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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?

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.

Honest answer is yes, although not by much. (At least in the last 8 years when the GOP has controlled all three branches.)

How much exactly?

I respect your committment to issue-orientated activism; in fact I share it. However I don't think it's enough by itself. One of the political parties is going to hold power in this country; the realist in me accepts this which is why I work to promote the LP as a viable political alternative.