R i g h t a r d i a: The Republican game plan

Saturday, November 12, 2011

The Republican game plan

The Republican game plan is to strip away as many of the political and economic rights of Americans as possible.

Americans have rights guaranteed by the Bill or Rights and amendments to the US Constitution. An example would be the First Amendment right of free speech and assembly

The Fourth Amendment is another right. This amendment guards against unreasonable searches and seizures, along with requiring any warrant to be judicially sanctioned and supported by probable cause.

There are also rights earned through legislation such as Social Security and Medicare. Both allow seniors to retire in dignity.

Another example would be the right to collective bargaining. This right has to be earned the hard way by organizing workers within a corporation or government agency. Collective bargaining is an important right because union workers make 20-25 per cent more than non-union and are also better trained. Most union workers are eligible for corporate pensions.

Woman’s suffrage was another right that was earned the hard way, too. Women took the streets and the Constitution was changed in 1920 to allow women to vote.

Some rights have been gained through the courts. Roe v. Wade is an example.

When the founders were around only about 12-16 per cent of Americans could vote who owned property. Women were not allowed to own property nor could blacks or native Americans vote. US Senators were selected by the governors of states.

When conservatives say they want to return the nation to the era of the Founders, they aren't kidding. What they really want is a less democratic society.

What are some of the rights the GOP wants to strip from Americans?

Eliminate collective bargaining in corporations and government.

Restrict the right to vote, particularly for minorities.

Eliminate of cut back federal entitlement programs like Medicare, Food Stamps and Social Security,

Eliminate or restrict a woman’s choice regarding abortion.

Eliminate or cut back state programs like unemployment compensation and workman’s compensation.

Eliminate public educations so that families are forced to send their children to private religious schools.

The philosophy is that spending on these program is suspended, taxes can be cut for the affluent. it's also a good way to subsidize religion, another GOP sacred cow.

It's class warfare, baby!