We have lost our way. If we don’t get it together the Republican Party will continue to decay until it is irrelevent.
Historically, the GOP supported lower taxes, free market capitalism, restrictions on illegal immigration, increased military spending, gun rights, restrictions on abortion, deregulation and restrictions on labor unions. Trump has destroyed the party platform and potentially the party.
The modern Democratic Party emphasizes egalitarianism, social equality, protecting the environment, and strengthening the social safety net through liberalism. They support voting rights and minority rights, including LGBT rights, multiculturalism, and religious secularism. When things are tough, it is hard to argue that our government should not support the people.
There is a concept known as the “Doctrine of Responsible Party Government,” that helped to make America Great. One of the major elements of the doctrine is the understanding and acceptance that no one party will or should hold power indefinitely. Though the parties are competitive, no party expects to be in power, or in opposition permanently. Similar to the contributions the Federalists and Antifederalist made to the creation of our Constitution, the quality of life for the people is improved through the contemplation and adoption of different ideas. We need to remember that united we stand.
In the Doctrine of Responsible Party Government, parties appeal to the people for support (votes) through opposing programs or platforms. One might support free trade, the other night propose isolation. The winning party, representing the “will of the people” has the mandate to pursue or implement its programs. If a program is successful that party might win reelection, if not they might be voted out of office, next election. The party in power forms the government, while the other party(ies) refine their platform, build support, and standby to form the next government.
If the Republican Party cannot formulate a party platform that appeals to the majority of voters, we have no chance at winning an election. The answer is not suppressing minority votes. We cannot compromise our values and beliefs, and fall under the spell of some shallow reality TV personality. The answer is articulating an inclusive conservative platform based on programs and ideas that will attract voters so inclined.
