The "conscience" complaint I have experienced and encountered
I treaure honesty, and consider transparency a key element. There are things on the GOP platform and candidates that I do NOT support, and I have wrestled with "becoming" GOP. (I have the luxury of a state where I never had to declare anything.)
Some of the strongest Ron Paul supporters I have spoken to would do anyting for Ron - except join the GOP. They do not feel they can show support for what the current GOP represents. For my part, I am OK with being judiciously silent and allowing others to infer agreement from that. I know that seems deceitful to others. This morning, as we draw closer to Easter, the scene of Jesus being confronted by the Romans came to mind. I am not going to look up the exact phrasing, but when asked if he was King of the Jews, Jesus' reply was "So say ye" - a rather evasive answer.
I do not advocate lying, I do not advocate doing things that your heart says are wrong. I DO advocate to carefully review anything that you are WRESTLING with. What we have learned is"good" and "right" may not always serve what is Good and Right.
Read " I am a Republican Because---"
I can agree with these values, and therefore I don't feel I am supporting what the current GOP represents, I am supporting THIS:
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 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.
Working within the System:
As Protesters and Activists we creat awareness of those things that need to be changed.
As Members we have the chance to make those changes occur.
It matters not to which Party you belong if you are an American "FIRST".
Ron Paul President 2008
True Patriot of the Republic
off topic
Fortune Favors the Bold
that reminded me of some of the best dialogue from one of my favorite movies, Jesus Christ Superstar
Pilate: Are you King?
JC: It's you that say I am
I look for truth, and find that I get damned.
Pilate: But what is truth?
Is truth unchanging law?
We both have truths.
Are mine the same as yours?
Fortune Favors the Bold
I too have struggled
For oh so many years. Never having a party to belong to, knowing I was a true conservative (in the small fed. government sense and strict Constitutionalist), etc...
But, that is the reason to storm caucuses and state conventions with DELEGATES. The whole point of this is to change the party from within. I am not under the illusion that we will sweep the national convention and get Dr. Paul nominated (not giving up hope, but realistic). But, if McCain is the nominee he has to pledge to uphold OUR platform! He will not, of course. But, it is a baby step in regaining our republic. There is always some give and take, and I didn't even agree with every platform amendment we passed at our caucus. But, it is all about progress - as long as you stay true to yourself and try to influence your ideals. For instance, if you disagree with a plank in the platform, propose a change during a convention and then convince the rest. If it doesn't work, then you can decide to leave.
In Liberty
www.libertyrestorationproject.org
"We are the inheritors of the American Enlightenment, which tells us that Individual Liberty always trumps collectivism in all forms."
Well the beauty is that you
Well the beauty is that you can always change your party to what ever you want. Just because you are a GOP doesn't mean in the general election you can't vote for another party for you can vot for who ever you wish.
By not being part of the GOP in most states does nothing more than take away your voice on who the GOP nominee is.
Many people coming together for 1 common goal for the better is what will make the difference not what party you are part of.
Dr. Steve Parent
www.buckforchuck.com
www.whokilledtheconstitution.com
www.revolutionbroadcasting.com
Dr. Steve Parent
Worse than take away your own voice
you leave the voice of the misguided, entrenched GOP to continue screaming, unchallenged by rational people. It is why I finally realized a 3rd party is not really the right thing (for me) to do. The way to clean the neocons out s to unseat them from their castle.
Truth exists, and it deserves to be cherished.
good post
I had those feelings but with the successes of the delegates it is very encouraging.
Prepare & Share the Message of Freedom through Positive-Peaceful-Activism.