"A great democracy must be progressive or it will soon cease to be a great democracy."
-America's 25th President, Theodore Roosevelt…a Republican
There was a time in America's history when Republicans, like Theodore Roosevelt, looked to progress as a means of bettering the life of every American, and recognized that America's best chance for success lay in championing the spirit of forward thinking and embracing new ideas and change. Roosevelt believed that the backbone of America was its vibrant working class citizens and advocated policies designed to insure the health and safety and long-term longevity of those people.
A lot has happened in the past hundred years, and policies of today's Republicans bear little resemblance to those possessed by the man we fondly call "Teddy".
Roosevelt Republicans believed that American laborers were the driving force of America's greatness. Today's Republicans ascribe that honor to business owners and the wealthy.
Roosevelt Republicans believed that the government should protect the middle class to insure their safety and continued stability. Today's Republicans believe the middle class should look out for themselves.
Roosevelt Republicans believed that the environment was a cherished natural resource worthy of conservation and protection. Today's Republicans view the environment as an asset to be plundered and environmental conservation as an unnecessary barrier against making profits.
Roosevelt Republicans believed that America's greatest days were in the future. Today's Republicans believe they were in the past.
America will not right itself by returning to the past. Progress and the future is our only hope. Let's pray that Americans come to their senses before America totally abandons progressive thought and is no longer a great Democracy.
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