Scioto County Young Republicans -- "What Makes Them Different"

Caption from Scioto County Young Republicans Facebook group, 

February 6 – “Acquitted for life.”

This repost from county Young Republicans was a photo from the National Prayer Breakfast of February 6, 2020, during which President Trump said …

"I don't like people who use their faith as justification for doing what they know is wrong. Nor do I like people who say, 'I pray for you' when they know that that's not so. So many people have been hurt, and we can't let that go on.”

With these words, Trump used a bipartisan religious event to judge the beliefs of others, to encourage hatred, and to vow revenge – all under the watchful approval of the Fellowship Foundation, a religious and political organization whose mission statement reads, in part, “To develop and maintain an informal association of people banded together, to go out as 'ambassadors of reconciliation,' modeling the principles of Jesus, based on loving God and loving others.”

But, on to the understandings of those young political activists …

The Scioto County Young Republicans met for the first time in January at the Holiday Inn in Portsmouth. The club’s leadership presented about the club’s purpose, procedures, and future activities. In addition to the club’s introduction, Scioto County Commissioner Bryan Davis gave remarks. Attendees included members, officeholders, candidates, and friends of the club.

“The event was a great success. We look forward to growing the number of young people involved in the conservative movement. We will secure a strong victory for President Trump and all of the Republican candidates on the ballot in Scioto County this November. The Democratic Party’s socialist message doesn’t resonate here in Scioto County.”

-- Chairman Collin Finn

Of course, this group of National Teen Age Republicans states that it supports Trump for president along with ALL of the Republican candidates on the ballot in Scioto County. It is a partisan organization as many such American political groups are. The group encourages governmental participation – a positive motivation for youth.

However …

It is interesting to view the content of their beliefs as they pose the alienating question “What makes us different from Democrats or other parties?”

The answer, as stated in their organizational literature, is …

We believe:

• Individual ability, dignity, freedom & responsibility are basic to good government.
• Free enterprise and encouraging individual initiative and incentive produce a strong economy.
• Equal rights, justice and opportunity belong to all.
• The preservation of our nation and security of our citizens depend on every citizen’s respect for the Constitution, the law and the courts.
• Government exists to protect the freedom of the individual, not restrict it.
• Government should only get involved in the things which people can’t do well themselves.
• Both government and society should assist people who can’t provide for themselves.  It should help them become self-supporting, productive citizens who pride independence.
• No man has the right to live off the fruits of another man’s labor.
• Government must maintain sound money and a responsible economy. The rights of life and liberty are meaningless if citizens are deprived through excessive taxation, inflation and government waste.
• World peace and friendship will continue through strength.

“The difference from Democrats or other parties” – as an ex high school teacher, that delineation offends me. The distinction draws lines that demarcate ethical behaviors.

The tenets hold that ANY opposition to their Republican ideals lacks such basic qualities and values as dignity, ability, and responsibility. Their beliefs imply that other parties do not defend equal rights, justice and opportunity FOR ALL. The Scioto County Young Republicans also see themselves as the SOLE protectors of the Constitution and the freedom of individuals.

The group proposes an ambiguous, narrowly defined view of government as a system that should “only get involved in things people can't do well THEMSELVES.” That statement actually reeks of racism and misogyny in a culture ripe with both. And, among other “differences” professed by the group, they imply other parties cannot uphold a responsible economy or a strong foreign policy.

The Republicans shamelessly align with Donald Trump's divisive rule. In their support of a nationalist government, they choose NOT TO RESPECT the dedication and work of opposing parties but rather to claim that they are the ONLY PARTY to grant the populace sacred American ideals and responsible government. To deepen the divide, they imply that not following their views contributes to laziness and dependency.

Now, you can dismiss this diatribe as political propaganda. You can call it “puffing up the party,” and you can believe it is just part of the hoopla common to all partisan groups. Or, you can read it carefully and realize its true denotation.

This Republican Party and its newly formed Scioto County Young Republicans do not have to apply false, schismatic precepts to run a 2020 political campaign. Instead, they could state their platform without denigrating their opposition. But, in fear of losing favor, Republicans have chosen to ignore the cancer in their own party and to endorse the autocratic principles of a discredited leader.

We all know the reasons for the Republican fall into partisanship over principle. The party has chosen to follow a man, although lacking the necessary abilities and the integrity to be president, dedicated to obtaining power and wealth that benefits a white nationalist agenda. Donald Trump was elected on that platform, and now Republicans gladly accept that electability without question of his morals or his limitations.

The Republican Party uses their platform on divisive issues to disparage other perspectives – Second Amendment gun rights, opposition to abortion, the economy that benefits the rich and guts social programs. Make no mistake, to disagree with them about a gun, a fetus, or a food stamp is to be labeled a “snowflake” or a “libtard.” They employ name calling and denigration while making a mockery of political correctness.

The political indoctrination of youth is a perilous, risky business – an endeavor that can lead to a lifetime commitment of partisanship over substance and individual thinking. To inculcate beliefs that “it's my way or the highway” or that “it's my country, love it or leave it” or that “this is what makes us different from Democrats or other parties” actually increases prejudice and does not safeguard the principles of equality and justice.

I would question the wisdom of a party or a group that stands idly by when its supreme leader employs a religious assembly of those believing in “a loving God” and “loving others” to encourage hate and revenge. Principles? Beliefs? American youth deserve the truth over slanted usury. They also deserve political parties that foster bipartisanship over egotistical division.