WHY I'M NOT A REPUBLICAN

In my never ending quest to understand Republican voters, I’m exploring the blogs of the Right. It is interesting, enlightening, frustrating and sometimes nauseating. It can be like watching Ann Coulter after eating bad sea food. The twists and turns and spin and code talk that pass as the truth are sometimes hard to follow. I try to practice critical thinking, logic and work with facts in spite of the emotions that interfere.
The following reasons for Why Am I A Republican? come from the site:
http://www.jeffgop.org/ My comments are added.

Why Am I A Republican?

I believe in the promise of America and the goodness of the American people.

I believe in the goodness of the American people but there are scoundrels and despots who, if allowed, will destroy the principles America was founded on. The promise of America depends on the people governing through their elected officials.

I believe that the roots of our society are found in strong families, personal faith, solid communities, and love of country.

I believe that the roots of our society are found in the Constitution of the United States of America which protects individual rights to participate in family and faith as they see fit. I believe that love of country does not preclude criticism of the elected officials.

I believe that our flag, the "Stars and Stripes", is a true and unique symbol of the pride and patriotism Americans share in their beloved nation.

I believe that the prestige of the American Flag in the world community is defined by the character of America’s leaders and policies. It is sad how the prestige of American Flag has suffered from the current Republican Administration’s foreign policies in the last 7 years.

I believe that America is still the "shining city on a hill", and represents the dreams and aspirations of current and future generations of American citizens.

I’m concerned about future generations who will inherit the record national debt, a rising superpower in Russia, economic dominance by China, a deteriorating environment, and a diplomatically impotent America. They will lie in the bed Bush made.

I believe that our government is best when it is closest to the people that it serves.

Why do Republicans continue to support the Bush/Cheney NEOCON administration when it repeatedly ignores the will of the majority of the people it serves and pander to the corporate elite?

I believe that government and governmental programs should be efficient, and provide full accountability for the practices and policies it's leaders propose and implement.

Who in their right mind would not agree with efficiency and accountability. But how does gutting Federal agencies and de-regulation provide accountability and efficiency.

I believe in the spirit of free enterprise, in which capitalism is the best means to keep our economy running strong, both now and in the future.

Capitalism without government oversight and regulation is a recipe for exploitation, environmental catastrophe, economic collapse. Government must protect society from the Corporation who’s only god is power, control and the immediate bottom line.

I believe that while government can and should be the provider of some essential services, it should function with limited taxation, financial efficiency and the adoption of innovations to allow taxpayers to get the most for their hard-earned tax dollars.

The government has a fundamental responsibility to assist and protect poor and disadvantaged citizens. A society where the “middle” socioeconomic class becomes poor and the “lower” class becomes destitute while the “upper” class continues to grow richer is a moral outrage.
I believe that America's military is the most powerful military force in the world, and that our brave men and women who serve our nation deserve the respect and admiration a grateful nation can only bestow.

How long can America sustain the most powerful military force in the world when we are spending $15 billion a MONTH to fight a futile war in Iraq. How long can we maintain the most powerful military force in the world when we have lowered recruiting standards to accept felons and drug users, back to back deployments are exhausting the Army and Marines, and we are incapable of fighting on a third front.
I believe that governments first and foremost responsibility is the providing of safety and security to our citizens.

I believe that government has first and foremost responsibility to provide safety and security for it’s citizens while operating within the framework of the Constitution of the United States.
I believe that the rights of law-abiding citizens should outweigh the rights of criminals and that the enforcement of existing laws, combined with the addition of innovative, common-sense policies, is the best means of furthering a civil society.

Sounds like code talk for throwing out civil rights (which even criminals have) and establishing a police state. “Common sense policies” should never override “rule of law” established by the Judiciary within the framework of the Constitution.

I believe that our natural environment is a precious resource for all humankind, and that citizens and government should work together to implement common-sense policies that allow for both environmental protection and economic growth.

Future economic growth is dependent on sound environmental policies. Not “common-sense policies”, but scientifically based policies. Corporate goals of short term profit at the expense of the environment will not sustain an economy in the long term.

I believe that in the spirit of Abraham Lincoln, all persons are created equal, and that I oppose discrimination in any form, against any person, and for any reason.

It is government’s responsibility to provide for a level playing field for disadvantaged and oppressed citizens to access equal opportunity and walk through the gates of the “Shining city on the hill”.
I believe in an inclusive political party, a party with a "big tent" approach where I am encouraged to share my beliefs and to disagree with those who share opposing viewpoints.

Ditto. Then we both must distain labeling dissenters “unpatriotic” or “terrorists” or “America haters”.

I believe that Republican Party leaders and officials have brought needed change to New York State and I agree that supporting their efforts is the best way to ensure a brighter future for many years to come. (nygop.org)

I believe the Republican Party’s will continue to lose influence in New York as it is in national politics.