I am a Republican because...

[GloriaInEleusis]

So many people seem to have a interpretation of Republicans that is no to me at all what we stand for. So, I'm copying this here in hopes that it might educate a few people.

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.

paula - If you really think I have made a racist comment, you should report me to MNHQ.

Maybe they can explain to you in a way that you will understand that when people use the term "American" in a sentence, they usually mean "citizen of USA" and rather than your native indian ancestors.

In case you forgot, I told ISawSanta that because she was saying we can't criticise Americans because they are all immigrants.

We Native Americans are proud to be called Americans thats not what was racist.

"Not bison hunting native indians dressed in feathers"

This is, I think you know that.

paula, I think that cote d'azur was referring to the past? at least that is how I read it.
I don't think that she intended to put this stereotype on people of indian origin today.

ps the only person I know with native american origins refers to her family as "indian".

We usually just use Cherokee.

Its just that it shows a bit of ignorance of Indians as most did not hunt bison and not all wore feathers. Most people don't like to be defined by stereotypes and Indians are no diffrent.

I think it's ridiculous to be able to buy a gun at 18, but not be able to drink at 18. This is stupid. The drinking age used to be 18 in most (if not all ???) states, but that was changed in the early 80's in FL...my home state. I know because when I turned 18 I could drink for awhile, but then the law changed and I couldn't for over 2 yrs. Also, it's stupid that you can die for your country in the military, but you still can't buy alcohol.

As for why a lot of Americans don't travel internationally...in my opinion this is because of these reasons...for the most part.

Yes, the US is so big that most Americans never get to all 50 states and we can have the beach or ski vacation within out borders...can do both in CA for sure. Another reason is that most Americans only get 2-3 weeks of vacation within a year, so it's harder to leave the country on a proper vacation. Lastly, many of us have families spread out and we want to visit them...again with only 2-3 weeks off there isn't much left (if any) after going to see your parents for Thanksgiving or family for Christmas for a week. Also, most of us only get off on Thanksgiving day...not the Friday afterwards, any only on Dec. 25...no Boxing Day in the US. We love when Christmas gives us a 30-day weekend.

There are a few folks who never want to leave the good ole USA, but most do want to and many people get their first passport after they retire in their late 60s. Most of my family never left the US until they reached their 70s because they had to wait to retire to get enough time off.

Also, many Americans have to take a vacation day if their kid is home sick or if school closes due to teacher training day or snow or something...this kind of crap can kill another week of vacation..leaving you with only 1-2 weeks left.

ooops...meant a 3-day weekend.....must have been dreaming of 30 days off

i really need to change my name . . .