi-national strike
ture. recruited and trained the most capa-
from the attempted assassination of the
ble fighting force in American history. And
force, on the authority granted in a multi-
Pope and car-bomb attacks on American
we have used these tools with care, respon-
national agreement, specializing in coun-
sibilary. and restraint.
USO clubs. to narco-subversion in the na-
terterrorism, intelligence and narcotics
tions of the West, terrorism seeks to silence
control.
The Reagan-Bush national security
freedom as an inalienable right of Man
program has restored America's credibility
Republicans believe that, when neces-
in the world. Our security and that of our
The world of totalitarianism and anti-
sary, our own armed forces must have the
Western fanatics have joined forces in this
allies have been dramatically enhanced; the
capability to meet terrorist crises. Our sup-
opportunities for the United States to be a
campaign of terror. The goals of their un-
port for defense forces specifically
declared war against the democracies are
positive force for freedom and democracy
equipped and trained to conduct uncon-
the withdrawal of our presence internation-
throughout the world have expanded, and
ventional warfare has resulted in important
ally and the retraction of our freedoms do-
improvements in this critical area. Under
the chances for new breakthroughs for
peace have risen dramatically.
mestically.
the Reagan-Bush Administration, major
The Republican Partay believes that,
Republicans will build upon this
improvements have been made in the spe-
record and advance the cause of world free-
in order to prevent terrorist attacks, the
cial operations force's readiness, manning,
United States must maintain an unsur-
and modernization.
dom and world peace by using our military
passed intelligence capability. In cases of
credibility as a vehicle for security at home
The Republican Party is strongly com-
and peace abroad.
terrorism where prevention and deterrence
mitted to increased support for unconven-
are not enough, we believe that the United
These new opportunities for peace and
tional forces by streamlining the bureau-
States must be prepared to use an appro-
world freedom pose new challenges to
cracy which supports them, building the
America.
priate mix of diplomatic, political, and mil-
weapons and platforms which are a mini-
itary pressure and action to defeat the ter-
The INF Treaty, the first treaty to
mal requirement for their success, and
rorist attack. The United States must
actually reduce the number of nuclear
funding the research and development
continue to push for a Western commit-
weapons, was made possible by our com-
needed for their future vigor. We whole-
ment to a "no-concessions" policy on ter-
mitment to peace through strength It will
heartedly support greater international co-
rorism.
impose new demands on our armed forces.
operation to counter terrorism and to en-
The Republican Party understands
We WIII redouble our commitment to cor-
sure the safety of innocent citizens
that many problems facing our country are
rect a dangerous imbalance of conventional
travelling abroad.
centered on "Low Intensity Conflicts"
forces both through negotiation and
through force improvements.
These include insurgencies, organized ter-
rorism, paramilitary actions, sabotage, and
State Department
The Carter Administration left our
other forms of violence in the gray area
armed forces in a dangerously weakened
between peace and declared conventional
Organization
positice. Ten of the Army's 16 divisions
warfare. Unlike the Democrat Party, Re-
were rated as "not combat ready" due to
The United States depends upon ef-
publicans understand that the threat
fective diplomacy to protect and advance
shortages of skilled manpower, spare parts,
fuel, amunition, and training. For the
PAGE 2394-Aug: 20, 1988
Capyright 1990 Congressonal Quarterly be
Reproduction prohibited a whole or - part except by aditorial class
Texts . 43
defense against all ballistic missile attacks.
We are committed to rapid and certain
deployment of SDI as technologies permit.
and we will determine the exact architec-
ture of the system as technologies are
tested and proven
In response to the dangerous prolifera-
tion of ballistic missiles, a joint U.S.-Israeli
effort is now underway to produce the free
UN COUNT
world's first anti-tactical ballistic missile
system, "Project Arrow." We will support
this use of SDI research funds.
The Democrat nominee for president
opposes deployment of any SDI system. He
opposes deployment of even a limited bal-
Estic missile defense system to protect
Americans against missile attacks that
might be launched accidentally or by an
outlaw ruler with access to a few nuclear
weapons. His position contradicts the
sponsorship by certain Democrats in Con-
gress of a system to protect Americans
from such missile attacks.
Republicans want to begin with pro-
ASSOCIATED PRESS
George Bush and Barbara Bush, right; Dan Quayle and his wife Marilyn.
tection and add to deterrence. We applaud
the leaders of the scientific community for
same reasons, more than 40 percent of the
leadership needed to move our nation ef-
their confidence in the ability of U.S. tech-
U.S. Air Force and Navy combat aircraft
fectively into the 21st century.
nology to enhance deterrence and to pro-
were not fully mission-capable.
vide effective defenses. We urge the univer-
The vacillating, ineffectual defense
sities of our country to continue to
policies of the Democratic presidential
America Defended
cooperate with the government and the pri-
nominee would similarly weaken our na-
We have begun a historic transition
vate sector in establishing the SDI system.
tional security. His ideas about strategic
from an American threatened by nuclear
weapons are not only out of step with the
weapons to an America defended against
thinking of the vast majority of Americans,
A Strategy for
the possibility of a devastating nuclear at-
but also in direct conflict with those of his
tack
Deterrence
vice presidential running mate and most of
We understand the ominous implica-
the leading Democrats on the Senate and
tions of the proliferation of ballistic missile
Republicans will implement a strategic
House Armed Services Committees.
technology in the Third World. The Rea-
modernization program, emphasizing of-
Republicans will support U.S. defense
gan-Bush Administration has succeeded in
fensive and defensive strategic forces that
capabilities by keeping our economy strong
negotiating an agreement among the seven
are affordable and credible and that pro-
and inflation rates low. Continued eco-
leading industrial countries to stop the
vide for a more stable balance. In contrast
nomic growth will allow more dollars to be
spread of this technology. This underscores
with the Democrat nominee and his party,
available for defense without consuming a
the need for deployment of the Strategic
we will not jeopardize America's security
larger portion of the GNP or the federal
Defense System commonly known as SDI.
and undermine the advances we have made
budget: continued efficiency and economy
SDI represents America's single most im-
for peace and freedom by permitting ero-
will assure those dollars are well-spent.
sion of our nuclear deterrent.
portant defense program and is the most
Even as we engage in dialogue with our
significant investment we can make in our
Over the past 10 years, every adminis-
adversaries to reduce the risks of war, we
nation's future security.
tration - Democrat and Republican alike
must continue to rely on nuclear weapons
SDI is already working for America. It
- has understood the importance of main-
as our chief form of deterrence. This reli-
brought the Soviets back to the bargaining
taining a strategic triad: a mix of ground,
ance will, however, move toward non-nu-
table. and it has energized and challenged
air and sea retalistory forces. Republicans
clear defensive weapon systems as we de-
know our country needs a survivable land-
our research and technology community as
ploy the Strategic Defense System. We will
never before. It has started to reverse the
based leg of the triad. The current Demo-
greatly enhance security by making the
trend of unmatched heavy Soviet invest-
crat leadership rejects this integral element
transition from an all-offensive balance of
ment Republicans insist it is unacceptable
of our strategic force posture. This will de-
nuclear terror to a deterrent that empha-
that today the citizens of Moscow are pro-
stroy the triad by neglecting necessary
sizes non-nuclear defense against attack.
tected against ballistic missile attack while
modernization and forgoing the strategic
We must improve conventional deter-
Americans have no such protections.
forces essential for preserving deterrence.
rence that would prevent our adversaries
The SDI program has been structured
The most critical element in enabling
from being able to advance successfully
to facilitate a smooth transition to a safer
the President to preserve peace is to assure
into allied territory. We stand in unity with
world It emphasizes deployments based
his ability to communicate with foreign
our European allies in the conviction that
upon the following objectives:
leaders and our armed forces under the
neither a nuclear war nor a conventional
Providing protection against an acci-
most adverse circumstances. The Democrat
war should be fought. Nonetheless, we
dental or unauthorized launch of a nuclear
nominee has acted to prevent a future
must stay on the cutting edge of weapon
missile or an attack by a rogue nation.
President from having this ability by deny-
system development and deployment to
Changing the emphasis on our deter-
ing the federal government the needed ap-
deter Soviet aggression in Europe and
rent from nuclear offense to non-nuclear
proval to deploy key elements of the
throughout the free world.
defensive weapons and providing the only
Ground Wave Emergency Network
Only by maintaining our strength and
real safeguard against cheating on offensive
(GWEN) in Massachusetts. By doing so, he
resolve can Et secure peace in the years
arms control agreements.
has demonstrated a sbocking disregard for
ahead. Republicans will provide the steady
Ultimately, providing a comprehensive
the security of all Americans. This nation
cannot afford such irresponsible leadership
Copyright 1983 Congressed Quarterly -
prohibited
-
whole
or
-
1
ascept
by
edmond
cleans.
Aug. 20, 1988-PAGE 2395
Texts - 44
from one who aspires to be our Com-
"managed" arms build-up, always waiting
mander-in-Chief.
gram. The American people have never
for the next agreement to reverse the trend.
turned back from a frontier.
To end our historic reliance on massive
Republicans insist on mutual arms reduc-
nuclear retaliation, we need to develop a
Our exploration of space has kept this
tions. We have proven that there are no
comprehensive strategic defense system.
country on the leading edge of science, re-
barriers to mutual reductions except the
This system will deter and protect us
search, and technology. Our access to space
will and strength to safely achieve them.
against deliberate or accidental ballistic
is emential to our national security. In the
We cannot afford to return to failed
coming decade, nations around the world
missile attack, from whatever source.
Democrat approaches to arms control.
In the conventional area, we need to
Democrats treat arms control as an end in
will compete for the economic and military
ensure that our ground, naval, and air
advantages afforded by space.
itself, over-emphasiring the atmospherics
forces are outfitted with the finest equip-
The free and unchallenged use of
of East-West relations, making unilateral
ment and weapons that modern technology
space offers to the free world, and the So-
concessions, and reneging on the tradi-
can provide: we must also assure that they
tional U.S. commitment to those forces es-
viet bloc as well, unprecedented strategic,
are fully capable of meeting any threats
scientific, and economic advantages. The
sential to U.S. and allied security. Notwith-
they may face. We put special emphasis on
Soviets openly seek these advantages,
standing their stated intentions, the
which must not be denied to the United
integrating the guard and reserves into ef-
Democrats' approach - particularly a nu-
fective combat forces. We must sustain and
clear freeze - would make nuclear war
States and other free nations. Our goal is
accelerate the progress we have already
for the United States to acquire the means
more, not less, likely.
made to ensure that all of our forces are
to assure that we can enforce a stable and
Republicans are committed to com-
prepared for special operations warfare. In
pleting the work the Reagan-Bush Admin-
secure space environment for all peoples.
addition, advances in conventional weap-
We must establish a permanent
istration has begun on an unprecedented
ons technology, specifically, "smart,"
50 percent cut in strategic nuclear weap-
manned space station in orbit during the
highly accurate weaponry, must be acceler-
1990s for a commercial and governmental
ons. We will achieve verifiable and stable
space presence.
ated. These new weapons will deter our
reductions by implementing the Republi-
adversaries by threatening significant tar-
U.S. satellites currently act as the
can agenda for a secure America:
gets with very precise conventional weap-
"eyes and ears" for our strategic forces.
We will consistently undertake neces-
ons. We must provide sealift and airlift
The survivability of U.S. space assets is
sary improvements in our forces to main-
vital to American interests.
capability needed to project and support
tain the effectiveness of our deterrent.
U.S. forces anywhere in the world.
We believe the U.S. needs an Anti-
We will not negotiate in areas which
We must also deal with the reality of
Satellite (ASAT) capability to protect our
jeopardize our security. In particular, we
chemical and biological weapons. We must
space assets from an operational Soviet
will not compromise plans for the research,
have a deterrent capability; that requires
threat, and we intend to deploy it rapidly.
testing, or the rapid and certain deploy-
modernization of our own chemical weap-
ment of SDL
Furthermore, we encourage the responsible
ons. But we must also strengthen our ef-
We will insist on effective verification
Democrat Members of Congress to join us
forts to achieve a verifiable agreement to
in this effort. Our country's advance in
of compliance with any and all treaties and
eliminate all chemical and biological weap-
space is essential to achieve the economic
will take proportional, compensatory ac-
ons. Getting a completely verifiable agree-
transformations which await us in the new
tions in cases of non-compliance. Specifi-
century ahead.
ment will be difficult, requiring for tough,
cally, the Soviet ABM [Anti-Ballistic Mis-
on-site, on-demand verification. It is, how-
Two powerful engines that can re-en-
sile] radar at Krasnoyarsk poses a clear
ever, essential that we press ahead, particu-
violation of the ABM Treaty and, if not
ergize the space program will be competi-
larly given the growing proclivity in some
tive free enterprise and SDL The United
corrected, would constitute a "material
quarters to use chemical and biological
breach" of the Treaty.
States must regain assured access to space
weapons.
We will place special emphasis on ne-
through a balanced mix of space shuttles
In recognition of our responsibility to
and unmanned vehicles. We must also ex-
gotiating asymmetrical Soviet cutbacks in
provide optimum protection for the Ameri-
those areas where a dangerous imbalance
pand the role - in investment, operation,
can people from terrorists, accidents and
and control - of the private sector. Re-
exists. For example, during the three-year
- should deterrence fail - from war, we
publicans believe that this nation can and
reign of Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet mil-
also believe that a high priority should be
itary has added more new conventional
must develop a private sector capability to
given to Civil Defense.
compete effectively in the world market
weapons than currently exist in the entire
In each aspect of our deterrent forces,
place as a provider of launches and other
armed forces of France and West Germany.
services.
Republicans propose to foster and take ad-
We will reject naive and dangerous
vantage of our technology and our demo-
We applaud those who have pioneered
proposals such as those offered by the
cratic alliance systems to develop compet-
America's rendezvous with the future. We
Democrat nominee to ban the testing of
ing strategies for most effectively
salute those who have lifted the nation's
weapons and delivery systems. Those sim-
defending freedom around the world.
spirit by raising its sights. We remember in
plistic and destabilizing proposals are de-
special honor those who gave their lives to
signed only for domestic political appeal
An Arms Reduction
and would actually jeopardize achievement
give our country a leading role in space.
of stable arms reductions. The accuracies
Strategy
and efficiencies achieved by testing have in
America: A Strong Lead-
fact resulted in 25 percent fewer warheads
Arms reduction can be an important
and 75 percent less megatonnage than 20
er and Reliable Partner
aspect of our national policy only when
years ago. Our more accurate weapons of
agreements enhance the security of the
NATO remains the United States'
today enhance stability.
United States and its allies. This is the
We must always remember and ever
most important political and military alli-
Reagan-Bush legacy: true arms reductions
ance. Republican commitment to NATO is
remind our fellow citizens - that, when
as a means to improve U.S. security, not
the future of our country is at stake, no
unwavering, reflecting shared political and
just the perception of East-West detente.
treaty at all is preferable to a bad treaty.
democratic values which link Europe, Can-
Clear objectives, steady purpose, and tough
ada, and the United States. NATO pools
negotisting. backed up by the Republican
our collective military resources and ca-
defense program, produced the INF
The Space Challenge
pabilities, stretching in Europe from Nor-
Treaty. This is the first real nuclear arms
The Republican Party is determined
way in the north to Turkey, our strategic
reduction treaty in history. Until 1981, we
friend and pillar in the south.
to lead our country and the world into the
had accepted arms "control" as simply a
21st century with a revitalized space pro-
Our challenge is to assure that today's
positive signals from the Soviets translate
PAGE 2396-Aug: 20, 1988
Capyright 1998 Company Quarterly Inc.
Repreductes prohibited in - - - part except by adminal claim.
Texts - 45
into a tangible reduction of their military
aggressive efforts to remove barriers to the
Our nation will benefit greatly from pat-
threat tomorrow. Soviet conventional su-
U.S. flag merchant fleet, and a commit-
ent royalties and technological progress that
periority remains a serious problem for
ment to cooperate with the industries
will be developed through spinoffs, especially
NATO. Soviet-Warsaw Pact military doc-
themselves to improve their efficiency, pro-
in the fields of micro-miniaturization and
trine continues to be predicated upon the
ductivity, and competitive positions.
super-conductivity, which are vital in order
Soviet Union's ability to mount a massive
A national commitment to revitalize
for U.S. industry to compete in the world
conventional offensive against the NATO
the commercial shipbuilding industry is
We regard the education of American
allies. The NATO allies must strengthen
needed in this country. Shipyards and the
students in the fields of science and tech-
their conventional forces, modernize their
supplier base for marine equipment neces-
nology as vital to our national security.
remaining nuclear systems, and promote
sary to build and maintain a merchant ma-
Our investment in militarily critical
rationalization. standardization and
rine must survive and prosper. Our mer-
knowledge and technology must be safe-
interoperability.
chant marine must be significantly en-
guarded against transfer to the Soviet
On the critical issues of defense bur-
larged and become more competitive in or-
Union and other unfriendly countries.
den sharing. Republicans reflect the belief
der to vastly increase the amount and pro-
of the American people that, although we
portion of our foreign trade it carries.
must maintain a strong presence, the alli-
Sealift is needed to supply our troops
Defense Acquisition
ance has now evolved to a point where our
and transport commercial cargo during a
European and Japanese allies, blessed with
prolonged national emergency. As a nation,
Americans are prepared to support de-
advanced economies and high standards of
we must be willing to pay for the strategic
fense spending adequate to meet the needs of
living, are capable of shouldering their fair
sealift capability we require. We can do
our security. Americans have a right - and
share of our common defense burden.
this by ensuring that the needed ships are
the government has a duty - to ensure that
We are commited to supporting the
built and by helping to sustain the ships
their hard-earned tax dollars are well-spent.
network of liberty through balanced re-
and their crews in commercial operation.
We Republicans recognize that waste and
gional or bilateral alliances with nations
We must return this nation to its foremost
fraud in the defense acquisition process cheat
sharing our values in all parts of the world,
place among the world maritime powers
the American people and weaken our national
especially our neighbors in Central Amer-
through a comprehensive maritime policy.
security. Neither can be tolerated.
ica. The Republican Party reiterates its
Last year Congress slashed the Admin-
Those who loot national security funds
support of the people of Central America in
istration's budget request for the Coast
must be prosecuted and punished. Misman-
their quest for freedom and democracy in
Guard. We urge Congress to adjust the
agement must also be rooted out The plan-
their countries.
budget process to protect the Coast Guard
ning and budgeting process must be im-
We are proud of the great economic
appropriation, thereby removing the temp-
proved, and the acquisition process reformed,
and democratic progress throughout the
tation to siphon its funds and personnel
recognizing that congressionally mandated
world during the Reagan-Bush Administra-
into other programs and ensuring im-
waste contributes mightily to inefficiencies in
tion, and we are committed to strengthen-
proved coordination of government agen-
the system.
ing the defensive ties that have thwarted
cies in our nations' war against drugs.
We will sustain consistent necessary
Soviet expansion in the past seven years.
appropriations in the defense budget to avoid
the destructive impact of wildly fluctuating
Our Nation's
and unpredictable annual funding.
Keeping the Sea
Lanes Free
Technology Base
The Packard Commission recommended
a series of important reforms for improved
Science and technology are the keys to
defense management. We are committed to
The United States has always been a
a better future for all. Many of the miracles
ensuring that these reforms are fully imple-
maritime nation. We have rebuilt our Navy
we take for granted in everyday life origi-
mented - by Congress, the Defense De-
to permit continued freedom of the seas.
nated in defense and space research. They
partment and the defense industry. Most
Our focus has correctly been on the fight-
have not only helped preserve the peace,
particularly we call for submission of a two-
ing ships our Navy would use in the event
but also have made America's standard of
year budget for defense to help us meet
of a conflict. Our successful peace mission
living the envy of the world.
these goals. Persons involved in the federal
in the Persian Gulf is eloquent testimony
Because of advances in science and
government procurement process must be
to the benefits of a blue water Navy.
technology, our defense budget today is ac-
subject to "revolving door" legislation.
To protect American interests in re-
tually one-third lower, as a fraction of the
Procurement today is constrained by an
mote areas of the world, we require a 600-
gross national product, than it was a gen-
adversarial relationship between the Con-
ship Navy with 15 aircraft carrier battle
eration ago.
gress and the Defense Department. The result
groups. This number enables us to operate
Today, national security and techno-
is micro-management by Congress, which has
in areas where we lack the infrastructure of
logical superiority are increasingly linked
resulted in thousands of regulations that add
bases we enjoy in Western Europe and the
by the relationship between technology
expensive and time consuming red tape with-
western Pacific A force of this size will
and key strategies of credible and flexible
out adding value Republicans support a firm
enable us to meet both our security inter-
deterrence, defenses against ballistic mis-
policy of cooperation, treating Members of
ests and commitments into the 21st cen-
siles, and space pre-eminence.
Congress as full partners in the acquisition
tury. Republicans are also committed to
Investment in defense research and
process. This will result in more efficiency and
the strategic homeporting of our forces
development must be maintained at a level
better weapons. An example of what can be
throughout the United States. Notwith-
commensurate with the Reagan-Bush
accomplished with this partnership is the new
standing the Democrat nominee's claim to
years. This investment should be focused
base closing legislation.
support conventional arms improvements,
on efficient and effective areas such as bal-
To make real these reforms, we will
U.S. security interests are jeopardized by
listic missile defense, space, command and
once again depend on the professionalism,
his proposal to cancel two aircraft carriers
control, and "smart" munitions.
the diligence, and the patriotism of the
previously authorized and funded by Con-
We support a defense budget with the
men and women who comprise the vast
gress.
necessary funds and incentives for industry
majority of our defense establishment.
Providing new policies for the mari-
to invest in new technologies and new plant
time industry is crucial to this nation's de-
and equipment. This is needed to preserve
Armed Forces Personnel
fense capability and its economic strength.
and expand our competitive edge, thereby
These policies must include leadership to
assuring future opportunities for America's
for the Nineties
help make the industries competitive
next generation in science, engineering,
A free society defends itself freely.
through reform of government programs,
and manufacturing.
That is why Republicans created an all-
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Aug. 20, 1988-PAGE 2397
Texts - 46
volunteer force of men and women in the
Republicans will provide adequate fund-
1970s, and why it has proven to be a tre-
emphasis has been essential in conducting
ing for the policy that, in all areas where there
mendous success in the 1980s.
diplomacy, supporting our armed forces,
are no VA hospitals or long-term care facili-
From Grenada to the Persian Gulf, the
confronting terrorism, stopping narcotics
ties, veterans needing medical attention for
readiness of those in uniform has made Amer-
traffic, battling Soviet subversion, and in-
service-connected disabilities should have the
ica proud again. Despite a demographic de-
fluencing events in support of other na-
option of receiving medical care within their
cline in the number of those eligible for serv-
tional policies. Our vital intelligence ca-
communities with adequate funding.
ice, military recruitment and retention rates
pability will continue to prevent tragedies
We must continue to address the
and save lives.
are at all time highs. Quality is outstanding,
unique readjustment problems of Vietnam
and all sectors of society are participating.
In the years ahead, the United States
veterans by continuing the store-front
We will continue to make the military
will face a widening range of national secu-
counseling, vocational training and job
family a special priority, recognizing strong
rity challenges and opportunities. Scores of
placement programs. We support veterans
home life as an essential component in the
foreign intelligence services will seek to un-
preference in federal employment and are
morale and performance of the armed
vigilant about the serious problems associ-
cover our secrets and steal our technology.
forces.
But there will also be opportunities to ad-
ated with delayed stress reaction in combat
Republicans deplore and reject the ef-
vance U.S. interests, for freedom and de-
veterans, particularly disabled and Viet-
forts of those who would support either a
mocracy are on the march. Both the threats
nam veterans. An intense scientific effort
numerical cap or a reduction in the number
and the opportunities will place demands
must continue with respect to disabilities
of military dependents able to accompany
on our intelligence capabilities as never be-
that may be related to exposure to ionizing
fore.
U.S. servicemen and women overseas. We
radiation or herbicides.
recognize that a stable and happy family
The Republican Party endorses covert
The Republican Party supports suffi-
life is the most important prerequisite for
cient funding to maintain the integrity of
action as one method of implementing U.S.
retaining these dedicated men and women
the VA hospital and medical care system
national security policy. We reject legisla-
in the service of our country.
tive measures that impinge on the Presi-
and the entitlement and beneficiary sys-
Republicans recognize that a secure
dent's constitutional prerogatives. Our
tem. We also support the efforts of the
national defense depends upon healthy
country must be able to collect from both
Department of Labor to properly meet the
military personnel. We commend the
technical and human sources the vital in-
needs of unemployed veterans, particularly
United States Armed Forces for their lead-
disabled and Vietnam veterans.
formation which is denied to us by closed
ership in proving the utility of testing ac-
societies in troubled regions of the world.
Our commitment to America's veter-
tive duty personnel and applicants for dis-
Our senior national security officials must
ans extends to the men and women of all
ease and substance abuse.
be informed about trends in foreign soci-
generations.
Republicans will never take the military
eties, opportunities to advance U.S. inter-
for granted. We support an all-volunteer force
ests, and the vulnerabilities of those who
and we will continue to insistion fairness in
Intelligence: An Indis-
seek to harm our interests. This informa-
pay and benefits for military personnel and
pensable Resource at a
tion can then be used, through the proper
their families, always striving to keep com-
chain of command, to support our national
Critical Time
policies.
pensation in line with the civilian economy.
The National Guard and Reserve are
A crucial part of the Reagan-Bush ad-
To strengthen the decision-making
essential to the integrated force concept
process and further limit access to classi-
ministration's rebuilding of a strong Amer-
of our armed services. Prior to 1981, the
ica has been the restoration of the nation's
fied information, we support the concept of
Guard and Reserve were deprived of both
a single joint congressional committee for
intelligence capabilities after years of ne-
modern equipment and integration into the
glect and down-grading by the Carter-
intelligence, made up of appropriate con-
active forces. This policy has been changed
Mondale Administration. This renewed
gressional leaders and analogous to the for-
to enable the Guard and Reserve to make
mer Joint Atomic Energy Committee.
their full contribution to our security. We
recognize the major role played by the men
and women of the Guard and Reserves in
the total defense policy. These improve-
ments will be sustained.
Veterans
Veterans have paid the price for the
freedoms we enjoy. They have earned the
benefits they receive, and we will be vigi-
lant in protecting those programs of health
care, education and housing.
We believe men and women veterans
have earned the right to be heard at the
highest levels of government. With the per-
sonal support of President Reagan, Ameri-
ca's veterans will now have a seat in the
president's Cabinet.
The health needs of our aging veterans
are of special importance, and Republicans
will not retreat from this national commit-
ment We encourage the new Secretary of
the Veterans Department to work with the
Federal Council on the Aging, and other-
agencies and organizations, to assure that
the development of new facilities and treat-
ment programs meet the special needs of
our elderly veterans.
ASSOCIATED PRESS
PAGE 2398-Aug. 20, 1988
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Texts - 47
We will continue to enhance the na-
herited an America in decline, with a crisis
our laurels The young democracies we
tion's capability for counter-intelligence.
of confidence at home and the loss of re-
have helped to flourish may yet be over-
Congressional intrusion into the adminis-
spect abroad. Re-establishing America's
come by authoritarian pressures. The So-
tration of counter-intelligence must be
strength, its belief in itself, and its leader-
viet Union can easily revert to past prac-
kept to a minimum.
ship role was the first and most important
tices. Its current effort for internal
Leaks of highly sensitive and classified
task facing the Reagan-Bush Administra-
restructuring could create a more powerful
national security information and materi-
tion. We met that task. We repaired our
adversary with unchanged objectives. Arms
als have increased at an alarming rate in
defenses, modernized our strategic nuclear
reductions could again become an excuse
recent years. Such leaks often compromise
forces, improved our strategy for deter-
for reducing our commitment to defense.
matters critical to our defense and national
rence with our development of the Strate-
thus creating dangerous instabilities. Eco-
security; they can result in the tragic loss of
gic Defense Initiative, deployed INF mis-
nomic competition could easily slip into
life. We advocate a law making it a felony
siles in Europe, and restored pride in our
protectionism and mercantilism. Both to
for any present or former officer or em-
nation's military services.
meet those challenges and to build upon
ployee of the federal government, including
We also met that task by a policy of
the opportunities created by our success,
Members of Congress, to knowingly dis-
engagement. We worked with allies, not
close classified information or material to a
the U.S. must continue in the strong lead-
against them. We supported friends in-
ership role it has assumed over the past
person not authorized to have access to it.
stead of accommodating foes. We fostered
eight years.
The U.S. must continue to provide po-
the achievement of genuine self-determina-
As we face the opportunities and chal-
litical, military, and economic assistance to
tion and democracy rather than merely
lenges of the future, our policies will be
friends abroad and to those seeking to help
preaching about human rights in the Third
guided by realism, strength, dialogue, and
us against our adversaries. These activities
World.
engagement. We must be realistic about
must always be in support of our national
The Reagan-Bush approach produced
the Soviet Union and the world we face.
policy, and the U.S. has the right to expect
dramatic results. Our policy is proven: To
Hostile forces remain in that world. Soviet
reciprocity wherever possible.
foster peace while resolutely providing for
military capabilities are still dangerous to
To the extent the Congress requires
the security of our country and its allies.
us. It must be clear to all, except the lead-
the President to inform its Members of
We have significantly enhanced that secu-
ership of the Democrat Party, that we are
activities sensitive to national security, the
rity. We have expanded the opportunities
not beyond the era of threats to the secu-
President is entitled to require that Con-
for the United States to be a positive force
rity of the United States.
gress will respect that sensitivity.
for freedom and democracy throughout the
Our country must have all the military
world. The chances for new breakthroughs
strength that is necessary to deter war and
National Security
for peace have risen dramatically.
protect our vital interests abroad. Republi-
We secured the first arms reduction
cans will continue to improve our defense
Strategy for the Future
agreement, eliminating an entire class of
capabilities. We will carefully set priorities
soviet and U.S. nuclear weapons. We laid
We have set forth the foreign and de-
within a framework of fiscal conservatism,
the basis in START [Strategic Arms Re-
fense policies of the Republican Party in
more stringent measures to increase pro-
duction Talks] for unprecedented, radical
the two preceding sections of this Platform.
ductivity, and improved management of
reductions in strategic nuclear arms.
defense resources.
To implement those policies, we propose
In regional conflicts, a humiliating So-
this integrated national security strategy
We will continue modernizing our stra-
viet retreat from Afghanistan, made possi-
tegic forces, emphasizing a mix of offensive
for the future.
ble by our unyielding support for the
and defensive forces, effective and surviv-
The long-term security of our nation is
Mujahadeen, helped to sober the Soviet
the most important responsibility of the
able, employing unique U.S. technological
rulers about the costs of their adventurism.
advantages. We will redouble our commit-
U.S. government. The domestic well-being
Our protection of vital U.S. interests in the
ment through force improvement to correct
of the American people cannot be ensured
Persian Gulf against Iranian aggression led
the dangerous imbalance that now exists in
unless our country is secure from external
to the agreement to start resolving the Per-
conventional forces.
attack. To guard our borders, preserve our
sian Gulf War. Our support for freedom
freedom, protect America from ballistic
At the same time, we will pursue nego-
fighters in Angola has resulted in the
missile attack, foster a climate of interna-
tiations designed to eliminate destabilizing
chance of a settlement there and elsewhere
tional stability and tranquility - so that
asymmetries in strategic and conventional
in southern Africa. Our isolation of Viet-
forces. Arms reductions can contribute to
nations and individuals may develop, inter-
nam has led to the prospect of its with-
act, and prosper free from the threat of war
our national security only if they are de-
drawal from Cambodia.
signed to reduce the risk of war and result
or intimidation - these are the most im-
In human rights and the building of
portant goals of America's foreign and de-
in greater stability. They must be part of a
democracy, Republican leadership has
process of broader dialogue with the Soviet
fense policy.
turned the tide against terror in Central
We dare not abandon to others our
Union, as well as other nations, a process in
America, aided the restoration of democ-
leadership ID pursuit of those goals. Inter-
which we explore possible opportunities to
racy in the Philippines and South Korea,
national peace and stability require our
reduce tensions and to create more stable,
and liberated the island of Grenada from a
country's engagement at many levels.
predictable, and enduring relationships.
Cuban-controlled dictatorship
While we cannot resolve all issues unilat-
As we shape our foreign and defense
This is a remarkable record of achieve-
erally, neither can we abdicate our respon-
policies, we must never lose sight of the
ment. It shows that our policies of achiev-
sibilities by retrenchment or by relying on
unique leadership role the United States
ing peace through strength have worked.
the United Nations to secure our interests
plays in the world community. No other
By rebuilding American strength and re-
abroad. Those who advocate America's dis-
nation can assume that role. Whether we
storing American self-confidence, Republi-
engagement from the world forget the dan.
are dealing with security challenges in the
cans achieved a remarkable series of for-
gers that would be unleashed by America's
Persian Gulf or terrorism or the scourge of
eign policy objectives critical to our
retreat - dangers which inevitably in-
drugs, the willingness of other nations to
country's security. The resurgence of
crease the costs and risks of the necessary
act resolutely will depend on the readiness
American leadership has changed the
reassertion of U.S. power.
of America to lead, to remain vigorously
world and is shaping the future, creating
Republicans learned this lesson well as
engaged, and to shoulder its unique respon-
new opportunities not dreamt of eight
sibilities in the world.
we implemented the most successful na-
years ago. This is the true measure of com-
tional security policy since World War II.
The American people and the Republi-
petence.
In 1981, we had to deal with the conse-
can Party, in the tradition of Ronald Rea-
Although we have established a frame-
quences of the Democrats' retreat. We in-
gan and with the leadership of George
work for the future, we cannot rest on
Bush, are indeed ready to do so.
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Aug. 20, 1988-PAGE 2399