Principles

The Barrow County Republican Party takes the term Republican seriously. A Republic is a society organized based on the rule of law, with all individuals treated equally under the law. Therefore, in simplest terms, the Barrow County Republican Party measures all government action by the following test: Does this action defend the life, liberty, and property of the individual?

Section 1.  Taxes

The Barrow County Republican Party recognizes that taxes are inevitable if there is government. We believe in fiscally conservative, common sense tax practices and fair taxes such as the Fair Tax or a flat tax. Generally speaking, increasing taxes on Barrow County citizens will be interpreted as an attempt to create a bigger government. We expect Barrow County government to be a good steward of the resources of Barrow County citizens.

Section 2.  Gun  Rights

The individual’s right to defend his life, liberty, and property should never be questioned. We cannot disarm criminals by disarming law-abiding citizens. Because such a plan would only make us easier victims, we oppose and reject any attempt to lessen in any way the right of all law-abiding citizens to own and bear arms as guaranteed in the Bill of Rights. We urge our elected officials to do no less.

Section 3.  Criminal Justice

The Barrow Republican Party believes that making our cities, counties, and state safer places to live requires stronger sentencing, a limitation on plea bargains, an end to paroles for convenience, and a stronger emphasis on the rights of victims.

Section 4.  Property Rights

As stated in both the U.S. Constitution and the Georgia State Constitution, individuals have the right to private property. The right to keep and own property is sacred and crucial in a free society. We oppose laws and regulations that limit or restrict the use and transfer of private property.

Section 5.  Education

The Barrow County Republican Party recognizes that learning about the principles and foundations of a free society is essential. Therefore, we support quality public education for all our citizens. We encourage the pursuit of academic excellence as the primary goal of our schools. We look forward to the elimination of the Federal Department of Education and removal of federal and state influence in local curricula determination. We reaffirm our support for private and home schooling as options to traditional public education. We oppose the impact of political correctness on the education system.  We also support the elimination of corporate, private and foundation influence in local curriculum determination.

Section 6.  Immigration

We support legal immigration and demand that the federal government secure our borders as required by the U.S. Constitution. We oppose taxpayer dollars being spent on support of illegal aliens except for their deportation. We oppose amnesty for illegal aliens and demand that the political influence and voting rights of U.S. citizens be defended from encroachment by illegal aliens.

Section 7.  Infrastructure

Republicans recognize the need for infrastructure. To the extent the private sector can supply any service, government should yield to private business, thus ensuring the fairest, most competitive, and most efficient means of achieving the desired service for the people of Barrow County.

Section 8.  Health Care Reform

We must prevent expanded government control of health care as we work toward the elimination of all government intervention in the healthcare market; therefore, we call for the immediate repeal of all remaining elements of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. Free markets and responsible patronage are the most powerful and efficient means of ensuring innovative and affordable quality healthcare.

Section 9.  Abortion

We support equal opportunity for all people. As recognized by the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Georgia State Constitution, life is a basic right that extends to all people, including the unborn. We oppose using public revenues for abortion and will not fund organizations that advocate it.

Section 10.  Welfare

Welfare is a destructive force in society that must be eliminated. We must encourage labor and production so that we may all prosper together. Charity is the responsibility of the individual, not the state.

Section 11.  Religious Freedom

Since this country was founded on Judeo-Christian principles, we reject any attempt to introduce any forms of law such as any form of Sharia law which are inconsistent with our founding principles.

Section 12.  Religious Freedom

We support Israel and oppose any state that does not support freedom, peace and human rights.

Section 13.  Veterans

We owe our veterans everything.  We must honor the commitment made to them when they swore an oath to our country.  The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs should be streamlined to not only provide the best healthcare available, but any services owed to them including student loans, mortgages, employment services, etc.

Section 14.  Free Speech

Free speech is under attack.  This is such an important right that our Founding Fathers put it first in the Bill of Rights.  Labeling anything that challenges leftist ideology as “hate speech,” some would like to criminalize words.  We wholeheartedly support the right to protected speech.

Summary

The price of freedom is constant vigilance. We invite all citizens of Barrow County, indeed every American, to become more aware and more involved in limiting government and securing our freedom. Not every Republican will share all the beliefs or support every plank in this document. It is a guide to identify the basic ideas of the local Republican Party.