Have you had enough, yet?
As the saying goes, insanity is doing the same thing over again and expecting different results. That old adage holds apparent in many regards, but never so glaring as with the world of politics. Over the last eight years, we have seen in bold detail all that can go wrong in a nation when our options for representation are hobbled and limited to only two choices. While other options exist, a strategic and hostile mission of lulling the populace into civic apathy has set the United States on its current road to perdition.
Who do we blame for stoking this fear of reason in the hearts of our people? It wasn’t always this way. We weren’t always such sheep, bleating in unison behind our partisan masters. In fact, when our Constitution was drafted in 1787, there was no mention of parties, and it stands that way, today.
"Let me warn you, in the most solemn manner, against the baneful effects of the spirit of party."
That was our first president, George Washington, warning against what he saw as the dangers of partisan politics.
Alas, by the 1800s, partisan politics had become a thing, with Thomas Jefferson leading the Democrats. Various factions, including the Whigs, and a third “anti-Mason” party, which withered away by 1840, made up the rest.
By the 1850s, the Republican Party had emerged, compiled of former Whigs, Democrats, and others, united in their anti-slavery views. It was an actual, viable third party, and by 1860, this third party introduced one of our most revered historic figures, Abraham Lincoln.
And yes, I get it. We are not a serious nation or a serious people, any longer. This isn’t a time in our history where the majority views politics on a more important scale than they do their favorite sports team, and they treat it thusly. It’s about the “winning,” and not about sound governance.
When politicians become celebrities, rather than servants of the people, you’ve lost, no matter who wins. It is unfortunate that it has been that way for a very long time, now. We are firmly in the age of the Idiocracy.
I blame the media, largely. They push the “Big Two” of partisan politics and the notion of equal time for outsiders never enters the equation.
I blame the school system for not making Civics a more important, core component of education. Teaching our Constitution, the basics of American Civics should begin in kindergarten and remain a part of school curriculum – MANDATORY – until graduation. No citizen should reach the voting age without a thorough base of study, regarding why we vote and what we’re voting to uphold.
I blame the average citizen for lacking the backbone to demand better, or to think that one person can make a difference. The defeatist thinking that one vote can’t uproot decades of partisan squabbling, all of which have done nothing but serve the interests of the politicians and their donors, rather than the citizens, themselves.
I’ve said all that, to get to this: WE NEED A CHANGE.
I walked away from partisan politics in 2016. The emergence of the cancerous, weeping tumor of Trumpism showed me just how ugly partisanship can be. It showed me that too many would see this nation burned to the ground, as long as their chosen “team” gets to plant its flag in the ashes.
There’s no way we survive, at this rate. I say this with all seriousness, but either partisanship dies or our republic dies. You cannot entertain both, due to the very nature of that particular beast. The only way to meliorate the situation is for our citizenry to stand against it, say “NO” to the entrenched interests of partisanship, and choose the “outsider.”
What I hear most from voters when I bring up this issue is, “Not now. This election is too important. Maybe next time.”
Friends, every election is too important. There will always be some looming boogeyman on the horizon. There will always be an excuse to put off taking a stand. You hear the same excuses with every election cycle.
Fear does not advance us, as a people.
Action does.
Some time ago I wrote about some of the more viable third parties that have emerged in this present age. While there are some I, as a personal choice, reject outright (looking at you, Green Party), there are others that I find more palatable. Given the current state of national politics, I’ve also suggested that beginning on the local level with pushing third parties through, along with having these third parties do the footwork between election cycles, in order to get their name/message out there, is the best way to forge a path forward. This is how we break the national stranglehold placed on us by the duopoly.
So let’s talk about state level politics. For myself, I’m in the wonderful state of North Carolina. We went purple in 2016, voting for that gilded toad, Trump, for president, and uprooting possibly the best governor our state had seen in a very long time, Republican Pat McCrory, in favor of Democrat Roy Cooper.
Cooper has served his time and those who seek to take his vacant seat are Democrat Josh Stein, our current Attorney General.
Stein is the basic Democrat, with the basic Democrat talking points. It’s more of the same – abortion rights, Obamacare, etc, and so forth. The same, rehashed arguments we’ve been seeing, the same “solutions” – throw more taxpayer money at it – that we’ve come to know and loathe with the Democrat Party.
His opponent from the Trump branch is the current Lieutenant Governor Mark Robinson. Robinson has made his name, and earned the Republican nod for candidate through a series of statements and proclamations that show him to be at peak Trumpism. To call this man a vile clown would be an insult to clowns everywhere.
He mugs and blathers, all in what I’m convinced is a cynical ploy to gain popularity with a group of people who should probably all be on federal watchlists for unamerican ideologies.
Among some of Robinson’s top despicable commentary topics: The Holocaust was a hoax. The Jews control banking, Hollywood, and other levers of power. Black voters who vote for Democrats are “slaves.” At least one comment, regarding his preferring a time before women could vote, is debatable, given the full context of the statement (He was asked to choose between a time when women couldn’t vote or a time when black citizens were swinging from trees).
Robinson is a nightmare, and were it not for his Trumpism-as-performance-art, he’d likely not be where he is today.
A couple of weeks ago, in my search for better, I reached out to Shannon Bray. Bray was a candidate on the Libertarian ticket for North Carolina governor.
On March 5, Bray lost his bid for the candidacy to Mike Ross, but it appears that he will now be joining Ross on that ticket to be the Libertarian Lt. Governor option.
I put forth six questions for candidate Bray and he was good enough to put a lot of thought and effort into answering each one. I present them here for you, with understanding that you’re not all North Carolinians, but you may know someone who is, and would benefit from this. Further, my hope is to inspire some to give real consideration into breaking away from our current partisan divide, in an effort to bring real change. Republicans nor Democrats own us. They’re not owed our vote. It should, and MUST be earned.
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“Q: Given the current state of politics, is the time right for a Libertarian Candidate?
Bray: As of October 29th, 2022, North Carolina had approximately 7.4 million registered voters. These voters were divided into three main groups:
Democrats: Representing 34% of the registered voters.
Unaffiliated: Comprising 36% of the registered voters.
Republicans: Making up 30% of the registered voters.
The unaffiliated voters hold a unique position. They have the potential to shape the political landscape of our state. By engaging directly with unaffiliated voters, both Democrats and Republicans can be influenced to address issues that matter to this group. It’s important to note that a significant portion of unaffiliated voters are of Asian and Hispanic backgrounds, and their voices deserve attention and representation.
Q: What sets you apart from your “Big Two” opponents?
Bray: My focus lies on personal freedom. While Republicans often claim to support small government, their policies often lead to government expansion. For instance, they advocate for increased military spending, border walls, and additional government agents. Libertarians, on the other hand, aim to curtail government influence.
In my view, the government should refrain from interfering in both our economic and personal lives.
Q: As [Lt.] Governor of NC, what would be your priorities at the beginning of your term?
Bray: Mike and I share common priorities: health care, education, economy, and criminal justice reform. One specific action we plan to take is pardoning non-violent offenders.
Here’s why these matters:
Reducing Prison Overcrowding: By pardoning non-violent offenders, we can ease the strain on overcrowded prisons.
Cost Savings: Fewer inmates mean lower costs for taxpayers.
Rehabilitation Focus: Instead of punishment, we aim to rehabilitate these individuals by providing job skills training and employment opportunities.
Economic Contribution: When reintegrated into society, these pardoned individuals can contribute to the economy through employment, tax payments, and support for local businesses.
Pardoning non-violent offenders benefits both individuals by offering a fresh start and society by promoting rehabilitation, reducing costs, and creating a safer community.
Q: North Carolina is a state with both deep red and deep blue pockets. How do you bridge the gap?
Bray: Closing the divide between the well-funded Uniparty (comprising Democrats and Republicans) poses challenges. Getting our messages across is tough because mainstream media often favors a specific party, and third-party candidates don’t receive equal opportunities as the duopoly.
This bias extends to our board of elections in North Carolina, where there are 100 county boards. Unfortunately, none of these boards are independent or represent third-party interests.
Q: Can you talk about jobs and income growth for North Carolina families? How do you make things better for the average NC household?
Bray: Our plan to boost jobs and income growth in North Carolina includes several key actions:
· Streamlining Regulations: We aim to simplify or remove licensing requirements that hinder business growth and investment. By doing so, we can create a more favorable environment for businesses to thrive.
· Tax Rate Reduction: Lowering both corporate and personal income tax rates will make North Carolina more attractive to businesses and encourage investment. This can lead to job creation and economic growth.
· Education Investment: We propose investing in education and vocational training programs. Additionally, we advocate for a shift in the education paradigm: instead of funding failing school systems, we believe student funding (estimated at $13,000 per student) should follow the student to the school of their choice.
· Property Rights Protection: Safeguarding property rights ensures stability and encourages investment. When property owners feel secure, they are more likely to invest in their communities.
· Free Trade Agreements: By promoting free trade agreements, we can benefit North Carolina’s exports and imports. Open markets create opportunities for both businesses and consumers.
· Healthcare Reform: Our goal is to lower healthcare costs, easing financial burdens on households. Encouraging competition and transparency within the healthcare market can lead to better outcomes for everyone.
· Welfare Program Evaluation: We will carefully assess and reform welfare programs. Our aim is to provide a safety net without discouraging work, ultimately promoting self-sufficiency and upward mobility.
These strategies collectively contribute to a stronger and more prosperous North Carolina.
Q: Finally, what can you tell us about Shannon Bray, in a nutshell, that makes you a logical choice for [Lt.] Governor of North Carolina?
Bray: As a candidate vying for the position of North Carolina lt governor, I am deeply committed to aligning my vision with the aspirations of our state’s diverse and engaged voters. Let me outline the key priorities that define my candidacy:
· Individual Liberties and Limited Government:
o I staunchly champion individual freedoms and advocate for minimal government intervention.
o Citizens should possess the autonomy to shape their lives without unnecessary bureaucratic constraints.
o By safeguarding personal liberties, we empower North Carolinians to thrive and contribute to our collective progress.
· Fiscal Responsibility:
o Irrespective of party lines, I stand resolutely against unchecked government expansion.
o Responsible fiscal management is not a mere slogan; it is an imperative.
o We must ensure that taxpayer dollars are utilized efficiently and effectively, prioritizing essential services while avoiding wasteful spending.
· Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
o I recognize the pivotal role of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving economic growth.
o As governor, I would foster an environment that encourages business development, job creation, and technological advancement.
o By nurturing a supportive ecosystem, we can unleash the potential of North Carolina’s entrepreneurs and visionaries.
· Criminal Justice Reform:
o Our criminal justice system demands urgent reform.
o I am unwavering in my commitment to address pressing issues such as prison overcrowding, outdated drug policies, and police accountability.
o Let us work collaboratively toward a fair and just system—one that rehabilitates offenders, ensures public safety, and upholds the principles of equity.
· Championing Civil Liberties:
o The bedrock of our democracy lies in safeguarding civil liberties.
o Free speech, privacy, and the right to bear arms are not negotiable; they are fundamental rights that must be protected.
o As governor, I pledge to uphold these liberties for all North Carolinians, regardless of their background or beliefs.
· A Non-Partisan Approach:
o I reject the rigid confines of party politics.
o Collaboration, pragmatism, and a willingness to find common ground are essential.
o Let us rise above divisive rhetoric and work together—Democrats, Republicans, and unaffiliated voters alike—for the betterment of our state.
My vision transcends political divisions. It centers on practical solutions that benefit every North Carolinian. Together, we can forge a stronger, more prosperous future—one that reflects the shared aspirations of our remarkable state.”
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Much appreciation to Mr. Bray for his willingness to answer these questions. This interview opens up the larger concept of voters across the nation taking a more proactive approach to learning about the other options available to them on the ballot.
Are there issues with the Libertarian platform, and those expressed by Mr. Bray that I disagree with?
Certainly, but weighed out in the balance, there’s more I can agree with than disagree with. More than that, however, is this guarantee that if we continue to vote for the same two parties that have long forgotten their role as representatives of the people and of this republic, we are doomed.
The change we need begins on the ground, with the voters. You just have to decide to get involved, then do it.
I will no longer abstain. I will not hide, but rather, I choose to be an active participant in regaining our national unity.
Good to see you return Susan. Interesting read as well and stunning to see/read a politician actually writing a position paper covering ground beyond the normal; vote for me and send me some money. I won't belabor this, but Mark Robinson is a truly scary thought in any position, let alone leading a state.
The whole third party debate has always fascinated me. We know other country's have viable multiple party systems where minorities can bond together to supersede the majority. That can also be messy and slow moving, but it may be better than the rut we are stuck in now.
I've mentioned this before and always will lament McCain's decision to choose Palin over Lieberman. From his book it sounded like the choice wasn't left to him. Would it have made a difference against Obama? Maybe, maybe not. It would have made for strange "bedfellows" and more importantly might have created a fusion of ideas and ideals we are sorely lacking today.
25 years ago, shortly before i retired there was a short-lived move for "fusion politics" to take a more prominent role moving forward. There is some history attached to it, including in NC, but it still exists in a handful of states and with limited availability. While the concept isn't the end-all-be-all, it's a step in the right direction.