Tony Perkins, President of the Family Research council, reports:
Yesterday, Republicans enthusiastically approved the GOP platform,
which Phyllis Schlafly said might be "the best one ever adopted," and as
someone who had a hand in its creation, I agree. It is, as Phyllis
points out, a true reflection of American values. The final document
artfully combines the social, fiscal, and defense priorities of the GOP.
For me personally, platform week was a proud moment as I watched the
FRC Action team work with precision behind the scenes. Thanks to their
expertise, we were able to have unprecedented influence on core
conservative issues. As a delegate, I had the opportunity to basically
rewrite the marriage plank, which led to the committee approving a much
stronger version than 2008's.
"The institution of marriage is the foundation of civil society. Its success as an institution will determine our success as a nation. It has been proven by both experience and endless social science studies that traditional marriage is best for children... The success of marriage directly impacts the economic well-being of individuals. Furthermore, the future of marriage affects freedom. The lack of family formation not only leads to more government costs, but also to more government control over the lives of its citizens in all aspects. We recognize and honor the courageous efforts of those who bear the many burdens of parenting alone, even as we believe that marriage, the union of one man and one woman must be upheld as the national standard, a goal to stand for, encourage, and promote through laws governing marriage. We embrace the principle that all Americans should be treated with respect and dignity." (For the full text, click over to page 31).
The media also picked up on FRCA's tough language on adult obscenity and pornography (page 32), meant to combat the Obama's administration's indifference on the issue. Together with our allies, we also moved to protect school-based clinics from the abortion industry (page 36), enforce conscience rights and federal marriage law in the military (page 46), push for faith-based exemptions in health care (page 34), explain how abortion hurts women (page 33), and support the right to self-defense through D.C. gun laws (page 13).
And while some Republicans try to downplay the significance of the platform, a new poll suggests these leaders are underestimating its importance to the American people. More voters are interested in learning about the GOP platform (52%) than hearing its speeches (44%). But if there was one speech that I hope they did catch, it was former Senator Rick Santorum's. Despite an endless parade of presenters--representing some of the best the Republican Party has to offer--Rick's remarks were the only ones of the night to highlight moral and social issues. "I thank God," he said, "that America still has one party that reaches out their hands in love to lift up all of God's children--born and unborn--and says that each of us has dignity and all of us have the right to live the American Dream."
If people want to understand why Santorum's campaign resonated with so many Americans, it's because he shares their passion for homegrown values. On the tough issues, he doesn't run away from his convictions--he runs toward them. And in these next two critical months, the Republican Party would be wise to follow.