[CaptainHaplo]

There is no doubt that the republican party has lost its way. That is not due to the "religious right", the "second ammendment" crowd, the "constitutionalists" or "fiscal conservatives". To say that we should "toss" a group out means that we become MORE like the democrats - telling people what they must believe or accept to be part of the "club". While the left says they are all about inclusion - its inclusion only if you agree with them.

Renoldus Magnus talked about how the strength of the republican party was its diversity. By that he meant that we hold a mutual respect for the views we differ on - and find a common ground on which to push forward those ideals that we all share. This allows for open debate, true discourse, and a combined group that has a clear understanding on what fights they will fight, and why. That is NOT the republican party of today.

The reason you see the "in power" republicans within the party trying to tear down the "reformers" is because they - like so many before them - prefer power over progress. Take my state for example. Our state constitution says senatorial districts are not to divide counties. Yet the legislature (with much republican assistance) defined the districts in a way that insured a certain amount of "red" and "blue" sure thing districts - and to do that they had to divide counties. But when the matter was pursued by citizens who just want the right thing done - both parties co-operated to keep the power status quo.

Its really not a matter of taking back the republican party - or the democrat party either for many older democrats that wonder what has happened to their voices as well. Instead - its about taking back OUR country - red and blue, green and whatever colors the other parties use.

To do that requires one thing - and that is something that neither "D" nor "R" parties are willing to allow - a removal of the party system. If a person didn't have a R or D beside their name - then they would have to deal solely on issues. Get truly open ballot access and real monetary reform - and you would see a country that spoke with ONE voice on what it feels are important.

Specifically on ballot access - prove your eligible for office - and your name is on the ballot if you put yourself forward. You want to fix it so that the rich and powerful don't buy their way into office? Simple - political contributions can come from only one source - people eligible to vote in the locale/district/state that your running in. Limit the contributions of each individual to $100 or $1000 TOTAL.
So if your running for govenor of Tennessee - you cant take money from anywere but the PEOPLE of Tennessee - No "Political Action Committees" because they cannot vote. No Unions, No Corporations, No Special Interest groups. NO POLITICAL PARTY MONEY EITHER! No Federal matching funds if your running for a federal office. Only the person who goes and pulls the lever - or colors the circle or pushes the button can donate. Every donation has to include name, amount and address - so that it can be auditted for fraud. So you could give 100 bucks to a guy you like 10 times - or one 1000 dollar donation - but after that you can't give money. You could volunteer time.

Level the playing field - so that candidates are ANSWERABLE to those they vote for, not special interest groups or a specific political party.

Now - how many think that the 2 parties in question would ever really be willing to give up their power to allow the people to speak?