So you are a collectivist.
I see myself more as a conservative than a lockstep Republican. I won't hesitate to disagree with my own party, especially when they seem to be converging on ideology spouted by the Democratic party...like big government and high taxes....Pre-911 I used to write snail mail to my Congressmen. If I was discussing tax hikes I would enclose a small tea bag to remind them of that Party...held in Boston so long ago. Can't do that anymore. Folks might think it was a chemical agent or something. I vote Republican and register as such primarily because the Party Platform goes along with those values I hold dear. Thus far.
Tell me, if a Republican were to run who is contrary to all the issues you hold as sancrosanct, would you cast your vote for that candidate...blindly? Conversely, if a Democrat candidate appeared that did espouse all of your values as his own...and had the record to back it...would you vote for the Dem or the 'Pubbie? I for example would vote Zell Miller for President in a moment. He is a Democrat. That does not represent for me a shift in my loyalty, it represents the fact that Zell Miller represents my values and ideals as an American.
A Pubbie.