Principles are like morals ? things we aspire to and hope to adhere to when we are at our best, in response to Mr. Riley (Record-Bee, January 12). In his letter, Mr. Riley denigrates the principles of Republicans because he can cite limited instances when some leaders failed to meet them ? or at least his interpretation of meeting them.
I would engage in a back and forth listing numerous instances of Democrats failure to abide by their stated principles, but what would that gain us? We would end up driving more voters to the “Decline to State” category. Throwing verbal bricks doesn”t inspire confidence in our neighbors. Our commitment to Republican principles starts in our community where we demand accountability and common sense from our local leaders.
If our leaders fail, it is not because the principles are wrong, it is because voters fail to hold them accountable. I”d rather hold to my principles and look for leaders that follow them, than follow leaders who abide by principles that I think endanger my community, my family and my freedom.
Here”s what Republicans believe ? taxes are your money first; people are more innovative than bureaucracies; and nothing else matters if your family isn”t safe. Our principles will be around longer than any one politician. The nature of being conservative means that we incorporate change in way that doesn”t lose the best of our values and traditions ? like courtesy and respect for others.
I hope that in Mr. Riley”s race to be progressive, he doesn”t lose sight of the fact that diversity means more than accepting every opinion except the ones which he disagrees.
Penny Lunt
President and Officers of Lake County
Republican Women, Federated
