Actually my parents are Republican, always have been. They did teach me to think for myself however, for which I am very greatful. They also gave me "Atlas Shrugged" to read when I was a kid.
I don't despise the Republican Party. In fact, like alot of Libertarians I know, I not only voted for Bush, I contributed to his campaign. (and got on every conservative mailing list in existance..hehe) If we are disappointed with most Republicans who get elected, well, we still prefer them over the Democrats.
I wonder why you seem to despise Libertarians so much? Could it be you don't really understand what one is?
Whoa... I am sorry if I left the impression that I despise Libertarians. I do not. As a matter of fact, I have several times voted for the Libertarian candidate. And probably a full third or more of Republican office-holders absolutely nauseate me. My congresscritter is Greenwood!!
I believe in strict adherence to the US Constitution and therefore I am well aware that at least 90% of our federal government's activities are unconstitutional. The income tax and government schools are unconstitutional. Confiscation of people's money so that it may be handed over (by check or gov't "program") to other people to whom it does not belong is unconstitutional. And so forth. I understand all of this.
However, the American people blew it long, long ago with the help of the scumbag whores they elected. Extracting ourselves from the mess this country is in can never be accomplished through elections any more than 200 million heroin addicts could all stay off the junk for good while thousands of pushers are sticking it in their faces.
Therefore, pragmatism must rule the day. The Libertarian party has self destructed (or been sabotaged) by the perception that its focus is on legalizing illegal drugs. I realize that that is not what the party is all about, but it sure looks that way to the ignorant rabble, and way too many Libertarians seem happy to push that focus. It is simply a loser issue. Also, there is a smell of anarchy to the Libertarian party that comes from its seeming reliance on courts of law to settle everything. For example, the FDA and food inspection - - a baby food manufacturer screws up and accidently kills thousands of babies? Sue him. That'll teach 'em.
I also understand all the "slippery slope" arguments, but there is a place for the balancing effect of a free press on a government which takes on too many jobs, or grows too fast. The problem is that the corruption and greed of our elected officials and our "free press" is way too much to overcome. America, as originally envisioned, is dead in the water. When I watched the Congressional hearings on the IRS a few years ago and saw federal government employees testifying in the Capitol Building with voice scramblers and hoods over their heads out of fear of their federal government employers, that's when I knew that the grand experiment of the founding fathers was over.
All we can do, in my opinion, is keep pushing back, relentlessly. But it's far too late to resurrect the Constitution. That thing is history.
However, I will never stop pushing back.
Regards,
LH