You’re a Republican!

YOU’RE A REPUBLICAN!

The Political Conversation Your Mother Told You Never to Have

by

Terry Paulson

Smashwords Edition

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Published on Smashwords by:

Amber Eagle Press

28717 Colina Vista

Agoura Hills, CA 91301

terry@terrypaulson.com

You’re a Republican! The Political Conversation Your Mother Told You Never to Have

Copyright 2012 by Terry Paulson

ISBN: 1-878077-14-7

Some material from this book was included in The Dinner: The Political Conversation Your Mother Told You Never to Have, Amber Eagle Press, printing, 2004.

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

Smashwords Edition License Notes

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Acknowledgments . . .

To cite and thank all of the people who helped shape the comments and opinions expressed by the characters in this book would require more space than is available. Much of the dialogue used in this book appeared just prior to the 2004 election in The Dinner: The Political Conversation Your Mother Told You Never to Have. The revised content in this book has been shaped by reader input and by years of writing op-ed columns for the Ventura County Star and Townhall.com, reading books and articles, listening to talk radio, watching political pundits discuss issues on television and following years of political campaigns. That same content has fueled many a dinner conversation of my own with Republicans and Democrats alike.

A special thanks goes to my parents, Ann and Homer Paulson, whose strong Republican values and patriotism helped shape my own views. The same goes for my loving wife, Lorie, who has shared my passion for conservative principles and this great country. Our dinner conversations are often enlightening and always enjoyable!

I sincerely thank Dan Poynter of Para Publishing for his encouragement and publishing acumen, for Jim Cathcart who helped refocus this book into a classic worth revising.

I also want to thank all the candidates who have had the fire in the belly needed to run for office. Win or lose, they cared enough to serve us all. And finally, I want to acknowledge you for taking your vote seriously enough to explore the key issues that divide our major parties.

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What People are Saying about You’re a Republican!

"Finally, Dr. Paulson has written a book that gets Republican principles and issues across in a way that people can understand and enjoy. After reading this book, many independents will wake up and realize that they were Republicans and they didn’t even know it!"

—Martha House, Past President of the California Federation of Republican Women

Ronald Reagan was the master of communicating the ideals that mattered to most Americans, Republican and Democrat alike. This book creates the warmth, reality and challenging ideas that Americans of all persuasions will again recognize as their dinner table conversations are given life. There’s value here for everyone.

—Bob McCafferty, Manager, Governor’s Office of Broadcast Services, Gov. Ronald Reagan

"The American Dream is built on principles and driven by passion. Dr. Paulson’s book lets readers rekindle their passion for the principles that make this country great. Don’t miss this thought-provoking book."

—Mark Isler, Salem Communications KKLA Radio weekend host

The less you discuss something the less prepared you are to articulate your views. This timely book shows you how people can disagree strongly yet avoid relationship tension. If you ever wanted to sell someone on a better way of looking at things, this book can be your model. Political discussions can become really rich interactions when you approach them in this way.

—Jim Cathcart, Author of Relationship Selling

Sometimes, we in the media get stuck settling for soundbites. It’s nice to be drawn into an informative and engaging dinner conversation about politics that you wish you could join. This book is a quick, must read before the November election for any thoughtful voter.

—Jane Wells, CNBC

Nothing is more compelling in politics than dramatic dialogue about powerful principles. This book will move you— intellectually and emotionally— because it cares enough about America to risk addressing the issues that really matter. Please— for yourself and our country— read this book!

—Scott McKain, author of ALL Business is Show Business and political commentator seen on FOX News Channel

"You’re a Republican! is both thought-provoking and entertaining at the same time. A great read and creative book! I really identified with all of Lee’s positions, but I’m afraid this might make me a Republican rather than the moderate Independent I think I am! Do an encore on some of the other tough issues!"

—Dr. Tony Alessandra, author of The Platinum Rule and Charisma

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface: Having a Civil Political Conversation

Introduction

1 Talking about What Matters!

2 Caring and the Compassionate Conservative

3 Saving the American Dream

4 Getting Others to Believe in the Dream

5 Beyond Affirmative Action

6 Investing in Affirmative American Examples

7 Educational Excellence Takes Challenging Teachers and School Choice

8 Shrinking and Limiting Government Where You Can

9 The Tax Man Cometh

10 Maintaining Military Strength and Homeland Security

Epilogue

America’s Future is not Guaranteed

A Thinking Voter’s Guide

The Issues That Count

About Your Author

Books Worth Reading

Other Books by Dr. Paulson

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PREFACE:

Having a Civil Political Conversation

"The greatest danger in any argument is that real issues are often clouded by superficial ones, the momentary passions may obscure permanent realities." —Mary Ellen Chase

To truly struggle with your own views and to influence others you’re going to need to have political conversations with those who disagree with you. There are some general principles of civil political discourse that are worth looking at no matter what your views.

Whether you listen to talk radio, read the op-ed column in your paper or try to have your own political conversation, the shrill and explosive nature of the comments makes serious political dialogue in America difficult at best.

This is not new. Throughout our history even some of our most beloved presidents have been subject to vicious attacks both in and out of office. Yet, seldom has America seemed more polarized. There are two Americas and few seem willing to talk across the divide. Both sides shout across the moat— If you would just stop telling lies about us, we’d stop telling the truth about you!

"Many argue; not many converse." —Louisa May Alcott

Free and open political discussions have always helped make America strong. There is a value in facing differences. Good political dialogue becomes the fire that tests the metal of your convictions and the depth of your understanding. You can’t truly grasp a truth until you have explained and contested it. Constructive debates that involve strong opinions and heartfelt convictions are not then to be avoided; they are to be harnessed in a way that risks influence without demonizing your adversaries.

"The test of courage comes when we are in the minority. The test of tolerance comes when we are in the majority." —Ralph Stockman

Rest assured that the differences that face us in this or any election are not going away. In a strange way, the truths that sustain our country are somehow best experienced by partaking in the healthy tension political differences create. In a free society, finding clarity is often as important as convincing others. Americans reap the blessings of the freedoms we have; we need to undergo the fatigue and the work of sustaining them. As we launch into another election season at full speed, it may be wise to try to establish a few ground rules for talking with instead of just talking about our political enemies! Here are twelve tips on how to disagree without being quite so disagreeable:

"When you shoot an arrow of truth, dip its point in honey." —Arab Proverb

Manners are the lubricating oil of good political discussions. Never underestimate the power of a ready smile, simple courtesy and civility. Your courtesy may not be remembered or returned, but discourtesy will never be forgotten.

"The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause." —Mark Twain

Show empathy and tolerance for differences. Tolerance and empathy do not require approval or agreement—they do require a cordial and positive attempt to understand another’s feelings, beliefs and positions. If you’re doing all the talking, you’re probably boring somebody. To lead others to your side on any issue it helps to see the road they must travel through their eyes not your own.

"When you want to convert someone to your view, you go over to where he is standing, take him by the hand (mentally speaking), and guide him. You don’t stand across the room and shout at him; you don’t call him a dummy; you don’t order him to come over to where you are. You start where he is, and work from that position. That’s the only way to get him to budge." —Thomas Aquinas

Do your homework to build depth behind your convictions. The journey to wisdom takes you from simple truths to a deeper understanding and then back to an informed simplicity that communicates depth. Be humble and fair with your facts. Statistics are only temporary snapshots in a stream of reality and far too many quotes are often taken out of context. There is value in doing your homework; it is quite another thing to tell people everything you know about a subject and call it dialogue.

"I have never been hurt by anything I didn’t say." —Calvin Coolidge

When caught off guard, take time to think before engaging in speech, sending e-mails or leaving phone messages. The real art of political dialogue is not just saying the right thing at the right moment; it is the ability to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. When you write with strong emotion, you may rally the faithful, but those who disagree with you won’t read past the first attack. Put your mind in gear before you put your tongue or your computer into action. Edit those tirades into clear statements designed to influence instead of inflame.

"It is easier to be critical than to be correct." —Benjamin Disraeli

Avoid name-calling, you statements and should talk! Instead of putting down others or their positions, share your opinions in the form of I statements— I find . . . ; I feel . . . ; I think . . . Find that assertive middle-ground where you can express opinions without demeaning those with whom you disagree. Remember, over 30 million people will probably vote for the other guy! to be President no matter what you call him.

"I tolerate with the utmost latitude the right of others to differ from me in opinion without imputing to them criminality . . . Both of our political parties, at least the honest part of them, agree conscientiously in the same object—the public good; but they differ essentially in what they deem the means of promoting that good . . . Which is right, time and experience will prove . . . With whichever opinion the body of the nation concurs, that must prevail." —Thomas Jefferson

Seek first to understand by mastering the art of listening and the use of engaging questions. Instead of imparting wisdom, too many settle for a strong wind—We blow in, blow hard, and blow out! If you’re doing all the talking, you are probably boring somebody. Master some timely questions: What are