California

Californias Republicans
by Cabell S. Brown

           California enjoys a large and diverse culture totaling over 34 million people. This large number makes us the strongest state in the electoral college. California’s influence in the political arena is obviously very significant, and we are happy that the shift in control of this country to the Republican party, has also extended to our state. Republicans claim most of the offices in the state; Attorney General, Treasurer, Secretary of State, and Insurance Commissioner. Additionally, the Republicans hold the majority of the California Assembly for the firs time in 21 years.
           Party Platform:
           Foreign Policy: We Support: maintaining spending as the highest budgetary priority of the United States, military intervention when 1.) the national interests of the US are directly at stake, 2.) the goal of the military solution is clear, and 3.) the military intervention includes a clear exit strategy once the goal is accomplished. We also support policies designed to bring down Communist governments such as Cuba and Vietnam. We do not support US conflict in Somalia, Haiti, and Bosnia, which are problems not susceptible to foreign military intervention.
           Equal Rights and Opportunity: We support equal opportunity for all. We oppose the imposition by government of race or religious-based quotas, and any special privileges, rights or accommodations based upon sexual orientation. Furthermore, we support merit, not some immaterial genetic attribute of religious belief, as the foundation of any employment or advancement decision. We also support the abolition of the state and National Davis Bacon Act. We do not agree with wage price fixing (at artificially high levels) for all public works involving state funds.
           Trade: We support fair and open trade with foreign nations, and the creation of free trade zones within the state to create jobs and opportunity through import and export activity.
           Health Care: We want to create a private sector, community-based networks to provide local delivery of health care services that will benefit the public by competing for the consumer dollar. Also, we support the reform of small business group insurance creating health insurance networks that would allow small firms to buy low cost, high quality insurance. We also encourage people to enroll in prepaid group plans and help the self-employed by allowing them to deduct 100% of their health insurance premium costs, or receive the health care tax credit, whichever is greater.
           Firearms: We believe everyone has the constitutional right to own firearms and possess ammunition for hunting and safe recreational use and for personal protection. We support the repeal of the Roberti-Roos Act. We support mandatory and enhanced sentencing for those using firearm in the commission of a crime. We also support the implementation of an instant background check system at the point of purchase similar to the one used in the state of Virginia.
           Taxation: We support a flat-rate personal income tax at a low level; shorter and more equitable depreciation schedule; and legislation, to remain in effect for the next decade, that will systematically reduce California’s total tax burden as a share of state personal income.
           Abortion: We support the reversal of Roe v. Wade, which would restore to the states the right to determine the issue of abortion. We support the law passed by the California legislature requiring minors to receive parental consent before having an abortion, and legislation that would prevent the discriminatory practice of abortion for sex selection. We support providing women who are considering abortion adequate information about risks and alternatives so that, as with other medical procedures, they can give true and informed consent.
           Welfare Reform: We support policies that encourage the development and maintenance of the family unit; and removing the incentives contained in the Aid to Families with Dependent Children program that encourage recipients to bear more children; and legislation to require minors who have children to live with their fit parents or a legal guardian. We also support Work-Fare for able-bodied welfare recipients who do not have young children, to provide fairness to workers and taxpayers while freeing thousands of recipients from dependency on the welfare state.
           Death Penalty: We support the judicial enforcement of California’s death penalty law.