Likewise I'm not familiar with the Penn. situation however I must ask you this: when you do the math in terms of what the GOP has given you through tax cuts, less regulation etc. in some areas and compare it to what they have taken from you in other areas do you really come out ahead? Take a long hard look at what their agenda has really accomplished at both the state and federal level; sure they cut SOME taxes and reduce SOME regulations (one could argue the Democrats do the same in other areas) but my contention is they give with one hand and take with the other, so you really don't make any progress at all.
In fact you actually LOSE ground when you add up the programs like the War On Drugs that both parties support. The costs of that war (like the Democrats' war on business) are passed on to each and every one of us, whether we use drugs or not.
Contrary to both parties' anti-drug propaganda they are not protecting us from the ravages of drug abuse. The black market their War On Drugs has created costs us an incredible amount of money and of course even more in terms of lost freedom. This is why the Libertarian Party emphasize the decriminalization of drugs as much as it does, and I believe should continue to do. Contrary to conventional wisdom this is our best wedge issue to use against both parties since both are equally to blame for the War On Drugs. Democrats have an (unearned) reputation for being more sympathetic to personal freedom while Republicans have an (equally unearned) reputation for being sympathetic to economic freedom. In truth, Democrats have little use for personal freedom outside of the abortion issue which is not an example of personal freedom anyway since it involves taking an innocent life, the ultimate deprivation of that unborn child's freedom. Republicans are equally contemptous of economic freedom as they bestow lavish subsidies and tax breaks on favored industries while helping them restrict competition. The success of both parties has a lot more to do with fear and disinformation than with principle.
Both are masters at controlling various interest groups by doling out political favors, making each group think they're getting something for their constituents when in reality these people would do a lot better for themselves with a Libertarian government. Then they wouldn't have to waste so much time, money and energy keeping the other guy (Christians vs. gay rights activists, blacks vs. whites, rich vs. poor) from using government power against them. It is not the abuse of government power but the power to abuse that is the problem for these groups and ultimately all of us.
Honest answer is yes, although not by much. (At least in the last 8 years when the GOP has controlled all three branches.)
Take a long hard look at what their agenda has really accomplished at both the state and federal level;
The Republicans held the House and Senate in DC between 1995 and 2002. The conservatives controlled the Republican caucas and were able to get some fairly good people in high ranking positions such as Delay and Armey. They never, however, held a majority. Country club Pubs and Dems combined to defeat many issues near and dear to both our hearts.
I think good people have much influence in the GOP which is why I'm reluctant to abandon them for something new.
Maybe, more significantly there is something very evil in Washington. I strongly suspect Gingrich was subject to blackmail. Certainly Livingstone was. I don't know that Libertarians would be less immune to corruption. On another thread I posted the dictionary definition of liberal." Check it out. It will make you depressed. If the leftists, socialists, authoritarian types can co-opt this very nobel word (which, as defined, is fairly synonymous with your beliefs) they can do the same with "libertarian."
In fact you actually LOSE ground when you add up the programs like the War On Drugs . . .
I understand the arguments and know that Buckley and Friedman are both harsh critics of WOD, and I'm not unsympathetic to your views. On the other hand, drug abuse is very bad. I would not want to encourage my worst enemy to abuse drugs. I suspect you generally feel the same way. There is a perception that Libertarians want to encourage recreational drug usage. The more sucessful Libertarians -- think Ron Paul -- have emphasized an anti-drug stand while maintaining their principles concerning individual liberty.
Both are masters at controlling various interest groups by doling out political favors
My own cynical belief is that any group who gets power will ultimately be corrupted. That's why I have more interest in advancing specific issues such as abortion restrictions, school choice and term limits rather than a particular party.
I certainly wish you well and in no way think you are a traitor to any cause.