Republican or Democrat — these titles both carry so much weight in our greatly-divided country, and which one you identify with can tell people a lot about you. Either way, I’m proud to say I’m a supporter of the GOP, the Republican Party. There are some misconceptions about what it means to be a Republican in today’s time, but I want to clear up what some of our values are with the top five reasons I’m a supporter of the Republican Party.

1. I believe in the old-fashioned value America was built on: hard work.

We live in an entitled generation — a generation where people are looking to reap the biggest rewards while contributing the littlest effort, and it’s worrisome. No matter what your circumstance is or where you’re starting at, I believe everyone, with a resilient attitude and a stellar work ethic, can be successful in this world. It’s definitely not going to be easy, but it’s possible, and possibility is the only thing you need. You’re not entitled to a wonderful and easy life. You have to work for it. Our founding fathers knew this when they described life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They knew it’s something you have to chase after and work for. Remember, “the world owes you nothing. It was here first.”

2. I believe in the second amendment: the right to bear arms.

The argument that “guns kill people” makes no sense to me. When people drive drunk, we don’t blame it on the car. We hold that person accountable for their actions. The second amendment needs to be protected because it’s our right as citizens to be able to protect our families and our dreams, if God forbid, someone ever tries to take them away from us. If we take away guns, I promise that the people who intend to kill others will find access to guns to do it, and those who are following the law by not having them are going to be unprotected. If you’re an avid hunter or a gun collector, no one has the right to tell you what you can and cannot do. This is America, and if you want to have a gun collection, you should be allowed to do so.

3. I believe in regulating legal immigration.

In today’s world, many people jump to the conclusion that if you believe in regulating legal immigration, you’re racist and intolerant. This couldn’t be further from the truth. I am all for welcoming new, legal cultures and people into our great country. But I do believe that they need to begin paying taxes right away just like everyone else. I also believe that if they come here illegally, they should not be allowed to stay. Right now, we are telling immigrants that it’s OK to break the law, and we will accommodate them here in the U.S. if they do. What message does this send to our children? Instead of focusing on accommodating people who come here illegally, how about providing support for our veterans, who gave up their lives fighting for our country and who are not getting enough close to what they deserve.

4. I don’t believe in raising taxes for the rich and middle class.

Many people argue that the super wealthy should pitch in more and help their fellow Americans. I believe the super wealthy already do just that, and should not be required to pay more. According to the Tax Foundation, the top one percent earned 18.9 percent of the country’s income, but paid 37.4 percent of the country’s taxes. Also according to the article, the top five percent earned 33.8 percent of the total income and paid 59.1 percent of taxes, and the bottom 50 percent earned 11.7 percent of total income and paid 2.4 percent of taxes. In my opinion, the wealthy are paying more than their fair share, and the rest of America needs to step up and pay their fair share. I hear from a lot of people that the wealthy really don’t need to be unbelievably rich, and that there’s no need for the rich to buy 15 yachts just because they can. But guess what? It’s America, and the rich are allowed to do whatever they want with their money. It’s not up to you to judge or decide how they spend it. Ideally, I think everyone should pay a fixed amount of their income, so that the proportions are the same and fair all the way around.

5. I don’t believe in abortion.

Before you accuse me of violating the rights women have to their bodies, hear me out. In instances such as rape or incest, or if the mother’s life is in danger, I can respect the argument that abortion could be reserved for these circumstances. But you’ll never be able to convince me that abortion under any other circumstances is to be considered. I read an article the other day where a woman was describing a scenario. She was wondering that if her teenage daughter happened to make a mistake on prom night and ended up pregnant, she should force her daughter to face the consequences of her choice. Um, yes, that’s exactly what needs to happen. The girl should have been taught that there are major consequences to that action, and her decision doesn’t just affect her body, it also affects the life growing within her and the father of that baby. I believe that kids need to be taught that some actions have very serious consequences, and if you want to engage in adult behavior, you need to face the adult consequences in an ethical and moral way. I think we need to teach our kids more about responsibility and self-sufficiency rather than proving outs for them when they forget to act responsibly.