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Being a Republican in 2008 is likely to be a new experience for partisans of the "Grand Ole Party". The party is changing from the traditional perceptions of recent history to confront the reality of the day. The long-standing traditions of both major parties are no longer relevant to the new electorate. To not change would be sure death to both.

Today's Republican party under the leadership of Senator McCain is no longer the party of a compassionate conservative. Instead, it will become the party of mavericks intent upon shaking up Washington. Calls for reform will echo down the hallways of the House and Senate, striking fear among self-interested fat cats who have infested our government.

Chants of serving a cause greater than oneself may fall on deaf ears. Entrenched politicians are not likely to give up their power for the public good. Just as Speaker Pelosi refused to permit a vote on off-shore drilling; partisan politics and political advantage will likely continue the gridlock existing in the Washington beltway.

In clarifying the refocused concept of what a Republican is, McCain is calling for smaller government to quit wasting taxpayer money. Republicans will be attempting to reduce divisive politics. Lobbyists will be unwelcome guests at the table. Traditional values in the area of family will become an area of interest, much to the chagrin of special interest groups intent upon the further liberalization of our country.

Being a Republican in 2008 will become a power struggle over the philosophical ideals that lead the United States into the next decade. In continuing service to his country, John McCain will attempt to create a less intrusive government concept. The Democrats will be advancing the ideas of larger government taking care of everyone's needs. A classic confrontation with progressive liberalism will be the result of the "new" Republican ideals.

Clarifying what it means to be a Republican, or a Democrat is a useful function. Unfortunately, labels confuse the issue. Wouldn't it be nice if we could all simply be Americans? Shouldn't it be possible to combine the best ideas of both parties into a platform to benefit the entire nation? Obviously, the answer would be yes to both questions. Incidentally, both ideas have been advanced by the Republican maverick, John McCain.

What needs clarification more than anything else is whether or not Americans will ever see the bigger picture. The America that will soon be our reality will also be the legacy that we leave to our children. That this is an important time in our country's history is undeniable. Hopefully, we will all be able to look back at a future point in time with pride that America changed for the better after the 2008 elections.

I, for one, am happy to clarify my position as a hopeful Republican reformer. I am all too happy to put on my American hat and find peace with everyone who sits at the table seeking to improve my country. We, all American citizens, are our country. Together, we can clarify to the world that unity, common purpose, and fair play still constitute what we consider to be the ideals our political philosophy.

Learn more about this author, Bob Schmidt.
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