I strongly encourage anyone interested in the current state of politics in the United States to read the (pdf warning) 2012 Platform of the Texas Republican Party. I can't think of any single document that exhibits such intolerance, xenophobia and paranoia. Well, actually I can think of one other: the official (pdf warning) Parteiprogramm der NPD - Germany's neo-Nazi party.
Let's do a side-by-side comparison of some the central tenets (all translations mine):
1) Both the Texas GOP and the NPD vehemently oppose equal rights for gay and lesbians:
Texas GOP: Homosexuality ― We affirm that the practice of homosexuality tears at the fabric of society and contributes to the breakdown of the family unit. Homosexual behavior is contrary to the fundamental, unchanging truths that have been ordained by God, recognized by our country’s founders, and shared by the majority of Texans.
German NPD: The family is the smalles unit of the Volk and the foundation of the German Volk and state. Therefore the family deserves special attention and care from the state. Its most natural expression is seen in a marriage with children. This is the reason for the special care for marriage and for children. Homosexual civil unions to not create families and therefore must not be encouraged. Children need a mother and father for a healthy development
2) "Multiculturalism" is anathema to both the Texas GOP and the NPD:
Texas GOP: American Identity Patriotism and Loyalty – We believe the current teaching of a multicultural curriculum is divisive. We favor strengthening our common American identity and loyalty instead of political correctness that nurtures alienation among racial and ethnic groups. Students should pledge allegiance to the American and Texas flags daily to instill patriotism.
German NPD So-called "multicultural" societies are in fact uncivilized social constructs. They create parallel societies formed along ethic and cultural lines which are an ordeal for any state. The exaggerated representation of special interests destroys the solidarity of the Volk community.
3) Both parties oppose mothers working outside the home:
Texas GOP: Supporting Motherhood ― We strongly support women who choose to devote their lives to their families and raising their children. We recognize their sacrifice and deplore the liberal assault on the family.
German NPD: The work of housewives and mothers is just as valuable as all other professions. This should be supported with motherhood subsidies, the length and amount determined by the number and ages of children. Mothers should not be compelled by economic reasons to work outside the home.
4) Both the Texas GOP and the NPD want to change laws in their respective nations to restrict citizenship (there is a strong racial component to the NPD's position):
Texas GOP:Birthright Citizenship – We call on the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial branches of the United States to clarify Section 1 of the 14th amendment to limit citizenship by birth to those born to a citizen of the United States with no exceptions.
German NPD: Against the will of the German people, millions of foreigners were brought into Germany by big business, government and trade unions . Through mass naturalization, the German citizenship law has been weakened and threatens the existence of the German Volki. To stop this negative trend, the original principle of citizenship by descent must be reinstated.
5) Both the Texan Republicans and the German neo-Nazis are hyper-paranoid around issues of national sovereignty:
Texas GOP: National Sovereignty – We insist that the President and Congress defend our national sovereignty in accordance with their oaths of office. Therefore we believe the United States government must remain free of external control or influence, including, but not limited to, a North American union and a security and prosperity partnership. We support the withdrawal of the United States from the United Nations and the removal of U.N. headquarters from U.S. soil.
German NPD: The political class in Germany has taken refuge in a Europe in which there is no democratic legitimacy for the exercise of power. This EU, a Europe of the technocrats and big corporations is a challenge to the different Volk of Europe.
The transfer of legislative competence of federal and state governments to the European Union has led to the abandonment of national sovereignty. The national and regional self-government must be restored..
These are just some of the similiarites between the two party platforms. There are more, but there are also some striking differences. For example, the NPD promotes strong environomental protections and strives for an agricultural self-sufficiency. The Texans call for abolishing the Environmental Protection Agency and opening lands to polluters. Also, the Texas Republican Party calls for parents and teachers to discipline children through beatings ("
Corporal punishment is effective and legal in Texas.") Presumably the NPD is opposed to beating children - at least ethnic German children (
volksdeutsche Kinder).
But here's the biggest difference. The NPD is reviled fringe party that regularly receives less than 2% of the vote in national and local elections. The Texas Republican Party is the dominant political force in the second most populous state in the US, controlling all levels of government.