Who is the real Republican Party? Look at how it governs

A political party is defined by the governing philosophy, values, policies and actions of its leaders and members.

How would you define the Missouri Republican Party? The national Republican Party?

One could argue that the behavior we are witnessing on the national stage is an extreme manifestation — not who the Republican Party really is. Or one could conclude that how President Trump operates, and how the Republican-controlled Congress and state governments capitulate and abdicate their constitutional responsibilities , reflects what the Republican Party has actually become.

The behavior of Republican lawmakers in Jefferson City and in Washington is similar in many ways , differing more in degree than in kind.

Consider the tendency to promote the welfare of the wealthiest at the expense of the working class and the poor.

Republicans in the U.S. Congress passed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” with massive tax cuts that deliver major benefits tothe rich while cutting funding, eliminating programs , or putting constraints on programs — Medicaid, education, Social Security and affordable health care — that benefit the working class, the poor and seniors.

In Missouri, as the state’s record surplus has been depleted, Republican lawmakers are eagerly pushing a constitutional amendment that would phase out the state income tax. If they succeed, who would most benefit? The wealthiest Missourians.

If they increase the sales tax on goods and services to make up for the tremendous loss in revenue as a result of eliminating the income tax, who will bear the heaviest burden? The working class and the poor.

At the federal and state levels, who is the GOP working for — who and what determine their policy priorities?

Another part of the Big Beautiful Bill is the elimination of the Department of Education and many of the programs that would benefit K-12 and higher education. Most recently, a program that would have provided relief in how student loans are repaid is being eliminated. Who is likely to have student loans to get through college or other advanced training? Children of working-class and poor families**.**

In Missouri, lawmakers are considering a bill to overhaul higher education by allocating more funding for community colleges and four-year colleges to meet the needs of more students. Will it survive and be passed into law?

State lawmakers, once again, have failed to fully fund public schools in accordance with the state foundation formula, and basic transportation needs for school districts are not adequately funded.

But it doesn’t stop there.

At the national level, where do the needs of America’s children fit on the list of legislative priorities?

What’s in the Big Beautiful Bill for them?

We see the negative impact on poor and low-income children based on the changes in Medicaid benefits and funding, reduced access to affordable healthcare services, and the cuts and elimination of educational programs and resources at every level of our education system.

The same question can be asked of Missouri lawmakers.

So far during this legislative session, lawmakers have failed to restore millions of dollars in cuts to programs that provide childcare for low-income and foster children. Failure to fund these programs has a ripple effect on how participating childcare providers are able, or unable, to operate.

More importantly, our most vulnerable, deprived and at-risk children are denied access to needed care and developmental programs that would improve their well-being and readiness as they prepare to enter grade school. Poor working parents are denied the support they need to keep their jobs while trying to improve their overall quality of life.

No party is perfect or can boast of a stellar history. But both the Republican and Democratic parties can point to records of leadership they are proud of — that counted and were pivotal during defining moments in the state’s and America’s history.

What made the difference?

The leaders of both parties put the well-being, the future of the state, the country and their citizens first.

A broader but just as important question is: In addition to the future of our state, do we care about where our country is headed?

The presidency, U.S. Senate, House of Representatives, and the majority of state governorships and legislatures are controlled currently by the Republican Party.

But who is the Republican Party?

Is it a party of one?

At critical periods in the history of this country, the Republican Party was identified by the noble deeds of its leaders. It was once known as the party of Lincoln, and most recently, the party of Reagan — all because of the acts and policies that were proposed, pursued and advanced on behalf of the welfare of the country.

What does the Republican Party of today stand for?

What are its guiding principles, values?

These are questions not only every Republican must take time to think about and answer. We all must.

As Missourians and Americans — Republicans, Democrats, independents or the non-affiliated — do you find the current Republican leadership, direction and actions acceptable? Are you happy, satisfied or proud of where the GOP is leading this country domestically and internationally?

While what is going on in our state hits closest to home, we cannot afford to ignore the country of which we are also apart. Our image, reputation, position in the world and overall quality of life are inextricably tied.

Many fellow Missourians and Americans before us confronted defining moments that required them to look within andtake a stand on what they wanted their future state and country to be.

Irrespective of party affiliation or none, now is our time to stand up.