I was pretty shocked when I came across the Republican Oath. I mean, I grew up a Republican, but I've been voting Democrat ever since George "Mission Accomplished" Bush ran for president the first time. His way-too-far-right, religious zealotry, general ignorance and incompetence forced me Left—onto the side of the people who insist that pet owners be called..."Pet Guardians." Still, this oath makes me wonder who killed the real GOP.

During the next eight years, I completely forgot what being a real Republican was—George W. had "gotten religion," hijacked the Republican brand and driven it straight off a cliff like a drunken coke-head.

Then, today, I come across this blast from the past. Shockingly, at some point in its past the Republican Party believed the following:

I believe that the proper function of government is to do for the people those things that have to be done but cannot be done, or cannot be done as well by individuals, and that the most effective government is government closest to the people.

I believe that good government is based on the individual and that each person’s ability, dignity, freedom and responsibility must be honored and recognized.

I believe that free enterprise and encouragement of individual initiative and incentive have given this nation an economic system second to none.

I believe that sound money policy should be our goal.

I believe in equal rights and equal opportunity for all, regardless of race, creed, age, sex or national origin. I believe that persons with disabilities should be afforded equal rights, equal justice and equal opportunities as well.

I believe we must retain those principles worth retaining, yet always be receptive to new ideas with an outlook broad enough to accommodate thoughtful change and varying points of view.

I believe that Americans value and should preserve their feeling of national strength and pride, and at the same time share with people everywhere a desire for peace and freedom and the extension of human rights throughout the world.

Finally, I believe that the Republican Party is the best vehicle for translating these ideals into positive and successful principles of government.

Funny that it doesn't say anything about preemptive war, Christianity, marriage or record deficit spending—it's amazing what just one corrupt Republican administration can do to erase people's memories. It's almost like today's Republicans never even read that oath, let alone swore to uphold it.

Here's hoping that GOP can follow in Congressman Ron Paul's footsteps to find its way back to its real core values and not just rely on homophobia, corporate fascism and FOX News distortions and propaganda to get re-elected.