GUILFORD — In her commentary, Erica Walch grounds her argument of Republican moderation and reasonableness in a brief comparison of political party platforms. For voters considering party preference, a deeper examination of these platforms is certainly in order.
There is a moral continuity between the platform of the Vermont Democratic Party and that of the Democratic National Committee. The unifying principles are a fundamental belief in the dignity and worth of every individual and the government's responsibility for policy that supports that principle.
At both the state and national levels, the party platform supports those principles in today's America. Democrats know that for our platforms to be relevant we must connect principles to the issues and conditions that are confronting our communities and our states. Democrats know that principles disconnected from the facts on the ground are mere platitudes.
And this brings us to the Vermont Republican platform, a document that is little more than a list of disconnected principles.
With no consideration for what these principles mean for governance or how they might be promoted, the state GOP platform lacks any planks. It is basically a “thoughts and prayers” document, reflective of a state party that mistakes symbolism for substance.
Meanwhile, at the national level, the Republican party has foregone principle and in a single resolution has made Trump's “America First” policies its party platform.
The GOP now supports separating infants from mothers seeking asylum. It supports the denial of environmental and medical science.
When confronting white nationalism and neo-Nazis, the Republican Party supports the idea that there are perfectly good people on both sides. It supports a president who antagonizes our nation's democratic allies while courting dictators.
Instead of promoting the right to vote, the GOP at this moment is working to suppress the vote in multiple states. And it is the party that lacks the moral fiber to affirm the peaceful transition of power based on the results of a free and fair election.
In making her argument, Erica Walsh wants you to focus on the trite sentiments of her party's state platform, hoping you will disregard the abhorrent policies that form the planks of her party's national platform.
Vermonters are moderate and reasonable people, and they know that all the paint in the world does not make up for a rotting foundation.