A reader emailed me why I hinted I would vote in the Republican primary when Republicans have joined the Democrats in spending this country into oblivion.

The simple answer is damage control. I don’t want the pro-gun control and pro-choice of Giulani, the tax-raising record of Huckabee, the amnesty and anti-free speech record of McCain, the anti-free trade record of Hunter, and the universal health care of Romney.

I like the return to the original intent of the federal government and the restrictions of government spending by Dr. Paul, but I am concerned that his foreign policy of non-intervention will leave us open to attack by radical Islamists. I’m not convinced that Ahmadinejad, al Qaeda, et. al., will leave us alone if we leave them alone. Dr. Paul has argued that 9/11 and other activity was blowback for U.S. policy. For the sake of argument, let’s say it was. Those who seek to harm our country are not limiting themselves to just blowback activities, as shown in France, the Netherlands, and so forth.

My party loyalty is exhausted. Party loyalty is nonsense when the members defy their own party platform. Even President Bush has gone against his party on the issue of illegal immigration. The large political parties say they’re unified where there is no unity. I respect the principled stances of the Libertarian Party and the Constitution Party, and my general election vote won’t be “wasted” on some Republican vulture feeding on people wishing for another Ronald Reagan.