A good post. Let's ponder it:
You and I are concerned about the growth of government, and taxes, the welfare state, etc. We see the sodomy stuff as less important, even if we think that the left is trying to destory our culture throught it, and even if we don't care what two men do in their own home, we don't want it pushed on our kids.
So what to make of the culture wars? We could say "screw it" and cave in - taxes and government size are more important. The other argument would be that we can't win the tax and spending war without a majoritym, and by standing up for traditional values we win congressional seats. After all, I think it is the gay marriage ban in Ohio that pushed Bush over the top in '04.
The problem, of course, is that what has happend is that that while we have done well on the culture wars and gained power from them, the GOP has been the worst spenders in history.
Does that mean that we abandon the culture wars? I don't know. They are important to me, however, I think that ultimately the size of government is the most important issue. I.E. it is a large government that not only reduces wealth, but also solidifies in everyones mind that it is ok to use the government to push personal preferences.
Take a look at Tom Delay, the once conservative hero...once W was elected he abandoned the spending and welfare issue in favor of the culture and pork issues to try to create a permenant GOP majority. The result was bad. Once he decided to retire, he turned into his old self (if you heard him on Savage the other day).
So what do we do? Do we give up the gay marriage and similar issues in order to focus on spending?
If the GOP used its power to reduce spending, I would be all for the culture wars to preserve that power.
However, the GOP has not done that. Instead, we are left with two parties: Both favor big government. mOne believes in traditional values, the other is run by a bunch of perverts.
What is the answer? I don't know.
I think the view is sickening, because at best the GOP have talked a lot of talk on the culture war while not really following through...of course there isn't any point debating with people who lack sustained argument. One could easily just make the case that the GOP perhaps has just betrayed their base altogether...not just one the side of "small government," but what really ticks me off about people like you is that you'll let the culture go down the toilet, but I someone like me want give an inch in demanding radical restructuring of government...the complete end to social welfare, the elimination of income tax...the abolishment of unconstitutional federal departments...and so forth. I think that perhaps I'm going to just try the CP party, because I'm fed up with it.