Mainstream Republican of Washington - Principles

On Behalf of WEA’s More Conservative Members #28 The “Other Washington” Republicans For many folks, the term ‘moderate’ or ‘liberal’ Republicans would sound like an oxymoron, as I suppose ‘conservative’ Democrats would sound to other folks. But such people do exist. In my work I would get to meet the likes of Rep. Larry Springer, 45th District legislator, small business owner, leader of the House Democratic Caucus, and a conservative Democrat. I would also get to meet many moderate Republicans through Mainstream Republicans of WA. Their principles make clear their moderate philosophy. Mainstream Republican Principles We value fundamental Republican Principles - Government should be fiscally responsible, limited and non-intrusive. We value the American family - The family is the appropriate institution to teach the values of our society, the state’s authority to regulate these values should be limited. We value personal responsibility - Responsible citizenship and personal responsibility encourages the social and moral behaviors that fortify a strong society. We value life and seek to protect it - We should not attempt to legislate a definition of life. We value religion - Religion is a matter of personal conscience and we should continue the constitutional separation of church and state. We value ethnic, cultural, and religious diversity in our society - Maintaining unity within such diversity is a necessary and unique characteristic of America. We value equal access for all to economic opportunity and due process of law - These perpetuate the United States as a land of opportunity and freedom. We value equal rights for all citizens - Our full potential cannot be realized until these are a reality; one should be judged only by one’s own ability and accomplishments. We value public education - Public-funded public education is a fundamental obligation of our society; it provides the civilizing glue that bonds together the large, diverse segments of our society and the skills necessary to realize its opportunities. We value quality of life - Protection of our environment, our recreational opportunities, and our safety are essential to a healthy nation. We value participation in the political process - Involvement of an informed citizenry in consensus building is essential if we are to have a truly representative government. We value the free enterprise system - Constrained government involvement in our economic system will maximize both the common good and individual opportunity. I suspect you can find things with which you disagree, as can we all. I hope you find things with which you can agree and which portray a group of Republicans who are quite different than you might expect. I ask only that you remember these principles only apply to a group of moderate Washington State Republicans. We have little control over Republicans in Washington, D.C. If you have concerns, don’t hesitate to reply and seek a dialogue. If you find something good, please share that, too. ------------ Ken Mortland is a member of WEA-Retired, continuing a long career of activism in WEA/NEA. He is also a lifelong Republican and a member of Mainstream Republicans of WA Board.