The GOP's Demise

You flip the television on and hear the raging debate: the GOP is dead! Many people seem to agree that the party of Abraham Lincoln has lost touch with the common man and no longer appeals to the average Joe. Also, the consensus appears to be that the GOP should change it ways, modify its beliefs, be more inclusive and shed some of its out-of-the-mainstream values.

Can a leopard change its spots?

Whenever I hear a live debate or read something on the topic, there are generally four areas in which Republicans are called on to change their ways:

1) their views on abortion;

2) their views on traditional marriage;

3) their stance on illegal immigration; and,

4) their call for reduced taxes and government.

What exactly is the GOP's position on these major issues? Is it fair to ask someone to change his/her values for the sake of power?

What happens if the leopard changes it spots?

When people give up their core values for the sake of power or acceptance, they lose credibility. Think of Arlen Specter who first switched from being a Democrat to become a Republican and recently returned to being Democrat. Can he really have any clout with people? His relegation to "just a Senator" was most deserving. Another example is former V.P., Dick Cheney. I lost some respect for Dick Cheney when he suddenly decided to oppose a ban on gay marriage - only because his daughter is gay. One's support of an issue is one's right either way, but should be based on core values, not the direction of the wind.

Our leaders must be driven by values and be willing to suffer the consequences for holding on to their beliefs.

This leads to the meat of the matter. Should the GOP abandon their ways in order to win elections? Should they quit being who they are to become more appealing to all? Instead, why not strike up a conversation with America? Explain to us what their beliefs are and why they take certain positions? Let us look at the 4 main issues mentioned above.

Abortion

The GOP believes that God creates life. Furthermore, the party believes in the sanctity of life, and that life begins at conception. The kicking and tugging that the pregnant woman feels prior to delivery are indicators of life prior to birth. Hence the conservative view that abortion for all reasons is the taking of life that only God can give, and partial birth abortion in particular is barbaric and inhumane. This is a quite compelling stance for the GOP. However, there is an argument to be made that a woman has a right to decide whatever she wants and secondly, bearing a child from incest or rape is not like drinking a cup of tea. The GOP has some explaining to do, but why should they change their core beliefs?

Why should the leopard change its spots?

Traditional Marriage

For the GOP, the Bible's account of God creating Adam and Eve, not two Adams and or two Eves, is quite literal. Furthermore, the Bible in Romans 1 calls homosexuality an "abomination" before God and does not give an account of any other type of married union but a man with woman. Additionally, the GOP argues that throughout history, in every civilization, marriage has always been between a man and a woman. This has been the tradition that has worked to provide a balanced upbringing for children. The question then is, why change what is tens of centuries old?

Can a leopard change its spots?

Illegal Immigration

I believe that there is consensus within every group that illegal immigration is wrong and must be stopped. The GOP not only believes that the country must stop illegal border crossing, but also that the illegal immigrants among us should be deported. The party argues that laws have been broken and that lawbreakers should not be rewarded with free citizenship. That is a strong point so why should the GOP change its position?

Can a leopard change its spots? No. But is it realistic to expect the government to pick up more than 12 million illegal immigrants and ship them home? This position begs for further discussion.

Reduced Taxes & Government

The cry goes out from every corner - too much spending! Many people may agree that the government already takes too much of our money and uses it to expand itself. The GOP contends that more money should be left in the hands of the individual to make his/her own determinations. Furthermore, the GOP believes that each person possesses the skills set and know how to chart his/her success and therefore the government does not need to play Nanny. Consequently, the party continually pushes for lower taxes for taxpayers. Some have argued that the push for tax cuts is just a benefit for the wealthy, who happen to be GOPers or GOP donors. But, there is a counter argument that the "so-called rich" already pay most of the taxes so why shouldn't they benefit more from tax cuts? Furthermore, the so-called rich are said to be the job creators and payroll controllers. Thus by reducing their tax burden they will be motivated to invest more which in turn creates more jobs and boosts the economy. Should the GOP abandon this value?

Will the leopard be a leopard without its spots?

You decide.

Sources: 1. http://www.gop.com/2008Platform/Values.htm

2. The Bible - Genesis 1 and Romans 1