It seems strange in this time of world upheaval, domestic economic crisis, and looming increases in taxation, regulation, and diminution of our freedoms that some Republicans would be questioning their association with the Republican Party. Stranger yet is a seeming loss of recollection of for what Republicanism stands, and what it offers as an alternative.
My personal endeavors to impart a renewed energy and strength to the Republican philosopy begins with a simple definition:
Republicans are dedicated to conserve, to protect, and to perpetuate the principles decreed by our Founding Fathers in the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.
"Principles", and by extension, actionable principles, are at the heart of this definition. The following three principles are singled out to illustrate that there are no current issues that cannot be addressed by one or more of them:
Self-reliance In my opinion, we are rapidly becoming a society with a slave mentality. We are becoming so reliant on our governments to solve all of life's problems that we are no longer capable of solving them ourselves. Or so it would seem.
I am reminded of a past country-western favorite, "No Help Wanted", and I suggest that Republicans still retain the capacity to follow the wisdom of that song.
Civic Virtue As citizens of this country we have consented to be governed. We have, however, only so consented within the limitations and protections ot the Constitution and no further.
We are a nation of laws. Government, and the people who administer government, is not immune from the laws imposed upon the citizens.
Limited Government This doctrine was specifically layed out in the writings our Founding Fathers as being crucial to liberty.
Yes, there are additional principles, as well as sub-principles. The three I have noted seem to me to adequately provide the guidance we require.
Finally, it is important to note that these basic Republican principles are rejected by the leadership of the Democrat Party and its socialist allies.
The choice is there for each of us.
Pat Hazel Chair, Marion County Republican Central Committee
Webmaster's note: Be sure to read the essays linked to the images of Jefferson and Madison for great insights into the classic Republican priciples championed by these founders.