Why I am a Republican
I have been a Republican for years, although I never sought public office prior to this year. I am a Republican because it is the party of Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, and Reagan. I believe that the Republican Party is the party of civil rights, equal opportunity, environmental responsibility, individual liberty, and protection of property rights. Further, Republicans are for a limited government role in the lives of Americans, and we are for lower taxes and responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.
I share John Adams' belief that a moral foundation and an educated populace are essential for our government to succeed. The family and religion are the cornerstones supporting morals, education, and civility. Reagan stated, “All great change in America begins at the dinner table.” We must cherish and protect the family dinner table. I believe that religion and family is natural and inherent, and government should not create laws abridging family or religious freedom.
Republicans are not necessarily conservative, and we have a history of being progressive. Lincoln was the first Republican President. Republicans were the driving force behind the end of slavery and universal suffrage among citizens. Republicans were the first party to advocate women’s right to vote. Republicans battled big business and broke up monopolies at the turn of the 20th century in order to protect capitalism. Republicans were optimistic about the greatness of our country in the early 1980’s, and we led the battle to win the Cold War, and we ushered in an era of unparalleled economic growth and prosperity.
Republicans are progressive in protecting life, liberty, and justly acquired property: we do not believe that government should infringe upon our liberties by trying to protect us from ourselves. Government’s role is to protect our freedom to better ourselves and achieve our dreams. Government’s role is not to audaciously attempt to improve our lives, and our government should constantly strive to limit its burden on its owners – the citizens and taxpayers.
Political parties evolve, and leaders change. Republicans are not all like-minded, and some deviate at times from the Republican principles mentioned above. Republican principles are the bedrock of the success of Republican Party. I am a thoughtful Republican, not a knee-jerk Republican. If elected Republicans increase spending, support pork-barrel projects, or engage in corruption, I do not support those acts. We in the Republican Party need to constantly look at our actions through the prism of our principles.
Tom Underwood
August 12, 2007
Tom Underwood
Candidate for Culpeper County Board of Supervisors
Salem Magisterial District
Paid for by Tom S Underwood V Political Account
