Mahaska County Iowa Republican Central Committee

Thanks to Calvin Meinders who has ably represented the Mahaska Republican Central Committee on the Platform Committee at the County and District Conventions for more than ten years!

Mahaska County Republican Party Platform approved at Convention February 17, 2024.

With trust in God, and in fidelity to generations past and generations to come, we respectfully submit this platform to the State of Iowa Mahaska County Convention.

Preamble

As Republicans we continue to uphold the principles of individual responsibility and liberty, adherence to traditional moral standards, a strong national defense, a free enterprise system, and respect for the sanctity of human life.  We believe in retaining the original intent of our Founding Fathers as embodied in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution.  We believe high moral character is a necessity of public servants.  The highest standard of character should be embodied in both private and public life. We encourage the proliferation of these principles and their passage to future generations. 

Following are five priority planks that We the People of Iowa expect our elected officials to enact. Should our elected public servants fail to legitimately attempt the enactment of these planks in the next legislative session, We the People of Iowa empower our local Central Committee to use their authority and influence to replace the offending public servant with someone who will honor the expressed will of the people.

i. We reaffirm our support for an amendment to the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Iowa that protects innocent human life from conception to natural death.

ii. We strongly urge that the 2002 Human Cloning Ban, which was repealed in the 2007 Iowa Legislature, be reinstated.

iii. We call for the repeal of sexual orientation and gender identity as a protected class in the Iowa Civil Rights Code and reject any additional similar legislation to Local, State or National Code.

iv. Eminent domain should be used solely for public use with the burden of proof upon those attempting to take property; therefore, we support legislation preventing any taxing authority from using the power of eminent domain for private benefit. Contested Eminent Domain cases should be decided by vote of those in the district of the property.

v. We call for the total elimination of tax incentives for the capture and transportation of CO2.  We call for similar elimination of tax incentives regarding methanol.

1. A Right to Life

We believe human life is a sacred gift from our Creator and is a fundamental right as outlined in the Declaration of Independence.  This right is innately valuable in every stage and development, including the unborn and the elderly, the terminally or chronically ill, and the mentally or physically handicapped.  No human life should ever be diminished, and innocent human life must never be taken arbitrarily.

Therefore:

  1. We affirm that every innocent person, including the unborn child, has the God-given and Constitutional right to life beginning at conception and ending at natural death
  2. We reaffirm our support for an amendment to the United States Constitution and the Constitution of the State of Iowa that protects innocent human life from conception to natural death.
  3. We strongly urge the Iowa Legislature to pass the Protect Life Amendment, and allow We the People of Iowa to vote on restoring our rightful authority to set reasonable abortion policy through our elected officials, rather than having our rights taken from us by 5 unelected judges.
  4. We oppose using public revenues to fund abortions or organizations, such as Planned Parenthood, which advocate abortion.  We oppose using public revenues to subsidize health care which includes abortion coverage.
  5. We commend those who provide alternatives to abortion by meeting the needs of mothers and offering adoption services.  We furthermore support their right to perform the services in a manner that does not violate their values.
  6. We favor improving, strengthening, and simplifying the adoption process so that more children can have a father and a mother.
  7. We support a ‘Woman’s Right to Know Law’ whereby performers of abortions must provide complete factual information to the pregnant woman about the complications of abortion, the biological development of the unborn, fetal pain, and the availability of alternatives to abortion.
  8. We support legislation requiring consent by a parent and/or legal guardian before a minor child receives an abortion or any other reproductive services and products.  Such law should require proof of identity of the parent in order to protect children from continued abuse by sexual predators who pretend to be the parent taking their child for an abortion.
  9. We support the use of non-embryonic stem cells to advance modern medical research. We oppose somatic cell nuclear transfer (human cloning), embryonic stem cell research, human fetal-tissue research from induced abortions, and the commercial use or sale of fetal parts.
  10. We strongly urge that the 2002 Human Cloning Ban, which was repealed in the 2007 Iowa Legislature, be reinstated. 
  11. We believe euthanasia, assisted suicide, and infanticide are murder.
  12. We support the ban of partial birth abortion.
  13. We oppose the removal, by order of a court or state agency, of fluids or nourishment from those who are either acutely or terminally ill.  We believe the decision should be left to the family or conservator.
  14. Whereas DNA evidence is allowed in our Judicial system as proof of identity, we believe that DNA proves that a fetus upon conception, has DNA separate, from his parents, identifying him as a separate individual, with all the rights endowed him by God and by the Constitution of the United States, that among these are the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
  15. We believe in “conscience clause” legislation so that no physician, pharmacist or other health care provider can be penalized for refusing to prescribe, dispense or participate in the procurement of abortion or anything contrary to the conscience of the health care provider.
  16. We support the confidential statistical reporting of abortion procedures to the State Health Department by all doctors and facilities performing abortions in Iowa.
2. Agriculture

We believe that preservation of the family farm, primary producers of produce, crops and livestock, is vital to the economic condition of our communities, state and nation. Family farms should be allowed to operate as free, independent, responsible producers and not be encumbered by onerous regulations.

Therefore:

  1. We call for the abolition of the Federal Department of Agriculture, returning control back to the state and local governments.  We decry any Federal regulations that infringe upon farmers’ rights.
  2. We support limiting governmental regulations of agriculture that maintain quality products, value environmental safety, and allow for economic viability.
  3. We support voluntary programs at the state level that provide tax credits to install targeted conservation programs in order to achieve improved water quality in impaired watersheds.
  4. We oppose any and all federal agricultural subsidies. We support tax breaks and tax credits for cost effective bio-fuel technology and production.
  5. We support local control of agricultural zoning practices.
  6.  We believe animal husbandry decisions and production practices should be decided by individual farmers, not the state or federal government.
  7. We believe that all defendant parties (including but not limited to county governments and DNR) should be compensated by the losing complainant for all costs incurred in contesting invalid complaints relating to farming and animal feeding operations.
  8. We believe that strict criminal and civil penalties should be imposed upon individuals or organizations that, under the guise of protection of animals, willfully destroy, vandalize or terrorize legitimate businesses, people or personal property.
  9. We oppose the filing of “nuisance” lawsuits by anyone who knowingly moved into areas zoned as agricultural or commercial.
  10. We oppose the ” Waters of the U.S.” regulation which endangers the right of Iowans to farm.
 3. Business and Economic Development

We believe that less government is better government. We support every reasonable effort on the part of all governments and taxpayers to limit taxing and spending. We believe that the purpose of taxation is to fund the constitutionally mandated functions of government, not to “redistribute the wealth,” or to fund ever increasing social programs. We believe social problems are best handled by private groups or benevolent organizations, not by the government.  We should strive to have fewer government restrictions, fewer government employees and lower taxes. 

Therefore:

  1. We believe environmental problems can be solved more efficiently with innovation and technology than with more litigation and more government regulation.
  2. We believe that free enterprise and the encouragement of individual initiative are essential to economic opportunity, growth and prosperity.
  3. We support Iowa’s Right to Work law.
  4. We support a concerted effort that encourages the development of small businesses in Iowa.  We oppose special incentives, tax policies, subsidies, regulations or laws that give one lawful, domestic industry or industry segment or business an advantage over another.  The only just and effective policy is to incentivize growth across all sectors, new and existing, by reducing the tax and regulatory burden for all and eliminate special treatment for some.
  5. We call for the reduction of the corporate tax rate to encourage business development and growth in Iowa.
  6. We call for the repeal of all mandatory minimum wage laws.
  7. We affirm the right of the employer to hire and fire as they see fit.
  8. The United States must do more to strengthen and balance our international trade policies and ensure its presence and competitiveness in the world market. We support the continuation of free trade and insist on fair trade to benefit jobs in the USA.
  9. We the people of Iowa believe that no banking institute can refuse a loan to a business or individual based on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) score.
  10. We support specific, finite periods for all programs at every level of government and tying government funding to periodic program evaluation.
  11. We are opposed to socialism.
 4. Education

We believe parents, not the government, are responsible for and should be fully in charge of the education of their children. We believe that in order for our educational system to be successful, it must be accountable to the parents of the community.  Therefore, parents should be afforded as many options as possible including private, home or alternative based education. We do not believe that more money ensures better education. We believe reimbursement is due families who choose non-government education since they pay taxes as well as tuition.

Therefore:

  1. We advocate choice in education and we support the parental right to choose public, private, home or alternate education for their children without government interference.
  2. We oppose all legislation from any level of government, including ratification of international treaties that would interfere with or restrict educational choice.
  3. We support equitable tax relief for families whose children do not attend government schools.  Tax credits for elementary and secondary education should follow the student regardless of whether the student attends public or private school or is home schooled.
  4. We support parental rights legislation stating that parents have the right to direct the upbringing and education of their children.
  5. We believe the biblical account of Creation and the supporting scientific arguments should be presented to all students as part of a well-rounded curriculum.
  6. We recommend that educators stress abstinence outside of marriage as the surest way to prevent pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases and associated psychological problems.  We oppose the distribution of condoms and other contraceptives in government schools.
  7. We support voluntary prayer in government schools and the use of the Bible as a textbook.
  8. We support displaying the Ten Commandments, the American flag and the Iowa flag along with the daily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance in its entirety in government schools and classrooms. We support the display of the Ten Commandments and other expressions of faith and doctrine in public places.
  9. We propose abolishing “No Child Left Behind” and returning control of education back to local communities.
  10. We reject the mandate that there be a core curriculum enforced on all education systems.  Control should go back to parents, teachers, and local school boards.
  11. We call for the abolition of the Federal Department of Education and the removal of this position from the Cabinet.  In addition, we support downsizing the Iowa Department of Education.  We believe that control of education should be left to the parents, teachers and local school boards.
  12. We believe that teachers’ salaries should be based on performance rather than solely on tenure. We support programs that reward superior teachers and outline procedures to remove ineffective educators.
  13. We oppose compulsory preschool and any proposal to change the age at which children are required to attend school.
  14. We oppose the teaching of sex education in any form, at any grade level without written parental consent.
  15. We believe the goal of education is the development of knowledgeable and responsible individuals; therefore, we are committed to excellence in undergraduate education, and call for a priority emphasis on systematic intensive phonics, reading, writing, spelling, mathematics, objective science, and the true history of the United States of America.
  16. We support English as the official language in the government education system.
  17. The teaching of CRT was prohibited by Iowa HF802. We the people of Iowa believe. CRT, Critical Theory, racism, divisive concept, identity training, indoctrination, or Social Emotional Learning are all under the same umbrella. CRT, (or CRT-like concepts), divisive, and identity-based concepts do not belong in our schools. Schools should not be allowed to work around this law by a matter of semantics.
  18. We believe government schools and public libraries must control access to objectionable content (print, audio, or video) by minors in keeping with acceptable community standards.
5. Energy and Transportation

We believe a dependable, accessible and affordable supply of energy is essential to the economic strength and security of the United States.  We believe access to an adequate transportation infrastructure is necessary for a free market economy to succeed.

Therefore:

  1. We support the goal of energy independence within the United States.
  2. We believe that, with appropriate safeguards to protect the environment, exploration for and utilization of oil in Alaska, the balance of the United States and offshore should be supported and encouraged rather than impeded in order to reduce our dependence on foreign source oil.
  3. We support the deregulation of the building and operation of oil refineries to encourage expansion to meet our needs.  We oppose government subsidies for this industry.
  4. We support reasonable deregulation and expansion of nuclear energy.
  5. We support the continued use and expansion of coal as a source of energy.
  6. We oppose foreign ownership or control of toll roads, highways, public access roads or harbors.
  7. We oppose the conversion of any existing Iowa interstates, highways and thoroughfares into toll roads.
  8. We call for monies collected for roads be used for that purpose alone.  We expect better care of secondary roads.
6. Family Values

In keeping with the reality that we are endowed by our Creator with certain inalienable rights, and that our nation’s foundation and subsequent blessings flow from adherence to and respect for the Judeo-Christian ethic, we affirm the following:

  1. Traditional, marriage-based (one male and one female) families are intrinsically procreative and thereby essential to a stable, thriving, and lasting civilization.  Therefore, public policy must always be pro-family, encouraging marital and family commitment, while also supporting parental rights and responsibilities.
  2. We support a vote by the people of Iowa on an amendment to the Iowa Constitution stating that “To secure and preserve the benefits of marriage for our society and for future generations of children, marriage between one man and one woman is the only domestic legal union that shall be valid or recognized in this state.”
  3. We support an amendment to the United States Constitution stating that “Only marriage between one man and one woman shall be valid or recognized in the United States, and that neither the Federal government, any state government, or the political subdivisions thereof may create or recognize a legal status identical or substantially similar to that of marriage for unmarried individuals.”
  4. We encourage adoption of children by heterosexual married couples consisting of one man and one woman.
  5. We believe access to sexually explicit material, especially on the Internet, poses a serious threat to our families and children. Therefore we must strengthen and enforce our laws to protect our families and children.
  6. We believe in the sanctity of marriage and call upon the Iowa Legislature to rescind “no-fault divorce” laws.  We believe divorce is almost always tragic and expensive to the individuals involved and to all of society.  Therefore, we support efforts to reduce the number of divorces and harmful custody battles.
  7. We believe that parents are responsible for their children and we support the rights of parents to discipline and protect their children.
  8. We uphold the Declaration of Independence and the Pledge of Allegiance, with references to the Creator as presently written, and believe that it is constitutional and does not violate separation of Church and State, but ensures freedom of religion and not from religion.
  9. We oppose any law, ordinance or policy that would approve the practice of homosexuality. 
  10. We strongly oppose the UN “Convention on the Rights of the Child.”
  11. We call for the repeal of sexual orientation and gender identity as a protected class in the Iowa Civil Rights Code and reject any additional similar legislation to Local, State or National Code.
  12. We call for the repeal of President Obama’s order to allow homosexuals and lesbians to openly profess their sexual preferences while serving in the Armed Forces.
  13. We reject any civil rights protection for those engaged in or promoting pedophilia or other sexual perversions.
7. Government

We believe the primary purpose of government is to protect the inalienable rights of life and liberty and, beyond its constitutional functions, there is nothing that can be done by government as efficiently as it is done by the people of this great Republic.  We believe the people have the ability, the dignity and the right to make their own decisions and to determine their own destiny without encumbrance or interference from government.  We call for a return to limited government at federal, state and local levels, allowing for maximum personal and economic freedom. 

Therefore:

  1. We call for a dramatic reduction to the size and scope of government at all levels. We believe the federal government should be strictly limited to the eighteen enumerated powers in the United States Constitution and that all others should be left to the States and to the people in accordance with the Tenth Amendment
  2. We oppose executive orders that usurp the U.S. Constitution.
  3. We strongly oppose judicial legislation and call upon the other branches of government at all levels to limit the Judicial Branch of government to constitutionally enumerated powers.  We call upon judges at all levels to adhere, strictly, to the original intent of the United States Constitution and their respective state constitutions.  We further support the use of constitutional impeachment processes to remove those judges who do not uphold the United States Constitution or their respective state constitutions.  We support the appointment of judges who respect traditional family values and the sanctity of innocent human life.
  4. We call for the appointment of strict, constructionist judges to the Supreme Court and term limits for them.
  5. We call for the replacement of the current Social Security System with a new private and voluntary retirement investment program.
  6. We support line item veto authority for the President of the United States.
  7. We believe “In God We Trust” should be on the face of all United States currency and coin.
  8. We believe before voting on a bill, congressmen and senators must first have a working knowledge of the full bill.
  9. We believe candidates running as Republicans for any local or state office should be required to complete and return to the Republican Party of Iowa a signed questionnaire indicating whether the candidate agrees, disagrees or is undecided about each plank of the current party platform.
  10. We support the First Amendment rights of ministers and clergy. We oppose the civil and criminal prosecution of ministers exercising their First Amendment rights.
  11. We support the repeal of the same day voter registration for all local, state, and federal elections.
  12. We support proof of citizenship and residency as requirements for voter registration. We believe voters should be required to present a valid, State of Iowa approved picture I.D. before voting.
  13. We support one day election – whereby the polls close at 10:00 pm.
  14. We support the right of registered political parties to oversee the voting with human presence and video technology.  We support the same rights for surveying  the count.
  15. We support the elimination of voting drop box and sending out nonofficial  voting forms.
  16. We support the reduction of absentee voting.
  17. We support paper vote – no more use of voting machines
  18. We oppose one world government and all world government imposed bodies.
  19. We believe that every citizen has the Constitutional right to pray, read the Bible or any religious text, and discuss their faith in private and in public, including in public institutions.
  20. We believe that voluntary public prayer shall be allowed on all public property.
  21.  We believe the Supreme Court should reject all foreign amicus briefs seeking to influence American law; should ignore foreign constitutions and laws in interpreting American law and the United States Constitution; should cease citing foreign court rulings for precedence when interpreting American law; and should protect our sovereignty.
  22. We call for an end to all forms of affirmative actionand the use of race, ethnicity or skin color to categorize and divide Americans on all government forms, including the census.
  23. We believe that all elected officials must be bound by and subject to the same laws, rules and regulations as the general public.
  24. We the people of Iowa believe that emergency powers in the Iowa code must be reformed. A declared emergency shall not last more than 15 days without the consent of the Iowa House and Iowa Senate. If we are to sacrifice our rights for a long period of time, it needs to be our direct representatives in the legislative branch who consent to this temporary emergency.
  25. We support Congressional participation in Social Security and the elimination of Congressional Pension.  Their retirement can be funded just like all other Americans.
  26. We believe Congress should participate in the same healthcare system as the American people.
  27. We believe Congressional pay should rise by the lower of the CPI or 3%.  Congress should not be able to vote themselves a pay raise.
  28. We object to coerced lobbying through dues and fees paid to memberships associations. 
  29. We believe term limits are appropriate for elected positions: 2 terms for Senate and 6 terms for the House of Representatives.
  30. We call for an end to any pay increases for elected officials during their term.
  31. We believe no previously elected official should be permitted to register as a lobbyist until they have been out of office for 5 years.
  32. We call for the annual audit of all departments of the Federal Government.
  33. We support full adherence to the Constitution which already limits the federal government as is clearly spelled out in the enumerated powers.
  34. We support rescinding all prior Iowa applications for an Article V Convention and support the upholding and enforcing our current Federal and State Constitutions.
  35. We call for the elimination of all FISA courts.
 8. Health and Human Services

We believe that healthcare is best provided by the private sector, and that universal or government healthcare will reduce the quality and availability of care. Hospitals, doctors, and other healthcare providers should be accountable to patients– not to politicians, insurance bureaucrats or HMO Administrators. Further, we believe people are healthier, happier and more productive when they have the freedom and responsibility to provide for themselves and their families without government interference.

Therefore:

  1. We support consumer based / non-government solutions to our healthcare needs.  We call for the rescinding of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in its entirety.
  2. We support the privatization of Medicare and its prescription benefits.
  3. We believe HIV/AIDS should be classified as a communicable disease, not a disability, and treated as such under current law. 
  4. We support the right of all health care and mortuary professionals to have knowledge of the AIDS/HIV status of clients prior to providing services.
  5. We believe that to be eligible for social security retirement benefits one must have paid in, or be the spouse of one who has paid in, for a minimum of 40 quarters, and must be a legal citizen of the United States.
  6. We believe a person should pass a drug test before being eligible for welfare.
  7. We believe our health care system should refocus on keeping people healthier through disease prevention and care management, and encourage self-management and prevention.
  8. We support legislation to place a cap on malpractice settlements in cases where temporary injury, inconvenience, and incurred expenses are considerations.  In addition we support a reasonable limit in cases of permanent injury which takes into account the degree of injury, average anticipated income, actual expenses incurred and estimated life expectancy if no injury had occurred.
  9. We recognize that Freedom of Commerce is one of our greatest freedoms.  As such, we should allow our citizens the freedom to choose to purchase medications from any source they like.
  10. We support changes to Medicare and health insurance coverage for those dealing with hearing loss.  There is too much uncertainty for hearing loss individuals  in regard to future needs , durable goods, and what is needed to improve the quality of life for these individuals.  
  11. We strongly believe the right for an individual or parent to decline a vaccination or any other medical treatment for themselves or their children as an inalienable right. We oppose medical treatment requirements and mandates and believe medical decisions should remain private between an individual and their doctor.
  12. We the people of Iowa believe that the powers granted to the Iowa Medical Professional Boards (Medical, Pharmacy, Dental, Veterinary, etc.) should be limited. Boards should not threaten punitive action to those members providing care. The provider/patient relationship must preside when patients give informed consent.
  13. We the people of Iowa believe no individual should be forced against their will to utilize a medical device such as a mask nor should they be restricted access to public institutions based solely on their choice to no utilize a medical device. Individuals should be given the sovereignty to make decisions about their own healthcare.
  14. We support policy solutions to create transparent competition among Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and address the ways PBMs profit at the expense of independent pharmacies, patients, employee health plans and taxpayers.  Background: PBMs use deceptively vague billing practices, hiding behind complexity that troubles even state agencies – let alone small businesses and households. PBMs eliminate choice for consumers, forcing pharmacists and patients to buy the drugs PBMs make the most profit on. PBMs pocket rebates intended for patients, keeping prices artificially high. PBMs have driven consolidation of pharmacies and have forced the closure of independent pharmacies that refuse to adopt their practices.
 9. Immigration and Homeland Security

We believe that Congress should establish an immigration policy that furthers the cultural, social, and economic interests of the United States, and that a sound immigration policy coupled with vigorous enforcement of immigration laws is essential to securing our homeland.

Therefore:

  1. We believe only United States citizens or legal immigrants are entitled to constitutional protections or government services.
  2. We support empowering local and state governments in cooperation with federal agencies in identifying and processing illegal immigrants.
  3. We call for English to be designated as the official language of the United States.
  4. We propose heavy monetary fines against employers and businesses that willfully hire illegal immigrants. We propose criminal penalties for repeat offenders and willful non-compliance.
  5. We support an increase in the number of visas for highly educated immigrants or those with special skills. 
  6. Illegal immigrants who commit felonies should be deported.
  7. We support building a fence to protect the United States’ borders from illegal immigrants.
  8. We assert that the Constitution of the United States grants “birthright Citizenship” only to those children born to a parent or parents who are citizens of the United States and not to those children of visiting foreigners, those here on work visas, or illegal aliens.
  9. We believe there should be a death penalty for someone caught and convicted of carrying out a terrorist attack on U.S. soil where there was a death or the intent to cause death.
 10. Law and Justice

We believe justice is grounded in personal rights in balance with public safety. We believe the role of government is to uphold the law and maintain order, to protect the innocent, resolve disputes and punish crime. We support fundamental tort reform to reduce lawsuit abuse.

Therefore:

  1. We assert that the Constitution of the United States of America is the highest law of the land and cannot be superseded by any international law, treaty or agreement.
  2. We believe the language in the United States Constitution and Declaration of Independence is as relevant today as when it was penned. Any attempts to revise or deviate from the original intent of said documents must be vigorously opposed.
  3. We support a parental rights amendment to the United States Constitution stating that parents have the right to direct the upbringing and education of their children.
  4. We support the current wording of the Pledge of Allegiance.
  5. We affirm the principle of the free exercise of religion.  No person, employee, corporation or member of a corporation shall be forced to participate in a behavior; provide a service; fund a behavior, whether directly or indirectly; or promote a behavior or idea, whether directly or indirectly to which they object on religious grounds.
  6. Eminent domain should be used solely for public use with the burden of proof upon those attempting to take property; therefore we support legislation preventing any taxing authority from using the power of eminent domain for private benefit.  Contested Eminent Domain cases should be decided by vote of those in the district of the property. 
  7. Eminent domain should be eliminated.
  8. The South Central Regional Airport is use of Eminent Domain for private benefit, a poor use of our tax dollars today and a long term drain on our money. 
  9. The right to bear arms is inherent in the right of self defense, defense of the family, and defense against tyranny, conferred on the individual and the community by our Creator to safeguard life, liberty, and property, as well as to help preserve the independence of the nation.  We strongly believe in the Second Amendment, which guarantees individuals the right to keep and bear arms without government intervention, and support the repeal of current laws that infringe upon our Constitutional right to keep and bear arms.  We oppose attempts to prohibit ownership of guns by law-abiding citizens, and stand against all laws which would require the registration of guns or ammunition. 
  10. We support the elimination of “gun free zones”.
  11. We support “right to carry” laws and a “shall issue” permit system with national reciprocity among states to all legally qualified applicants.
  12. We support the repeal of state and federal “hate crimes” legislation, since it is an attempt to criminalize the perceived thoughts and/or beliefs of persons rather than obtain justice based on action(s) alone. 
  13. We support reinstating the death penalty in Iowa.
  14. We support federal legislation to make cyber terrorism a federal felony.
  15. We support enforcement of existing federal, state and local obscenity and pornography laws.
  16. Non-profit religious organizations should not be subject to the anti-bullying bill.
  17. We support tort reform and a cap on punitive damages.
  18. We believe public school buildings should not restrict possession of firearms for those legally possessing a concealed carry permit.
  19. We are opposed to the use of Sharia law.
 11. National Defense/Foreign Policy

We believe in our Party’s long standing commitment to a strong national defense and support the President’s use of military force to protect and defend the United States and our allies against any enemy.  We believe our foreign and domestic policies must be based upon our strategic national interests and must always jealously guard our nation’s sovereignty.

Therefore:

  1. We believe the best way to support our military men and women is to support the mission of the troops in the war until our goals are achieved.
  2. We believe the United States should not and cannot negotiate with terrorist organizations.
  3. We believe terrorism is a national security issue and not a law enforcement problem.
  4. We urge continued economic and military support for our ally, Israel. We support Israel in their natural and God-given right of self-governance and self-defense upon their own lands, recognizing that Israel is neither an attacking force nor an occupier of the lands of others; and that peace can be afforded the region only through a united Israel governed under one law for all people.
  5. We believe the United States should never sacrifice its sovereignty or relinquish control of its soil to the United Nations or any other international body.
  6. Congress shall pass no law or enter into any treaty that would infringe on the sovereignty of the United States.
  7. We proudly commend our Veterans for their vital service to our nation.  We further assert that their great sacrifices must never be forgotten.  The government needs to care for 100% of veterans’ service connected disabilities.  They are currently being forced to go to contracted facilities that are not close to home and often have deplorable conditions.  The government needs to pay for the care in any facility.
  8. We oppose widespread, warrantless data collection on innocent U.S. citizens.
  9. We believe that securing our ports, transportation network, and infrastructure from terrorism must be a national security priority.
  10. We oppose the admission of refugees to the U.S. without proper vetting.
  11. We do not support any part of the United Nations Small Arms Treaty.
 12. Natural Resources/Environment

We believe we must be responsible stewards of our national resources and environment. Our policies should reflect that stewardship and protect our national sovereignty and private property rights. We must adopt a common sense approach that takes into consideration the environmental and economic impact. We must continue to encourage waste reduction and recycling and encourage soil, water and wildlife conservation practices.

Therefore:

  1. We should maintain an environmental policy that protects the right of humans before all other species.
  2. We believe the United States must make necessary changes to current existing laws, code, or regulations in order to allow responsible exploration, mining and production of domestic oil and coal resources.  This includes elimination of the Environmental Protection Agency and restructuring control on the environment to allow for more individual and corporate freedom with energy production.
  3. We believe the United States should encourage development of alternative energy resources with the ultimate goal of becoming self-sufficient.
  4. We oppose entering into any international environmental treaties.
  5. We are highly skeptical of the scientific claims regarding “Climate Change” and demand that any government actions taken in regards to them must be based upon sound scientific evidence.
  6. We support the preeminence of personal property, economic prosperity and freedom of property owners to manage their property above the protection of wildlife that is not endangered.
  7. We call for the total elimination of tax incentives for the capture and transportation of CO2. We call for similar elimination of tax incentives regarding methanol. Background: These systems are questionable, have the potential to be dangerous and can be an abuse of eminent domain.
13. Taxes and Spending

We believe the purpose of taxation is to fund only the constitutionally authorized functions of government. We call for an end to all unconstitutional expenditures of public monies and for dramatic tax cuts at federal and state levels.  Each citizen has an equal right to their lawfully-acquired income and property.

Therefore:

  1. We support a balanced budget at state and federal levels within 3 years through significant cuts in spending and taxes.
  2. We assert that significant spending and tax cuts will produce substantial economic growth and increased government revenue.
  3. We support the repeal of the Sixteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, the elimination of the IRS, and replacing all federal income taxes with a fairer tax system.
  4. We call for the responsible phasing-out over a four-year period of all federal non-enumerated departments, programs, regulations, and expenditures that are not expressly authorized by the United States Constitution.
  5. We call for the Federal Government in the next 30 days to cut the budget by 50% of each of the following departments: IRS, DOT, EPA, FBI, CIA, DNR, NSA, TSA, NEA.
  6. We oppose any efforts to use the heavy hand of government to attempt to create “income equality”.
  7. We urge change of the Internal Revenue Code to allow a religious organization to address issues without fear.
  8. We support the ability of Iowans to fully deduct the amount they pay in federal income taxes on their Iowa Income Tax Return.
  9. We support the passage of the Peoples’ Right to Vote Amendment to the Iowa Constitution, which would require a vote of the people to ratify tax increases.
  10. Tax and fee revenues collected for specific purposes must be used for the purposes for which collected.
  11. We support zero base budgeting.
  12. We propose federal flat taxes be set for every citizen/non-citizen across the board not to exceed 10% regardless of income. Then everybody has a share in the responsibility of reducing our national debt and it is fair to producers as well as non-producers. This will also help eliminate a government agency- The IRS.
  13. We oppose governmental funding of advocacy groups such as Planned Parenthood, AARP, ACLU and other citizen groups.
  14. We believe that earmarks must be eliminated and a transparent system created for Federal spending in Congressional districts requiring a vote by the full Congress.
  15. We demand balancing the federal budget and paying down the national debt.
  16. We believe commercial sports, entertainment, and the arts should be funded by users and voluntary donors, not by tax dollars.
  17. We call for a freeze on borrowing money from China.
  18. The 1% sales tax in Mahaska County needs to go towards county projects not Oskaloosa projects.
  19. We call for the elimination of the “death tax.”
  20. We call for no increase in state sales tax.
  21. We call for work on a bill to lower taxes by 50% on Social Security for Senior Citizens.
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