I grew up loving the Republican Party. I campaigned for Bush in 2004 at the age of seven. I asked my parents that in lieu of birthday gifts, they donate to republican campaigns. I am literally a card-carrying member of the Republican National Committee (seriously, it is red and has an eagle on it). This election cycle, I have been disappointed in the outcome of the republican primaries. Yes, I was a huge Marco Rubio supporter and am a little butt-hurt about him getting smacked in Florida. But even Marco, the man once dubbed by TIME Magazine as “The Republican Savior,” quivered and quaked in terms of his policy plans, particularly on immigration. I have had enough. I am sick and tired of Republicans pandering to a false notion of what conservatism is. Today, the media and Donald Trump have convinced people that conservative is synonymous with hatred, bigotry, racism, and anger. That is not conservatism.
True conservatism is what Reagan outlined for the nation when he ran for President and implemented while in office. Reagan’s conservatism was one of inclusion, common sense and, when necessary, compromise. That word makes people cringe. But it shouldn’t. Conservatives are seen as ideological purists who want nothing to do with any opinion other than their own. That could not be further from the truth. Conservatives are seen that way because people like Donald Trump claim to be conservative. The same man who would exercise more executive power than probably any President in history, also claims to be a conservative that believes in strict adherence to the Constitution. Something doesn’t add up there.
A real conservative ideal was perfectly articulated when Jeb Bush declared that illegally entering the United States in search of a better life is an act of love. That is not to say that those who come here illegally are completely in the right, but it does mean that their hearts are in the right place. Those who come here understand the real American Dream. It is not the white picket fence that everyone speaks of, but rather it is providing a better life for the next generation than you have for yourself. This sort of generational progression of success is what has made America great, and that is what these immigrants seek. The answer to the problem is not easy, and of course, there are issues with narco-terrorism along the border. However, true conservatives recognize that the majority of people coming here want to be a part of our great nation. We have the opportunity to bring in a new generation of Americans who want to contribute to our American exceptionalism. Reagan described America as the shining city on the hill, where immigrants come in search of opportunity. Our solution must reflect that notion.
Every conservative loves to speak fondly of Ronald Reagan, but most fail to actually realize his legacy as a conservative. Reagan was bipartisan. When he needed to, he worked with Democrats to increase revenue and cut spending simultaneously, in order to decrease the deficit. Reagan always did what was necessary for the progress and success of the United States. Many ‘conservatives’ today wouldn’t dream of being considered even slightly bipartisan. Working with the opposition is not a cardinal sin, and we must do so when necessary. Speaker Paul Ryan is setting a fantastic example of this, and gives me hope for the future of my party and my country.
Americans are conservative. Millennials are conservative. Most just don’t realize it. When I talk to people my age about politics, they always start off by claiming they are Democrats, or at least liberal in ideology. However, when the labels are removed, I have never met more conservative people than millennials. They have been brainwashed by a false narrative about what conservatism is. Democrats have had a monopoly on votes from the poor, minorities and young people. The conservative ideology helps those people the most. We fight for equality of opportunity for all, while Democrats fight for equality of outcome.
At some point, the Republican party will finally disassociate itself with the likes of Donald Trump. I yearn for that day. I understand why Trump is so popular. People are understandably angry after eight years under Obama. But Trump is not the answer. Trump is one of the problems. The Republican Party will never see the success it did under Reagan if we allow for this to continue. I have been told that Trump is the mistake we have to make. That is outrageous. Trump is bad for the Republican party, and will ensure a Democrat dynasty if he become the nominee, or worse, the President. Trump does not represent the conservative movement, or the Republican party. He represents anger and frustration.
This is an appeal to my fellow Republicans. We can do better. We must do better if our principles ever have a practical chance of implementation in our government. We have to nominate someone who shares our principles, not someone tapping into the anger of good Americans for the advancement of their own image. A political party is simply a vehicle to advance a cause. Right now, our vehicle is stalled, and at risk of adopting a new cause, unreflective of conservatism. If we take a pragmatic approach to campaigning and governance, we can bring about a new American century, cemented in conservative ideals.
