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Our Perspective
Those who stand for nothing fall for anything.
Alexander Hamilton
Originally, most people in the U.S. identified the Republican Party during the late 1800s by its opposition to slavery. Over time, other fundamental beliefs united people together under the Republican banner, such as a smaller non-intrusive Federal government and low taxes. In a nutshell, they were people who just wanted to be left alone. The Federal government was there to handle Constitutional matters beyond the capacity of the individual states, such as maintaining our national defense, printing money, and guaranteeing and safeguarding the liberties and freedoms of the citizens.
During the 20th century, as the role and scope of the Federal government increased and got involved in more social, economic and domestic issues, particularly on a local level, the makeup and belief systems of the political parties also changed and started to take shape. Republicans believe in the individual, as envisioned by our Founders, rather than Groupthink, whereby, identify politics or a "one size fits all" ideology is expected of our members. We represent a cross-section of people, from various social, economic and demographic backgrounds.
While no one comprehensive set of beliefs or ideology can describe people who identify as Republicans, we generally tend to be people who proscribe to a more traditional role of government. Like people of days gone by, they too want less government in their lives, and would prefer that most issues be left with the People, or with the States, as it was originally intended.
Modern conservatism allows room for robust opinions and debates on a variety of issues such as free market capitalism and free enterprise, Constitutionally limited government, a strong national defense, deregulation, less taxes, sound fiscal policy, human and personal rights, conservation and a value system rooted in a Judeo-Christian foundation.
While certainly not universally applicable nor interpreted the same by every person who identifies as a Republican, Haley Barbour is often cited as defining what it means to be a Republican, by calling attention to a number of these issues and beliefs.
The actual Platform is established by the Republican National Committee, and is the basis for political candidates on the National level.
What We Believe by Haley Barbour
Taken from a speech given by Haley Barbour, former Republican National Committee Chairman, November 1994
- I believe the strength of our nation lies with the individual and that each person’s dignity, freedom, ability, and responsibility must be honored.
- I believe in equal rights, equal justice, and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, sex, age, or disability.
- I believe free enterprise and encouraging individual initiative have brought this nation opportunity, economic growth, and prosperity.
- I believe government must practice fiscal responsibility and allow individuals to keep more of the money they earn.
- I believe the proper role of government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations, and that the best government is that which governs least.
- I believe the most effective, responsible and responsive government is government closest to the people.
- I believe Americans must retain the principles that have made us strong while developing new and innovative ideas to meet the challenges of changing times.
- I believe Americans value and should preserve our national strength and pride while working to extend peace, freedom, and human rights throughout the world.
- Finally, I believe the Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government.
2020 Republican National Platform
With this platform, we the Republican Party reaffirm the principles that unite us in a common purpose.
The Republican Party's legacy -- we were originally founded in 1854 for the purpose of ending slavery -- compels us to patriotically defend America's values. As the left attempts to destroy what makes America great, the Republican Party is standing in the breach to defend our nation and way of life
In 2020, the Republican National Committee adopted the following resolution regarding the REPUBLICAN PARTY PLATFORM.
WHEREAS, The Republican National Committee (RNC) has significantly scaled back the size and scope of the 2020 Republican National Convention in Charlotte due to strict restrictions on gatherings and meetings, and out of concern for the safety of convention attendees and our hosts;
WHEREAS, The RNC has unanimously voted to forego the Convention Committee on Platform, in appreciation of the fact that it did not want a small contingent of delegates formulating a new platform without the breadth of perspectives within the ever-growing Republican movement;
WHEREAS, All platforms are snapshots of the historical contexts in which they are born, and parties abide by their policy priorities, rather than their political rhetoric;
WHEREAS, The RNC, had the Platform Committee been able to convene in 2020, would have undoubtedly unanimously agreed to reassert the Party’s strong support for President Donald Trump and his Administration;
WHEREAS, The media has outrageously misrepresented the implications of the RNC not adopting a new platform in 2020 and continues to engage in misleading advocacy for the failed policies of the Obama-Biden Administration, rather than providing the public with unbiased reporting of facts; and
WHEREAS, The RNC enthusiastically supports President Trump and continues to reject the policy positions of the Obama-Biden Administration, as well as those espoused by the Democratic National Committee today; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Republican Party has and will continue to enthusiastically support the President’s America-first agenda;
RESOLVED, That the 2020 Republican National Convention will adjourn without adopting a new platform until the 2024 Republican National Convention;
RESOLVED, That the 2020 Republican National Convention calls on the media to engage in accurate and unbiased reporting, especially as it relates to the strong support of the RNC for President Trump and his Administration; and
RESOLVED, That any motion to amend the 2016 Platform or to adopt a new platform, including any motion to suspend the procedures that will allow doing so, will be ruled out of order.
The 2016 platform is many things: A handbook for returning decision-making to the people. A guide to the constitutional rights of every American. And a manual for the kind of sustained growth that will bring opportunity to all those on the sidelines of our society. View and Download a copy below.
The Table of Contents outlines the major themes of the 2016 Republican Platform, as follows:
Restoring the American Dream
A Rebirth of Constitutional Government
Preserving America's Natural Resources
Government Reform
Great American Families, Education, Healthcare and a Criminal Justice System
America Resurgent
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