(12-21-2017 03:30 PM)tanqtonic Wrote:  But you are simply highlighting a huge bifurcation between the rank and file GOP and one that actually believes in the what the Constitution is -- a blueprint for *limited* power central government.

I cannot call myself a Republican in this day and age; too many in that organization are true believers in big government (albeit in a different way than supposed progressives) and are true believers in massive government intrusion into social issues (whereas progressives simply like massive government intrusion into economic affairs for the most part).

Just saying the implied call on the 'left' really makes no distinction with what is roundly perceived to be 'right' these days. (And just another reason why I hate the broadbrush distinctions of left/right and conservative/progressive these days.... but I digress....)

Agreed. A Republican (member of the GOP) and a republican (one who believes in the Constitution) are now two separate definitions. It's becoming rarer and rarer these days to find a republican that is also a Republican, though they're still out there. Ted Cruz is a good example. Same with Rand Paul. Marco Rubio, to some degree, also has fundamentally republican (again with a lowercase r) beliefs. (And that's just in the Senate.)