[LS]

I would certainly join such a party if it reached critical mass. To those who say, "Well, it will never do so if everyone has YOUR attitude," that's not true. The Republican Party arose out of three different parties (the Liberty, the Free-soil, and the Whigs) in a matter of TWO YEARS. But the issues must be right.

Right now, the two most important issues on my agenda are 1) national security (i.e., war on terror, not necessarily BORDER PATROL, although that is important, but a much more complex issue), and 2) taxes/regulation. I do separate the "size of government" from regulation. I think you can have, unfortunately, a somewhat big government and have low regulation. Not common, but it happens. That's why W and the GOP will get my vote for the foreseeable future.

[AFPhys]

I would certainly join such a party if it reached critical mass... [nevertheless] ... W and the GOP will get my vote for the foreseeable future.

LS: I have great respect for your thought processes and attitudes about these things. Up to now, the GOP has kept pace with the right-center of the American people. If they fail to continue to follow the march rightward, a viable third party can and probably will result.

I've enjoyed the banter with all of you this morning. Sad to say, I've got to run now.