Why I Stand Where I Stand—and Why That Doesn’t Make Me Your Enemy
By: Rebecca Witherspoon, June 22, 2025
Most people would be wrong to assume they know me or my political beliefs. Some, unwilling to engage in meaningful dialogue, have labeled me a fascist, racist, right-wing extremist, anti-LGBT, transphobic, and worse. Not one of these pejorative labels is even remotely accurate.
I reject political extremes and refuse to be intimidated into silence by people who think destroying others over political disagreement is acceptable. When I identify the cowards hiding behind fake accounts (and some I already have identified) spreading lies and innuendo about me or others, I will call them out—gleefully and publicly.
I have many friends who lean left politically. We may not agree on everything, but we deeply respect one another’s viewpoints. One of my dearest friends is a staunch Democrat, and while we often disagree on policies, we have thoughtful conversations, we challenge each other respectfully, and we love each other dearly. The same goes for my daughter—a self-described socialist. We frequently engage in spirited discussions. Sometimes she sways me, sometimes I sway her, and sometimes we just agree to disagree. And when we know a topic will cause unnecessary friction, we simply choose not to “go there.” That’s how it should be—between individuals and as a society.
Here’s how I define myself politically:
- Fiscally, I am very conservative. This does not mean far-right. I advocate for limited government spending, low taxes, balanced budgets, and reducing national debt as key to a healthy and sustainable economy.
- Socially, I am very classically liberal. This does not mean leftist. I champion individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and protecting the most vulnerable members of our society as the cornerstones of a just and free society.
- I am a strict Constitutionalist. The U.S. Constitution is not a “living document.” It should be interpreted exactly as it was originally written and intended, without inferring modern meanings, judicial overreach, or expanding government powers beyond the text.
I grew up a Democrat, but often say that Jimmy Carter cured me. For most of my adult life, I’ve been an independent. I’ve voted across party lines, and I always research a candidate’s record to avoid voting for flip-floppers or people who show tendencies towards the extremes. I’m not a dyed-in-the-wool Republican and have never claimed to be—though, at present, the Republican platform aligns more closely with my values than the Democratic one.
The best comparison for my political beliefs would be a hybrid of Ross Perot and Ron Paul—with more alignment toward Perot’s platform (Paul is a bit too isolationist for me). My beliefs include:
- I support some taxpayer-funded social programs to ensure our most vulnerable citizens have access to basic necessities. But I also believe individuals should take personal responsibility for improving their own situations.
- I believe in common-sense regulations that protect people from corporate abuse, fraud, or dangerous monopolies.
- I believe those who work hard should keep the majority of what they earn. Government should be funded responsibly, focusing on essential services and infrastructure—not bloated bureaucracy or overreach.
- I believe all human life is precious and worth protecting.
- I support bodily autonomy—no government should mandate medical treatments or force individuals to ingest or inject anything without fully informed, voluntary consent.
- I believe in equal opportunity for all citizens—but outcomes should be earned, not engineered by government intervention.
- I am not an isolationist, but I oppose wars that don’t serve our national interest. I believe in peace through strength and defending our country when truly necessary.
- I passionately oppose all forms of discrimination and have no tolerance for those who disguise racist and discriminatory policies under the banner of anti-racism and anti-discrimination.
- I believe children deserve to be protected from ideologies or procedures that harm their natural development. Chopping off healthy body parts of minors under the guise of “gender affirmation” is not healthcare—it is child abuse, medical malpractice, and a crime against humanity. Children deserve space and time to discover who they are without interference. If, as adults, they still choose to pursue medical transition, that should be their decision—but never at taxpayer expense.
- I firmly oppose any sexualization of children. If you support such grooming behavior, you are the problem. If you work in education and engage in this, you should be fired, potentially prosecuted, and barred from working with children.
- “Minor-attracted persons” are pedophiles and should be kept away from children—period.
- Public education must be free of personal, religious, and political ideologies. Parental rights take precedence over school or government agendas. Parents have the right to know everything about their child’s education, and nothing should be hidden from them—ever.
- I believe in law and order. Those who commit crimes should be held accountable. Any public official who purposely makes it difficult to or opposes our law enforcement from enforcing the law and advocates for criminals and illegal aliens over the safety and wellbeing of American citizens should either be removed from office or voted out at the next election—and anyone who votes for these public officials should be ashamed of themselves.
- I believe anyone who comes to our country should do so legally. If someone crosses our border illegally, they’ve already broken our laws and must face consequences. That said, our immigration system needs reform—a legal, fair, and streamlined process must exist for those who want to contribute and assimilate. If you refuse to assimilate, perhaps this is not the place for you.
- I believe civil discourse should remain civil. Challenge ideas, not people. And I have no respect for politicians who talk sweetly while pushing policies that erode our freedoms and destroy social cohesion. I’d rather support someone who speaks plainly—even harshly—if their policies restore liberty, safety, and unity.
I could go on, but I’ll stop here.
You don’t have to agree with me. Many of my friends don’t. But in this country, we still have the right to believe what we believe, to speak our minds, and not be silenced, slandered, or destroyed because of it.
That’s what it means to live in a truly free society. And I won’t stop standing up for that.
Musings By Rebecca 