Welcome Julie, the Newest Young Republican!

She was deeply ashamed of her Conservative father who was also a rather staunch Republican; a feeling she openly expressed. Her impressions from high school - now supported by lectures and the occasional chat with a professor - caused her to feel that her father had for years harbored a selfish, evil desire to hoard his riches at the expense of the poor and under-privileged.

One day during spring break, she criticized her father on his opposition to higher taxes and emphasized the need for more government programs. She knew the moral high ground and was not shy about this with her father.

Later that same year, when his daughter came home for the summer, he asked her how she did in school and if she planned to go back next year.

"Of course!", she answered rather haughtily. "I have a 4.0 GPA that was very tough to maintain and I am proud of it. Not only that, but I'm taking a very difficult course load that requires constant study and almost no time to go out and party. Dad, I don't even have time for a boyfriend! I'm going to become head of my class and one day have a wonderful job and career. Am I going back next year?! Are you crazy?"

Her father listened and then asked, "how is your friend Audrey doing?"

"Audrey is barely getting by", she said. "All she (Audrey) takes are easy classes and she never studies. She is very popular on campus and college for her is a blast... but she barely has a 2.0 GPA and often doesn't even show up for classes because she's too hung over. If she doesn't get her grades up then she's going to fail out of college and then who knows what'll be of her."

"That's terrible!", her father replied. "Why don't you go to the Dean's office and ask him to deduct 1.0 off your GPA and give it to your friend who only has a 2.0. That way you will both have a 3.0 GPA and she can stay in school, like you. This would not only be a fair and equal distribution of GPA, but enable your friend to graduate college and get a good job too."

Visibly shocked by her father's suggestion, Emily angrily fired back, "What is wrong with you?! How would that be fair! I've worked really hard for my grades! I've invested a lot of time, put in a lot of hard work, and made great personal sacrifices to make it where I am today! Audrey has done next to nothing toward her degree and parties on the weekend while I work my tail off!"

Her father slowly smiled, winked and said gently, "Welcome to the Republican Party."

A Conservative is...

Someone who believes that we have been granted certain rights by God and that these rights are inalienable - cannot be taken away legitimately by the government. Many of these rights are enumerated in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights and must be cautiously safeguarded.

Someone who believes that the principles that have made America strong hold true today; and that the strength of our nation lies with the individual. Each and every person’s Liberty must be cherished and protected. Technology, international aggression, domestic ills, and social philosophies change with time; Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness are forever. Above all else, it is the responsibility of America's great citizens to protect our personal freedoms and ensure that government does not assume control of our money, property, values, beliefs, and even thoughts.

Someone who demonstrates fiscal responsibility and believes that the social role of government, if any, is to provide only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals, private organizations, or the not-for-profit community. Government does not have a natural right to take the money's of its citizens and must do so only after careful consideration, and with the popular consent of the people.

Someone who understands that free enterprise and encouraging individual initiative have always brought this nation opportunity, economic growth and prosperity; and that new and innovative ideas come from a competitive market economy. Diversity and the freedom to choose between service providers is the surest means of inspiring creativity and opportunity; thereby creating a path of upward mobility for those who were not born into wealth.

Someone who understands that the most effective, responsible government is one that is accountable most directly to the people. If we, the people who are directly affected, cannot resolve perpetual social challenges within the means of our state and local communities, how can we expect Federal government - an institution that is far removed from any one individual or neighborhood - to provide successful programs like universal education, health promotion, crime prevention, and fire safety?

Someone who recognizes national defense and interstate commerce as some of the few responsibilities placed on federal government by the US Constitution; to the exclusion of most others. A government simply cannot be all things to all people, both foreign and domestic. We maintain a central (Federal) government to deal with foreign affairs (Senate) and interstate conflicts (House of Representatives) plus a system of semi-autonomous governments (States) to protect the domestic tranquility and social welfare of its inhabitants.

Someone who believes that the US should not interfere in the affairs of other sovereign nations where no vital U.S. interests are at stake. Contrary to contemporary impressions, war is not a Conservative value. We support the development of a strong, deterring defense and the use of force, when necessary, to protect our land and people. We do not, however, support the forcing of Democracy on others or look to readily take sides in foreign wars and affairs. We support our military in recognition that each and every man and woman who wears the "Stars and Stripes" has put his/her life on the line to ensure our peace from foreign aggression on US soil. A Conservative does not look to war as an answer but will respond in force when attacked or credibly threatened.

Someone who appreciates the love, strength, and healing power of the faith community. We believe that "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the exercise thereof" and at the same time recognize that without God we are without hope. It is not only appropriate to publicly recognize God, Creator but this belief is fundamental to the establishment of our rights as Free and Sovereign Individuals.

Someone who preserves hope and prosperity for our children, demonstrates respect and care for the elderly, and personally offers a helping hand to someone in need. A Conservative individual recognizes the sanctity of Life that has been given to every person, regardless of age, race, disability, or sex. We believe that we have a responsibility to help one another and that this responsibility is ours, not the governments. We are, by far, the largest demographic to contribute to charity and participate in faith-based social assistance initiatives.

The next time someone tells you that being Conservative is "right-wing", be prepared!

"Tax Cuts for the Rich!"

Click here to view: Politics 101: Tax Cuts