When Walter got done with his stirring speech on becoming an independent voter, complete with quotes from our Founding Fathers, there was a moment of silence; either because we were all stunned or second round drink orders were being taken.
Sam Robertson broke the silence with a simple observation.
“Walter, that’s total bullshit.”
“Sam, Sam, Sam. I am so disappointed in you,” Walter said, shaking his head. “I offer up a well-thought out and convincing argument and you respond as if you were a MAGA Republican. No substance, no substance.
“Try this on, then,” said Will Sturgill. “I just did a little googling and found out that Walter has a point. Independents outnumber Republicans and Democrats in the 2024 elections across just about every state and a lot of them were youngsters. So, Walter has a point. We have one party that is controlled by the ghosts of the Third Reich and one that can’t figure out how to win.
“But,” Will said, “as much as I agree with Walter’s numbers, I can’t see that this is the time to make the argument. As far as I am concerned the only goal is to win in the mid-terms and in the 2028 presidential election and candidates in both those years are going to come out of the existing parties.”
“True,” Walter said. “But do you know that in a lot of states if you are an independent you can’t vote in a primary? You have to accept whatever candidates emerges, and in some states believe it or not, the party actually endorses candidates in its own primary which basically gives the kiss of death to those who aren’t endorsed. Talk about putting out a ‘no vacancy’ sign on bringing in new blood!”
“He’s got a point, said Herb Stratton. “I just did some googling. There are open primaries, where anyone can show up and vote, semi-open where there are some restrictions state-by-state but independents generally can vote, and closed primaries where only registered voters can vote. Let me share with you how that plays out.
“As of this month, the Democrats have open primaries in 18 states, semi-closed in 12 and closed in 17. The Republicans have open primaries in 15 states, semi-closed in nine and closed in 23. So, I guess Democrats are a bit more open than Republicans but that still means that in roughly a third of the states independents don’t have a say in who ends up on ballots.” By the way, our state is closed.”
“You know, Walter,” Dean Etheridge said, “as it stands now the parties make elections possible. In every town and county in this country it’s party members who show up and staff the polls, serve as volunteers. Like or not, the physical structure is dependent on parties. And, those folks, and you know a lot of them, including your wife, Walter, work their butts off during campaigns. I’ve don’t know that I’ve ever seen an independent working like that, or would know one if I saw one.”
“The main thing that every political campaign in the United States demonstrates is that the politicians of all parties, despite their superficial enmities, are really members of one great brotherhood. Their principal, and indeed their sole, object is to collar public office, with all the privileges and profits that go therewith. They achieve this collaring by buying votes with other people’s money.” – H. L. Mencken
“You are correct, Dean,” Walter said. “I am not disparaging the hard work people put in. I am just say independents are growing for a reason and it’s because voters, particularly young voters if you are paying attention, don’t think parties offer one single thing that appeals to them. Today’s Republican Party is actively destroying things that young voters value most, and the Democrats can’t seem to grow a spine, go out in the street as an organized party and stand alongside protestors. Hell, I want to see them hold up a sign saying ‘I’m a Democrat and I’m not going to take this shit anymore.’ Reality, though, says that in most places the main goal of folks at the top of parties is to hang on to their place at the table. It’s not to create change or lead a charge.”
It went on for a while and when Rose came to see if we wanted a third round, things had pretty much died down. We didn’t take a vote on the issue of being an independent, but it seemed obvious Walter had stirred a pot. I decided to play moderator.
“If I could bring this to a close,” I said, “in a way befitting of a Democrat, I will say that everyone here tonight raised valid points that require further study.”
I waited for a chuckle or two and got it.
“Seriously, guys,” I said. “I agree with Walter. There is a change coming. No question voters are rejecting most of what the two parties are trying to sell. But, here’s my bottom line. We are stuck with it for the next couple of elections, and those elections are going to decide whether we will even have a country that vaguely resembles what the Founders created. So, I’m going to stick with Dems for this run. I don’t know that I will live to see a change in the system, but my kids and grandkids will. They will make the change.”
“They already are,” Walter said. Harumphing a bit as he pulled on his topcoat and slapped his hat on his head.
With that, we adjourned and made our way out into -15 wind chill. – By Sterling Fields