ARE YOU A REPUBLICAN?
ONE INDIVIDUALS PERSPECTIVE
By Neil Sinclair

Being a Republican is not black and white. There is no creed, nor simple statement of principals to follow. But the party and platform do over time attract a number of individuals that seem to hold some basic values that are shared in common. These values are debated periodically at Conventions and within the party in response to changing challenges and needs of society. No one person can stand up and hold themselves forth as the only version of being a Republican. Republicans come from all walks of life, all occupations, classes, races, cultures and ethnic backgrounds.

It is also important to appreciate that Republican leaders are vocal when it comes to articulation of those values, which are American that Republicans hold dear.

First there is a belief in JUSTICE, for all and is a foundation for the United States. It is a belief that American Values are grounded in laws that are fair and just. It is understood that fair laws passed in a democratic manner will be enforced. We believe that every citizen deserves equal protection under law. When acts of terror fell upon the innocent, President Bush called out not for revenge, but simply that the evil doers be brought to JUSTICE.

There is a pleasure from doing well for other people. GOOD WILL to all is Republican and American. As Citizens we respond to requests for help. In promoting a more perfect Union and general welfare, Republican Presidents have struggled to bring out the greatness, which is America. Is it a surprise that President Bush called for every child in America to donate a dollar to helping the children of Afghanistan? Americans help others at home and around the world, we do so out of GOOD WILL toward all.

Republicans speak about FREEDOM with a special passion. President Abraham Lincoln founded a party based on Freedom for All. President Ronald Regan saw the fall of communism being replaced by democracies and liberal economics. Domestically when Freedom comes around the world we all benefit. At home, Republican Legislators defend FREEDOM by being conscious as to the role of the state, government and bureaucracies.

Republicans believe in SECURITY through strength. America's SECURITY is part of America's underpinning and our federal government is charged with the role of "Providing for the common defense". Recently President Bush has agreed with Mr. Putin to reduce Nuclear stock piles further, as one element in a number of ongoing strategies to keep America safe and secure for all its citizens.

Given OPPORTUNITY every American can succeed. Jefferson and Franklin proclaimed the ability for the world to allow every man, of every background in America, the ability to the 'pursuit of happiness'. Republicans believe that Americans can create opportunities at home and abroad. President Bush (Sr.) supported Free Trade throughout North America through NAFTA. Today this dream of free trade is global and leads to this goal, Republican's attempt to help in creating an environment for individuals to discover their own paths to OPPORTUNITY.

Individual RESPONSIBILITY cannot be legislated or regulated. We might think we can, but responsibility is character. The expression of faith and desire to overcome obstacles is what is sought. Republicans view government of the people not above the people. We believe in families, in communities, and in people taking charge of their lives. The framework for individual responsibility is under pinned by basic moral values and ethical principals. William Bennett is one of the foremost leaders and authors on this perspective.

Republicans prize KNOWLEDGE. Thomas Jefferson wrote; " Enlighten the people generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and mind will vanish like evil spirits at the dawn of day." President Bush follows the legacy before him in striving for innovation, ideas, and lifetime learning opportunities. It is without surprise that President Bush was in a school when terror struck on September 11th.

Perhaps there is more or a lot more one can write. But core within our history the forgoing values seem to pop out again and again. There is more to learn, more to appreciate and study. There is a Republican Institute, and many political science topics devoted to this topic. Read more, study and when someone asks where you discovered your being a Republican consider first what lies in your heart. Are you a Republican?