Okay, I’ll admit it: I like the word, “susurrus,” and look for excuses to use it. A better term would be “whispers from the crowd that are going around” or . . .
There are rumblings that the 2012 Republican Party of Texas Platform is “pro-amnesty.” the ones saying this have a history of assuming the worst and getting attention because they accuse.
The wording in the RPT 2012 platform (on page 21) titled, “The Texas Solution” plank isn’t “pro-amnesty.” It is a little wimpy and *too easily interpreted* to allow amnesty – especially if someone or some group chooses to interpret it that way.
I, too, wanted to see changes in the wording of “The Texas Solution” that would ensure that no one claimed that we in the RPT approve amnesty of any kind. The term “illegal alien” should have been used instead of “undocumented individuals” and the plan should specifically require guest workers to return to their country of legal residence to apply for guest worker visa.
However, the most important fact is that the Platform was passed after the Delegates had plenty of time and warning to read the planks and even some advance warning about what to read and why. The amendments failed in Sub-Committee, in the larger Platform Committee (on both Wednesday and on Thursday) and then, at the General Session when voted on by the Delegation.
The good news is that the Platform isn’t law. It is a list of those things we in the RPT believe. We do believe in “solutions,” not just complaints and criticisms. We will insist that our elected officials not – in any way, shape or form – promote “amnesty.”
spelling change 6/10/12 “Susurrus”
WingRight 
I agree that it is too soft. It loooks like an attempt to be politically correct on the surface. Hopefully, the RNC will adjust the language to specifically state that the GOP is against amnesty, plain and simple. We need to say what we mean and noteave it up to interpretation. I care for some uninsured illegal alliens at the clinic where I work. It is a nightmare when they are diagnosed with a serious illness and cannot get specialty care.
Posted by Linda Flower | June 9, 2012, 7:14 AMThanks for the great recommendation, Linda!
Posted by bnuckols | June 9, 2012, 7:53 AMWish we could have heard (demanded?) an explanation of “we seek common ground to develop and advance a conservative, market driven and law-based approach…”. Sounds like mush. None of the long list of supporting immigration planks read by that delegate, such as not issuing drivers licenses or even the guest worker plan will make any difference if there are no illegal aliens left for these planks to apply to. And isn’t “undocumented individuals” that what Obama calls the illegal aliens? I don’t see anything wrong with coming straight out and saying we are against any type of amnesty. Finally, the use of “undocumented individuals” in this new plank casts doubt on the broader intent.
Posted by David Flower | June 9, 2012, 8:36 AMDave, I hope you will let others know about your concerns. We tried to get the language changed, and it was close. We must be heard!
Posted by bnuckols | June 9, 2012, 9:50 AMOtherwise Known As “The Great Debate” , has now become the “Great Procrastination of the Nation”. It’s long past due and a decision made in any direction will not become final unless we secure the border. Amnesty today would soon rise up to return the day after. These decisions are too much of a gamble and too divisive for politicians. I say, put BOTH before the Voters in a special election…….. A little democracy will not kill the Republic. A little FREE Thinking Would kill Our Republican Party.
Posted by Robert S Burnett | June 9, 2012, 10:01 AMGreat thoughts! The platform does call for securing the border first. And that MUST be the first goal.
Posted by bnuckols | June 9, 2012, 10:31 AM