By & large the Republican party hates anything that has to do with the "public."

That's right; because, we are not "the public," or "the masses," or, "the subject." This is America, and we are God Damn individuals. you want to be governed on mass? you want global solutions and social engineering in herds? you don't value individuality? you want homogenized thought? Then get the f#$ck out before we throw you out.