Editor, The Smithfield Times:

I read with interest the letter by Joe Puglisi in last week’s Smithfield Times (“Why he’s a Democrat”).

I wholeheartedly agree with his statement that “democracy comes with the civic responsibility to be involved, now more than ever.” I also have no argument with his “guiding principles,” although I have searched and searched to find a source that spells out the beliefs of the Democratic Party of Virginia.

His “guiding principles” are lofty goals that everyone should want to see accomplished. Yet, as I read through them, there is nothing there that addresses the major concerns of many of today’s citizens: rising inflation, rising taxes, illegal immigration, government overreach in schools and businesses, rising crime, rampant politicization of our educational system, government denial of parental rights, Big Tech censorship, the drift toward socialism, government intrusion into our private lives, etc.

There are many ways to address these issues. I believe we need to start with certain fundamental principles. The Republican Party of Virginia’s set of shared beliefs, The Republican Creed, is the underlying foundation of the party. I would like to share it with you and to invite anyone of like mind to join the Isle of Wight County Republican Party.

It states:

• That the free enterprise system is the most productive supplier of human needs and economic justice.
• That all individuals are entitled to equal rights, justice and opportunities and should assume their responsibilities as citizens in a free society.
• That fiscal responsibility and budgetary restraints must be exercised at all levels of government.
• That the federal government must preserve individual liberty by observing constitutional limitations.
• That peace is best preserved through a strong national defense.
• That faith in God, as recognized by our Founding Fathers, is essential to the moral fiber of the nation.

2022 will be an important year for Virginia politics. Everyone needs to be engaged as if the life of our commonwealth and our nation depends upon it. Pay attention to upcoming elections and vote. Get involved locally with our School Board and Board of Supervisors by attending their meetings.

We are privileged to be able to be involved in our government by holding our leaders accountable through our vote, by attending Board of Supervisors and School Board meetings, and by making our voices heard on issues that are important to us.

Minette Brooks

Smithfield