Why I’m a Republican…..finally.

Are you paying attention? I sure hope so ‘cause things are heating up in Rockdale! After the last few years, I’d quit calling myself a Republican. One politician didn’t look, sound, act, or vote much different from another. But in the past two years, I started paying attention. What a difference a little reading and thinking will do for a person! I’ve attended a Democratic Party meeting, listened to the Libertarian Chairman speak, but have repeatedly returned to the Rockdale GOP meetings.

Here’s the thing, I’m a conservative. I believe in Constitutional Law, small government, small taxes, a strong defense/nat’l security, a balanced budget, and power from the people/state up, not the Federal down. I have other beliefs too, but none of them as important as those I’ve listed, politically at least.

I’m reading and seeing a lot of stuff about social issues, like abortion, and sanctity of marriage, which seems to be a euphemism for gay rights these days. Important issues? Yes. But frankly, when I look at Greece, then at our deficit and debt; when I look at gas prices, then at the Cap and Tax bill being introduced tomorrow; when I look at two, almost successful, terrorist attacks on U.S. soil in the past 6 months, and then at the thousands of people pouring across our southern border unchecked; somehow, the social issues just don’t get me worked up anymore. I’m not for legislating morality anymore than I am for legislating charity at this point.

So, I’m a Republican, warts and all. I still don’t have much use for the national leadership, but here in Rockdale, I’m seeing a real, grassroots groundswell, and a strong, principled leadership. We can, and do, make a difference here at home, we just need more of US. More on US later.

Besides, where else is a self-respecting conservative going to go? Tea Party 3rd Party? No thanks, take a look at Crist and Rubio in FL. Conservatives might as well hang a “BEAT ME” sign around their necks. I mean , seriously, I’m a Tea Party Fan, donator, and follower, but I’m not dumb enough to split the vote in the most important election cycle in the history of the country. So, just where is one to go?

Here’s the other thing, the US thing. There are conservatives of every color and persuasion out there. We don’t have to agree on everything, it’s not a requirement. Let’s not run off, scare off, and offend those that agree on the majority of issues.

If we want to be successful in this election cycle, we need to concentrate on being the Party of Inclusion, for ALL conservatives; all races, all religions, and yes, all conservatives on the sexual orientation spectrum. There are good, righteous people from all corners. This isn’t a church, it’s a political party, fighting for survival and the freedoms that America has represented all over the world.

There is room under the Republican umbrella for all conservatives that are non-violent, and I’m proud to stand with them.