Kittleman: GOP must return to being a party of principle

As a lifelong Republican, one who deeply loves the United States of America and the freedoms it affords every American, it was disheartening to witness Americans stage an insurrection in the U.S. Capitol in a misaligned defense of a Republican president. Make no mistake, these actions were incited by the president himself (“House passes resolution urging Pence to oust Trump using 25th Amendment, setting up impeachment vote,” Jan. 12).

What took place in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 6, 2021, was a dark day for America, but it was perhaps even darker for Republicans. The day, including the organizing events that led up to it, were unacceptable and must be condemned. I applaud Gov. Larry Hogan for speaking out, and I join with the governor in asking President Donald Trump to resign so our nation can avoid the impeachment process and begin to heal.

The Republican Party is at a crossroads. Regardless of whether President Trump resigns, is impeached or finishes his term, he will be gone by Jan. 20. The GOP needs to recommit itself to being the party of Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan — focusing less on conservative celebrity and outrage and recenter on the party’s guiding principles of smaller government, limited regulations and freedom.

I know it may seem hard to believe after these last four years, but there are still plenty of Republicans who strongly believe in honesty, integrity and both personal and economic freedom. These guiding principles have helped bring our country through many tough times and I believe they will continue to help us now.

Allan H. Kittleman, West Friendship The writer, a Republican, served as Howard County Executive from 2014 to 2018.