The GOP: Gather Our Principles (printable)

Topic: Politics
The GOP: Gather Our Principles

Everyday I hear someone talking about the state of the Republican Party and how lost it is. There are many Republicans who say they didn't leave the party, the party left them. Most, when asked, don't have an answer for what needs to be done except to say conservatives must take their party back, restoring it to the Grand Old Party it was but what does that mean?
by Gary Wood
(conservative libertarian)
Saturday, November 8, 2008

Like the calls by many saying we must restore our Constitution without knowing the Constitution those who want to restore the GOP must study the principles which once were the foundation of the GOP. Before we restore an old house we must insure there's a strong foundation, it must be inspected so it is known to be strong. The Republican Oath, more commonly known today as the Republican Principles are still listed on the national, state, and county websites for all to read and study yet many abandoned Republicans have never read these core principles and rarely today do we hear them uttered.

We will not find the foundation of the party by looking to the platform filled with stances on issues. A focus on issues clouds our view of the big picture and divides us. We cannot find the foundation by looking at the actions of the party leadership, their personalities and actions show they no longer care for the principles of the GOP yet unless we know them ourselves we are unsure just who we can trust. You have no doubt heard the term RINO, Republican in name only, used to describe those that profess to be a member of the party yet aren't showing support for conservative principles. A key challenge is realizing the RINOs have taken control a long time ago.

Today I view it as two completely different parties stuck under the same label; two factions. There is today's Republican Party with George Bush and John McCain as today's main symbols and there is the GOP with Ron Paul and Neal Boortz as two of the most recognized symbols. Which party you belong to, which party you want to 'restore' really depends on which principles you hold as important to you and which members of the two factions best share our principles. Those totally against our principles will always talk about the symbols of the party that better their cause, that of large government care and control. This is why we hear so much about the Republicans and so very little about the GOP. This is why so many members of the party feel abandoned.

When Thomas Jefferson repealed the hideous Alien and Sedition Act he gave us these words to inspire us. "Should we wander [from the essential principles of our government] in moments of error or alarm, let us hasten to retrace our steps and regain the road which alone leads to peace, liberty, and safety." For those wanting to restore the GOP simply replace "our government" with our party and it will be as inspiring for this restoration project as it is for the restoration of our Constitution.

So, for a moment, let us retrace our steps and along the way let us gather our principles.

The Republican Oath

I'm a Republican because...

I believe that the proper function of government is to do for the people those things that have to be done but cannot be done, or cannot be done as well by individuals, and that the most effective government is closest to the people.

I believe that good government is based on the individual and that each person's ability, dignity, freedom and responsibility must be honored and recognized.

I believe that free enterprise and the encouragement of individual initiative and incentive have given this nation an economic system second to none.

I believe that sound money policy should be our goal.

I believe in equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, age, sex, or national origin. I believe that persons with disabilities should be afforded equal rights, equal justice, and equal opportunity as well.

I believe we must retain those principles worth retaining, yet always be receptive to new ideals with an outlook broad enough to accommodate thoughtful change and varying points of view.

I believe that Americans value and should preserve their feelings of national strength and pride, and at the same time share with people everywhere a desire for peace and freedom and the extension of human rights throughout the world.

This oath is in harmony with our founding documents as well as being supportive of the outcomes our grand experiment of a federal republic was to provide. When studied closely the knowledge of how these principles are violated by the Republican National Committee, elected officials, and state parties becomes more obvious. This article would be book length if I were to list even a small portion of the violation of these principles the Republicans are guilty of. Their violations altered the outcomes when control was entrusted to the party and their violations gave power and fortitude to those who care nothing for them, those leading us today and those about to lead us for the next two to four years.

Whether you are a member of the Republican Party or not (so many have declared themselves Independent, Libertarian, Constitution, and more) you may well be a member of the GOP. With this renewed review of the GOP you can still help fight for your principles. Below is a list of a few places you can find GOP members fighting for restoration, visit them and join the fight (and it is a fight). Don't get lost in party issues and personalities...principles and outcomes must be our focus. Remember the words of Herbert Spencer. "The great aim of education is not knowledge, but action."

Downsize DC Organization

Republican Liberty Caucus

Campaign for Liberty

United American Voice Media Network

March of Liberty Radio

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The most important thing we can all restore is conversation regarding politics.

2008 by Gary Wood

Columnist, radio show host, and co-founder of Hear My Thunder.

March of Liberty Radio Show

The views expressed in this article are those of Gary Wood only and do not represent the views of Nolan Chart, LLC or its affiliates. Gary Wood is solely responsible for the contents of this article and is not an employee or otherwise affiliated with Nolan Chart, LLC in his/her role as a columnist.

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Reader Comments:

Posted By: Jahfre Fire Eater
Date: 2008-11-10 07:21:37

Hi Gary,
Most of my articles recently have been on a similar theme with one marked difference. I focus on helping individuals become more effective by recommending productive activities aimed at acheiving their stated goals.
I'm not familiar with all the organizations you posted links for but of the ones I am familar with none are focused on doing the work. As far as I can see they are cults of personality or social clubs designed to give outlets for self-righteous herds.
Until individuals can stand up without a herd and support their principles face-to-face in their local communities, the rest is moot at best and probably destructive to the stated goals of the members of such groups.
-Jahfre Fire Eater

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Posted By: Gary
Date: 2008-11-10 13:40:10

Hi Jahfre,
You must be totally unfamiliar with all the links. DownsizeDC.org is an action oriented, non-partisan organization directly impacting change at the federal level. The campaigns are targeted to get those involved directly in communication with their representatives regarding specific items like the Read the Bills Act, Enumerated Powers Act and more. The Republican LIberty Caucus is the wing of the Republican Party directly promoting the principles of the party both in Congress as well as at the state and local level.
The Campaign for Liberty is more of an association of like-minded folks born from the Ron Paul campaign. Exactly how active they will be face-to-face is yet to be seen. The UAVMedia Network is a new endeavor to get the principles into local communities through magazine, radio, and TV...new but directly focused on educating the community these principles are alive and worth fighting for. The final link is to our radio show where we have guests and commentary focused on education through conversation with the goal of knowledge leading to educated action at the local, state, and federal level.
All are distinctly focused on doing the work to promote liberty, freedom, and a government of the people by the people. None are cults or self-righteous organizations. In your comments it would have been nice if you would have actually admitted you knew none of them as your comments are not inline with anything any of them are focused on. I've been in this arena for nearly four decades and understand the importance of action...calm, deliberate, and on-going.

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