It's NOT Your Father's GOP
The Grand Old Party (GOP), also known as the Republican Party, was once a political force.
Growing up as an only child in Appalachia was a unique experience that shaped who I am today. The rugged beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, with their rolling hills, dense forests, and clear streams, was the backdrop of my childhood. I was surrounded by a close-knit community of family and friends who taught me the values of hard work, self-sufficiency, and resilience.
One of the most memorable experiences from my childhood was spending time with neighbors who were more like grandparents. They lived in a small, rural community called Thomastown and lived off the land, growing their own food, hunting for game, and fishing in the nearby streams. They taught me how to hunt and fish, and how to preserve the food that we caught. I learned about the importance of taking care of the land and the resources it provided. These lessons have stayed with me to this day, and I try to live by them in my own life.
Another defining aspect of growing up in Appalachia was the closeness of the community. People looked out for one another and were always willing to lend a helping hand. I was fortunate to have many friends who were like family to me, and we spent our days exploring the woods, fishing in the streams, and playing in the fields. We were always up for an adventure, and there was never a shortage of fun to be had.
Growing up as an only child in Appalachia taught me the value of self-reliance. There were times when I had to find creative ways to entertain myself, and I learned to be resourceful and independent. I developed a love for reading, and I spent many hours lost in the pages of books, discovering new worlds and cultures. I also took up art and writing, and these creative outlets became an important part of my life.
In conclusion, growing up as an only child in Appalachia was a unique and formative experience that has shaped who I am today. I am grateful for the close-knit community, the beauty of the landscape, and the values of hard work, self-sufficiency, and resilience that were instilled in me. These experiences have provided me with a strong foundation for life, and I will always carry with me the memories and lessons learned from my childhood in the Appalachian Mountains.
once a political force
The Grand Old Party (GOP), also known as the Republican Party, was once a political force that represented the ideals of conservative Americans. However, in recent years, the GOP has undergone significant changes and many argue that it is no longer the same party it once was. This article will explore why the GOP of the past has disappeared and what this means for the future of American politics.
First, it is important to understand what the GOP represented in the past. The party was founded in 1854 with the primary goal of opposing the spread of slavery. Over time, the party became known for its conservative ideology, advocating for limited government intervention, individual responsibility, and free market capitalism. In the mid-20th century, the GOP shifted towards a more moderate stance, promoting a strong national defense and supporting civil rights legislation.
the GOP of today is far different
However, the GOP of today is far different from the party of the past. In recent decades, the party has become increasingly extreme and divisive, driven by a small but vocal minority that has pushed the party to the right. This has resulted in a party that is more focused on polarizing issues such as immigration and social issues, rather than promoting a broader conservative ideology.
Another factor contributing to the decline of the GOP is the rise of Donald Trump. The former president's unorthodox approach to politics and his willingness to embrace conspiracy theories and misinformation has fundamentally changed the Republican Party. He has been accused of dividing the country and promoting a culture of hate, leading many moderate Republicans to leave the party.
Additionally, the GOP's stance on important issues such as climate change and healthcare has also changed. While the party was once focused on fiscal responsibility and limited government intervention, it has now become a party that denies scientific facts and actively works to undermine efforts to address critical issues such as climate change.
The GOP of the past has disappeared due to a combination of factors, including the rise of extremism and divisiveness, the influence of Donald Trump, and a shift away from traditional conservative principles. This has resulted in a party that is unrecognizable from its roots and has left many Americans feeling disillusioned and frustrated. The future of the GOP remains uncertain, but it is clear that the party must return to its core principles and find a way to unite the country if it hopes to remain relevant in American politics.
In Conclusion
Growing up in Appalachia in the 1960s was a unique experience characterized by close-knit communities, strong family values, and a deep connection to the land. Many families lived in small towns or rural areas and relied on farming, mining, or logging for their livelihoods. Life was often simple, with a focus on self-sufficiency and hard work. However, poverty and limited access to resources and opportunities were also prevalent, creating challenges for many residents. Despite these difficulties, the people of Appalachia were known for their resilience, generosity, and strong sense of community.
The Republican Party has undergone a major transformation over the past 50 years, from an ideologically diverse coalition of fiscal conservatives, social conservatives and libertarians to a party that is more strictly aligned with the views of the religious right. As the Republican Party moves forward in the coming years, it will need to reconcile the views of its different factions and decide what kind of party it wants to be.
Jerry Nelson is an American writer living the expat life in Buenos Aires. Some of the adventures Jerry has enjoyed, he jumped into the ocean from the flight deck of an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Aden, cut off a goat's balls as part of a mating ritual in Indonesia, raced a NASCAR around the oval in Charlotte, created a small coin purse out of live Tarantulas in Australia's outback, spent six-weeks with the Sinaloa cartel along the U.S./Mexican border and sailed a 16th century schooner through the sound and into the open ocean.
Never far from his coffee and Marlboros, Jerry is always glad to discuss future working opportunities. Email him at [email protected] and join the quarter-million who follow him on Twitter.
About the Creator
Jerry Nelson
Jerry Nelson is an American writer living the expat life in Argentina and winner of the Revi 2021 Reader Award.
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Europe and South America Seal a Trade Pact for the Trump Era
A Deal Decades in the Making After more than two decades of negotiations, Europe and South America have finally moved closer to sealing one of the world’s largest trade agreements: the EU–Mercosur pact. Covering the European Union and the Mercosur bloc—Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay—the agreement represents a market of nearly 780 million people. But what makes this moment especially significant is timing. The deal is being framed, openly and strategically, as preparation for a potential return of Donald Trump-era trade policies. In a world where tariffs, trade wars, and “America First” rhetoric reshaped global commerce, Europe and South America are signaling that they want stability, predictability, and diversification—before geopolitical shocks force their hand again. Why the Trump Era Still Shapes Global Trade Even years after leaving office, Donald Trump’s approach to trade continues to influence global economic planning. 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In return, Mercosur countries would benefit from easier entry for agricultural exports such as beef, soy, sugar, and poultry into Europe. Beyond tariffs, the pact includes provisions on: Rules of origin, making it easier for businesses to qualify for preferential treatment Public procurement, opening government contracts to foreign companies Intellectual property protections, important for European brands Sustainable development commitments, including labor rights and environmental standards Supporters argue that this combination creates a modern, rules-based trade framework that strengthens both regions economically and politically. The Environmental and Political Backlash Despite its economic promise, the agreement remains controversial—especially in Europe. Environmental groups and some EU member states argue that increased agricultural exports from South America could accelerate deforestation in the Amazon. French farmers, in particular, fear being undercut by cheaper South American beef produced under looser environmental and animal welfare standards. These concerns stalled ratification for years. What has changed now is political urgency. European leaders increasingly view the pact as a strategic necessity, even if it requires side agreements, enforcement mechanisms, or sustainability add-ons to address critics. In short, geopolitical pressure is outweighing political hesitation. South America’s Strategic Calculation For Mercosur nations, the deal is about more than trade—it’s about relevance. South America has often found itself caught between major powers: the United States, China, and the European Union. By deepening ties with Europe, Mercosur countries gain leverage, diversification, and access to technology and investment. Brazil, the bloc’s largest economy, sees the pact as a way to modernize its industrial base and attract European capital. Argentina, struggling with inflation and debt, hopes expanded exports will stabilize its economy. Smaller members like Uruguay and Paraguay view the agreement as a gateway to global markets they otherwise struggle to reach. Importantly, the pact also reduces overreliance on China, which has become South America’s dominant trading partner over the past decade. A Message to Washington While no official statement names the United States, the message is unmistakable. Europe and South America are preparing for a world where U.S. trade policy may once again turn inward. By locking in long-term access to each other’s markets, they are insulating themselves from sudden tariff shocks or political bargaining. This doesn’t mean cutting ties with the U.S.—far from it. Instead, it reflects a broader shift toward a multipolar trade system, where regions rely less on a single economic superpower. If Trump-era policies return, Washington may find that its traditional partners have already adapted. 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For governments, it offers a template for balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. And for the global system, it represents a quiet but firm pushback against trade isolationism. Final Thoughts Europe and South America sealing a trade pact for the Trump era is not about the past—it’s about the future. It reflects a world learning from recent disruptions and choosing cooperation over confrontation. Whether the agreement lives up to its promise will depend on enforcement, trust, and political will. But one thing is clear: as uncertainty looms, regions are no longer waiting to react. They are preparing in advance—and reshaping global trade without asking Washington for permission.
By Muhammad Hassana day ago in The Swamp
Comments (1)
Great article from someone who longs for the republican party I once knew.