Winston Churchill once said, "If you're not a liberal at 20, you have no heart, but if you're not a conservative by 40, you have no brain." When I look at my political beliefs and at the world, and state of the country that I find myself living in, I feel very comfortable saying that I am 20 years old and I am a Republican; and no I do not believe that I am heartless due to the fact that I am Republican because I have a love for my country and the United States Government.
With the Presidential General Election around the corner and the Primary Elections in full swing, everyone is talking about their favorite candidate or lack thereof. Even with a lack of a favorite candidate, and Donald Trump probably going to become the Republican Nominee, I am still proud to be a young, moderate republican.
1. I support the United States Military and the Defense Budget.
Republicans are often criticized for supporting the money that goes towards National Defense. Yes, the government does spend a tremendous about of money on the Military, but I would much rather live in a country where I felt protected and safe than one where I cannot trust anyone, and would be afraid of a terrorist attack around every corner. With ISIS continually on the rise, and the countless issues abroad, I am proud to be able to be protected by our military. They risk their lives for our freedom and safety every day and make me not only proud to be a part of the party that supports all the work they do but also proud to be an American.
2. I support Small Government.
My grandfather started a company called Mikron Industries out of his garage. The government as of late has tried to increase their involvement and attempt to restrict small businesses. I know that if my grandfather were starting his company today, he would have had an increasingly more difficult time doing so. The national economy will thrive in the private sector if the government stays out of the small businesses that are attempting to make a profit. I believe that the government should support small businesses and help them thrive, rather than trying to have big business and government corporations control everything. The Republican party recognizes the importance of the private sector as it pertains to the economy.
3. The Republican Party rewards and promotes hard work.
I worked three jobs this past summer. People say that increased tax rates mostly affect those with exuberant income. Well, working three minimum wage jobs, I had about 50 percent of my wages taken out of my paycheck by the end of the summer. I do not find it fair that my hard work, went to people who were not working for their income, and were simply receiving checks from the government on welfare and food stamps. While that is not all my money went to, it also went to Medicare and other government programs, I did not find it fair that certain liberal policies were limiting the wages of a working college student. So I am proud to be a Republican because the party promotes hard work, and pursuing the American Dream. The party does not promote government bailouts and handouts and is in support of reforming the welfare system, which is seriously needed. I understand people go through tough situations, but distributing wealth, and giving hard earned money to people who did not earn it is not the answer. I am proud to be a part of a party that supports me and urges me to make the most out of living in a free market economy. If you work hard, you will be rewarded. That is how life works, there should be no rewards given if they have not been earned.
4. I believe in Immigration.
No, you should not cross the border illegally. While I understand and am sympathetic to the situations that force people to feel the need to enter the country illegally, that does not mean it is right. I have close friends who have crossed the border illegally, but they are now pursuing citizenship to be in this country legally. Immigration is a great thing, it was a major part of the growth of this nation, and made it what it is today; a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds. However, If you want to live in this country, you need to go through the proper protocol and either acquire a working visa or become a naturalized citizen. It is not fair to have people working for free, taking jobs away from citizens who need work, and to not pay taxes on that work. In addition, most of the time, the money that is made is not spent in the United States, so it is a major drain on the economy. Immigration is a great thing, and my party supports immigration if it is done legally. The person who I had hoped to be our President in 2016 Marco Rubio had immigrant parents, and my family immigrated to the United States through Friday Harbor in Washington. My Party helps me stand up for my rights, and the rights of immigrants and proposes reform so that everyone may live and work in the United States legally, if they choose to do so.
5. I believe in acting out of love for your country.
This country was founded on the belief that everyone has the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I am lucky to be able to live in a country that allows that. I do not believe that social issues are the most important issues facing our country today, but if I were to vote on them, I would vote from a more moderate viewpoint. However, everything I believe comes from the fact that I think it is what will make the United States as strong, and as united as possible. One of my favorite politicians, Mitt Romney, said in the past Presidential race, "Obama asked his supporters today to vote out of revenge, Instead, I ask the American People to vote for love of country." When it comes down to it, I am a Republican because I believe the Republican Party Platform is the best way to have a successful, thriving nation. So, yes, I am a young Republican, and I am proud of it.
