Here I Stand

    With the heightened publicity and controversy surrounding the Bush administration, one might be quick to criticize the members of the party in which he is affiliated. Unfortunately, many of President Bush’s adversaries neglect in taking the time to research and outline the Republican views for their personal education. Instead, their opinions are based solely on the words of the left-wing populace that they hear most often. This information, false or otherwise, of the general liberal community has been broadcasted to our country through effective outlets, such as the news media or angered individuals. Often, the information driving the liberal opinion does not find its basis in truth or facts. The anger towards President Bush may not be fair or honest, but nevertheless, the livid emotions are quickly passed through individuals who are quick to assume and borrow an opinion for the sake of it. A liberal will often not craft their arguments in facts or statistics (Of which are unarguable). Instead, the fuel of the fire will contain attacks of person. These are usually against the conservative intelligence, i.e., “Bush is stupid,” the conservative moral, i.e., “Republicans are racist, homophobic, have no heart, and are stupid,” the conservative conscience, i.e., “Bush made America go to war for no reason and is stupid,” or the conservative value, i.e., “All Republicans are liars and stupid.” It is simple to conclude from these shallow statements that none are based on fact and are riddled with superlatives. This is what America must face today. Are the liberals of our generation presenting their opinions, their beings, their selves with mainly unsupportive and superficial views?
    Because of this, I have taken the time to research, present, and defend my viewpoints. Such time and energy is rarely taken by anyone to fully understand their personal opinions. One might say that they are “Liberal” or “Conservative”, but what does this truly mean? Without knowing the complete answer to this question, the opinion stands for nothing. A person’s opinions make the person. If one cannot defend the opinions, they cannot defend themselves. This results in no gain, and a win for the opposition. Therefore, I will explain my opinions in a clear and formatted manner, as to educate and hopefully gain respect for the views I hold highly in my life.
    Please note that the arguments are not structured using another person’s words. The research is mine, as well as this transcript. The reason for this is I do not feel comfortable allowing others to dictate my viewpoints for me. I will not simply believe something and use it as part of my opinion because it sounded reasonable or was the majority outlook. I did not copy and paste from the internet, either. This is called plagiarism, and I cannot, in good faith, commit this act. Please appreciate my work as it is, and deliberate it thoughtfully. Intelligent beings consider all aspects of an argument before making a decision. Such is the case in a court of law. One cannot be guilty simply because one side claimed it so. In the same way, I have considered all aspects of the argument, and have concluded the religious (See appendix at end) conservative belief systems to be the closest possible truth. This is not to say that the beliefs are perfect and infallible, but rather, when compared to all others, the way of life I have chosen has been proven most correct and sensible. 


I. Governmental Involvement
    A. It is necessary for a government of a country to protect and work with citizens.
    B. Republicans do not adopt the liberal stance of excessive governmental involvement.

The United States of America is the strongest world power at this time. With such power comes an equal responsibility obligation. The first priority of this would be to America’s citizens. While our government is powerful and capable of running a dictatorship, it has not chosen to do so. Rather, our country has adopted the philosophy of democracy. The people run the government, in effect. Because of these benefits, Republicans believe the government should provide, but also withdraw. The right to freedoms as stated in the constitution is enforced by the government. However, governmental decisions must remain at the level of those closest to those governed by such decisions. This means that the government should not be overly involved in one’s life. The accountability remains for our government to provide, serve and regulate, but never dictate or demand unnecessary taxation. In the same token, the citizens in our country give back to the government by means of military service,  volunteerism, etc. The liberal viewpoint, on the other hand, favors needless governmental involvement. If one is to remain free, they must also be able to run their lives comfortably without retribution from the government. Protection serves to a point, but should not overstep the boundary of freedom.

 
II. The Value of Life
    A. As civilized allies within the boundaries of our country, and also as decent humans, Republicans value all forms of life.
    B. Gay marriage is a harmful addition to our legal structure.    
    C. Abortion is the termination of the hope of life.
    D. At times, war is often necessary to aid in the conservation of life.

The dignity in our country rests in the values of our families, and for basic human life itself. In this way, mentally sane individuals do not murder others for their personal gain. A person naturally feels empathy for another person. These cooperations allow our country to run smoothly for the benefit of its members. Unless one is evil, they do not naturally feel bitterly towards life. A stable person’s first reaction to a child is not to kill it brutally. As long as the components of this country continue to value, respect, and uphold life, our country will remain strong.
The traditional aspect of marriage is crucial to the overall success of our judicial system. While the rate of men and women who live together and disregard marriage is rising, so also is the rate of same-sex couples desiring marriage. Unfortunately, both trends are disconcerting. Studies show that children develop at a more normal rate when raised among man/woman couples. The reason lies in science. Homosexual relationships cannot function in the wild without a species suffering or dying out. If an endangered animal was to have homosexual members, their demise would be imminent. Experiments may show exceptions to the rule in a laboratory, but common sense tells us the truth otherwise. While humans are not an endangered species, the habit of homosexuality plagues on natural mindsets. If, for example, murder was to slowly become more accepted and part of the status quo, the innocence and good of humankind would be lost. While homosexuality is not harmful aside from life-threatening diseases, it is ultimately destructive to the discernment of the brain. The constitution helps us decide, in black and white terms, what to do or not do. If homosexual marriages were to become legal, all lines are blurred. Without boundaries, the rules are open to anything. The court is weakened without them, and is subject to increased exceptions. Marriages of self, animals, objects, or several people at once is not without question. Marriage is no longer distinctive, and the legal benefits become void in turn. This is not to say that all Republicans disapprove of homosexuality. Rather, they disapprove of the legalization of homosexual marriage. Republicans are the political party with tendencies most in favor of denying homosexuals marriage for the crucial preservation of our legal system.
Consecutively, the Republican party is most strong in the protection of human life, beginning at conception. The disagreement surrounding when life begins is unimportant compared to the larger picture. Such an argument of ,“Life begins when…” should be changed to, “The hope of life begins when…” Unfortunately, the Democratic party is the closest political party in favor of ending this chance. The basic biological study of the sperm attaching to the egg is the start of the hope of life. Suppose a person takes a piece of paper and completely shreds it. This piece of paper never had a chance of becoming alive. If the same person took a seed and crushed it, the hope of life would definitely be destroyed. This is the case of abortion, but instead of seeds, our society is gambling with human life. It is equivalent to murder, but in a different sense. Human life is always placed on a higher pedestal then plants or animals. If someone was to burn a plant or crush a seed, they would not be convicted of the death of anything. If someone was to murder an adult or abort a baby, they would only be convicted for the death of the adult. A fetus is an organism comprised of cells that will someday live on its own. The annihilation of life (Or rather, the hope of life) among our own people should end in consequence. However, our society has chosen to look the other way and ignore the hope of life. Democrats often complain about war, but never complain about destroying a simple anticipation of young, innocent life.
War, while saddening and destructive, is also unfortunately necessary. Survival is a victory dependent on outcome. With the choice of 1,000 people dying versus 1,000,000, the less devastating of the two would be the first. While both are horrendous, evil in our world forces us to make such decisions, and less people dead is best. Our country often will defend its people by ending the probability of mass death. This can be achieved in the form of military force. The truth remains that any death is upsetting, but large amounts of it is disastrous. If hundreds of our troops die for the result of an enemy loss, millions of citizens in our country are saved. Republicans support the wars and battles fought in other countries. Instead of urging our troops to evacuate Iraq, for example, Republicans fought for them to stay. This sent a message to our enemies who wish to destroy: The United States does not give up for the sake of its people. Republicans have the best history of nationalism. The beginnings of this political party find their roots in a group of people who did not want to split the country during the Civil War, and continues to support and maintain pride of this nation. Democrats will often base their nationalism by borrowing pride from other countries, even those who do not support action against terrorism, while protesting our own country’s deeds. Our country cannot afford to ignore terrorists. The value of life is too important to risk.

III. Educational Independence (See I)
    A. A citizen needs to be able to choose their own form of education.

As people fight for the maintenance of their personal rights, the ability to choose their own form of education is often overlooked. Republicans support programs and policies that sustain the independence and creativity of a person to seek education besides the mandating of federal public schooling. Compliance with the government cannot replace accountability to self. The government need not be the control of a person’s education. If a family decides to home school or enroll their child in alternative education (i.e., Charter schools, specialty schools), the state government should not regulate the decision. Republicans recognize that a person chooses their future for themselves.

IV. Economical Growth
    A. The basis of a growing economy lies in the reduction of taxes and the empowerment of individuals and their access to jobs and personal career development.

While a career is often decided by the amount of experience, training, or requirements, the success lies in the tools available to continue and thrive. America was based on individuals who strove to make a lucrative life for themselves through hard work, determination, and the means necessary. Republicans favor less taxation in regards to decreased governmental involvement. If people have more money to spend on their jobs, personal life, etc., in turn, there is more money flowing into businesses and people. This is an effective method of boosting an economy by empowering a country’s citizens. While welfare and other programs are available, members take advantage of the resources available to them in order to earn money and live decently. Job creation is not solely a governmental responsibility. The government is not an omnipotent god who can make jobs appear out of nowhere. However, under the Bush administration, job availability has increased, and the economy is slowly reviving. We are not a poor country, but have room for improvement. If a person takes the effort to find a job, they will be successful. It is up to the exclusive person rather than the government to steer their lives to accomplishment. 

V. Respect for Authority

We all realize that no person is perfect. Human decency comprises of respect for one another. Being strong in nationalism, Republicans are proud of their country and respect the leadership. Insulting or slandering the president does not change situations. Rather, it wastes time in an reckless fashion. If the energy of talk was put into action, our country would be much different than it is today. Republicans respected Democratic presidents. Rarely was there as much negative publicity and malign ridiculousness against President Clinton during his administration, even when he committed adultery and lied under oath. President Bush is not an evil man who wishes to ruin America. The president is not able to make many decisions regardless. Our government is a complex system run by hundreds of people, many of which are Democrats. The ironic twist in the situation involves Democrats criticizing ideas and decisions blamed on Bush but, in reality, done by Democrats. Instead of smearing people for no apparent reason other than to gain selfish personal satisfaction, I have chosen a political party that has most rejected this attitude.

VI. Worldwide Involvement
    A. National security is important for the safety of our people.
    B. Aid to other countries is helpful for creating a stronger world.

As the most powerful nation in the world, we cannot ignore other countries. It is neither advantageous nor intelligent. This also applies to involvement in other nations. Imagine three children: The biggest, strongest child in a playground, and  two other children fighting. One of the fighting children is being bullied by the other, and good friends with the strongest child. The strongest child has a right to defend his friend. He will not sit and watch, or help the bullying child. This illustration loosely applies to America’s involvement in other countries. The first priority is always to our own nation. This involves the confident grasp of security against those who would hurt the United States. Republicans favor strong national security, even if it means a slight intruding into the lives of suspected terrorists. For the sake of families and people, nothing of terrorist affiliation can be spared.
The involvement in other countries’ concerns lies in the concern for our country. Helping friendly allies is beneficial for our own country for international friendship. When one is struggling, helping a country to defeat harmful enemies and redevelop a new government is a worthy accomplishment. If their first government failed, democracy is the next best viewpoint. America is not imposing itself on other countries, but aiding them while they are weak. Often the publicity surrounding negative reactions against America are from radical members overseas who are affiliated with terrorist activity. In reality, a majority of the citizens from these countries (Iraq, Afghanistan) readily accept Americans stationed there. Liberal news media does not often show American supporters. The visuals that people are fed are, in turn, the opinions they emit later.

Appendix A
Why I am a Christian

The average life expectancy of a human is around 80 years. In this period of time, a person will choose how to live their lives using varieties of philosophy and reasoning. The decision to be an atheist is one which ends in no hope and can lead to depression. Life after death is never an option, aside from becoming one with the earth. Life is lived by a person alone, without help. Unfortunately, for an atheist, when life is hardest and they are the most miserable, they will have no acceptance of surety of unconditional forgiveness from all of their mistakes, no one to turn to that will not be biased, no one they know of that always, without fail, loves them. I believe the opposite. I believe that a higher being exists, who is Christ Jesus, true God. Instead of rejecting the definite possibility and assurance of love and life, I have embraced it. The Word of God was given to me as a gift, as it is given to all people. Faith was sprouted.  However, I could either deny the faith in Christ as God and Savior, or I could live as a Christian. I am not naïve. I know, with all assurance, that I cannot do everything by myself and need help. I will always be a horrible person because I sin, but knowing that there is a God who, regardless of this, loves me, destroys all depression that could otherwise consume me. Instead of being empty, the void in my life is filled with the promise that someday, I will leave this earth and go home to heaven to be with Christ forever. I believe that because Jesus died, all of my sins are forgiven, and with faith in this truth, I will never lack anything for all eternity. Christianity is the only religion so deeply rooted in love, grace, and mercy from a God who will give up His own life for people who will never deserve it. My values stem from my Christian faith. I mess up, but I am forgiven. I hate, but am always, unconditionally, loved by Christ my God. This is why it pains me so deeply to see the evil that has consumed this world and country. I cannot accept a political party that blatantly acts against my values by allowing death of hope (abortion) rejection of pride (Nationalism for other countries that embrace terrorism), persecution of supposed majority (Negative acts against Christian symbols, practices, etc., but allowing everything else), and who wishes to destroy their own governmental structure, but somehow make it more powerful (Homosexual marriage, more governmental involvement).

Appendix B
Why I am a Lutheran Christian

Denominations vary in practice and interpretation of the Gospel. The core beliefs of Lutherans are embedded in the practice of following the word of God as it is. Nothing is added and nothing is taken away from the word of Christ, and is read as literally as it is written. Christ is always, without fail, at the center of Lutheran theology. A famous phrase for this is, “All theology is Christology.” Without Christ, there is no Christianity, period. Without the death of Christ, there is no forgiveness and life. God has unconditional grace for every human being. However, He has also given us the Law to follow. If we live through faith in Him, we are strong. Lutherans believe that eternal life is granted without action from the receiver. Through faith, all people receive heaven. There is no good work that we can do to “earn” it. Lutherans believe strongly in the importance of the Word of Christ, as well as the grace received through sacraments (Baptism, Communion). However, sacraments are not a ticket to heaven. The simple faith in Christ as God is all that one needs.