1115.org

In anticipation of the upcoming Republican convention, the party has hammered out the details of their new platform. In almost every single point, the platform shadows the policies of President Bush and contains a lot of language that is sure to delight social conservatives and the religious right. Some items of note:

• The platform calls for a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage, opposing any legal status for gay relationships (including benefits).

• It also calls for a constitutional amendment to ban abortion.

• President Bush’s limits on stem-cell research are supported without change.

All in all, very standard stuff. But it’s interesting to contrast the party’s platform with the prime-time speakers that will be putting a face to the Republicans this year. Arnold Schwarzenegger? Pro-choice and he’s indicated that he wouldn’t block a California gay marriage law if the legislature places one before him. Rudy Giuliani? Also pro-choice, plus there was that embarrassing incident with the affair and the subsequent nasty divorce. Both George Pataki or Michael Bloomberg can be counted as moderate Republicans, as well. All of these men are expected to sell the American people on a platform crafted for people like Rick Santorum, Sam Brownback and Pat Robertson.

However, in what may be the world’s smallest gesture of inclusion, the Republicans did agree to “respect and accept” that party members can disagree with the platform. You know, this must be that “big tent” that we hear so much about.

“We’ve worked very hard to be the open door (party) and show respect for other views,” said Tennessee Sen. Bill Frist, platform chairman. “It’s language I’m very comfortable with.”

Of course, those alternate viewpoints will be summarily ignored. But if Frist thinks that three words signify an open door policy of the Republican party, more power to him. Apparently there was much debate about even going that far toward Godless liberalism.

“The crumbs we got at the table,” she said, were in a compromise paragraph, adopted after lengthy debate, saying Republicans “respect and accept” that people can hold different views, without mentioning any topics. The long discussion on whether to replace “recognize” with “respect and accept,” Stone said in an interview, “was nuts.”

So as you watch the Republican convention next week, remember that the speakers are just window dressing to hide a much harsher message. Moderate Republicans may look good on the television screen, but respect and acceptance is worthless without any influence. They might as well be puppets.