By Russ Minary | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
The majority of Coloradans have become disengaged and disillusioned with Party politics and rhetoric, for good reasons. Both major parties, R and D, have lost their way. So, the largest bloc of voters in CO is now “Unaffiliated.”
In political discussions, we often use ‘labels’ to describe ourselves and others. These labels include terms like Republican, Democrat, Moderate, Right, Left, Liberal and Conservative. Unfortunately, if you ask 10 people to define exactly what their own political label means, only one can do it with any clarity. That leads very quickly to stereotyping, misunderstandings and disagreement. Rather than listening, we talk over, rather than with, each other.
For the record, I am a Constitutional Conservative who has lived and worked in Colorado for nearly 50 years. And I believe that most (not all) Coloradans would identify themselves as Constitutional Conservatives as well – if they knew what that term means.
In this article I’ll attempt to identify some specific principles, beliefs and perspectives. Any conservative would see all or several of them as reasonable.
And please remember, what COGOP has done for the last 12-16 years is NOT working based on election results. That is why Democrats are totally in charge with a super-majority. But lately, CO Democrats have committed a few bloopers with CO voters. The average voter distrusts both major parties.
I believe that these 12 issues would draw the support of a majority of Coloradans across the political spectrum. NOTE: this is NOT a final, complete or absolute list or litmus test. But if a person agrees with most of them, I submit that the person is a conservative.
- Legal Immigration and Secure Borders – CO has adopted a sanctuary State policy, and is actively resisting Federal laws and law enforcement agencies. As a result, many cities are spending huge unplanned amounts on the related issues of illegal immigration like homelessness, crime, drugs, healthcare, education and law enforcement.
- Lower Taxes and Budget Discipline – CO is engaged in deficit spending without regard to any budgets. Taxes have increased exponentially and the citizens of CO must pay the tab. And CO is running a deficit estimated at $1.6-2 BILLION dollars. It’s hard to live when your taxes and cost of living are constantly increasing.
- Stricter Citizen Voting Standards and Election Integrity – If a person in CO can obtain a drivers license or bank account, they have an ID to use when voting. CO seems to be setting the stage for allowing illegals to vote. As CO Secy of State, Jena Griswold committed a number of unforced errors. Nevertheless, she has announced her campaign to run for CO Attorney General.
- Smaller, Less Intrusive and More Efficient Government – More freedom, fewer laws; elimination of fraud, waste and abuse; and less bureaucracy.
- Increased Energy Production and Accessibility – CO should return to an ‘all of the above’ strategy which would include fossil fuels, coal, natural gas, coal, solar and wind energy. Let consumers decide what forms of energy work best for their needs in their specific locales. In the past, the CO fossil energy industry created billions that funded education, roads, infrastructure and many other things that are used every day by every Coloradan.
- Parental Rights – CO has passed new bills that punish parents for being good parents. Parents should decide what is best for their own children. The State does not own your children; you do.
- Individual ownership and control of private property and wealth – Free enterprise and small business job creators should lead the way, rather than a large, costly and impersonal State bureaucracy. Individuals and businesses produce value and pay the taxes. The State government consumes this revenue in ways that many people dislike or oppose.
- Protection of Life – If you’re reading this, you had the opportunity to be born and live. End child trafficking and abuse, support pregnant Moms and their kids, give pregnant Moms the real opportunity to choose life for themselves and their children. Protect and care for the most helpless among us. Today’s children will be tomorrow’s citizens, voters and taxpayers.
- Traditional Family Values – Stable, two parent family homes are proven environments for healthy children. We should support kids and families so that they can grow up and become productive, law-abiding, well educated American citizens and taxpayers. The consequences of not doing this are all around us today.
- Religious Freedom – Both the US and CO Constitutions specify that freedom of religion, not freedom from religion is among the most basic human rights. No person is compelled to believe or disbelieve any religious perspective. Individuals are free to believe as they wish.
- Constitutional Governance – Every elected and appointed CO official takes an oath to defend, obey and protect the US Constitution which is ‘the Supreme Law of the Land” and the Colorado Constitution. Unfortunately, most Americans have not read either of these foundational documents. As a result, our government has been able to create and enforce many things that violate and ignore the principles delineated within these governing documents.
- Safe Communities – Enforcement of existing laws and vigorous prosecution of criminal violators. Every person should be able to live without fear of being a victim of crime, theft or violence. Safe communities are the environment in which all of the above principles can thrive.
Any candidate who deserves your support or vote should agree with all or most of the conservative principles identified above.
This list of suggestions is based NOT on party or personality, but on ideas and principles.
This is nothing new. Human nature has never changed. People will argue about sporting events where the rules are quite clear.
Since the beginning of recorded history, people have had conflicts. A few thousand years ago, a guy named Ezra said, “Do two walk together unless they have agreed to do so?” In order to work together, we must first understand each other.
One last thought for your consideration. Some (not all) political candidates are chameleons who will do and say anything to get elected. They have a pattern of promising one thing while delivering something quite different once they are in office.
So, before supporting or voting for any candidate do two things: 1) examine their background, affiliations and voting records which are easily accessible; and 2) believe what they have done, not what they claim they will do if elected. Ask your candidates hard questions and demand clear specific answers.
Our American system is built upon the fact that good people can disagree and hold diverse views and beliefs.
After each election, one side (the winners) is happy and the other side (the losers) is unhappy. That is not a bad thing. It is the bedrock of freedom and democracy in our American Republic.
Russ Minary is a retired sales executive, marketing consultant, small business owner and veteran. He has lived in CO for 50 years and resides in Douglas County.
Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in commentary pieces are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the management of the Rocky Mountain Voice, but even so we support the constitutional right of the author to express those opinions.