by Bill Stone

Created on: February 13, 2009

As most people are aware by now, there are fundamental differences between Republicans and Democrats. These fundamental differences stem from the two parties' differing views on the very makeup of the country itself. Republicans believe that states have more autonomy and have more power; Democrats believe that states should have less autonomy and that the Federal government should have more power. Democrats believe the Constitution is a "living document," subject to change over time with the changing society. Republicans believe the Constitution is designed the way it was meant to be, and is not open to interpretation based on how society has changed. They believe the framers gave us an amendment process so that we can change the Constitution as needed, and the remainder of the document is to be read and interpreted as is.

From these fundamental difference are derived many of the other differences in the party platforms, including the difference in belief of the size of the Federal government. Republicans, who believe more in the sovereignty of the states, believe that the Federal government should be smaller, and have only the rights and responsibilities as dictated to it in the Constitution. Democrats believe that the Federal government has the potential to help so many people through its overarching authority, so it should be allowed to expand to effect more positive change. They believe that the regulations concerning the reach and scope of the government should be adjusted for the times, and interpreted accordingly.

These core beliefs set the stage for this massive stimulus package, the largest expenditure by a government in history, even counting for inflation.

Republicans are against the stimulus package for many reasons, not the least of which is that it goes against everything that they stand for: it creates bigger government, it raises taxes, it increases the national debt, and it doesn't provide any real stimulus. Some other reasons Republicans stand firmly against this bill:

1. SIZE. As already mentioned, this is the largest expenditure of money by any government in history. Its sheer size already backs President Obama out of one of his key campaign promises, that he would reduce the national deficit. This spending package will do exactly the opposite; the toll of which will have to be paid back by our children's children. The legacy of this president will be that he indebted the nation for decades to come with higher taxes to pay for this spending

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