[An American!]

The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States. It is often referred to as the Grand Old Party or the GOP. The Republican Party is currently the second largest party with 55 million registered voters as of 2004, encompassing roughly one-third of the electorate. The traditional mascot of the party is the elephant. After the 2000 election, the color red became associated with the GOP, although it has not been officially adopted by the party.
Overview of the Platform includes:
* National Security - Defending Our Nation, Supporting Our Heroes, Securing the Peace
* Government Reform - Reforming Government to Serve the People
* Economy - Expanding Opportunity to Promote Prosperity
* Energy - Energy Independence and Security
* Environment - Addressing Climate Change Responsibly; Continuing Our Stewardship over the Environment
* Health Care - Reform: Putting Patients First
* Education - A More Competitive America
* Crime - protecting our Families
* Values - Preserving our values; Upholding 2nd Amendment; Preserving Traditional Marriage; Maintaining The Sanctity and Dignity of Human Life and other traditional values.

The Republican party embodies a uniquely American spirit. It is the spirit of independent minds, the conviction that open and honest debate is essential to the freedom we enjoy as Americans. The Republican platform is a testament to that freedom and stands as our promise to future generations that we will do whatever it takes to preserve it. It is grounded on the heartfelt belief that these principles, policies, and vision will lead our American family, not just through present dangers, but to a horizon of prosperity and liberty mankind has only begun to explore.

"I am a Republican, as the two great political parties are now divided, because the Republican party is a national party seeking the greatest good for the greatest number of citizens." - Ulysses S. Grant on September 28, 1880

I am a Republican Because...
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 TRUE fiscal responsibility. Balanced budgets, reduced total expenditures and allow individuals to keep more of the money they earn.

I BELIEVE the proper role of State government is to provide for the people only those critical functions that cannot be performed by individuals or private organizations.

I BELIEVE the proper role of the Federal governent 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.

As I watched the news today with the RGA going on and all our Republican governors on display, some of their comments...especially Palin's...about 36 governors coming up in 2010! We need to work hard to win those. And also work as a party and as volunteers to bring prestige back to the Grand Old Party!
More...

[nufsed]

Is this an old article?

[April Lexington]

I am a Republican becasue I'm too lazy to start a real conservative alternative to the moderate sell-out organization I currently belong to.

If we don't go hard right, I'm gone.

[johnthebaptistmoore]

Don’t confuse being a Republican with being a conservative!

[Old Sarge]

Free Republic Definition Of A Conservative:

"Whatever it is, it sure ain't YOU!!!"

[Clintonfatigued]

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s claim to being a Republican is rather shaky right now.

[doc1019]

I’m a republican because I enjoy my party selecting the best candidate that could be beat. I’m a republican because I belong to a party that will not fight back.
I’m a republican because I’m an idiot and have little choice.

[factoryrat]

I am a Republican Because...

I refuse to be a serf in a communist regime, and I have the the means to fight back.

[CodeMasterPhilzar]

I believe in equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, sex, age or disability or the lack thereof.

Seriously, I'm tired of taking it in the shorts because I'm not a minority, sexually deviant, too young or too old, or in any way disabled. Why am I always getting the short end so that someone else can get an artificial "leg up" on me? The biggest disadvantage in America today is not fitting into any particular victim group.

[Desron13]

"I will tell you how...if you believe the governement should be accountable to the people..."

I stopped right there. That makes you a Conservative, not a Republican. Today's Republican party has abandoned the original intent of this country. They have become the slow road to tyranny.

[Silly]

I am a Republican because... well, just because!

[mysterio]

I think you meant conservative, not Republican.

[EternalVigilance]

I Am formerly a Republican Because

The once grand old party abandoned its own, and America's, founding principles.

Time to build a principled party that truly belongs to conservatives:

[FreeAtlanta]

You are crazy?

sorry, I am still leaning toward the Constitution Party. I saw my first Constitution party bumper sticker this week.

[Desron13]

Today in Houston Texas we are presented with the spectacle of whether or not we should allow road check points for insurance and a valid drivers license on our streets. “Your papers please.” Rather than being outraged by the entire concept, our vaunted city council is upset that we may catch some criminal aliens in the process. There will be tyranny and war in this country. Mark my words.

[JRios1968]

It's a shame Colin Powell has forgotten THIS SPEECH and endorsed an enemy of this country.

[Iron Munro]

[SparkyBass]

Because it is the party closest to conservatism that has any chance of winning and changing anything, even though it continually betrays me.