I still consider myself “Republican” and vote straight Republican every time, but I think our little party is ineffective, embarrassing, and as useless as a one-legged clothespin. A loyal Democrat will vote straight Democrat but never disparage his party.
I don’t disagree with you, and vote for true conservatives in the primaries, and occasionally vote for a 3rd party, when both the Republican and Dem candidate are equally liberal, particularly on the social issues, and make it to the General Election.