John Barrasso

I know that nobody traditionally reads party platforms, but I have been reading them because throughout history they are a leading indicator of changes that get introduced in the next 10 years. It is also worthwhile spending time trying to understand the thinking of each of the parties.

Because I enjoy reading them, I was very happy to see it published this year as an e-book rather than just in PDF format. I made it much easier to read and comment on. Unfortunately, this e-book is terribly formatted with numerous sections that look like they screwed up with their cut and paste work. I will be asking Amazon for a refund or a replacement.

Although I give this book two stars, I still want to recommend it to everyone as a good introduction to modern Republican thinking. There are actually some good ideas in the platform and some nice surprises (e.g. conservation sentiments and support for treating mental illness). These nice passages are, unfortunately, surrounded by near-hysterical diatribes. There are two few really new ideas included since the only proposals in many areas are to undo what Obama had done. if the platform had not been allowed to disparage Obama or worship Ronald Reagan, it would have been a much shorter document.

Some of the interesting planks are a desire to return to Glass-Seagall and the ever-popular proposal to study a return to the gold standard. The gold standard chessnut seems watered down from the 2012 platform but has now been joined by the wish to get rid of the income tax entirely. The one plank that seemed to be missing was a plank to burn Hilary Clinton at the stake since that seemed to be the main point coming out of the Republican convention.… (mais)