Just wanted to pop in and point something out:
You folks seem to be griping about the current state of affairs in the country and the direction of the Republican party (both of which are interrelated).
Do you not realize that parties are geared towards voting blocs rather than ideals? Do you not realize that voting for the most "electable" candidate (even though it should be obvious that nobody with an R after their name can actually win the general election)
encourages the very same drift you're lamenting?
Your vote for McCain tells the Republican party and the general electorate that you approve of his positions more than any of the other candidates; that the Republican party as a whole should be more McCain-like. But that's not really true, is it?
Can Paul win the Republican nomination? No, probably not now. Does that matter? No, not really. My vote, volunteering, and donations for Paul tell the party and electorate that I want the Republican party to be
more conservative.
There are many ways to "win" in a primary. Having the ability to point out that he's the only candidate with fervent grassroots support (I know, too fervent) and still out-raising the other guys is a victory; a signal that either one of the "electable" candidates would have more support and funding if they were more Paul-like instead of the current front-runner who is heading into ST flat broke.
Obama has learned this lesson; he recently made a statement that sounded like it came straight from Paul:
A grassroots movement of Americans has pushed this issue to the forefront. You have come together across this country. You have called upon our leaders to adhere to the Constitution. You have sent a message to the halls of power that the American people will not permit the abuse of power – and demanded that we reclaim our core values by restoring the rule of law.
-Barack Obama re. FISA
A new generation has been drawn into the party seeking offices across the country which they intend to execute in the same spirit.
This isn't just about a presidential election, it's about a movement. And it's working.
So if you haven't voted already and you support what he's about, I highly encourage you to "waste" your vote on him. If you can't bring yourself to abandon the hope that McCain or Romney can actually defeat HillBama and insist on "wasting" your vote on them instead... you can still help promote the reform of the party by donating, becoming more active and vocal in local party functions, or even running for office yourself.
I'm off. Good day, all