Why the Republican Party platform makes no sense to me

Republicans generally describe themselves as socially and fiscally conservative. But are these general statements true? No.

Looking at who Republicans have overwhelmingly chose for their party’s nominee this year, it is clear that many Republicans do not care so much about their principles. Trump, a candidate who sounds like an authoritarian at times, does not fit their generalizations, with his rhetoric restricting immigration based on religion, and other comments.

But back to the actual party; the platform is very hypocritical to what they campaign for. As Rand Paul pointed out during a Republican Presidential Debate, being fiscally conservative means being… well, fiscally conservative. By this he means that you can not be fiscally conservative and advocate for increasing military funding whenever the opportunity comes by.

Additionally, Republicans tend to advocate for less government involvement. Unless we are speaking of social issues, of course. While Republicans pride themselves as being those who cut government back so everyone can live more freely, the platform is quite different from this. Calling for bans and limits on abortion is not giving Americans more freedom. Neither is not supporting gay marriage.

It boggles my mind that the whole “less government” argument still works with Republicans. Their platform is the complete opposite. Do not get me wrong, Democrats believe in government expansion as well, but in different ways. But if you truly want as little of government as possible, then maybe you are a libertarian.

Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Party Presidential Nominee, describes being a libertarian as being fiscally conservative, along with being socially tolerant. While Johnson stands relatively to the left on social issues, his platform bases itself on social tolerance, as long as you do not try to force your views upon others.

If Republicans truly want less government, I think they are part of the wrong party if I am to be completely honest.