As we approach the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by the first Republican President Abraham Lincoln, we are reminded to be vigilant against human bondage in whatever form it appears. We will use the full force of the law against those who engage in modern-day forms of slavery, including the commercial sexual exploitation of children and the forced labor of men, women, and children (p.46)."
Non-discrimination
"... We consider discrimination based on sex, race, age, religion, creed, disability, or national origin unacceptable and immoral. We will strongly enforce anti-discrimination statutes and ask all to join us in rejecting the forces of hatred and bigotry and in denouncing all who practice or promote racism, anti-Semitism, ethnic prejudice, or religious intolerance (p.9)."
"The Republican Party includes Americans from every faith and tradition, and our policies and positions respect the right of every American to follow his or her beliefs and underscore our reverence for the religious freedom envisioned by the Founding Fathers of our nation and of our party. (p. 9)."
These then are some of the concepts in the Republican platform that speak to the moral principles at stake in today's society. No such document will satisfy everyone, and its enactment will only be as vigorous as the political leaders we elect. Nonetheless, the platform is a strong statement of social
principles, and we encourage everyone to judge it for themselves (it is available at http://whitehouse12.com/republican-party-platform/). In the confusing moral thickets of our day, this is
a political compass that provides clear and sharp direction, a guide that is sorely needed by our country's office holders. Once again we congratulate you and the Republican Party for your diligent work in producing the 2012 platform.
Cc: Reince Priebus, Chairman
Republican National Committee
Signed by the following as individuals (affiliations listed for identification purposes only)
Raymond Ruddy
President, Gerard Health Foundation
Tom Minnery
Executive Director, Citizen Link
Margaret H. ("Peggy") Hartshorn, Ph.D.
President, Heartbeat International
Jonathan Falwell
Thomas Road Baptist Church
Kristan Hawkins
President, Students for Life of America
Ralph Reed
President, Faith and Freedom Coalition
Leonard Leo
Director, The Catholic Association
Anthony Lauinger
Executive Vice President, National Right to Life
Joel Belz
Founder, World Magazine
Dr. Jack C. Willke, MD
President, Life Issue Institute
Joseph A. Brinck
President, Sanctity of Life Foundation
James Bopp, Jr.
The Bopp Law Firm
Raymond L. Flynn
Former Mayor of Boston and U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican
Andrea S. Lafferty
President, Traditional Values Coalition
Rev Louis P. Sheldon
Chairman and Founder, Traditional Values Coalition
Fr. Frank Pavone
National Director, Priests for Life
President, National Pro-life Religious Council
Dr. Alveda King
Director, African American Outreach Priests For Life
Tim Wildmon
President, American Family Association and American Family Radio
Penny Young Nance
President, Concerned Women for America
Jim Daly
President, Focus on the Family
Deal Hudson
President, Pennsylvania Catholics Network
Tony Perkins
President, Family Research Council
Franklin Graham
President, Samaritan's Purse
Gary Bauer
President,
American Values
Allen & Leslee Unruh
Alpha Center & National Abstinence Clearinghouse
Jerry Falwell, Jr.
Chancellor and President, Liberty University
Rev. Samuel Rodriguez
President NHCLC Hispanic Evangelical Association
Frank Wright, Ph.D.
President and CEO, National Religious Broadcasters