4 of 6

Write now Article Tools

What Does it Mean to be Republican?

As an independent voter I pose this question in all seriousness. I am not attempting to be flippant or cynical. Having said that, however, I will, in the interests of full disclosure, admit that while I have voted for Republican candidates in the past, these were always at the State or local levels. I have never voted for a Republican candidate for President.

There is a myriad of reasons why I haven't voted Republican in Presidential campaigns, but they are not really germane to the question of the moment. I am truly perplexed by what it means to be a Republican. That is not to say that I don't have a great deal of respect for many office holders of that party. I do. I think people such as John Warner of Virgina, Richard Luger of Indiana, John McCain of Arizona, among others epitomize what a statesmen is meant to be.

In addition, there are a variety of conservative pundits and columnists that I admire. These include Andrew Sullivan, George Will, Ben Stein and Joe Scarborough, among others. So I do not come at this question with any agenda other than an honest philosophical curiosity.

The genesis of this question arose during the past six years. I watched, in horror, as our government was hijacked by the likes of Tom Delay and George Bush. I watched Fox News and read the conservative journals and in all honesty, I have come to the conclusion that the Republican Party has no soul.

For example, Republicans claim to be the party of fiscal responsibility. Then how do you explain the fact that the three largest deficits were generated under Republican Presidents? This most recent Republican President took the a surplus and and turned it into a three trillion dollar deficit in six short years. (no small achievement).

I have also heard that Republicans are for smaller government. Really? Not one single Republican administration in the history of the country has ever shrunk the size of government. So does that mean that while you are for smaller government, you just don't care to do anything about making that happen?

My personal favorite is that Republicans want to get the government off of the backs of Americans. If I may make a suggestion, start by getting the hell out of my bedroom and my doctors office. And while you're at it, stop listening to my phone calls and reading my mail. Quit trying to find out what books I read, who I talk to, or what political groups I may belong to today.

For a party that purports to be against big

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Clarifying what it means to be a Republican for the 2008 US election?
We want to hear your view. Write now!