CCRC Editorial Section

     I am a Republican. Have we met? I mean, have you met the real me – not a characterization by those who disagree with me.

     I am your neighbor, your teacher, your mechanic, your doctor. I own the ice cream parlor, the pizza place, the local gym. I clean your chimney, deliver your oil, sit beside you in college, shop beside you at the grocery store, and wait beside you at the vet. I chat with you at the post office; our kids are in the same class. I serve beside you on the PTA. I am not a far-off politician in Washington, but I am the face of the Republican Party in our community, and this is what I believe:

     I believe everyone should have equal opportunity, but opportunity does not mean entitlement or preference. Don’t misunderstand; I’m not cruel and heartless. As a Confucian-Taoist saying goes, “Give a man a fish, you will feed him for a day; teach a man to fish, and you will feed him for a lifetime.” I know the value of work and the human development that occurs when one has a dream, sets a goal, and is motivated to achieve it through all of the challenges and satisfaction of good hard work.  True kindness is to invite someone to rise above their circumstances and give them tools to accomplish their dreams.  As each individual achieves, all are better for it.

     Far too often when politicians speak of “equality” and a “fair share” they imply the rich deserve to be taken down a peg and the poor be given the plunder. But history shows when government steps in to “make it fair,” all become poor and stripped of their freedoms.  Motivation and dreams lie stifled at the bottom while a select few divvy out the pot and rule in luxury at the top.  Fairness is equal opportunity not income redistribution. I believe those who work hard should be rewarded, those who are trying should be encouraged, and those who are not able should receive compassionate care, but each should be motivated to dream and achieve to the best of their ability.

     I am not ashamed to say that the United States of America is the greatest country to ever exist. And while we aren’t perfect, no nation has ever produced the bounty and granted its citizens the freedoms we enjoy. We live in relative peace and safety, for the moment.  Our daughters are free to attend school, get a good job, and marry whomever they choose without fear of being beheaded.  Our children can play outside without fear of being kidnapped and sold into slavery.  I am able to write a letter to the editor without fear of imprisonment. I believe our founding fathers (who truly knew tyranny) and the wise documents they drafted are to thank for the freedoms and wealth we enjoy.  The Constitution and all of its Articles should be carefully upheld and followed.  I am grieved when I see our elected officials (of either party) ignoring it.  It is key to our continued success and must not be ignored or rewritten.

    I believe we have real enemies who are making real plans to destroy us. While some may argue that this is our fault, I believe there are those who are inherently evil and hate us merely because we are free.  What did all of Europe do to deserve the devastation Hitler wrought?  Evil exists and mere talk, however inspiring, will not be enough to abate it.   We must maintain a strong and pro-active national defense. How many times must history repeat itself?

     I believe in the freedom of personal choice, but I also believe in taking personal responsibility for those choices. Personal choices and responsibility make up the fabric of America, and each of us has a responsibility to be the best we can be for both our own sake and the sake of our nation. I believe that we cannot always be rescued or bailed out of the consequences – not banks, not corporations, not state and local governments and not other special interest groups.  I believe faith, family and community are bedrocks to a healthy and productive society. I believe a happy, traditional home with one father and mother is an ideal environment for rearing a child and should be celebrated, protected and encouraged whenever possible. 

     I believe that greed and corruption exist on both sides of the aisle in our political arena, and view it as my citizen’s duty to pay close attention, hold my elected officials accountable, remove them when necessary and work to elect new leaders who can be trusted. 

     Yes, I am a Republican, and while some have tarnished my name, misrepresented me and abused their power, I am steadfastly optimistic about our future. And while I am proud to be a Republican, I am even more proud to be an American. I am proud of our heritage, proud of our country and grateful for our freedom.

 --Janet Finnamore, Town Chair of the Swanzey Republicans, 96 Westport Village. Rd., Swanzey, NH 03446  www.SwanzeyRepublicans.webs.com