PLATFORMS RELFECT CLEAR DIFFERENCES IN PARTIES

The Democrats had their day, and now the Republican party will bask in the limelight as the GOP convention begins today in Houston. Present day conventions have none of the suspense of year's past. But they can provide a real learning experience for voters if we take the time to really listen.

As the GOP convention gears up, the fundamental differences between the two parties should become abundantly clear. The parties are miles apart on social and economic issues, and those differences are plainly reflected in the party platforms. Missouri's own John Ashcroft had a hand in development of the GOP platform as co-chairman of the committee. These platforms reflect the real meat and potato issues. It separates the conservatives from the liberals. Bill Clinton and Al Gore can talk like moderates all they want, but their platform reflects otherwise.

Abortion has been one of the most talked about disparities. The Republican platform has consistently supported the unborn child's fundamental right to life. The platform reaffirms the GOP's support for a human life amendment to the Constitution. Bill Clinton and the Democrats have consistently backed Roe vs. Wade and actively support pro-choice. But abortion is far from the only diversion in attitudes for the two parties.

The deficit:

Republicans feel the solution is for voters to end divided government and elect a GOP-controlled Congress that would enact a Balanced Budget Amendment and line item veto. Entitlement, other than Social Security, would be targeted. Democrats would "eliminate non-productive programs"; achieve defense savings; reform entitlement programs to control soaring health care costs; cut federal administrative costs; and make the rich pay their fair share of taxes.

Health:

Republicans support the president's plan to reduce insurance costs and give tax credits and deductions to lower income Americans to offset insurance costs. Democrats feel all Americans should have access to quality, affordable health care.

Civil Rights:

Republicans support "vigorous enforcement of statutes to prevent illegal discrimination on account of sex, race, creed or national origin." But the GOP rejects efforts to replace equal rights with quotas or other preferential treatment. The Democrats say they'll lead the fight against "discrimination or deprivation of rights on the basis of race, gender, language, national origin, religion, age, disability, sexual orientation, or other characteristics irrelevant to ability."

Environment:

The GOP platform stresses that environmental progress must continue in tandem with economic growth. "Crippling an industry is no solution at all," say Republicans. The Democrats say they'll oppose Republican efforts to gut the Clean Air Act in the guise of competitiveness. They feel growth will come from active support of energy-efficiency, recycling and pollution prevention strategies.

Gun control:

Republicans defend the constitutional right to keep and bear arms. But the platform calls for stiff mandatory sentences for all those who use firearms in a crime. Democrats support a reasonable waiting period to permit background checks before purchasing handguns. They also support bans on possession and sale of assault weapons.

These are only some of the very distinct differences between the two political parties. The campaign should not be about who blow dries their hair, or their musical talents. These platforms give insight into the party philosophies and the direction of their leaders. For conservative progress, the GOP platform reflects a clear choice in November.