Alex Downs
The purpose of this opinion piece is to present an argument for a viable and sustainable revitalization of the Republican Party. As cumbersome as it may be, the current American political system has come to wholly rely upon a two-party system. Further, the resulting force this presents is one that the Republican Party has not, and cannot, transcend under current agenda scruples; in order to present itself as a better option, the Republican Party must alter its general principles. A “great schism” of sorts has plagued the current version of the Republican Party. If the United States were to function under a multiple party system, those less favored factions of the party, whether it be the Tea Party, the Establishment or libertarian Republicans, would be effectively silenced at the ballot box. The Republican Party is precariously situated as a result of a responsibility to encompass each of these factions. From the extreme political tactics of Ted Cruz to the hawkish stances of John McCain, the Republican Party is forced to tiptoe across the spectrum. Contemporary American politics require a restructured Republican Party; the welfare of our country requires a better functioning Republican Party.
A brief overview of a plausible outline for Republican stances must be progressive, but also adhere to core tenets; in order to accomplish this, I will touch on contentious points that necessitate reform.
First, support for gay rights ought to be immediately adopted as a cohesive portion of the party platform. The 14th Amendment to the United States constitution requires all citizens be treated equally under the law; consequently, no party should advocate for government autonomy in regulating intimate individual choices.
Second, akin to this socially contentious issue, the legalization of marijuana ought to be supported by the Republican Party. In keeping with free-market principles and wading social tides, the Republican Party stands to gain for marijuana’s legalization.
Third, the party ought to manifest practical regulations for gun control. Absent the complete regulation of guns, the solutions that require background checks and a harsher crackdown on those able to purchase more powerful weapons will provide a centrist approach to arms proliferation that has lead to increased violence.
Fourth, the Republican Party ought to endorse termination to increased military involvement in foreign affairs. Specifically, increased use of military might in the Middle East and beyond should be curtailed. In addition, military spending should be limited to permit funding to be appropriated to other growth-hungry projects.
Fifth and lastly, immigration reform ought to be at the forefront of the Republican Party agenda; indeed, an easier path to citizenship for those undocumented aliens remains in keeping with the upward mobility scruples the Republican Party champions.
This compilation of policy reforms stands to gather support for the Republican Party from those less satisfied with the party’s direction, as well as from the mounting group of Americans registering as Independents. In sum, the Republican Party is capable of patching holes in agreement amongst its members; this is the face of a revitalized, sustainable Republican Party.