[LexBaird]

"Or is there a movement underfoot to remove these planks from the platform?"

From the vitriolic attacks flying around, I'd say it goes further than that. There is a movement right out in public to jettison any idea of there being a party platform at all. When asked, point blank, what the Republican party stands for unequivocably, I was told it is what it is and it will be whatever it will be.

The holding of a candidate to any basic set of ideals is anathema to the "just win, baby" crowd. That's why we have a party that includes both Arnold Schwazenegger and Tom Tancredo, who would in most countries be in opposition parties from one another. You've heard of "cafeteria Catholics"? We now live in the age of "Cafeteria Republicans".

[cgk]

When asked, point blank, what the Republican party stands for unequivocably, I was told it is what it is and it will be whatever it will be.

I would say "LOL" if that wasn't so frightening when I think about the future of this country.