In US America, Texas Mess With You!

Should have dealt with this when it came up earlier in the week, because it’s too awful to ignore. Stupid, stupid people. From the Texas Republican Party Platform:

We oppose the teaching of Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) (values clarification), critical thinking skills and similar programs that are simply a relabeling of Outcome-Based Education (OBE) (mastery learning) which focus on behavior modification and have the purpose of challenging the student’s fixed beliefs and undermining parental authority.

TPM believes the Texas GOP when they said this was a mistake, but given the rest of the platform, it was clearly no mistake.

And it gets worse.

On the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA):

We oppose this act through which the federal government would coerce religious business owners and employees to violate their own beliefs and principles by affirming what they consider to be sinful and sexually immoral behavior.

On the “Voter Rights Act” [sic]:

We urge that the Voter Rights Act of 1965 codified and updated in 1973 be repealed and not reauthorized.

On 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. Homosexuality must not be presented as an acceptable “alternative” lifestyle, in public policy, nor should “family” be redefined to include homosexual “couples.” We believe there should be no granting of special legal entitlements or creation of special status for homosexual behavior, regardless of state of origin. Additionally, we oppose any criminal or civil penalties against those who oppose homosexuality out of faith, conviction or belief in traditional values.

On the UN Treaty on the Rights of the Child:

We unequivocally oppose the United States Senate’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

More stupid shit:

State Militia – We support the establishment and maintenance of a volunteer Constitutional State Militia with
assistance from County Sheriffs.
Militia versus Paid Army – We recognize that the original meaning of the word “militia” in the Constitution refers
to an armed citizenry, not the formal paid professional military.
Freedom of Access Act – We urge repeal of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Law. Those who
assault peaceful protesters acting under the Constitution should be vigorously prosecuted. Picketing and
literature distribution do not fall under the RICO Act.
Judeo-Christian Nation – As America is a nation under God founded on Judeo-Christian principles, we affirm
the constitutional right of all individuals to worship in the religion of their choice.
Safeguarding Our Religious Liberties – We affirm that the public acknowledgement of God is undeniable in our
history and is vital to our freedom, prosperity and strength. We pledge our influence toward a return to the
original intent of the First Amendment and toward dispelling the myth of separation of church and state. We
urge the Legislature to increase the ability of faith-based institutions and other organizations to assist the needy and to reduce regulation of such organizations.

Everyone who wrote this, voted for it, and all in the GOP who agree with it should get a visit from Child Protective Services, whether they have children or not.