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It seemed like a good idea at the time.

But seriously, I reserve the right to offer my opinion on these kinds of things to anyone who will listen. As I’m sure you do.

Anyone who followed the Mountain Guardian in its last year of publication should know that I have an opinion on everything.

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As with the Democrats, in the middle of the Republican Party division are the purely partisan ideologues who paint every issue and election as a tribal contest between the in-group and the out-group. This middle is usually bemused over internal squabbles that signal disunity in the cause of scoring points for the team. “My party right or wrong” should be their motto.

To your question about what’s left if neither of two dominant factions prevail: What’s left is that middle. However, the factions must choose to coalesce or go their own way. Faced with the prospect of organizing without the benefit of legacy party machinery, the factions will likely continue to feud over internal complexities from within the established parties and allow the middle to set priorities.

Frankly, I would like to see stronger third parties. With greater political options these opposing factions in both the Democratic and Republican parties can be brought into relief without pretending to unity. This would help the electorate clarify the political landscape and elections would more closely reflect the mood of informed voters.

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1. In what way have I badmouthed the Greens?

2. I am not a Republican and I don’t have a dog in that fight. I would welcome any number of third party candidates running for political office at any level. My vote would go to the most libertarian among them.

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I’m surprised that you would badmouth the Greens.

Doesn’t the GOP usually count on factors such as low voter turnout, psychological disenfranchisement, smear tactics, whisper campaigns and the Greens splitting the Democratic vote in order to win elections?

Seriously, if they win their lawsuit and get on the ballot in ’08, that would be a big, messy GOP wet dream come true and you know it.

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Where’s the middle?

In the local Democratic pary, as you’ve seen me write about here, there are two distinct wings that have an uneasy alliance. The progressives and the Old Guard are in a constant state of tension that has created new organizational dynamics.

How does it work in the Republican party?

I truly appreciate your coming around. I know I’m snarky as hell, but so are you. I’m genuinely interested in your perspective on the local party.

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1. You’re getting warm. Keep working at it.

2. I am flabbergasted that a partisan Democrat would find something to admire about the socialist Green Party.

3. No, I have not spoken with Mr. Armor.

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I’m all for multiple parties by the way. The local Greens are a great bunch of folks. John Armor knows a lot about ballot access for third parties. Have you spoken with him. He’s from the north, but he’s legal. So it’s o.k. to talk to him.

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1. Your assertion that I am anti-immigrant would be greatly bolstered by providing some evidence to that effect.

2. Yes, Mr. Harrison should have quit. The BCGOP is in a divisive state that is reflective of a national trend: The religious moralists vs. the libertarian-leaning. Locally, the party is not in a position to be mended. When it has brought itself to that state then I would recommend that someone of Mr. Harrison’s caliber step forward. Until then I predict nothing but floundering. Why should Mr. Harrison be expected to stay on as captain of the Titanic?

“Also, are you saying that Theocrats are running the Buncombe County Republican Party? Who?”

No, the theocrats are not running the BCGOP; much to their smoldering dismay. We will have to see if they prevail. I think they should not. The theocrats are dismissive and intolerant. Their ascendancy will narrow the ranks into a cohesive minority making the call for a strong third party audible.

Some say that the Republican Party should become more conservative. As a libertarian, I think that the party should become more republican — as clearly stated by John Lewis:

http://theobjectivestandard.com/blog/2006/12/open-letter-to-republicans.asp

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Aside from Bob Dole, of course.

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I love that you come to visit.

Your anti-immigrant views aside, is it your assertion that Mr. Harrison ought to have quit rather than working to mend the county Party?

From my infallible perch atop blogtopia it seems to me that taking the job of Chair implies a certain amount of dissension, abuse, and discord. Why else would one accept the position if not to put together that which has been torn asunder?

Also, are you saying that Theocrats are running the Buncombe County Republican Party? Who?

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2. Tim Peck still supports Mike Harrison, a libertarian Republican. In his absence, I can find no one to support who is willing to take direct or implied abuse from the theocrat Republicans who harassed and intimidated him into resigning. I’m glad he took the high road and my respect for his sense of judgment consequently is increased.

There is indeed a leadership vacuum in the ranks of local Republicans and I am happy to leave it to them to fill it as they see fit. My further support will depend on which faction gains ascendancy.

As a libertarian myself, I am eager to find those principles manifest in any local political endeavors. At present, I am hard pressed to find them in either of the dominant parties. That is why I belong to neither.

In the meantime, I’m sure that Mr. Harrison will prefer fighting bass in a Tennessee river than bigots in an Asheville restaurant.

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