The political activism you call for must actualy result in something beyond self-congratualtions, and by wielding the power of party (a party transformed to a large part, but not a perfect part) we could actually have real reform.
I, also, long for the days when the fight against the factionalism of Clintonism united us all in common purpose, but time doesn't stand still. It made for an interesting and varied fellowship, didn't it?
In your call to "work for the prize" we must all examine ourselves. Lord knows, I've tried and I hope it sometimes shows. I posted long ago:
Rant cannot restore the Republic; Party can. Each of us should examine where we as individual actors in the restoration of constituional deliberative democracy are limited by ideology or craven pragmatism. Let us compete amongst ourselves by showing who can post their Battle Flag higher up the slope of the New Left's Little Round Top. Put down your swords when speaking to your brothers and sisters.I will grant that you always make the effort to make the arguement, and for that I applaud your fairness. But I have always seen the prudent course to be the capture of the Republican Party along with a reinterpretation of its vision along conservative principles.
In that journey I never feel less than enriched by your contributions. The stew must have its bay leaf, I always say.
Unfortunately, I see no evidence of this.
Party is eroding Republic yet further.