There is a lot of talk these days about what Republicans stand for, here’s a historical review.
The Republican Party traces its roots to the 1850s, when antislavery leaders joined forces to oppose the extension of slavery into the Kansas and Nebraska territories. The party ultimately stood for slavery’s complete abolition. Freedom was at the heart of the party.
Today, Republicans advocate for reduced taxes as a means of stimulating the economy and advancing individual economic freedom, and they generally support conservative social policies, and they support the Bill of Rights.
Republicans also tend to oppose extensive government regulation of the economy, government-funded social programs, and affirmative action, with a fundamental belief in individual accountability versus government dependance that limits personal freedom.
Regarding foreign policy, the Republican Party traditionally has supported a strong national defense and the aggressive pursuit of U.S. national security interests. Republicans also support states’ rights against the power of the federal government in most cases, as ensured in the 10th Amendment.
Where are we today?
For me, I still believe in ideas presented in “The Conscience of a Conservative” by Barry Goldwater. I still believe in the BIG TENT for all Republicans, and yes there are some that I don’t care for personally. But, as my father taught me, a poor Republican beats a good Democrat anytime. So, I know those Republicans are closer to the ideals that I have, and I support them.
Our problem in our party today is that many abandon their Republican beliefs over personalities. That’s unfortunate and how we have let our red state turn purple to blue! What happens when two or three years from now we are all paying the price for bad policy? The damage will be years to repair and I, for one, will try to do what I can to make it a red state again.
Remember when in 2020, Cindy McCain supported Biden over Trump? Sure, her husband was close friends with Biden, but I don’t understand abandoning your Republican principals and beliefs. What happened to her campaign on saving children? Biden border policy has opened the door to children being used and abused and captured in slavery!! Why were Cindy’s life Republican values abandoned because of the dislike of the Republican candidate – President Trump?? Where did that get us?? Our country is in the most vulnerable position it has been in in decades and much of the blame rests on those Republicans that withheld their vote for the Republican personalities not their principals.
So here it is, 2024, can we add to those examples of Republicans dickering and losing elections turning Arizona blue? Now we have Senator Mark Kelly, the Democrat that got elected to the US Senate because there were too many Republicans that wouldn’t support the Republican. Now we have the same thing again, and Arizona could be having two democrat senators. Barry is rolling over in his grave!!!
Then in 2022 Republicans refused to vote for Kari Lake for Governor because she announced, “sticking a stake in the heart of the McCain people.” It was dumb and so offensive to say but again, those Republicans abandoned their Republican beliefs because of it. Now we have Democrat Governor Hobbs until 2026!! I remember friends saying they just couldn’t vote for Lake and “besides, what damage can Hobbs do as long as we have control of the legislature!” That control is a tenuous 1 vote margin in both the Senate and House!! And even now, what damage can Hobbs do?? How about the court appointments she will make! Or the Supreme Court of AZ appointments? Department heads are democrats and liberals acting much different now with a Democrat Governor. There are so many things she can do that will damage the state and all that has been done in the recent past by Republicans!!
I’ll be voting for all Republicans, because all of them are far closer to my beliefs than any Democrat. I would pray my Republican friends will think seriously about their vote and consider the consequences of their votes. Will the people leading our country and our state into the future that will closely resemble my own Republican beliefs? This is probably the most important election in generations so pay attention!
