Abraham Lincoln. Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt. Ronald Reagan. What's the commonality? They’re Republican, bound by a common bond that cannot be undone. Lincoln united our divided nation. Roosevelt broke up the ‘trusts” and established the Great White Fleet. Reagan ended the Cold War and halted the spread of communism abroad. Their decisions helped shape and mold the country we know and love as the United States of America. Now, I know you are asking,”How are they pertinent to me?” Here’s why: In an election season where Republican and Conservative values are on trial, it is extremely vital to have a basic understanding what made the party great and more importantly, the country.
Being a Republican isn’t always easy. It often means you are the outcast on your college campus and your views are labeled as “out-dated” or “harsh.” We have all heard the saying “If you’re not a liberal when you’re 25, you have no heart. If you’re not a conservative by the time you’re 35, you have no brain.” I only find this to be half true. Sure, I may act or even dress like a dad at age 21, but I still have a heart. Don’t be too quick in labeling me, though, because you might say a trigger word. Heaven forbid you offend me. Just kidding, I do not care if you label me or Republicans. I’m not offended by your untrue rhetoric. Quite frankly I want a discussion. I want to talk about the things that made both the Republican party and America great. (No, this is not a sneak reference or endorsement of the Donald either).
Republicans believe our collective rights as individuals are granted from God and not the government. We know the individual is most important and he or she knows what is best for his or her lives. I can say with utmost confidence this is what allowed America to become the superpower of the world. Individuals pursuing their goals in a free market economy that rewards hard work and innovation. It is the Republican party that staunchly supports free market principles. Now, everybody will not have the same outcome, but they should have opportunities to excel. The government is not too large and does not impede on an individual’s chance to achieve greatness. Washington does not pick winners and losers. That is crucial to understand. This means that success falls solely on the individual. A word you might know as…responsibility. Cool concept right? Somebody is actually responsible for his or her actions. That’s opposite of what the democrats believe. As a Republican, we believe in individual liberties. Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Religion, Freedom of Press and the Right to Bear Arms to name a few. We fully support the constitution and believe in a strong national defense. America is the most benevolent country the world has ever seen. Militaristic intervention abroad has saved countless lives from destruction of overly oppressive regimes. We also believe in a strong, secure border. A border is essential to maintain our status as a sovereign nation. As Ronald Reagan once said, “A nation without borders, is not a nation.” These shared values by Republicans have been vital to America’s growth as a nation.
There is only one thing that makes us all Americans. The Constitution. This beautiful document brings all of us together and makes us whole. So, regardless of someone else’s political views, we are Americans first and Republican’s second. Do not forget that.
