Republicans, by contrast, can champion policies of self-sufficiency, responsibility, and economic mobility. We believe our potential should never be limited by our government, but only by our talent and imagination. As Reagan said at his first inauguration, our mission is to make government "work with us, not over us; to stand by our side, not ride on our back . . . provide opportunity, not smother it; foster productivity, not stifle it." Every issue we debate and discuss on the nation level should be framed this way-as issues of whether government is facilitating dependence or self-reliance; enslavement to the state or individual freedom.
According to Republicans, policies should promote self-sufficiency and economic mobility, allowing individuals to rely on their talents and creativity rather than government support. This perspective echoes Reagan's vision of a government that cooperates with citizens instead of controlling them, emphasizing the importance of opportunity and productivity while avoiding dependency.
The core of the Republican belief system is that the government's role should be to empower people towards independence and freedom. Every national debate should focus on whether policies enhance self-reliance or create dependence, highlighting the choice between individual liberty and bureaucratic control.
