The Chairmans Message Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. -Margaret Mead Fellow Republicans, Throughout history, people of courage and devotion have toiled together to achieve things born from their dreams. From settlers to start-ups, explorers to emerging nations, the annals of time tell countless tales of those who have stood arm-in-arm to pursue a purpose greater than themselves. In modern times, the ability of a citizenry to transform society and change the course of human history is displayed brilliantly by the formation and progress of the Republican Party. Formed in 1854 by anti-slavery activists, the Republican Partys vision was to end the national nightmare of slavery and ensure freedom, opportunity, and prosperity for all. In just two short years, the Republicans became a national party by nominating John C. Fremont for President. By 1858, the Republicans dominated nearly all-Northern states and in 1860, with the election of Abraham Lincoln as the 16th President of the United States, the Republicans firmly established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in American politics. During the Civil War, President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, giving freedom to slaves and hope to mankind. During Reconstruction, Republicans worked in Congress to pass the Thirteenth, Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments, outlawing slavery, guaranteeing equal protection under the law and securing voting rights for African-Americans. In 1896, the Republican Party played a leading role in the womens suffrage movement becoming the first major political party to support efforts to grant voting rights to women. Sixty years later, as turmoil reached a fever pitch in our nations capitol, the Republicans lead the charge to pass Civil Rights legislation ensuring liberty and justice for all. And more recently, it was Republican President Ronald Reagan who stood at the Brandenburg Gate and told Mikhail Gorbachev, then the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, to tear down this wall as a sign of unity, liberty, and peace. From ending slavery to ensuring equality under the law, the Republican Partys pursuit of freedom has been marked by successful endeavors and world-changing accomplishments. But there is still more work to be done. The new challenges that face our Party are not social injustices like slavery or racial inequality. The greatest threat to our freedom and posterity is the overreach of the federal government into the lives of the American people. The massive growth of the federal government is threatening the American Dream and putting our countrys future at risk. From burdensome regulations that stifle competition, ingenuity, innovation and entrepreneurship to taxpayer funded, government-controlled initiatives like ObamaCare, our government has become a predatory behemoth that must be stopped. Like Thomas Jefferson who penned that, most bad government results from too much government, the Republican Party knows that by reducing the size of government, streamlining bureaucracy, and returning power to individual states, we can empower the American people and ignite a fire in our stagnant economy. The less government interference, the more jobs are created. The fewer bureaucrats making decisions for families and businesses, the more we grow as a nation. Like disciples spreading the salvation message to Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the Earth, we must work together to tell our friends and neighbors that the ideals of the Republican Party will save this wayward nation. Like those who gathered in 1854 to defeat slavery, we must unite now for freedom, opportunity, and prosperity to prevail. It is time to unite. It is time to spread the message. History is watching. Americas future is waiting. Sincerely, John Padgett Chairman of the Georgia Republican Party
Posted on: Tue, 15 Oct 2013 23:38:27 +0000
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