Republican platform a reflection of the past

After Republican successes Nov. 2, I decided to become educated on what they want Iowa's future to be. So I read the 367 planks of the Republican platform. It was an eye-opener. Here are some examples.

Plank 2.20 eliminate the Iowa Department of Education.

4.04 oppose preschool education in Iowa.

5.15 abolish Iowa Curriculum guidelines.

4.39 eliminate sex education classes.

3.16 eliminate minimum wage laws.

4.36 use Bible as a textbook.

5.04 global warming is fraudulent and inaccurate.

8.02 health care is a privilege and not a right.

8.14 parents should have the right to decide which vaccinations their child receives.

5.07 eliminate regulations to the production of oil and building of refineries.

7.15 citizens allowed to carry firearms, open or concealed, without a permit.

8.17 abolish Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid.

10.17 repeal the smoking ban; it is an issue of liberty.

11.07-8 Republican candidates are to have honest political ads and conduct their campaigns in a positive and truthful manner. (I'm still laughing)

14.10 Republican candidates are to agree with 80 percent of the planks in order to receive state party funding. (Wonder what Terry Branstad's grade was?)

Henry David Thoreau said, “Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.” It appears the Republicans are looking back to the 1800s.

Peter G. Bungum

Anamosa