Politics and the Republican agenda

POLITICS, n. A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of principles. The conduct of public affairs for private advantage. (The Devil's Dictionary by Ambrose Bierce)

The Republican premise:

Business is the means to success, and business takes precedence over all else.
Individuals control their own destinies.
If an individual is not successful, it's because he is lazy.
Individuals must be free to pursue their own desires, so that they can succeed without "artificial" impediment.
"Law and Order" - to enforce conformity to conservative values by quelling dissent, protest, and debate.
Protect the conservative way of life from outsiders.

The Republican agenda:

Reduce government. - Government places artificial impediments on a person's ability to succeed.
Increase the military - In the "guns vs butter" debate, Republicans come down on the side of guns - "defend the (conservative) way of life".
Increase the police - Crime is detrimental to business; crack down. Reduce police controls so they can "do their job".
Reduce regulation. - Regulations restrict business and a person's ability to succeed.
Reduce programs. - Individuals control their own destiny, so "domestic" programs are unnecessary.
Reduce taxes. - Taxes take away from an individuals progress toward success.
Don't tax the rich. - The harder one works to become successful, the more one should be rewarded.
Allow individuals to succeed or fail on their own merits. (If he doesn't succeed, it's his own fault.)
Minimize welfare - ("If an individual can't support himself, it's only his own fault.")

In the context of the current (GWB) government:

Cut taxes and increase the deficit. Mandatory payment of future interest on the debt will take money away from programs in order to pay the interest. This will force a reduction in the discretionary programs spending - reducing government further.

This page was updated by Ralph Kenyon on 2005/08/12 at 12:42 and has been accessed 3649 times at 118 hits per month.