by John Grant, Hamilton
The open gash in the Ravalli County Republican Party, and beyond, is grounded in whether or not one can be a “TRUE Republican” only if one can “clear the bar” of “sufficient conservatism AND sufficient Christianity”. What is “sufficient” and in whose eyes, is either, “sufficient”? And, under what “authority” is the bar set? Party “bosses”? Pastors??
Are we to assume, once elected, Republicans candidates who adhere such an arbitrary “standard” will represent ALL constituents of their district, even those, in or out of their party, who did not vote for them??? Candidates who adhere to such “smells test” do not inspire confidence they will vote their political conscience (as we should expect) but WITHOUT stomping out required bi-partisanship that good governance depends upon for the even handed exertion of political power.
Because most of us are NOT “sufficiently conservative” (you know, like any who are not adherents to the tenets of the John Birch Society or the Freedom Caucus) OR “sufficiently Christian” (you know, like non evangelicals such as Catholics or Episcopalians), we should NOT expect to be ignored by any of our “representatives” who pursue their own extreme ideology without consideration for their constituents who reject their extremism.
For all of us who fail the “smell test” of fealty to EITHER party, vote accordingly, against any candidate who embraces such lock step, faux “loyalty”. Vote to snuff out extremism on either side of EVERY issue. Otherwise, the stench of extremism will permeate everything. It is immediately recognizable as the very same odor as an over flowing septic tank that is already in the air of authoritarianism, locally, state wide and nationally. Authoritarianism, whether cloaked in political ideology or religious ideology is still authoritarianism and is meant to eradicate anyone not “on board” with it.
As the voices on this opinion page reveal, extremism is only meant to snuff out the voice of any but the extremists. Vote against the silencing of anyone.
For the moment, the Republicans are the only party demanding an oath based on a “smell test” but as a recent Article in the Atlantic reports, the Democrats are itching to “follow the lead” and impose one on their own. Reject any such thing.
There are plenty of places to live, if it is your choice to live under authoritarianism. The U.S.A. is not one of those. A quick referencing of the Founding Fathers’s intent makes that clear.
Bill LaCroix says
They love their freedom, but they don’t love yours. That’s the philosophy of even the so-called “moderates” under the big, authoritarian Repub. tent, and we’re supposed to like it and put up their signs cuz they’re better than the Birchers?? This is getting crazy, folks, and it won’t get less crazy by ignoring the fundamentally anti-democratic world view of our local, state, and federal Republican Party operatives.
Helen Sabin says
BILL – You have done No discussion with Bedey, Binkley, Rusk, NElson or Overstreet and it shows. NOR have you ever come to a meet and greet for candidates to speak to them that have been held lately. .
There is NO comparison between the Regular Republicans who refuse to bow to the extremists wo control the party now but we will work on them being removed shortly as the elction of wittich seems to be done illegally. So hang in there and start talking to those with common sense – their names are above.
Gomez says
Helen. Are the extremists the ones who still claim that the 2020 election was stolen and praise Donald Trump no matter what he does, or are they the ones who accept that the 2020 election was fair, legal & valid and are willing to call Trump out when he acts like a wannabe tin pot king? I ask because I am willing to have honest discussions with those who base their views in reality and speak up when Trump is out of line, but will not waste my time with anyone not willing to confront that lunatic.
“A lunatic is informally defined as a person who behaves in a wildly foolish, reckless, or uncontrolled manner. While historically used to describe someone with a mental illness—a usage now considered offensive and outdated—it often serves as a slang term for crazy or dangerous behavior”
Please clarify which faction of Republicans are the extremists. Thanks.
Tracy says
I worry more about the John Birchers than I do about the RINOS.
hsabin says
The RINOS are the John Birhers. The Regular Repubicans are those who have common sense, work for their constituents and not the party bosses. But the JBSers are the wackos in the valley – you nailed them correctly Tracy.
Tommy Johnson says
Funny, they are supposed to serve their constituents, but do anything but. You are not allowed to think for yourself. You will feel and think like we do, or you do not belong.
Which party does that typically sound like?
The Ravalli County Republicans have truly turned into RINOs.