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What the term Republican stands for today is far different from what it represented a scant 50 years ago. Traditionally, Republicans were the champions of business and small government. They were viewed as elitists who opposed wage earners, and the working class citizen. Now, this label seems outdated as the changing world has redefined most things that once defined being a Republican.

The same changes have also re-defined what has been the traditional basis of being a Democrat. Once the champions of labor, they have drifted into other areas as special interest groups have inserted their agendas into party platforms. Now, we are at a crossroads with both major parties, and sorting it out can be tricky.

Today's Republicans are more appropriately defined as being conservatives, or traditionalists. The support of small business, and lower taxes are still trademarks of the party. However, those who define themselves as Christians of whatever variety tend to also be Republicans. Those who consider the Constitution to be sacrosanct as written also tend to be Republicans. Under the broad umbrella of the Grand Old Party (GOP), many people who seek to continue traditional values find their home.

Republicans are not usually folks who want to reorder social issues within the United States. Staunch feminists, gay and lesbian rights groups, and proponents of additional entitlements are not normally found within the Republican Party. Those who would interpret the Constitution liberally do not find their brethren among the Republicans either. Republicans usually view the strong traditional family unit as the foundation of what is good about America.

I view Republicans to be individuals who support traditional family values. In addition, they ask Americans to accept personal responsibility for their own futures. The idea of a nanny-state seeing to everyone's needs is foreign to a Republican. Having compassion for the poor, and the disadvantaged is certainly a compatible ideal. The needy should be helped, but everyone else shoulder the responsibility of their own individual efforts.

There will always be the strong, and the weak. Republicans will always seek to empower the weak with the tools for success. That is why the Republican ideal will always survive, even if the name is changed to Conservative. The ultimate combination of the best of both Republican, and Democratic ways of thinking have made America what it is, the best country the world has ever seen to this point in time.

Learn more about this author, Bob Schmidt.
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