I’ve heard a lot of people say that it doesn’t matter who you vote for, Democrat or Republican; they’re both pretty much the same. Until you read the State Democrat and Republican Platforms and compare the two, you won’t really know. Here’s a comparison of the parties, Republican Platform first:

Page three of Education Article 9: “We believe that Creation, as stated in Genesis, and the theory of creation science should be taught in all public schools equitably with the theory of evolution.”

Article 10: “We oppose the teaching of homosexual behavior as a normal or acceptable lifestyle in our government schools.”

Article 11: “We believe that voluntary teacher or student-led prayer should be permitted in the schools and use of the Bible should be allowed as a local option.”

Article 13: “We encourage programs that effectively teach English to non-English speaking students.”

Article 14: “We recommend high school government classes put more emphasis on teaching and understanding the original intent of the Constitution of the United States of America.”

Page four of Government Article 1: “We believe God’s law (Natural Law) is the foundation of our government.”

Article 2: “We affirm that our Founding Fathers established the United States as a representative republic under God to be bound by the Constitution wherein the just authorities and powers of government are defined. Therefore, we call for a return to Constitutional government in accordance with original intent of our Founding Fathers.”

Page 8: “We support measures to ensure that parents’ permission is necessary for all surgical and other abortion-related procedures on their minor children.”

Article 6: “We call for banning partial birth abortion.”

Article 10: “We demand the right to place a portion of our Social Security contribution into a privately controlled account.”

Article 11: “We oppose the government funding of Planned Parenthood and the National Endowment for the Arts.”

Now look at the Democrat Platform.

Plank 5: “We oppose the privatization of Social Security.”

Plank 7: “We support repealing the Freedom to Farm Act.”

Plank 13: “We support maintaining anonymous voluntary HIV/AIDS testing.” “We support Safe Needle legislation.”

Plank 15: “We support enhancing the food stamp program to include over-the-counter medication, hygiene products, debit cards and eligibility for legal immigrants.”

Plank 18: “We support a woman’s right to reproductive choice as defined in Roe vs. Wade.”

Plank 20: “We support granting the same legal benefits and recognition to gay couples as presently granted to heterosexual married couples.”

295: “Passage of the federal equal rights amendment” “We oppose laws and administrative rules that restrict child custody, adoption, reproductive rights, parental rights and foster parenting opportunities on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity.”

533: “Continue funding of English-as-a-Second-Language and bilingual programs from preschool through 12th grade.”

These are just a few of the differences. As you see our country today, which way are we traveling – to better ourselves or trying to cover up our sins? Because of Sept. 11 our country has turned itself to God and his values once again.

When you go to vote see that that person will honor your beliefs and will continue to make this country the “light of the world.” We have a young man running for Senator with that goal in his head and heart, his name is Bill Salier. Listen and watch for him and join him.

Shirley Nicholson

Elkhart