Thread by @TrevonDLogan

Today, I want to quote from the Republican Party’s 1956 platform. Just to see how far they’ve fallen from the days of Ike. As we contemplate what Republicans are campaigning for and strategizing about it’s important to put it in context to the party’s history. 1/N

“We believe that basic to governmental integrity are unimpeachable ethical standards and irreproachable personal conduct by all people in government.” 2/N

“We shall continue our insistence on honesty as an indispensable requirement of public service. We shall continue to root out corruption whenever and wherever it appears.”
(If you can’t tell, this is going to get worse..) 3/N

“We are proud of and shall continue our far-reaching and sound advances in matters of basic human needs—expansion of social security—broadened coverage in unemployment insurance —improved housing—and better health protection for all our people.” 4/N

“We are determined that our government remain warmly responsive to the urgent social and economic problems of our people.” (This one is a real zinger in a pandemic, isn’t it?) 5/N

“Workers have benefited by the progress which has been made in carrying out the programs and principles set forth in the 1952 Republican platform. All workers have gained and unions have grown in strength and responsibility, and have increased their membership by 2 millions.” 6/N

“[We will] Continue and further perfect its programs of assistance to the millions of workers with special employment problems, such as older workers, handicapped workers, members of minority groups, and migratory workers” 7/N

“Assure equal pay for equal work regardless of Sex; Extend the Federal minimum wage laws to as many more workers as is possible... Continue to fight for the elimination of discrimination in employment because of race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry or sex” 8/N

“We have provided more than 1200 badly-needed new post office buildings, and are adding two more every day. We are inventing new mechanical and electronic devices to speed the movement of mail by eliminating tedious old-fashioned methods.” 9/N

“The Republican Party supports an immigration policy which is in keeping with the traditions of America in providing a haven for oppressed peoples, and which is based on equality of treatment, freedom from discrimination between racial, nationality and religious groups” 10/N

These old platforms are fascinating. Republicans had values, ideas, policies, and reasoned solutions to problems, even if you disagreed they stated a position. I close by noting that there is no 2020 Republican Party platform. They have ceded the party to Trump. Sad. 11/11