2011 Guiding Principles Brunswick County Republican Party

• A Nation of Laws, Not Men:
We respect and cherish the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and our Founders’ intent to guarantee our individual freedoms. We expect our elected officials to uphold their oath of office and to be efficient, effective, ethical, and responsive to their constituents. We believe our founding fathers never intended the judicial branch of our government to create law and thus oppose judicial activism.


• The Role of Government:
We believe that all levels of government exist to serve the will of the people, not vice versa. We must emphasize the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution: “The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by it to the states, are reserved to the states respectively, or to the people.”


• Election Integrity and Secret Ballot:
Preventing voter fraud and abuse is a civil rights issue. We must restore the integrity of the voting process and prevent voter fraud by strengthening election laws. Those charged with committing election fraud should be prosecuted and, when convicted, should receive jail sentences. Further, we support requiring voters to present a federal or state government-issued photo ID at in-person voting, increased scrutiny and security in balloting by mail, prohibition of Internet voting or any other means of electronic voting which lacks a verifiable paper trail.


• Private Property Rights:
We believe that the right to own and control private property is one of the fundamental rights of free people in a free society. We oppose forced annexation and believe registered voters in the area proposed for annexation must approve the annexation proposal. Further, government does not have the right to take private property by condemnation or eminent domain except for a legitimate public use and upon prompt payment of just compensation.


• Law Enforcement:
We support enforcement of the laws through the Courts’ imposition of swift and sure justice with stiff penalties, consistent sentencing, and respecting and protecting the rights of victims and law-abiding citizens. Protecting Our Nation

• Strong National Defense:
We believe in peace through strength. We take a principled stand to preemptively defend the citizens of the United States against all foes, foreign or domestic, whose goal is to destroy our American way of life. Freedom is never free, and we honor all those who have served our nation to protect our liberty, especially our men and women in uniform who unselfishly and courageously defend our country.


• Immigration Control:
We believe that border security is a national security issue and the federal government has the duty to protect citizens by enforcing immigration laws and securing the borders. We oppose amnesty for anyone entering this country illegally.


• Environmental Stewardship:
We believe that we are the stewards of our God-given natural resources. We have the duty to protect the air and water, productive forests, and abundant wildlife which make coastal North Carolina a great place to live, work and play. At the same time, we believe that any regulations intended to protect the environment should be reasonable, balanced and must demonstrate that the benefits warrant the cost. Our Nation Needs a Strong Economy


• Government Spending and Taxes:
We believe that government spending at all levels is out of control and must be reduced. We support fundamental, immediate tax reform that is simple, fair and fully disclosed.


• Secret Ballot:
We support protecting and preserving the secret ballot in labor union elections. Protecting and Preserve Our Values.


• Sanctity of Life:
We believe that human life is sacred, created in the image of God. Life begins at the moment of conception and ends at death. We must protect the right to life of the unborn child.


• Marriage and Family:
We believe that marriage is a legal and moral commitment between a man and a woman. We recognize that the family is the foundational unit of a healthy society and is responsible for its own welfare, education, moral training, conduct, and property.


• Education:
We believe that a well-educated population is fundamental to the continued success of our county. Parents have the right, as well as the duty, to direct their children’s education and should be able to choose among public, private, charter, home, and religious schools.


• English as the Official Language:
The United States has been an English-speaking nation since its founding and English should be declared the official language of government and commerce in the United States. Citizenship requirements must require competency in the English language to provide equal opportunities for all citizens.


• Public Safety:
We believe all Americans have the right to be safe in their homes, on their streets, and in their communities. Our citizens have the right to protect themselves and their families. We believe in the Second Amendment right of the people to keep and bear arms


• Racism and Discrimination:
We believe that the Government shall not discriminate against or grant preferential treatment to any individual or group on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin; in public employment, public education or public contracting.