What is a Republican

[SUBMAN1]

What is a Republican

$104,655.60 Ad in the Washington Post

Here is someone with the money to fund a rebuttal to what Howard Dean, Democratic National Committee Chairman, said recently that many Republicans have never done an honest day's work in their life. The following full page ad was placed in the Washington Post by a businessman named George J. Esseff, Sr. He paid $104,655.60 to run the ad and only did it because he is sick and tired of the way that "the rich" are portrayed by liberals these days. It is a great read.


You're a Republican???

In today’s America, ask a growing number of high school and college students; their teachers and professors; the self-anointed media elite and/or hard working men and women of all ethnicities, the question, "What is a Republican?", and you'll be told ". . . a rich, greedy, egotistical individual, motivated only by money and the desire to accumulate more and more of it, at the expense of the environment . . . the working poor and all whom they exploit . . ."

I am a Republican . . . I am none of those things . . . and I don’t know any Republicans who are.

WHAT I AM . . . first and foremost, is a loving husband of some 52 plus years, the father of four and an American who's proud of his country. . . and his country's heritage.

WHAT I AM . . . is the grandson of immigrants who risked everything, including their lives and those of their children, to escape tyranny in search of freedom.

WHAT I AM . . . is a man who grew up during the Depression and witnessed, first hand, the effects of the Stock Market crash and the soup lines that followed. I watched as both my parents and grand parents, who had very little themselves, share what food they had with a half dozen other families, who had even less.

WHAT I AM . . . is someone who worked his way through college by holding down three and four jobs at a time and then used that education to build a better life.

WHAT I AM . . . is a husband who, at age 24, started his own business for the “privilege” of working 60, 70 and 80 hours a week, risking everything I had, including my health, in search of a better life for myself and my loved ones.

WHAT I AM . . . is a businessman whose blood, sweat and tears . . . and plenty of them . . . made it possible for me to provide a secure living, not only for my family and myself, but also for literally hundreds of my employees throughout the years. Employees, who in turn, were able to buy their own homes, raise their own families and give back to their communities and their country.

WHAT I AM . . . is a man who believes in God; a God who has blessed this country . . . and all for which it stands.

WHAT I AM . . . is someone who knows, if you doubt miracles exist in today’s world, you need only to look into the face of those who received them . . . and the eyes of those who give them.

WHAT I AM . . . is an American who's proud that his President embraces a belief in God; proud of a President who understands, as "politically incorrect" as it may be, there is evil in this world and for the security and safety of all freedom loving people everywhere, it must be confronted . . . and it must be defeated.

WHAT I AM . . . is an American who takes comfort in the knowledge that our President refuses to allow decisions concerning the very safety and security of this nation, to be governed by the political whims of foreign governments.

WHAT I AM . . . is tired of hearing from leading Democrats who see only negativity in America; racism in her people; class warfare in her society and "political incorrectness" in her character.

WHAT I AM . . . is a former democrat who now understands that it is the soldier and not the reporter that guarantees us our freedoms of press, speech and dissent.

WHAT I AM . . . is a man who believes in the sanctity of life. A man who is repulsed by the pandering of the political left for votes, at the expense of the unborn.

WHAT I AM . . . is a husband and father who believes in the sanctity of marriage and the preservation of the family unit.

WHAT I AM . . . is a movie go-er who is repulsed by those insecure, socially inept, elementary thinking, ego-inflated "entertainers" who have appointed themselves "experts" in the fields of national security and geo-politics and then use their forum to attack this nation, its leaders and its actions . . . much to the delight and encouragement of our enemies.

WHAT I AM . . . is an American who understands the difference between "censorship" and "choice". Evidently, these individuals do not, because when these same "celebrities" receive public ridicule for their offensive actions, the first thing they yell is "Censorship!". What they seem incapable of understanding is . . . the right of free speech and dissent is shared equally by those offended . . . as well as those who offend. I support and will continue to support those films and performers whom I choose to . . . and refuse to support those I don't. It is my right as an American . . . a right I will continue to enthusiastically exercise.

WHAT I AM . . . is a voter, tired of politicians, who, every time their voting records are subjected to public scrutiny, try to divert attention from their political and legislative failures by accusing their opponents of "attack ads" and "negative campaigning" . . . and the news media who allow them to get away with it.

WHAT I AM . . . is a Catholic who loves his God and his Faith . . . and who's been taught to respect all religions whose teachings are based in love, peace and charity. As such, I am embarrassed and ashamed of those individuals, in both private and public life, whose decisions and actions are devoid of any sense of character or morals; individuals who are only driven by what's best for them . . . rather than what's right . . . often times at the expense of many . . . including our national security.

WHAT I AM . . . is a realist who understands that the terrorist attack that murdered hundreds of innocent Russian children could have occurred here, in our heartland. That's why I sincerely believe America needs now, more than ever, a President who sees with a clear and focused vision and who speaks with a voice when heard by both friend and foe alike, is understood, respected and believed.

WHAT I AM . . . is eternally grateful to Ronald Reagan for having the bravery to speak out against Communism and the courage of his convictions in leading the fight to defeat it; and George W. Bush for the vision, courage, conviction and leadership he has shown in America's war on terrorism amidst both the constant and vicious, personal and political attacks both he and his family are made to endure.

WHAT I AM . . . is a human being, full of numerous faults and failures, but a man nonetheless, who, though not always successful, has continually strived to do "what's right" instead of "what's easy". A man who is challenging the religious leaders of all faiths, to not only preach to their congregations the fundamentals of "what's right" and "what's wrong", but to also then hold them accountable for their actions in both the public and private sectors.

WHAT I AM . . . is disgusted with the Courts who, on one hand, call the murder of a pregnant woman a "double homicide" but then refer to the abortion of her baby as, "pro-choice".

WHAT I AM . . . is someone deeply troubled by a political party which embraces a candidate whose primary "leadership" qualities center around his protesting of the Vietnam war and his labeling the honorable men and women who fought in it, (50,000 of whom gave their lives in that action), as rapists, and war criminals. That same political party then stepped forward this year to block the appearance of a true Vietnam war hero, retired Admiral and former United States Senator, Jeremiah Denton, (a man who spent seven years and seven torturous months in a North Vietnam prison), from speaking before an open session of the California legislature as part of that state's 4th of July celebration. The reason Democrats gave for refusing to allow this American hero to speak before their state legislature was because of the "conservative" nature of his views. As an American, that troubles me deeply . . . as well it should you.

WHAT I AM . . . is a man who feels the need to spend, $104,655.60 (tax paid) of his own money, to purchase this advertisement, in order to set the story straight. Some may say this money would have been better spent feeding the world's poor. At the risk of sounding self-serving, as an American and as a Republican, for the last six decades of my life, I have done exactly that . . . and more. Following the examples of my parents and grand parents, I have used my earnings to feed the poor, shelter the homeless, provide housing for the elderly and medical care for the sick . . . and continue to do so . . . and I'm not alone in that work.

WHAT I AM . . . is someone who is paying for this announcement, at my sole expense, in hopes of opening the eyes of those led blindly by ill-informed elements of our great nation, who, through either ignorance, or malicious intent, repeatedly attack and belittle those of us who belong to a political party that holds true to the belief, " . . . the rights of the governed, exceed the power of the government". For those interested, I am speaking only as a tax-paying individual who is in no way associated with The Republican National Committee, nor with any of its directors, or delegates.

WHAT I AM . . . is a man who understands, "the American way of life" is a message of self-empowerment for all.

WHAT I AM . . . is an American who is grateful that our nation gives each of us the opportunity of self-determination and the right to benefit from the fruits of self achievement.

WHAT I AM . . . is an American who wants to preserve that way of life for all who seek it.

WHAT I AM . . . is blessed to be an American . . . and proud to be Republican.

[Frame57]

Very Good! I am proud to be an American first and foremost. I am a bit pissed at the GOP, but I think they will get back to basics and root out the corruption that has seeped in.

[Sailor Steve]

Some of it is good, some of it is self-serving, most of it is overly simplistic, such as the typical take on the courts and abortion. It's a lot more complicated than that.

But the one that bothers me is this:

WHAT I AM . . . is an American who understands the difference between "censorship" and "choice".

A nice attempt to deflect complaints, but there is no question that the vast majority of censorship in this country, including attempted book bannings, comes from the right.

[Hylander_1314]

What gets me, is hearing Hillary, and Barrack talking about redistibuting wealth. Ok, how about their wealth? If they're so concerned, why don't they set the example by giving most of their's away first before demanding it others. And to hear them talk about elitists, well that's the pot and the kettle if I've ever heard it.

Hey Steve,

About the book banning in schools, I've talked with both of my kids teachers over the years and they're borderline socialists / communists. And I was utterly dismayed when my daughter was in 4th grade and told me that a book about the American War for Indepence was banned for being too violent, from the Public Schools. I know. I've had to unbrainwash my daughter on a regular basis. She now understands at the age of 16 and can mostly recite the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. And she can actually carry on a well thought out, coherent conversation about them, and she actually has the nerve to debate them even with her instructors. (She was afraid of being labelled a disruptor type) but not anymore.

[Frame57]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

Some of it is good, some of it is self-serving, most of it is overly simplistic, such as the typical take on the courts and abortion. It's a lot more complicated than that.

But the one that bothers me is this:

A nice attempt to deflect complaints, but there is no question that the vast majority of censorship in this country, including attempted book bannings, comes from the right.

Have to disagree with you on that one Steve. It is left wing organizations that have have led conspiracy to re-write our history books. With regards to the founding Fathers and references to religion and prayer. It is the democrats who want to enact the "fairness act" in attempts to stifle talk radio and other media that promotes conservative points of view. What is fair is that the dems can do their own radio talk shows and if people like it, great! If not change the station.

[August]

Originally Posted by Sailor Steve

...there is no question that the vast majority of censorship in this country, including attempted book bannings, comes from the right.

That's certainly the popular belief but i've never seen anyone produce figures proving or disproving that. What was that quote about telling a big enough lie often enough?

On the other hand I do know that the Dems went to court in nearly every state in 2004 to get Nader's name stricken from the ballot. Censorship doesn't come more blatant than that imo.

[Molon Labe]

The biggest attempt at comprehensive censorship in the United States in recent memory was the Communications Decency Act of 1996--passed by a Republican Congress (with bipartisan support) and a Democratic President. (And struck down by a unanimous Supreme Court) The next biggest was a success... the McCain-Feingold Bipartisan Campaign Finance Reform Act. You can argue over who pushes for this kind of **** more, but the truth is that both sides are about equally guilty.

[Blacklight]

Republicans also believe in the "Trickle Down Economics" (A central basis to their philosophy) which pretty substantially has been proven NOT TO WORK since the money doesn't "Trickle Down".

[Zachstar]

Originally Posted by Blacklight

Republicans also believe in the "Trickle Down Economics" (A central basis to their philosophy) which pretty substantially has been proven NOT TO WORK since the money doesn't "Trickle Down".

Bingo!

We saw what 8 years of "Trickle down" meant for the people who aren't rich enough to lobby washington.

[SteamWake]

"Censorship wears many faces"

http://www.kmov.com/localnews/storie...69e89.html?npc

[SteamWake]

Originally Posted by Blacklight

Republicans also believe in the "Trickle Down Economics" (A central basis to their philosophy) which pretty substantially has been proven NOT TO WORK since the money doesn't "Trickle Down".

News flash the current financial crisis has nothing to do with "Trickle Down" economics.

It has to do with goverment sticking their noses into the private sector and not allowing basic finacial properties such as ... well not being able to buy a home you cant really afford to influence the market.

[August]

Originally Posted by Zachstar

We saw what 8 years of "Trickle down" meant for the people who aren't rich enough to lobby washington.

After 8 years of Reagan trickle down economics the 1990s were pretty good economy-wise so maybe you ought to explain what you mean by that.

[CCIP]

So let me get this straight. The guy works all his life and spends over $100,000 on... this?

Well. Let me say one thing - I don't think many of you realize how close, even in terms of wording, this is to similar letters-to-editor in the good old US of SR. My grandfather could write a more convincing and more genuine piece about how he is a communist. Does that justify the crimes commited by the regime?

I'm not trying to say here that the Republican party is essentially bad. It's had good things and bad things about it, and certainly isn't the worst that's out there - BUT that is no reason to profess love for it in this way, turning a blind eye to many of its rather nasty failings and ignoring the injustices it has often produced. Especially when all of this is based on personal experience.

ANY AND EVERY member of ANY AND EVERY party on this planet could write a similar piece of garbage about their respective position. Why do you think they're parties? What, even Nazis were all based around "let's come together and be evil" ideology?

Listen, I respect this guy and his life story, but I have no respect to where this leads to. If the American dream is to make enough in your life to produce a piece about how marching in line with a major political platform is equated with the goodness of life and morality, count me out. And if this story is true, I would postulate that the guy has lived a good life to blow all his goodness one one stupid, selfish, ego-pumping action that suddenly elevates his flailing sense of self as he nears the end of his life. If you're so good, why don't you spend that $104,655.60 on something better than that? You could feed thousands of people in the world for a year on that money. Okay, fine, you don't want to feed some [insert racist slur] in [insert 3rd world country]? That money could pay for several complex operations to deserving people who could use it right there in the states. You could put that in a scholarship fund and let several deserving kids go to college. And guess what, you'd produce more smart, ethical, thinking people that way than you ever would with a national newspaper ad, too. But is that really the point of this little writeup?

Nope, march in line. Einz, zwei, Heil Republikan. Get ahead, be free to spend money. On a political agenda. While pretending to be the height of morality and selfnessness and patriotism itself. Disgusting and sad. I've no respect for this whatsoever.

[Morts]

biggest load of you know what ive read in a while, actually since last i checked one of your threads subman

(ooh man am i gonna be bashed by august and subman1 for this:rotfl: )

[August]

Originally Posted by Morts

biggest load of you know what ive read in a while, actually since last i checked one of your threads subman

(ooh man am i gonna be bashed by august and subman1 for this:rotfl: )

You won't get bashed by me. After all you're entitled to your opinion. It's wrong but you're entitled to be wrong.