What's A Republican? Wednesdays: Why Are You A GOPer?

We're going to take a break from the history lesson this week. Instead, I'm going to relate why I chose to be a Republican.

Until the age of 18 I thought I was a Democrat. I'd been raised in a house where one parent, my Mother, voted for the candidate - most of which were Democrats. My Father was born in Canada and didn't become citizen until my freshman year of college. However, my parents often spared over politics, both national and local, and when I was old enough I would join in their debates. My parents encouraged me to learn about the world, to challenge what I learned and to make up my own mind on how the world worked.

After my first semester in college I met two people who challenged my ideas about my political leanings. We debated the issues for hours and after several months of defending and articulating my beliefs I decided I was a Republican.

I believe in personal responsibility - if you make a mess, whether it's in your own life or with say, the state or national budget, you better be prepared to clean it up.

I believe in less government interference in a citizen's every day life. I don't mind speed limits or drug safety regulations but interference like Obamacare mandated health insurance just shoots my blood pressure through the roof.

I believe in all levels of government living within their means and lower taxes/fees. If that means cuts and reforms to local, state and national programs then so be it.

I believe in a strong national defense. This one's a no brainer.

I strongly support the Second Amendment. See last Thursday's blog post for an example.

I believe in a free market/capitalist economy. Our country became an economic giant on the backs of entrepreneurs and businessmen and women who had ideas, goals and dreams and the freedom to see them become reality.

I know I am a Republican.

I'm grateful I live in a country where I have the ability to pursue my Life, Liberty and Happiness. I'm grateful for my right to vote and exercise my free speech. I'm grateful I live in a country that will fight to survive and protect its citizens no matter what. We are a country formed on dreams, freedom and hope. As long as we honor our roots and look towards the future with the steadfast determination that we will overcome all challenges stronger then before, then the United States of America will be the greatest democratic republic this world has ever, or will ever, know.