Clingin' on For Life

Lyn Nofziger's take on the Republican Party:

"[M]y big complaint about the Republican Party, of which I am a reluctant member, is that I think Republican office holders in general have become too much like Democrats. Like them, we are a party of big government, of too many rules, regulations and laws that intrude deeply and unnecessarily into our lives. We rely on government instead of on ourselves. We've come to believe that government has an obligation to look after us and take care of us, and lay down rules for living our personal lives. Like the Dems, we are big spenders; in fact, we are becoming even bigger spenders than they are. In truth there is hardly a dime's worth of difference between the two parties and, in equal truth, a lot of people like it that way, especially as it pertains to the Congress. They have this nonsensical idea that if a majority in both parties agree on a law it automatically is a good law. I give you Prohibition as an example."

This is a pretty accurate description of contemporary Republican realities. My question is: If you actually believe all of the above, why remain a member of the party? Its devolution into a pale image of its former self certainly inspires no loyalty. The Democrats are gonzo, and the Republicans are what the Dems used to be. During the Protestant Reformation, many decried the negative effects of "mechanical Christianity." They saw this as going through the motions and choosing the lesser of two evils, the greater being paganism. Likewise, mechanical Republicanism--that is, voting GOP for pragmatic reasons--needs a serious reality check. I mean no offense, but ask yourselves these questions: If both major parties are failing us and shirking their duties, even blatantly defying their own stated principles, why not vote third party? Even if your candidate loses, haven't you sent a relevant message? I know some believe this is a wasted vote; and to a degree, I understand their concern. But if no one ever votes third party--hovering always within the safe confines of bifactionalism--how do we ever make a change for the better?