Lee County Patriots

Dedicated to Preserving Our Freedoms

Core Republican Principles

Founded in Judeo-Christian values
Individual Freedom
People over Government
Uphold the Constitution
How are the core principles manifested in various policies?

Maintaining Freedom

Uphold the freedoms specified in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights
Strong defense policy

Restrained Government

Smaller government
Less intrusive government
Self determination
State’s Rights
Fiscal conservatism
Restrained government spending
Lower taxes
The Constitution is not a welfare document
Judicial restraint
Authority of the Electorate

Core Republican Principles

Founded in Judeo-Christian values – We need a fully consistent foundation for conservatism with roots in Judeo-Christian values. Strictly fiscal conservatism alone will not successfully compete with leftist ideologies. Some immediate results of a proper foundation include:

God exists – This is listed as a result of a foundation in Judeo-Christian values largely due to the effort by some to fashion this country as one espousing atheism rather than being Under God. The USA is not a Theocracy; but to the chagrin of atheists, the acknowledgment of God’s existence is a fundamental step towards providing a stable civilized and free society because…

Law – Laws are a framework of societal values and fashioning the rule of law in the country under the umbrella of Judeo-Christian values is consistent with the intent of many of the founders of the country. This foundation for law does include being pro-life, the ‘Right to Life’ as stated in the Declaration of Independence; but it is much more broad than just the abortion issue.

Individual Freedom – It is nicely summarized in the Declaration of Independence as the right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Once surrendered, it is difficult to recover lost freedom; therefore, government action that would curtail individual freedoms, of action or choice, should be viewed with serious skepticism and measured against the intent of the Constitution and Judeo-Christian values before enacting such laws. Further, be very cautious when lawmakers and advocates promote removing various individual freedoms for the sake of the common good or other good intentions. Governments are instituted to secure these rights not destroy them.

People over Government – It is recognized that people can achieve great things when working together, but people are also susceptible to error and especially so when intoxicated with the power of government. Therefore, the people have authority over government and should be preferred over the government when conflicts of priority arise. However, this does not imply that government is to be a caretaker of all the needs of the people because that breeds dependence on government which can be exploited.

Uphold the Constitution – The Constitution is the foundation for the country, and as such it provides a stable reference point for when new legislation would steer the country away from the intentions of the founders. Much of the Constitution was designed to protect the people from government more than from each other. Nevertheless, the authority and intent of the Constitution is under assault by some that feel the document should say something else.

Maintaining Freedom

Uphold the freedoms specified in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights as well as the unspecified rights according to Amendment 9. It seems strange to make this a core conservative value since it is already in the Constitution, but these basic freedoms are under assault. Some freedoms that are specifically under assault are: right to bear armsfree speechreligious freedomStrong defense policy – Maintain a strong military since providing for the defense of the country is one of the functions of the Federal government explicitly identified in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution.

Restrained Government

Smaller government – Government can have a productive role in some areas, but it is absolutely not the be-all, end-all solution to problems that we face individually and collectively. Limiting the number of areas in which government is involved is more valuable than an expansive government trying to solve every problem we face.

Less intrusive government – Government that is less intrusive into the lives of its citizens. Being vigilant against the incremental expansion of government power helps protect our freedoms. The government should not be a Nanny State to it’s citizens.

Self determination – Government intervention to solve problems should be viewed with a healthy measure of skepticism. Government solutions are known to have a high probability of spiraling into wasteful, inefficient, and often ineffective programs; therefore, allowing the people the route of self determination, of deciding what is best for themselves, is an essential element of a free society. This includes favoring market-based solutions over government mandated solutions. Short of genuinely self-destructive behavior, the people should decide what is best for themselves rather than the government deciding on their behalf.

State’s Rights – Amendment 10 clearly spells it out. What powers are not explicitly specified for the Federal Government are granted to the states or to the people. This issue is somewhat of a corollary to the idea of promoting smaller government. It inhibits the ever-expanding power of the Federal government into the lives of the citizens.

Fiscal Conservatism/Lower taxes -- Levying taxes is not an inherent, fundamental right of government by virtue of its of existence. Taxes exist to allow the government to function and perform its essential, i.e. Constitutional, duties. Taxes easily become excessive and oppressive, and with such in mind, taxes should only be what are necessary to perform these essential duties.

Restrained government spending – The government should be responsible in how it spends the taxpayers’ money. It is not the government’s place to fund every conceivable pet project of the Congressmen and Senators. Restrained spending seems like a pipe dream recently, but it is still technically a core value of conservatism.

The Constitution is not a welfare document – It is simply ‘unsustainable’ for the government to provide for all the basic needs of society.

Judicial restraint – The courts are not the final, all-powerful branch of government. They are subject to the elected representatives of the people. Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution clearly states that the Congress is vested with power to ordain and establish the courts outside of the explicitly declared Supreme Court. And even the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction is determined by Congress. Though Chief Justice John Marshall asserted the Supreme Court’s place as a co-equal branch of government, the Court has since usurped a place of some pre-eminence above the legislative and executive branches. Therefore, part of pursuing judicial restraint includes:

Prevent judicial activism where judges usurp undue authority and effectively make law.

Since judges are bound by the Constitution in Article VI, judges should adjudicate by the Constitution and according to US law, not foreign law as has occurred in recent years.

Obtain good, non-activist, and Constitutionalist judges in the courts at all levels.

Authority of the Electorate – Final power lies with the people. This may sound like a more abstract fundamental value and another one that should not have to be specified since it is already implied in the Constitution, but it is under assault. Legislative powers rest, in the end, with the people and not with unelected leaders, the government, or the judiciary. This precept is implied in one of the itemized grievances against the King of Great Britain, “the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise…” That is, the power to govern is inherent to the people and is temporarily transferred to the elected leadership for purposes of expediting legislative action. When this power is unused or used improperly, it returns naturally to the people and without the action of those elected…

That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…

The elected leaders serve the people; the people do not serve the elected leaders. The power of the electorate is first expressed through the voice of elected representatives but sometimes also directly.

When those in authority come to despise the voice and authority of the electorate; there is a problem. The voice of the people is the last word in the law of the land unless the issue is explicitly unconstitutional. Without this precept, the people would be demoted to servants of the State and eventually they would have no voice at all.

Republican Oath

I believe that the proper function of government is to do for the people those things that have to be done but cannot be done, or cannot be done as well by individuals, and that the most effective government is closest to the people.

I believe that good government is based on the individual and that each person's ability, dignity, freedom and responsibility must be honored and recognized.

I believe that free enterprise and the encouragement of individual initiative and incentive have given this nation an economic system second to none.

I believe that sound money policy should be our goal.

I believe in equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, age, sex, or national origin.

I believe that persons with disabilities should be afforded equal rights, equal justice, and equal opportunity as well.

I believe we must retain those principles worth retaining, yet always be receptive to new ideals with an outlook broad enough to accommodate thoughtful change and varying points of view.

I believe that Americans value and should preserve their feelings of national strength and pride, and at the same time share with people everywhere a desire for peace and freedom and the extension of human rights throughout the world.

	LeeCounty Patriots Lee County, FL
	Home Values Must Read NEW Must See NEW Links Events NEW Take Action NEW AboutUs Email		Dedicated to Preserving Our Freedoms Core Republican Principles Founded in Judeo-Christian values Individual Freedom People over Government Uphold the Constitution How are the core principles manifested in various policies? Maintaining Freedom Uphold the freedoms specified in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights Strong defense policy Restrained Government Smaller government Less intrusive government Self determination State’s Rights Fiscal conservatism Restrained government spending Lower taxes The Constitution is not a welfare document Judicial restraint Authority of the Electorate Core Republican Principles Founded in Judeo-Christian values – We need a fully consistent foundation for conservatism with roots in Judeo-Christian values. Strictly fiscal conservatism alone will not successfully compete with leftist ideologies. Some immediate results of a proper foundation include: God exists – This is listed as a result of a foundation in Judeo-Christian values largely due to the effort by some to fashion this country as one espousing atheism rather than being Under God. The USA is not a Theocracy; but to the chagrin of atheists, the acknowledgment of God’s existence is a fundamental step towards providing a stable civilized and free society because… Law – Laws are a framework of societal values and fashioning the rule of law in the country under the umbrella of Judeo-Christian values is consistent with the intent of many of the founders of the country. This foundation for law does include being pro-life, the ‘Right to Life’ as stated in the Declaration of Independence; but it is much more broad than just the abortion issue. Individual Freedom – It is nicely summarized in the Declaration of Independence as the right to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. Once surrendered, it is difficult to recover lost freedom; therefore, government action that would curtail individual freedoms, of action or choice, should be viewed with serious skepticism and measured against the intent of the Constitution and Judeo-Christian values before enacting such laws. Further, be very cautious when lawmakers and advocates promote removing various individual freedoms for the sake of the common good or other good intentions. Governments are instituted to secure these rights not destroy them. People over Government – It is recognized that people can achieve great things when working together, but people are also susceptible to error and especially so when intoxicated with the power of government. Therefore, the people have authority over government and should be preferred over the government when conflicts of priority arise. However, this does not imply that government is to be a caretaker of all the needs of the people because that breeds dependence on government which can be exploited. Uphold the Constitution – The Constitution is the foundation for the country, and as such it provides a stable reference point for when new legislation would steer the country away from the intentions of the founders. Much of the Constitution was designed to protect the people from government more than from each other. Nevertheless, the authority and intent of the Constitution is under assault by some that feel the document should say something else. Maintaining Freedom Uphold the freedoms specified in the Constitution and the Bill of Rights as well as the unspecified rights according to Amendment 9. It seems strange to make this a core conservative value since it is already in the Constitution, but these basic freedoms are under assault. Some freedoms that are specifically under assault are: right to bear armsfree speechreligious freedomStrong defense policy – Maintain a strong military since providing for the defense of the country is one of the functions of the Federal government explicitly identified in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution. Restrained Government Smaller government – Government can have a productive role in some areas, but it is absolutely not the be-all, end-all solution to problems that we face individually and collectively. Limiting the number of areas in which government is involved is more valuable than an expansive government trying to solve every problem we face. Less intrusive government – Government that is less intrusive into the lives of its citizens. Being vigilant against the incremental expansion of government power helps protect our freedoms. The government should not be a Nanny State to it’s citizens. Self determination – Government intervention to solve problems should be viewed with a healthy measure of skepticism. Government solutions are known to have a high probability of spiraling into wasteful, inefficient, and often ineffective programs; therefore, allowing the people the route of self determination, of deciding what is best for themselves, is an essential element of a free society. This includes favoring market-based solutions over government mandated solutions. Short of genuinely self-destructive behavior, the people should decide what is best for themselves rather than the government deciding on their behalf. State’s Rights – Amendment 10 clearly spells it out. What powers are not explicitly specified for the Federal Government are granted to the states or to the people. This issue is somewhat of a corollary to the idea of promoting smaller government. It inhibits the ever-expanding power of the Federal government into the lives of the citizens. Fiscal Conservatism/Lower taxes -- Levying taxes is not an inherent, fundamental right of government by virtue of its of existence. Taxes exist to allow the government to function and perform its essential, i.e. Constitutional, duties. Taxes easily become excessive and oppressive, and with such in mind, taxes should only be what are necessary to perform these essential duties. Restrained government spending – The government should be responsible in how it spends the taxpayers’ money. It is not the government’s place to fund every conceivable pet project of the Congressmen and Senators. Restrained spending seems like a pipe dream recently, but it is still technically a core value of conservatism. The Constitution is not a welfare document – It is simply ‘unsustainable’ for the government to provide for all the basic needs of society. Judicial restraint – The courts are not the final, all-powerful branch of government. They are subject to the elected representatives of the people. Article III, Section 1 of the Constitution clearly states that the Congress is vested with power to ordain and establish the courts outside of the explicitly declared Supreme Court. And even the Supreme Court’s jurisdiction is determined by Congress. Though Chief Justice John Marshall asserted the Supreme Court’s place as a co-equal branch of government, the Court has since usurped a place of some pre-eminence above the legislative and executive branches. Therefore, part of pursuing judicial restraint includes: Prevent judicial activism where judges usurp undue authority and effectively make law. Since judges are bound by the Constitution in Article VI, judges should adjudicate by the Constitution and according to US law, not foreign law as has occurred in recent years. Obtain good, non-activist, and Constitutionalist judges in the courts at all levels. Authority of the Electorate – Final power lies with the people. This may sound like a more abstract fundamental value and another one that should not have to be specified since it is already implied in the Constitution, but it is under assault. Legislative powers rest, in the end, with the people and not with unelected leaders, the government, or the judiciary. This precept is implied in one of the itemized grievances against the King of Great Britain, “the Legislative powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise…” That is, the power to govern is inherent to the people and is temporarily transferred to the elected leadership for purposes of expediting legislative action. When this power is unused or used improperly, it returns naturally to the people and without the action of those elected… That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed… The elected leaders serve the people; the people do not serve the elected leaders. The power of the electorate is first expressed through the voice of elected representatives but sometimes also directly. When those in authority come to despise the voice and authority of the electorate; there is a problem. The voice of the people is the last word in the law of the land unless the issue is explicitly unconstitutional. Without this precept, the people would be demoted to servants of the State and eventually they would have no voice at all. Republican Oath I believe that the proper function of government is to do for the people those things that have to be done but cannot be done, or cannot be done as well by individuals, and that the most effective government is closest to the people. I believe that good government is based on the individual and that each person's ability, dignity, freedom and responsibility must be honored and recognized. I believe that free enterprise and the encouragement of individual initiative and incentive have given this nation an economic system second to none. I believe that sound money policy should be our goal. I believe in equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, age, sex, or national origin. I believe that persons with disabilities should be afforded equal rights, equal justice, and equal opportunity as well. I believe we must retain those principles worth retaining, yet always be receptive to new ideals with an outlook broad enough to accommodate thoughtful change and varying points of view. I believe that Americans value and should preserve their feelings of national strength and pride, and at the same time share with people everywhere a desire for peace and freedom and the extension of human rights throughout the world.
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