People of firm conviction are generally a noble group. Like any group, they occasionally have an individual whose behavior doesn't reflect well on the rest.
I'd rather have people of 'inconvenient' convictions working with me, than people whose only conviction is getting power. The professional political class often exploit all of us.
Ultimately it is the strength of convictions which bring the strongest reforms. The folks who brought the American Revolution were a very small and radical minority, at first.
The Republican party has generally adopted all the principles of the "Liberty Wing". So there isn't a mainstream rejection among the party base. It's the Republican elected officials who often violate the party principles.
As a known 'Social Conservative" I have found so much common ground with noble people in the Liberty Wing. We work hard together. I go to rallies they organize. They even seek my perspective so as to grow and relate to the rest of the conservative movement.
Often, a few of them make the mistaken notion that they are the only sect which truly believes in Liberty. I have to assert to them that Liberty Lovers exist throughout the broader conservative movement. The fact that James Dobson focuses so much effort on family-friendly policies, doesn't mean he isn't also passionate about restoring a solid monetary policy and ending the UN's influence in our American public policy & law.
The most difficult group to find consensus with might be those who gain monetarily from political connections. Money does corrupt and good leaders must be ever vigilant against it's power to hijack their initial values. But those who fall under the spell of power or money are no better than a band of pirates masquerading as an incumbents club. The Republican base must continually watch out for these instances and also be careful not to replace a bad leader with one who's worse.
We have before us a great opportunity for a political 'flanking maneuver'. We can limit big government and oppressive socialism by working as Liberty-Loving, Socially Conscious, Restorers of Prosperity.
A huge challenge for any movement is to acquire the money needed to advance an agenda. Some of those willing to fund a campaign are really just trying to leverage a greater personal kickback through the access their money gives them. We cannot allow them to hijack our nation's survival. But there are many good people of significant means who are looking for worthy messengers of reform. They love the nation and have hopes for her better future.
