“My parents are Republicans and when I was first old enough to vote and get interested in politics, I voted Democrat because I did not want to vote for who my parents voted for. I was a Democrat for several years. At 22, I gave my life to Christ and as I grew in my faith in God, I started to have different views on issues such as abortion and gay marriage. God made me see the light. The main reason I am a Republican now is because I am against abortion and gay marriage, however I have started to see other things that also make me stay on the Republican side.”
"Since my first job at age 16, I have seen the government take too much out of my paycheck -- and the paychecks of all Americans. I believe that a smaller, more efficient government can serve the people well without burdening them with high taxes. I also believe in the sanctity of life and the institution of marriage, and believe the Republican Party represents those values the best."
When I first became politically active, I wasn’t sure with which party I wanted to align myself. Now, I really don’t like the political party system, mostly because I don’t like the connotations that come with being a Republican, Democrat, Green or Libertarian. I’d prefer to have my opinions define who I am rather than being pigeon holed into a plank of beliefs based on which party I find that I mostly closely identify with. . .however, I knew I had to make a decision.
The second tier parties were not a consideration. Although well meaning, the people in these parties have lost touch with reality. Their planks only apply to a small number of the issues and I really think that this is far too short sided of a focus. That left the Republicans and the Democrats.
When I was a much younger man, I would have classified myself as more of a Democrat. Its not that I agreed with that many of their views, it was more that I didn’t think of myself as establishment. The Democrats have always been successful at painting the Republicans as the party of old, fat, rich, white men. Finding those folks to be boring at parties, I thought being a Democrat was the way to go. It wasn’t until I understood that the Republicans weren’t what the Democrats said they were that I even considered being a Republican; and still I wasn’t convinced. I’m now disappointed to admit that I voted for Perot in 1992.
So what makes me a Republican? I suppose quite a bit. I tend to believe in lower taxes and smaller government. I think that the smaller division of government will best support my views and I’d like to keep my tax money closer to home if possible. I also, beyond a shadow of a doubt, know that I can spend my money, tax or otherwise, better and more efficiently than anyone in government. I found the defining characteristic of Republicans to be that of smaller government, lower taxes and more responsible government spending, and voila! - - -I got old, fat, rich and white.
Fiscally responsible governing is what drew me to the party, I agree and disagree with some of the other party positions, and, as long as they are okay with me disagreeing on some of those positions, I will remain a Republican.
I spoke to someone recently who told me that Democrats were for the little guy, or underdog; while Republicans were for the big rich company. I think that in America, both parties are for the little guys. Its just that the Republicans are for the little guys who don’t plan on always being the little guy and want to improve their position in life; the underdog who thinks he can win.