I agree with much of what you say regarding third parties. I'm a registered Democrat -- a legacy thing -- but I almost always vote Republican because they are nearest in ideology to my beliefs and it is far, far more important to marginalize the modern liberal mindset as manifest in Democrats than it is to pursue pure libertarian principles. At present, that is. However, it's important to recognize that the ideas, old or new, that catalyze the formation of new political parties, of new political constituencies, do have an influence on the major parties. Thus classic liberalism -- modern libertarianism -- is an important force is contemporary conservatism. In fact I'd argue it might be the future of conservatism, but that is a discussion for another time.
And regarding criticism of Bush. I understand that some are fearful that criticism of a number Bush Administration policy or political decisions, be they politically prudent or not, is a threat to keeping Republicans in power. All I can say is that all politicians, regardless of political stripe, are ALWAYS hugely concerned with getting elected and re-elected. It goes with the territory. All of them are prone to become detrimental 're-election machines' if they are not careful. As such they fear the electorate. If Bush's political constituency starts to make noises that he's not sticking to their principles, he will modify his decisions. Guaranteed. Fail to make any noises and Rove will turn him into a re-election machine. Thus mindless adherence to the Republican Party line, to any party's line, is ultimately anathema to the goals of that party. In other words, grumbling from the rank and file is essential to keeping the elites in line. I guarantee you the folks over at National Review are aware of this, even if numerous Freepers are not.
And regarding criticism of Bush. I understand that some are fearful that criticism of a number Bush Administration policy or political decisions, be they politically prudent or not, is a threat to keeping Republicans in power. All I can say is that all politicians, regardless of political stripe, are ALWAYS hugely concerned with getting elected and re-elected. It goes with the territory. All of them are prone to become detrimental 're-election machines' if they are not careful. As such they fear the electorate. If Bush's political constituency starts to make noises that he's not sticking to their principles, he will modify his decisions. Guaranteed. Fail to make any noises and Rove will turn him into a re-election machine. Thus mindless adherence to the Republican Party line, to any party's line, is ultimately anathema to the goals of that party. In other words, grumbling from the rank and file is essential to keeping the elites in line. I guarantee you the folks over at National Review are aware of this, even if numerous Freepers are not."Amen!" bump
As a devoted constitutionalist and conservative, I can be counted on to grumble loud and long about the GOP's current direction. But, my goal is that my grumblings combine with those of many others, in the hope that the 'elite' will finally 'get religion' on these issues.