Why I Chose to Leave the Democrats and Embrace Republicanism

When I registered as a Democrat in the early 1980s, Jimmy Carter had been President for three to four years. Inflation was rampant, and my new wife and I were struck by the skyrocketing property prices. Carter’s inability to control inflation, manage the economy, and control the bloated federal government were the catalysts for my departure from the Democratic Party.

Key Issues That Fueled My Shift

The primary issues that influenced my decision to become a Republican include:

Abortion: The legality of terminating pregnancies at the time made me question the role of government in such personal decisions. Inflation: The economic challenges, particularly hyperinflation during Carter's presidency, were a significant factor. Taxes: The perceived misallocation of tax revenue by the government was another key point of contention. Bloated Government Programs: The inefficiency and waste I perceived in governmental spending were important factors that contributed to my shift. Urban/Rural Divide: My experiences and observations of the disparity between urban and rural governance further solidified my decision.

Core Beliefs and Personal Ideals

When I first discovered that some of my friends were Republicans, their perspectives resonated with me. What initially drew me to the Republican Party was the belief in a smaller federal government, greater local control, and personal responsibility. These values align closely with what I have held all my life.

I found Republicans to be a group of hardworking, conscientious individuals committed to their families, communities, and country. These are people who take initiative in their communities, from volunteering at local schools and town councils to helping their neighbors in need. Unlike some of the more extreme voices within the Republican Party, the vast majority of Republicans I know genuinely believe in maintaining a balanced budget and reducing the size of the federal government.

The Nature of Partisan Politics Today

While there are certainly some extremists and divisive figures within the Republican Party, I strongly believe that the majority of my fellow Republicans are fundamentally good people with strong principles. These individuals have been wrongly characterized and under attack by the Democratic Party. Criticizing them is akin to criticizing my friends and family.

Some may question why I have stayed a Republican rather than joining a third party. The reality is that switching parties is a complex process, especially when you have investments and connections in the party system. Additionally, the significant number of Republicans leaving the party and the minimal number of Democrats defecting makes the transition appear more daunting than it might otherwise be.

Current Concerns and Future Intentions

My primary concerns today revolve around the overreach of the federal government, the inflationary policies, and the taxation system. I am also deeply concerned about the overall direction of the Democratic Party and its willingness to protect the rights of individuals. These concerns drive my continued association with the Republican Party.

While I acknowledge the presence of some extremist voices, I firmly believe that the majority of Republicans are genuine patriots who want to uphold the principles of freedom and constitutional rights. I have no plans to switch to the Democratic Party, and I support my wife as my preferred candidate for the upcoming elections.