by Cristina Aguilar Friar

Created on: November 15, 2008   Last Updated: December 02, 2008

After the election, Condoleezza Rice explained that she was proud to see an African-American president, but she also explained why she became a Republican. Years ago, her father tried to vote as a Democrat, and was not allowed to vote. When he approached the Republican Party he was allowed and encouraged to vote. That principle of inclusion will be key to bringing Republicans back on top.

1. In this election, Republicans did a very poor job of reaching out to minorities. As the country is changing and evolving Republicans must evolve with it and realize the constituency or "base" is much more diverse than it was 20, 30 or 40 years ago. By reaching out to minorities and outlining the principles of what the party stands for and persuading them to join in their beliefs is the key to bringing in more votes and new Republicans to the forefront.

2. Get rid of Sarah Palin, in one form or other, she represents a very old- fashioned view of the party and incites divisiveness rather than unity. Republicans should be out on the lookout for the youngest, brightest leadership among them and wrap their arms around them. Two good examples are Gov. Bobby Jundal of Louisiana and Gov. Tim Pawlenty of Minn. They represent a dynamic and new look and ideas for the party.

3. They should continue with their position that all life is precious, but that includes ALL life, from the environment to the death penalty.

4. Republicans must get more involved in establishing sustainable businesses among minorities, in seeking ways to build sustainable communities, particular in urban areas.

5. Republicans will have to find a way to get back to basic principles that people should keep more of their money and give less to government. In the old days Republicans believed in less government. They have proven in the past 8 years that they are more "socialist" or liberal in many ways than their Democrat counterparts.

6. Republicans must work to get this country away from Imperialism and back to Democracy. They must work towards peace by making decisions to close military bases around the world, cut down American Imperialism, and bring us back to the constitution.

7. Republicans must change their focus on giving major tax cuts to corporations and realize the element of GREED that is vibrant on Wall Street and should stop taking bribes or listening to special interests groups and focus on the people of the country instead.

8. Republicans must take the lead in establishing prevention measures to unwanted pregnancies and marching to come up with solutions to teen and unwanted pregnancies rather than throwing out the rhetoric that pro-choice is not an option. Prevention is the ONLY way and Republicans need to come up with innovative ways to support LIFE with more education measures and incentives to keep children from having children.

9. Republicans must lead to establish the Bill of Rights and must be leaders in Civil Rights, not just allowing the Democrats to shoulder this national responsibility.

10. Republicans must lead in creating jobs that are in this country and NOT outsourced. Job creation and extending a helping hand to all, would help bring back the Republican party in a more socially responsible way and thus rebuild their reputation.

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