Introduction

           Because Americans are a diverse and tolerant people, they have differences of
      opinion on many issues. But as a people, we share a common dream and common
      goals:

           A strong America that protects its citizens and champions their democratic ideals
      throughout the world,

           An America with a vibrant and growing economy that improves the standard of
      living for all,

           An America with a smaller, more effective and less intrusive government that trusts
      its people to decide what is best for them,

           An America whose people feel safe and secure in their homes, on their streets, and
      in their communities,

           An America where our children receive the best education in the world and learn
      the values like decency and responsibility that made this country great,

           And an America with the compassion to care for those who cannot care for
      themselves.

           Principles

              1.   Because the American Dream fulfills the promise of liberty, we believe it
      should be attainable by all through more and secure jobs, home ownership, personal
      security, and education that meets the challenges of the century ahead.

              2.   Because a dynamic and growing economy is the best way to create more and
      better paying jobs, with greater security in the work place, we believe in lower taxes
      within a simpler tax system, in tandem with fair and open trade and a balanced federal
      budget.

              3.   Because wasteful government spending and over-regulation, fueled by
      higher taxes, are the greatest obstacles to job creation and economic growth, we
      believe in a Balanced Budget Amendment to the Constitution and a common-sense
      approach to government rules and red tape.

              4.   Because we recognize our obligation to foster hope and opportunity for
      those unable to care for themselves, we believe in welfare reform that eliminates
      waste, fraud and abuse; requires work from those who are capable; limits time on
      public assistance; discourages illegitimacy; and reduces the burden on the taxpayers.

              5.   Because all Americans have the right to be safe in their homes, on their
      streets, and in their communities, we believe in tough law enforcement, especially
      against juvenile crime and the drug traffic, with stiff penalties, no loopholes, and
      judges who respect the rights of law-abiding Americans.

              6.   Because institutions like the family are the backbone of a healthy society, we
      believe government must support the rights of the family; and recognizing within our
      own ranks different approaches toward our common goal, we reaffirm respect for the
      sanctity of human life.

              7.   Because our children need and are entitled to the best education in the world,
      we believe in parental involvement and family choice in schooling, teacher authority
      and accountability, more control to local school boards, and emphasis upon the basics
      of learning in safe classrooms.

              8.   Because older Americans have built our past and direct us, in wisdom and
      experience, toward the future, we believe we must meet our nation's commitments to
      them by preserving and protecting Medicare and Social Security.

              9.   Because a good society rests on an ethical foundation, we believe families,
      communities, and religious institutions can best teach the American values of honesty,
      responsibility, hard work, compassion, and mutual respect.

             10.  Because our country's greatest strength is its people, not its government, we
      believe today's government is too large and intrusive and does too many things the
      people could do better for themselves.

             11.  Because we trust our fellow Americans, rather than centralized government,
      we believe the people, acting through their State and local elected officials, should
      have control over programs like education and welfare - thereby pushing power away
      from official Washington and returning it to the people in their communities and
      states.

             12.  Because we view the careful development of our country's natural resources
      as stewardship of creation, we believe property rights must be honored in our efforts
      to restore, protect, and enhance the environment for the generations to come.

             13.  Because we are all one America, we oppose discrimination. We believe in the
      equality of all people before the law and that individuals should be judged by their
      ability rather than their race, creed, or disability.

             14.  Because this is a difficult and dangerous world, we believe that peace can be
      assured only through strength, that a strong national defense is necessary to protect
      America at home and secure its interests abroad, and that we must restore leadership
      and character to the presidency as the best way to restore America's leadership and
      credibility throughout the world.