Political disconnect

If Houstonians want their attitudes reflected in public policy platforms, just vote.

If the platform ratified by the state Republican Party at its convention last week seemed to be emanating from a parallel universe, it’s because it was. Sort of, at least for most residents of Houston and Harris County. In its annual survey of attitudes held by citizens of our fair city, the Kinder Institute of Rice University described a universe far more inclusive and tolerant. True, the edicts laid down at the Texas Republican Convention are not binding on elected officials or candidates, but they are a clear snapshot of the mind-set of active party members, just as the Kinder Houston Area Survey reveals the opinions of Harris County residents. Nor are the differences totally surprising, given that Houston’s status as one of the most diverse cities in the country distinguishes it from less urban parts of the state. Still, it is worth assessing the gulf between the attitudes of our state’s elected officials and our neighbors in Harris County.

In the political universe, bathrooms would be policed to ensure that entry is based on an individual’s “biologically determined sex.” Who would do the policing isn’t clearly stated. Perhaps Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who was most vociferous in his criticism of President Obama’s directive that transgender students be allowed to use public school facilities that matched their gender identity.

In Houston’s universe, according to the Kinder survey, 70 percent of Houston residents say it is “very important” to pass a local equal rights ordinance to protect people from discrimination. Odd, since the survey was conducted a few months after voters failed to approve just such an ordinance. They appeared to be responding to the same boogie-man, perverts-inthe-Ladies-Room fears being enflamed by the lieutenant governor.

Civil rights? The platform would outlaw ALL abortions and ban gay marriage. Harris County residents support abortion rights by 57 percent; 56 percent support gay rights.

Build a wall to keep immigrants out? A resounding no: 77 percent of Harris County residents are in favor of a path to citizenship if undocumented immigrants meet some reasonable requirements; 63 percent declared that immigrants contribute more to the American economy than they take. As for religious tolerance, 51 percent were generally positive in their feelings toward Muslims.

Most important, the pessimism about America that is the hallmark of Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump’s campaign will not find fertile ground here. Houstonians are remarkably optimistic about their lives. Despite the recent difficulties of the oil business, 62 percent rated job opportunities as “excellent” or “good”; 61 percent said they expected their financial situations to be getting better in the next few years. Despite the teeth-jarring, suspension-busting potholes that litter our streets and the freeway-jamming traffic, 38 percent rated life in the Houston area as “getting better.” And they are willing to share their good fortune: 66 percent believe the government should do more to reduce income differences, and 59 percent said that we are spending too little to improve conditions of the poor. The Republican platform would repeal minimum wage laws and oppose mandatory pre-school and kindergarten.

The questions, of course, are why in a democracy this generosity of spirit and optimism is shared by too few of our state government leaders and why Houston’s equal rights ordinance failed to pass last year’s referendum. The answer is simple: Voting. The more votes cast, the more representative the results. If Houstonians want their attitudes reflected in public policy, the only way to make that happen is by casting their ballots. Not just in the big presidential races, but in primaries, local elections, run-off elections, whenever there is an opportunity to shape our universe. The 2015 election that defeated the Equal Rights Ordinance had one of the largest turnouts in decades: 27.5 percent. Almost three quarters of our citizens did not vote. This election cycle’s primary runoff races are being contested on Tuesday, May 24. We look forward to seeing a large turnout.

In Houston’s universe, according to the Kinder survey, 70 percent of Houston residents say it is “very important” to pass a local equal rights ordinance to protect people from discrimination.