Sigh. Too bad, so sad(NOT). I’m not pure enough to be a supporter of the American Republican Party. Thank God for small mercies.
 
The civil war in the Republican party proceeds apace. The uber religious nutbars are looking to purge anyone to the left of Attila the Hun from the party.
To this end some nobody of a state Republican party chairman has proposed a litmus test for party membership. If you support 8 out 10, your a Republican. If not, well, then you’re consigned the fiery pit.
Actually I hope the Republicans put this purity test into action. Anything that moves the party further into electoral irrelevancy is fine by me.  Maybe it’ll even hasten the arrival of a viable third party that will recapture the American political centre.
So let’s have a look at them, shall we?
1. Smaller government, smaller national debt, lower deficits and lower taxes by opposing bills like Obama’s “stimulus†bill
Well, this is a pigs breakfast of a resolution if ever I saw one. In the American context, I would be in favour of a small national debt, budget surpluses, and higher taxes to achieve that goal.    I fail here.
2. Market-based health care reform and oppose Obama-style government run healthcare
I think the American debate on health care is stupid. Anyone that opposes health care for their fellow citizens is an unfeeling bastard. Me? Gimme the Canadian system with all its problems any day of the week. I fail here
3. Market-based energy reforms by opposing cap and trade legislation
meh. A complex issue that I haven’t made up my mind on, yet. I abstain.
4. Workers’ right to secret ballot by opposing card check.Â
Absolutely. Without a doubt.  I pass.
5. Legal immigration and assimilation into American society by opposing amnesty for illegal immigrants
This is a big problem in the States. If I were an American lawmaker I’m not sure which side I’d come down on.  I abstain.
6. Victory in Iraq and Afghanistan by supporting military-recommended troop surges
Define ‘victory’ for me first.  If Iraq is the definition of an American victory, we’re all fucked.    I fail.
7. Containment of Iran and North Korea, particularly effective action to eliminate their nuclear weapons threat
Absolutely. Without a doubt.   I pass.
8. Retention of the Defense of Marriage Act
The defense of marriage act is an abomination. It is a triumph of religious bigotry over a civil right. No government has the right to tell its citizen who they can or cannot marry(exception: incest parameters).  I fail.
9. Protecting the lives of vulnerable persons by opposing health care rationing and denial of health care and government funding of abortion
Ah… ‘health care rationing aka ‘death panels. mm… abortion.  Moral litmus tests if ever I saw them.  Sorry dudes, abortion is legal with all that implies. If you don’t like it, don’t have one.  I fail.
10. The right to keep and bear arms by opposing government restrictions on gun ownership
The American obsession over gun ownership has always struck me as rather creepy. However, gun ownership is in their consitution for better or for worse. Therefore, while it grieves me to say,  I must agree with this proposition. I pass.
So three out of ten.  I guess I’d make a very bad Republican. Thank God, they’re only in the States.
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