A winning conservative platform for 2008?

I was told earlier this evening that it's impossible for a conservative to win the general election against Hillary Clinton. That the socially liberal Rudy Giuliani is the ONLY Republican who can (a) beat Hillary and (b) win the war.

How many FReepers actually believe this hogwash? If we have no faith in our own conservative principles and values why do we call ourselves conservatives? How can we possibly hope to advance our conservative causes if we tuck tail and run when we should be fighting as if our very survival as a free people depends upon it. Because it does.

We cannot advance conservatism by running a social liberal for the office of chief executive. If you want proof, ask Arnie, the socially liberal Republican governor of California. No thanks. You can have him and the socialist horse he rode in on.

We cannot defend life, liberty or nation (see below discussion on securing borders) with a social liberal at the helm.

I'd like to build a winning conservative platform with a dozen or so hard hitting no nonsense points that we can all agree on that would help us focus on our best potential primary nominee and one that can defeat Hillary, et al, in the general.

Here's a starter list and it's open for discussion, cutting, consolidation, expansion and detailing:

Would a conservative platform focusing on victory in the war, national security, national defense, securing the borders, deporting illegal aliens, sound fiscal policy and defense of life, liberty, property and individual rights be a winner over Hillary's treasonous platform of surrender, weakness, open borders, socialist fiscal policies, "abortion rights," "gay rights," global warming, continued government abuses and subversion of our rights to freedom of religion, freedom of speech, right to keep and bear arms and private property rights?

Expanding on one issue, for example, I'm pushing for increased border security. I used to be in favor of some sort of temporary worker program, but not one that has a fast track to citizenship. I'm now coming around to the point of view held by the majority of Americans regardless of political party affiliation and that is we MUST secure the borders immediately. It's obvious that this war against Islamic fascism is going to grind on even after we put down the nasty business in Iraq. We must secure the borders against terrorist intrusion and infiltration. We must tightly control ALL immigration to the US.

It's also becoming more and more obvious that Americans are not happy with illegals taking jobs in an ever growing number of industries. They're no longer just doing field labor and or menial low paying tasks. They're creeping up the uskilled labor and union scale, only they're competing unfairly by accepting low wages and under the table payments.

We also need to seal the borders against drug smugglers, weapons smugglers, criminals, terrorists, etc. Catch them, try them and lock them up.

Americans are also tired of footing the bills for illegal alien health care, education, welfare, auto accidents, crime, disease, etc.

It's way past time to call a halt to this nonsense. I say we catch them at the borders and deport them. If we catch them again, place them in a work camp. If they want to work, fine, let them work in a work camp for their keep. Nothing more. And no illegal families or children or anchor babies. If it takes additional laws on the books, fine let's get it done. If it takes a constitutional amendment to stop the anchor babies, let's get the process started.

We should also catch and deport them when they show up at the DMV, voter registration or voting booth, unemployment line, bank, building permit office, welfare department, social security office, hospitals, free clinics, schools, jails, auto accident or traffic stops, etc. If they can't speak English and they don't have valid identification, then we need to hold them or call in the INS.

If we're going to secure the nation we must secure the borders, control immigration and stop pandering to the illegals or their enablers. Employers who willingly and knowingly hire illegals should be punished. If they pay their workers under the table and fail to withhold taxes or social security, they should be dealt with as felons.

So, we win the war, secure the nation, build our defenses, return to a sound fiscal policy, cut spending and taxes, and defend our rights.

How many states would go for this platform as opposed to Hillary's that is exactly opposite?

The below reflects a summary of the 204 platform. There is nothing in it that is inconsistant with your talking points. The issue is really “HOW” to pursue the goals, and it always has been.

We all share the goals, as consevatives, but we differ on the methods. We always have, always will, and this does not make us more or less conservative.

Having said that.......here is the 2004 platform....Enjoy!

Republican Party in 2004 Republican Party Platform

On Health Care: Government-run universal health care leads to inefficiencies
We reject any notion of government-run universal health care because we have seen evidence from around the world that government-run health care leads to inefficiencies, long waiting periods, and often substandard health care. We applaud efforts by President Bush and the Republican Congress to reform the broken medical liability system that is raising health care costs and limiting patients’ access to doctors-doctors who are being driven out of their practices by excessive medical liability costs.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 64

On Health Care: Ethical research yes; embryo cells no; cloning no
Republicans have supported, and will continue to support, important scientific research without undermining the fundamental ethical principles that have guided medical research in this country for decades. We especially welcome and encourage a stronger emphasis on adult stem cell and cord blood stem cell research, which has already provided benefits to hundreds of patients and provides real promise for treatments to help millions of Americans. We recognize that President Bush made a carefully considered decision to allow federal funding for stem cell research for the first time, and did not affect stem cell research in the private sector. We strongly support the President’s policy that prevents taxpayer dollars from being used to encourage the future destruction of human embryos. In addition, we applaud the President’s call for a comprehensive ban on human cloning and on the creation of human embryos solely for experimentation.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 68

On Environment: Private property ownership key to environmental agenda
Republicans know that economic prosperity is essential to environmental progress. We link the security of private property to our environmental agenda because environmental stewardship has been best advanced where property is privately held. People who own the land also protect it. Republicans will safeguard private property rights by enforcing the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment and by providing just compensation whenever private property is needed to achieve a compelling public purpose.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 69-70

On Environment: Cap-and-trade market-based air pollution reductions
We support President Bush’s Clear Skies proposal to reduce power plant emissions. Clear Skies, through a proven cap-and-trade system, will reduce by 70% emissions of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and mercury. The market-based policies in Clear Skies will help states meet new, more stringent standards to protect public health. The plan also provides regulatory certainty, enabling power plants to install state-of-the-art pollution control technologies.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 70

On Energy & Oil: No Kyoto, no mandatory carbon emissions controls
Republicans are committed to meeting the challenge of long-term global climate change by relying on markets and new technologies to improve energy efficiency. These efforts will help reduce emissions over time while allowing the economy to grow. Our President and our Party strongly oppose the Kyoto Protocol and similar mandatory carbon emissions controls that harm economic growth and destroy American jobs.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 71

On Crime: Support the death penalty
The Republican Party and President Bush support a federal Constitutional amendment for victims of violent crime that would provide specific rights for victims protected under the U.S. Constitution. We support courts having the option to impose the death penalty in capital murder cases.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 74

On Crime: Best way to deter crime is to enforce existing laws
We agree that the best way to deter crime is to enforce existing laws and hand down tough penalties against anyone who commits a crime with a gun. This approach is working. Since Project Safe Neighborhoods was instituted in 2001, hundreds of new federal, state, and local prosecutors have been hired to target criminals who use guns. Prosecutions are up 68 percent, and the violent crime victimization rate is down 21 percent.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 74

On Gun Control: Open more public land to hunting
Republicans and President Bush strongly support an individual right to own guns, which is explicitly protected by the Constitution’s Second Amendment. Our Party honors the great American tradition of hunting and we applaud efforts by the Bush Administration to make more public lands available to hunters, to increase access to hunting clinics and safety programs for children and adults, and to improve opportunities for hunting for Americans with disabilities.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 74

On Gun Control: No frivolous gun lawsuits, no gun licensing
We believe the 2nd Amendment and all the rights guaranteed by it should enable law-abiding citizens throughout the country to own firearms in their homes for self-defense. We applaud those seeking to stop frivolous lawsuits against firearms manufacturers which is a transparent attempt to deprive citizens of their 2nd Amendment rights. We oppose federal licensing of lawabiding gun owners & national gun registration as a violation of the 2nd Amendment and an invasion of privacy of honest citizens.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 74

On Drugs: Jail time and school drug testing deters drug use
Drug abuse and addiction ruin lives. There can be no debate about it. Every adult has a responsibility to teach children about the dangers of drugs - in terms of both physical harm and potential death, as well as lost opportunities for success. After witnessing eight years of Presidential inaction on the war against drugs during the prior Administration, we applaud President Bush for his steady commitment to reducing drug use among teens.
To continue this progress, we must ensure that jail time is used as an effective deterrent to drug use and support the continued funding of grants to assist schools in drug testing. At the same time, we should make drug treatment available to people willing to take the courageous step of admitting they have a problem and working hard to overcome it. The President’s Access to Recovery (ATR) program is giving individuals seeking drug treatment expanded access to effective providers through a new voucher program.

Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 75

On Welfare & Poverty: Faith-based welfare grants equal with secular groups
We applaud President Bush’s efforts to promote the generous and compassionate work of America’s faith-based and neighborhood charities. The President established the Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives to coordinate federal, state, and local efforts to tear down barriers that have prevented religiously affiliated groups from applying for government grants on an equal footing with secular organizations. While the federal government must not promote religious activity, or fund any organization that discriminates on the basis of religion when providing taxpayer-funded services, no organization should be disqualified from receiving federal funds simply because it displays religious symbols, has a statement of faith in its mission statement, or has a religious leader on its board. The federal government is ending discrimination against faith-based organizations and now welcomes these groups as partners and allies in the effort to deliver social services to people in need.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 75-76

On Civil Rights: Affirmative Access, without preferences or set-asides
Republicans favor aggressive, proactive measures to ensure that no individual is discriminated against on the basis of race, national origin, gender, or other characteristics covered by our civil rights laws. We also favor recruitment and outreach policies that cast the widest possible net so that the best qualified individuals are encouraged to apply for jobs, contracts, and university admissions. We believe in the principle of affirmative access-taking steps to ensure that disadvantaged individuals of all colors and ethnic backgrounds have the opportunity to compete economically. We support a reasonable approach to Title IX that seeks to expand opportunities for women without adversely affecting men’s athletics. Because we are opposed to discrimination, we reject preferences, quotas, and set-asides based on skin color, ethnicity, or gender, which perpetuate divisions and can lead people to question the accomplishments of successful minorities and women.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 76-77

On Government Reform: Stop activist judges from banning Pledge & Ten Commandments
In some states, activist judges are redefining the institution of marriage. The Pledge of Allegiance has already been invalidated by the courts once, and the Supreme Court’s ruling has left the Pledge in danger of being struck down again-not because the American people have rejected it, but because a handful of activist judges threaten to overturn commonsense and tradition. We believe that the self-proclaimed supremacy of these judicial activists is antithetical to the democratic ideals on which our nation was founded.
There are different ways to achieve that goal, such as using Article III of the Constitution to limit federal court jurisdiction; for example, in instances where judges are abusing their power by banning the use of “under God” in the Pledge of Allegiance or prohibiting depictions of the Ten Commandments. Additionally, we condemn judicial activists and their unwarranted and unconstitutional restrictions on the free exercise of religion in the public square.

Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 78-79

On Health Care: ABC for AIDS: Abstinence, Be faithful, Change behavior
We support the emphasis on prevention in the President’s Emergency Plan for HIV/AIDS relief and endorse its embrace of the successful Ugandan model promoting the “ABC” approach to prevention that encourages abstinence and being faithful to one lifetime partner, along with other behavioral changes intended to eliminate or reduce exposure risk. [The Ugandan model describes “ABC” as: Abstinence, Be faithful, otherwise use a Condom - Ed.] We support the President’s Advancing HIV Prevention Initiative that emphasizes routine testing, early diagnosis, ongoing monitoring, and elimination of HIV/AIDS in newborn babies and infants. We also support the President’s efforts to double the amount spent on abstinence-only education and to promote healthy relationships.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 79

On Immigration: Only legal immigrants, through tightly controlled borders
The Republican Party supports reforming the immigration system to ensure that it is legal, safe, orderly and humane. It also supports measures to ensure that the immigration system is structured to address the needs of national security.
To better ensure that immigrants enter the United States only through legal means that allow for verification of their identity, reconnaissance cameras, border patrol agents, and unmanned aerial flights have all been increased at the border. In addition, Border Patrol agents now have sweeping new powers to deport illegal aliens without having first to go through the cumbersome process of allowing the illegal alien to have a hearing before an immigration judge. We support these efforts to enforce the law while welcoming immigrants who enter America through legal avenues.

Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 80-81

On Immigration: Amnesty encourages illegal immigration
A growing economy requires a growing number of workers, and President Bush has proposed a new temporary worker program that applies when no Americans can be found to fill the jobs. This new program would allow workers who currently hold jobs to come out of the shadows and to participate legally in America’s economy. It would allow men and women who enter the program to apply for citizenship in the same manner as those who apply from outside the United States. There must be strong workplace enforcement with tough penalties against employees and employers who violate immigration laws. We oppose amnesty because it would have the effect of encouraging illegal immigration and would give an unfair advantage to those who have broken our laws.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 80-81

On Families & Children: Families are the cornerstone of our culture
Families are the cornerstone of our culture-the building blocks of a strong society. In families, children learn values and ideals, as well as the basic lessons that get them started on a lifelong path of education. We believe that every child deserves the chance to be born and grow up in a loving family. We also believe that while families exist in many different forms, there are ideals to strive for. Evidence shows us that children have the best chance at success when raised by a mother and a father who love and respect each other as well as their children. We also know that family breakdown makes America less stable. To create a sturdy foundation for the strength and success of our citizens and our nation, Republicans support policies that promote strong families. We also support a government that makes it easier for parents to raise their children in a world that offers unprecedented opportunities and new challenges. We offer an approach based on our common values and our common hopes.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 81

On Welfare & Poverty: Move more welfare recipients off the welfare rolls
In 1996, the Republican Congress made history by passing welfare reform. The federal government gave states the flexibility to manage the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, and both states and federal authorities began treating welfare as a step up rather than a way of life.
We need to build on the results of the 1996 reforms and continue to move welfare recipients into jobs and off the welfare rolls. This is especially important for single women and mothers, who continue to rely on welfare and fear that they cannot find a job or enter a training program because they need to care for their children. We endorse President Bush’s plan to extend the benefits of welfare reform by strengthening work requirements and promoting healthy marriages, and offering training, transportation, and child care services to help people become self-sufficient. Every American deserves a chance to know the pride of earning a paycheck and providing for his or her family.

Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 82

On Abortion: Promote adoption & abstinence, not abortion clinic referrals
We support the President’s strong efforts to promote adoption through increased tax incentives and bonuses to states that place older children in permanent family homes, as well as his efforts to promote foster care by increasing the allocation of funds for preventive and family services.
Each year more than three million American teenagers contract sexually transmitted diseases, causing emotional harm and serious health consequences, even death. We support efforts to educate teens and parents about the health risks associated with early sexual activity and provide the tools needed to help teens make healthy choices. Abstinence from sexual activity is the only protection that is 100 percent effective against out-of-wedlock pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases, including sexually transmitted HIV/AIDS. Therefore, we support doubling abstinence education funding. We oppose school-based clinics that provide referrals, counseling, and related services for contraception and abortion.

Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 82-83

On Technology: Support do-not-call and do-not-email lists
President Bush created the National Do Not Call Registry, a tool that will help ensure that telemarketers respect the privacy of our nation’s citizens. It will allow people to limit most unwanted telemarketing calls by registering their home or cell phone numbers. The service comes at no expense to the taxpayers. Unauthorized and unwelcome email, commonly known as spam, interferes with efficient and effective business and family communications. We support efforts to address this growing problem.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 83

On Education: Promote school choice and home-schooling
We applaud efforts to promote school choice initiatives that give parents more control over their children’s education. By the same token, we defend the option for home schooling and call for vigilant enforcement of laws designed to protect family rights and privacy in education. Children should not be compelled to answer offensive or intrusive questionnaires.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 84

On Education: Support voluntary student-initiated prayer in school
We will continue to work for the return of voluntary school prayer to our schools and will strongly enforce the Republican legislation that guarantees equal access to school facilities by student religious groups. We strongly support voluntary student-initiated prayer in school without governmental interference. We strongly disagree with the Supreme Court’s rulings against student-initiated prayer.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 84

On Civil Rights: States should not recognize gay marriage from other states
After more than two centuries of American jurisprudence, and millennia of human experience, a few judges and local authorities are presuming to change the most fundamental institution of civilization, the union of a man and a woman in marriage. Attempts to redefine marriage in a single state or city could have serious consequences throughout the country, and anything less than a Constitutional amendment, passed by the Congress and ratified by the states, is vulnerable to being overturned by activist judges. On a matter of such importance, the voice of the people must be heard. The Constitutional amendment process guarantees that the final decision will rest with the American people and their elected representatives. President Bush will also vigorously defend the Defense of Marriage Act, which was supported by both parties and passed by 85 votes in the Senate. This common sense law reaffirms the right of states not to recognize same-sex marriages licensed in other states.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 85

On Civil Rights: Constitutional Amendment banning same-sex marriage
We strongly support a Constitutional amendment that fully protects marriage, and we [oppose] forcing states to recognize other living arrangements as equivalent to marriage. The well-being of children is best accomplished [when] nurtured by their mother & father anchored by the bonds of marriage. We believe that legal recognition and the accompanying benefits afforded couples should be preserved for that unique and special union of one man and one woman which has historically been called marriage.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 85

On Abortion: Human Life Amendment to the Constitution
We must keep our pledge to the first guarantee of the Declaration of Independence. That is why we say the unborn child has a fundamental individual right to life which cannot be infringed. We support a human life amendment to the Constitution and we endorse legislation to make it clear that the 14th Amendment’s protections apply to unborn children. Our purpose is to have legislative and judicial protection of that right against those who perform abortions. We oppose using public revenues for abortion and will not fund organizations which advocate it. We support the appointment of judges who respect traditional family values and the sanctity of innocent human life.
We oppose abortion, but our pro-life agenda does not include punitive action against women who have an abortion. We salute those who provide alternatives to abortion and offer adoption services, and we commend Congressional Republicans for expanding assistance to adopting families and for removing racial barriers to adoption.

Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 86

On Health Care: No assisted suicide
We oppose the non-consensual withholding of care or treatment because of disability, age, or infirmity, just as we oppose euthanasia and assisted suicide, which especially endanger the poor and those on the margins of society. We support President Bush’s decision to restore the Drug Enforcement Administration’s policy that controlled substances shall not be used for assisted suicide. We applaud focusing research and treatment resources on the alleviation of pain and the care of terminally ill patients.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 86

On Civil Rights: The Patriot Act is used to track terrorist activity
The Patriot Act is being used to track terrorist activity and to break up terror cells. Now, the FBI can use tools that have been long available to fight organized crime and drug trafficking, but could not be used in the past to fight terrorism. Intelligence and law enforcement officials are sharing information as never before.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 4

On Homeland Security: Bush has kept the charge to protect our country
Bush answered the challenge of 9/11, not only with steadfast resolve, but also with vision, optimism, and unshakable confidence in the will and faith of the American people. That is what we all saw on 9/14, when Bush stood with the brave workers at Ground Zero and resolutely assured our nation amidst our shock, anger, and grief that while the terrorists had struck first, America would have the last word. The President’s most solemn duty is to protect our country. Bush has kept that charge.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 4

On Principles & Values: We saw the spirit of courage and optimism on 9/11
On 9/11, we saw the spirit of courage and optimism of the American people - that greatest assurance of the ultimate triumph of our cause. Courage and optimism led colleagues to help each other in escaping from collapsing buildings. Courage and optimism led policemen, firefighters, emergency medical professionals, public works employees, our men & women in uniform, and selfless volunteers to run into burning buildings to save others and undertake a mammoth rescue and recovery effort
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 4

On War & Peace: Terrorists seek weapons of mass destruction to kill us
On 9/11, we saw the cruelty of the terrorists, and we glimpsed the future they intend for us. They intend to strike the United States to the limits of their power. They seek weapons of mass destruction to kill Americans on an even greater scale. This danger is increased when outlaw regimes build or acquire weapons of mass destruction and maintain ties to terrorist groups.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 4

On Foreign Policy: Nations that support terrorism are just as guilty
Nations that support terrorism are just as dangerous and guilty as the perpetrators of terrorism. Every nation must make a choice to support terror or to support America and our coalition to defeat terror. We are preserving the peace by working with more than 80 allied nations and international institutions, to isolate and confront terrorists and outlaw regimes. We are working with the UN, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and other international organizations to take action in our common security.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 5

On War & Peace: Shrink the space in which the terrorists can operate
Terrorists long ago declared war on America, and now America has declared war against terrorists. We are defending the peace by taking the fight to the enemy. We are confronting terrorists overseas so we do not have to confront them here at home. We are destroying the leadership of terrorist networks in sudden raids, disrupting their planning and financing, and keeping them on the run. We are shrinking the space in which they can freely operate, by denying them territory and the support of governments.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 5

On Foreign Policy: A global coalition has broken al Qaeda cells
America and its allies and friends have broken al Qaeda cells here in the US and overseas. A global coalition, led by the US, has dried up sources of terrorist financing. Thousands of very skilled and determined military personnel remain on the manhunt, going after the remaining killers who hide in cities and caves. Today, because of the solidarity of the international coalition in the War on Terror, we are bringing these terrorists to justice, and the American people are safer.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 6

On Foreign Policy: The Pakistan government working with US to fight terror
Today, the governments of the US and Pakistan are working closely in the fight against terror. Pakistan has helped capture Khalid Sheik Mohammed, the operational planner behind the September 11 attacks, and other terrorists. Pakistani forces are rounding up terrorists along their nation’s western border. Today, because we are working with Pakistani leaders, Pakistan is an ally in the War on Terror, and the American people are safer.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 6

On War & Peace: Total and complete destruction of terrorism is needed
There is no negotiation with terrorists. No form of therapy or coercion will turn them from their murderous ways. Only total & complete destruction of terrorism will allow freedom to flourish. We will extend the peace by supporting the rise of democracy, and the hope and progress that democracy brings, as the alternative to hatred and terror in the Middle East. In democratic societies, people do not swear allegiance to malcontents and murderers; they turn their hearts and labor to building better lives.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 6

On War & Peace: Afghanistan is liberated and the American people are safer
Today, Afghanistan is a world away from the nightmare of the Taliban. Twenty-eight million people are free. That country has a good and just president. Boys and girls are being educated. Women are respected. Many refugees have returned home to rebuild their country, and a presidential election is scheduled for this fall. The terror camps are closed and the Afghan government is helping us to hunt the Taliban and terrorists in remote regions. A threat has been removed, and the American people are safer.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 6

On Foreign Policy: Saudi Arabia has joined the War on Terror
Today, after the attacks in Riyadh and elsewhere, the Saudi government knows that al Qaeda is its enemy. Saudi Arabia is working hard to shut down the facilitators and financial supporters of terrorism. The government has captured or killed many first-tier leaders of the al Qaeda organization in Saudi Arabia. Today, because Saudi Arabia has seen the danger and has joined the War on Terror, the American people are safer.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 7

On Foreign Policy: Iraq is now becoming an example of reform
Today, the dictator who caused decades of death and turmoil, who twice invaded his neighbors, who harbored terrorist leaders, who used chemical weapons on innocent men, women, and children, finally stands before the bar of justice. Iraq, which once had the worst government in the Middle East, is now becoming an example of reform to the region. Iraqi security forces are fighting beside coalition troops to defeat the terrorists and foreign fighters who threaten their nation and the world.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 7

On Foreign Policy: Libya’s munitions have been destroyed
Today, thousands of Libya’s chemical munitions have been destroyed. Libya’s nuclear equipment that could ultimately have threatened the lives of hundreds of thousands is stored away in the US. Today, because the Libyan government saw the seriousness of the civilized world, and correctly judged its own interests, the American people are safer. Today, the AQ Khan network is out of business. We have ended one of the most dangerous sources of proliferation in the world, and the American people are safer.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 8

On War & Peace: Saddam had capability to reconstitute his weapons programs
While the stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction we expected to find in Iraq have not yet materialized, we have confirmed that Saddam Hussein had the capability to reconstitute his weapons programs and the desire to do so. Our nation did the right thing, and the American people are now safer because we and our allies ended the brutal dictatorship of Saddam Hussein, halting his decades-long pursuit of chemical, biological, and nuclear weapons.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 8

On Foreign Policy: Iraqi government has gained broad international support
Iraqi sovereignty is a tribute to the will of the Iraqi people and the courage of Iraqi leaders. It is a proud moral achievement for members of our coalition. We have full confidence in the plan for Iraqi self-government. That government has gained broad international support, and has been endorsed by the UN Security Council. The US & our coalition partners are helping prepare Iraqis for the defense of their own country, including through the work of the NATO mission to train Iraqi security forces.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 9

On Foreign Policy: Pursue a comprehensive strategy against WMD proliferation
We applaud Bush for pursuing from the beginning a comprehensive strategy through which the United States works with its allies to ensure that international agreements against the proliferation of WMD are observed and enforced; detect, disrupt, and block the spread of dangerous weapons and technology; confront emerging threats from any person or state before those threats have fully materialized; and improve our capabilities to respond to the use of WMD and minimize the consequences of an attack.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 10

On Homeland Security: Bush has implemented biodefense measures
Bush’s achievements include creating Biodefense for the 21st Century, a national strategy for meeting the biological threats; signing into law Project BioShield, which provides new tools to improve medical countermeasures protecting Americans against a chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear attack; putting in place major new biodefense capabilities; creating the Container Security Initiative to screen cargo for the US; and deploying missile defenses to defend the US and its friends and allies.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 10

On Foreign Policy: Applaud the success in mobilizing international cooperation
We are grateful to the more than 30 nations with forces serving in Iraq, and the nearly 40 nations with forces serving in Afghanistan. In the fight against terror, America has asked our allies to do hard things. They have taken up these responsibilities in a spirit of solidarity that America should never forget. We applaud Bush for his success in mobilizing such international cooperation, which the 9/11 Commission judges to be “on a vastly enlarged scale” and to have expanded dramatically since 9/11.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 11

On Foreign Policy: The Broader Middle East Initiative spreads democracy
Under Bush’s leadership, the US is working with responsible governments and international institutions to convince the leaders of North Korea and Iran that their nuclear weapons ambitions are deeply contrary to their own interests. With allies, America has launched the Broader Middle East Initiative, to encourage reform and democracy throughout the region. Our nation is helping governments fight poverty and disease, so they do not become failed states and future havens for terror.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 11

On Homeland Security: Bush and Congress have been careful to protect liberties
Bush, Cheney, the Congress, and governors across the nation have taken significant steps to streamline the federal government; tighten security at entry points like ports, airports, and borders; strengthen protections at critical infrastructure landmarks such as power and water plants; and reduce the threats of bioterrorism and cyberterrorism. Through all their actions, Bush and Congress have been careful to protect the rights and liberties that make America a beacon of freedom and justice.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 12

On Homeland Security: Keep our homeland safe by taking action on multiple fronts
Bush and Republicans in Congress keep our homeland safe by taking action on multiple fronts. The FBI has been refocused to track down terrorists before they attack. The Treasury Dept. is now leading the effort to find and eliminate sources of terrorist financing around the world. Since 9/11, the US & our allies have designated 345 terrorist-related entities and frozen more than $139 million in terrorist assets in more than 1,400 accounts worldwide. The PATRIOT Act gives law enforcement and intelligence agents the tools that have long been available to fight organized crime and drug trafficking. It also made it possible for law enforcement and intelligence agents to share information and coordinate efforts to prevent terrorism. The 9/11 Commission rightly praised the PATRIOT Act’s role in improving information sharing. Since the PATRIOT Act was passed, 4 terrorist cells have been broken up inside the US and more than 189 individuals have been convicted or pled guilty to terrorism-related offenses.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 13

On Homeland Security: Keep our homeland safe by taking action on multiple fronts
Bush and Congress have worked to implement an integrated and federally supported approach to protecting communities. States and localities have received more than $13 billion since 2001. Assistance to Firefighter Grants is up 400 percent since 2001. State Domestic Preparedness funding is up more than 2,600 percent since 2001. Bush has taken steps to send money to the areas that are most at risk of terrorist attack, and instituted measures to speed the money to the first responders on the ground.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 14

On Immigration: Use biometric data to better track foreign travelers
Ensuring the integrity of our borders is vital to ensuring the safety of our citizens. We must know the identity of all visitors who enter the US, and we must know when they leave. The US-VISIT system, which uses biometric data to better track the entry and exit of foreign travelers, has been implemented at more than 115 airports and is presently being implemented at land border crossings. Reconnaissance cameras, border patrol agents, and unmanned aerial flights have all been increased at our borders. We must strengthen our Border Patrol to stop illegal crossings, and we will equip the Border Patrol with the tools, technologies, structures, and sufficient force necessary to secure the border. We will seek stiff penalties for those who smuggle illegal aliens into the country and for those who sell fraudulent documents. We urge continued support for state, local, and federal law enforcement to work in a cohesive manner in securing our borders to prevent illegal entry.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 14

On Homeland Security: Establish minimum safety requirements at chemical plants
As part of a nationwide review of critical infrastructure initiated by Bush, due to be completed by December 2004, the Department of Homeland Security has already identified the highest-risk chemical sites and partnered with industry to enhance protections at those sites. We endorse Bush’s request to have the Department of Homeland Security establish minimum safety requirements at chemical plants and enforce compliance when voluntary measures are deemed inadequate.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 15

On Homeland Security: Greatly increase the federal bioterrorism budget
Bush has worked with the Congress to increase the federal bioterrorism budget by more than 1,600 percent to $5.2 billion in 2004; expand bioterror research by an even greater margin, from $53 million in 2001 to $1.7 billion in 2005, an increase of 3,200 percent; increase the size of the Strategic National Stockpile of vaccines and countermeasures by 50 percent since 2001; and secure more than $5.5 billion to enhance the stockpile and to encourage the development of new vaccines and countermeasures
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 15

On Homeland Security: Recapitalize and enlarge the Coast Guard’s fleet
Under the leadership of Bush and the Republican Congress, our nation has significantly increased budget support for the Coast Guard to achieve its expanded mission. We affirm the importance of continued strong support, including for efforts to recapitalize and enlarge the Coast Guard’s fleet, a critical component of our overall national fleet. This should not be done at the expense of or by in any way reducing the US Navy’s shipbuilding program.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 15

On Homeland Security: Break down the wall between intelligence and law enforcement
Working together, Bush and the Republican Congress have steadfastly advanced toward the goal of an integrated, unified national intelligence effort. They have taken important steps to expand and strengthen America’s intelligence system and capabilities, including reversing devastating cuts in the intelligence community budget and closing dangerous gaps between counterterrorism intelligence collected abroad and at home by creating the Terrorist Threat Integration Center and consolidating all US government watchlist information on suspected terrorists in the new Terrorist Screening Center. They have also broken down the unnecessary “wall” between intelligence and law enforcement with the PATRIOT Act. Because it has proved to be instrumental in helping to break up terror cells and plots and seizing terrorist assets, Republicans believe that Congress needs to reauthorize this important law.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 17

On Homeland Security: Support to create a National Intelligence Director position
We share the guiding principles for reform that Bush has laid out, including increasing both the quality and quantity of human intelligence collection to disrupt terrorist attacks; investing more in our technical intelligence capabilities so that we stay ahead of our enemies’ changing communications technology and tactics; and ensuring the most effective and coordinated use of these resources and personnel. We support Bush’s request to Congress to create the position of a National Intelligence Director.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 17

On Homeland Security: Establish a National Counterterrorism Center
We support Bush’s plan to establish a National Counterterrorism Center that will build on the analytical work of the Terrorist Threat Integration Center and become our government’s knowledge bank for information about known and suspected terrorists. The new center will coordinate and monitor counterterrorism plans and activities of all government agencies and departments to ensure effective joint action, and to ensure that our efforts are unified in priority and purpose.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 17

On Homeland Security: Provided Arm Forces better pay, treatment, and training
Supported by the Republican Congress, Bush has increased basic pay by nearly 21 percent. Many service members have seen much more than that. The increase in basic salary and payments for food and housing has reached nearly 30 percent. We hail those much-deserved increases, as well as the action of the President and the Republican Congress in this year’s Defense Appropriations Act to fund permanent increases for the Family Separation Allowance and Imminent Danger Pay.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 17

On Homeland Security: Cover all basic housing costs for average service members
Republicans applaud the leadership of Bush and the Republican Congress for making sure that by the end of 2005, out-of-pocket expenses will be eliminated, meaning that the average service member who lives off-base will have all basic housing costs covered. Bush and the Republican Congress have also increased funds for defense health programs, including improving medical services for Ready Reserve members and their families.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 17

On Civil Rights: Homosexuality is incompatible with military service
We affirm traditional military culture, and we affirm that homosexuality is incompatible with military service.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 18

On Civil Rights: Support the advancement of women in the military
We support the advancement of women in the military, support their exemption from ground combat units, and support the implementation of the recommendations of the Kassebaum Commission, which unanimously recommended that co-ed basic training be ended.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 18

On Homeland Security: Increased funding for VA health care
Bush and Congress have increased funding for VA health care by more than 40 percent since 2001. This additional funding has made it possible for the VA to improve health care access for veterans who need it most, including low-income veterans, those with service-related disabilities, and those who need VA’s specialized services. Bush signed into law authorization for the concurrent receipt of both military retired pay and VA disability compensation for combat-injured and highly-disabled veterans.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 18

On Homeland Security: Equip our nation to fight 21st Century adversaries
Bush has worked with the Republican Congress to double investment in missile defense systems to put America on track to field an operational system in 2004; dramatically increase R&D investments; commit a significant amount of the procurement budget to transformation; and pursue transformational programs across the services such as the Army’s Future Combat System, the Navy’s conversion of ballistic missile submarines to guided missile submarines, and the Air Force’s unmanned combat aerial vehicles.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 19

On Homeland Security: Provide $10 billion to defend from ballistic missiles
In December 2002, Bush directed the deployment of a missile defense system to protect the US from the threat of long-range missiles with the ability to deliver weapons of mass destruction. The 2005 Defense Appropriations Act provides $10 billion for systems to defend against the threat from ballistic missiles. Later this year, the first components of America’s missile defense system will become operational. This will fulfill a pledge that Bush made to the American people more than 4 years ago.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 19

On Foreign Policy: Provide new strategies to help poor nations
The global assistance strategies that the US is pursuing to achieve this goal include providing resources through the Millennium Challenge Account to aid countries that have met the challenge of reform; improving the effectiveness of the World Bank and other development banks in raising living standards; insisting upon measurable results to ensure that development assistance is actually making a difference in the lives of the world’s poor; increasing the amount of development assistance that is provided in the form of grants instead of loans; opening societies to commerce and investment; enhancing public health in countries afflicted by epidemics and pandemics like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and tuberculosis; emphasizing education, literacy, and learning as the foundation of democracy and development; and continuing to aid agricultural development. Economic growth supported by free trade and free markets creates new jobs and higher incomes.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 20

On Foreign Policy: Objectives of assistance and the strategies must change
Bush helped to forge a new consensus at the UN Conference on Financing for Development in Monterrey that the objectives of assistance - and the strategies to achieve those objectives - must change. Republicans support Bush’s goal to help unleash the productive potential of individuals in all nations. Sustained growth and poverty reduction are impossible without the right national policies. Where governments have implemented real policy changes, we will provide significant new levels of assistance.
Source: 2004 Republican Party Platform, p. 20

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