I agree with you on Kristol, but am certain Buchanan does not represent all true conservatives. See, we don't agree 100%, but more than 50%. I'd say that's a realistic average.
But for some FReepers, it must be total agreement or you're my enemy. So, I'm glad that we can talk even when we are not eye to eye on everything.
Pat Buchanan is just too narrow for my tastes. A lot is changing in the world and the U.S. can help to shape it; that is the good, even brilliant, aspect of what this administration is doing. Too many were blindsided on the ports issue, which made it an awkward and messy spectacle. It's basically over now and we need to focus on our most deadly enemies, not our most annoying ones.
I agree with the sentiment, but disagree with your characterization. The Buchanan/Perot purity test crowd aren't "Freepers," even if they do occasionally post here. And, from what I have seen, those who have disagreed with your posts on this thread hardly fall into that crowd.
And remember, Pat Buchanan was Ted Turner's idea of the "right" conservative to push via CNN in order to discredit the movement. I haven't trusted him for 20 years.