Defense in depth only works in conventional warfare and this is a guerrilla war. A better strategy may be Gen. Petraeus’ capture and hold strategy (I’ll get back to him later). And for that, returning, or moreover, claiming state power back from the fed would work well. Imagine what a solvent state could do if it held back all income taxes except for a fair share (by population) of taxes supporting ONLY the enumerated powers. The strength of the union, as designed by the founders, was each could be an experiment for policy before extension of the policy to the entire union. Yet we ignore this to our peril- to wit, Massachusetts’ failed government health care experiment. Failed at the state level but pushed onto the national level and will have disastrous effects if not repealed.

With regard to splitting the GOP, it could be done and the time is right for it this far away from 2012. I believe, and polls somewhat bear testimony to this although not specifically asked, most Americans still favor the US Constitution. It is the one thing that could rally support to a new party and transcends existing party lines. David Petraeus could be the Gen. Washington we so badly need. And of course neither the Democrats or the GOP elect presidents without the Independents. The Constitution is a powerful weapon if used aggressively and appropriately.