[k2blader]

Had to step out for a bit, but back to business for a bit... :-)

Bob,

"Libertarian" and "Homey" aside, let me try to rephrase the Q in a way you might understand:

Although "letting [Republicans] know you will support them through thick and thin even though you don't agree with them 100%" may "give pubs some spine" (and I'm not convinced that's even true), how does this not encourage greater unaccountability?

[Texasforever]

What do you propose republicans do about social security, Medicare, education or any other of the social programs we have when 70% of the nation is receiving benefits from at least one of them? I would posit that every family has one or more or all of its members receiving a benefit of some kind be it, Social Security, college aid, farm subsidy, mortgage interest deduction, child tax credit or something else. I would also wager that each of those would NEVER call what they are receiving a "handout". They may consider all the rest of the programs that way but not theirs.

The fact is that the only way for government to shrink under those realities is for the money to finally run out. The one thing the GOP can be counted on is to at least fight for tax reductions. It serves 2 purposes, it provides for a stronger economy and it makes less money available for all of those programs. It today's America, that is the most you can expect from any political party.

[Bob J]

Although "letting [Republicans] know you will support them through thick and thin even though you don't agree with them 100%" may "give pubs some spine" (and I'm not convinced that's even true), how does this not encourage greater unaccountability?

The only accountability any of us has is in the election booth. My suggestion that picking the best man and then supporting him while he is in office is not mutually exclusive to accountability. If he doesn't measure up or better candidate comes along, vote him out next time around.

This fixation you seem to have with accountability or the lack thereof, is quite perplexing. You claim it is not there yet it is excercised every time you enter the voting booth. Do you not vote? Is that it? I guess if one doesn't vote then yes, one would have issues with accountability. However, projecting your paranoia onto others that, as opposed to you, excercise due diligence in their citizenship, is not only unproductive, it may be harmful to your mental well being.