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The Republican Party stands for a strong national defense. The plan for protecting United States citizens from harm is set forth in the US Constitution. The President of the United States is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. Although the world today is different from the world that existed during the days of George Washington, the fundamental job of the military to provide protection for the American people remains the same. The September 11, 2001 terrorist attack on the United States was a cruel reminder of the present dangers in the world today and for the necessity of having a strong national defense. The Republican Party believes in having and maintaining the resources necessary for the US military to successfully protect the American people from harm.
The Republican Party stands for less government. Every citizen of the United States has the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". At times during our nation's history, that right has not been equally applied to all citizens. In particular, African-Americans were denied these rights through the institution of Slavery, Jim Crow segregation laws, cruelty, and other discriminatory laws, customs and practices. To overcome such evil, often the United States Government had to intervene. The United States Government also has federal agencies in place to provide for the safety and well being of the American people in normal every day life. Agencies such the Food and Drug Administration, the Center for Disease Control, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Federal Communications Commission all exist to insure the safety and well being of the American people as they partake of the right to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness". However, there should be a balance between maintaining a safe environment and overreaching to the point of hindering the creativity and initiative of US citizens. The Republican Party believes in having government regulations that promote safety, well being and fairness but does not hinder US citizens from reaching their full potential as they pursue their dreams and aspirations. Finding a healthy and happy balance between the two is often not easy. Nevertheless, the GOP believes in maintaining as much leeway possible to pursue life, liberty and happiness without doing so to the detriment of other citizens.
The Republican Party stands for low taxes. It takes money to run a government. The government receives its income from taxes paid by its citizens. Republicans believe in having enough income through taxes to provide for the running of the government. Excessive taxation causes pain to ALL citizens regardless of financial status. This is because excessive taxation on the "rich" more than likely will lead to the cost being passed on to the consumer for goods and services. This will elevate the cost of living and will hurt the poor the most.
The Republican Party discourages unnecessary government spending. Defining unnecessary government spending is as tricky as finding a balance between maintaining the safety, well being and fairness and allowing American citizens to pursue their dreams. The two go hand in hand. If one believes a particular role or function should be performed by the private sector, then that same person will probably not want that service to be provided and paid for by the taxpayers.
There are other issues in the Republican Party platform such as matters pertaining to abortion, prayer in schools and other issues. However, there are differences among Republicans on these issues. The three principles that united ALL Republicans are strong national defense, less government and low taxes.
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