Editing 76-01-A2 (section)

=== Transcript ===

We've all tended to be cynical about party platforms and with good reason. All too often they represented nothing more than generalities expressing in a way overall party philosophy, but watered down to compromise the differences between the factions within each party so as to present something of a show of unity.

Maybe we're improving or perhaps the two major parties are polarizing as to philosophy. At any rate, the voters in this election should look closely at the platforms, for they give a distinct choice as to methods for resolving our problems.

There is no question but that the Democratic leadership tried to express its true philosophy in its platform. Curiously enough the Republican platform reflects the grass roots sentiment of Republicans. The national committee's original draft appeared to be the old-fashioned idea I've mentioned of platitudinous generalities. Then the convention committee made up of rank and file members from throughout the country had its say and the changes were drastic, to say the least.

Obviously time won't permit a reading of the complete platforms. That would require about 20 of these sessions so I'll do some summarizing, no editorializing, and I'll do my best to honestly report the facts.

On the economy, the Democratic platform says, "the Democratic Party is committed to the right of all adult Americans willing, able, and seeking work to have opportunities for useful jobs at living wages" . The platform then advocates government employment plans and "direct government involvement in wage and price decisions", which may be required to insure price stability". It also calls for making the Federal Reserve a full partner in national economy decisions.

The Republican platform says, "If we are permanently to eliminate high unemployment, it is essential to protect the integrity of our money. This means putting an end to deficit spending". It opposes wage and price controls, supports the independence of the Federal reserve system and rejects government jobs as an answer to unemployment.

On labor, the Democratic platform seeks repeal of Section 14-B of Taft, Hartley canceling out the right of states to pass "right-to- work laws" . The platform also supports common site picketing.

The Republican platform favors keeping 14-B and opposes common site picketing.

On taxes, the Democrats pledge a complete overhaul of the tax system to ensure that "all special tax provisions are distributed equally". They pledge also to reduce the use of unjustified tax shelters in such areas as oil and gas, tax loss farming and
real estate.

The Republican platform says, "The best tax reform is tax reduction" . It then supports policies to ensure "job producing expansion of our economy", more capital investment and an end to double taxation of dividends.

The Democratic platform urges breaking up the oil companies and barring them from owning other kinds of energy such as coal. It advocates a minimal dependence on nuclear energy. The Republicans oppose breaking up the oil companies and urge elimination of price controls on oil and newly discovered natural gas in order to increase supplies. Their platform also favors increased use of nuclear energy through processes that have proven safe.

Tomorrow, I'll start with welfare.

This is Ronald Reagan.

Thanks for listening. 

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