While my friend Bob Ellis and I usually agree on most things political, I was chagrined to see him pen a piece that seems out of character for someone as clear thinking and anti-establishment as him. In his article concerning the ballot measure on Open Primaries, I’m afraid we have differing views.
From the title of his article it is clear that the often-misplaced rule of “guilty by association” is in effect. While looking back at the author of measures and initiatives should certainly make one more closely investigate the contents, it shouldn’t discount clear and reasonable examination of the issue. As reasonable individuals we ought to be willing to recognize that the enemy of my enemy is not always my friend. In other words, accountability for the Republican party may come from places you don’t expect and wouldn’t necessarily side with, but that makes it neither bad nor unnecessary.
I am an independent. I have strong conservative beliefs and will defend the Reagan/Buckley brand of Republicans at every opportunity. I regularly vote Republican in most elections (except, of course, primaries where I am not allowed). Unlike Bob, however, I will not defend the Republican Party in South Dakota, nor will I agree with a continuation of its unabated corruption and disregard for the tenets of democracy.
Primary elections have been around since the early part of the 20th century. Before that the candidates were simply chosen by the parties and taken straight to the general election, but voters wanted a say in the process and primary elections were adopted across the country. In South Dakota, we have regressed to the point where elections are once again largely pre-determined by the party, dissent is squelched, and the proverbial smoke filled rooms determine the agenda, the players, and the outcome.
For a number of the beleaguered Democrats in this state, this measure may bring them hope of some opportunity to return to power, but I think this is completely mistaken. This is not an opportunity for Democrats to invade Republican primaries, it is a chance to do away with party control and labels and simply deal in the realm of ideas for a change. In the arena of ideas, conservatives always win. It is not hard to see that being a Republican in South Dakota doesn’t mean much anymore. I have to commend the Democrats for having the conviction to at least admit that they’re leftists instead of hiding behind the party that they think will get them elected, regardless of true ideology.
As well, the fear of party shenanigans in this format of open primary is simply not backed up by history. In instances where things like that have occurred, it has been in partisan primaries where the other party is free to participate, not in a truly open primary like the one proposed.
My call to conservatives who are as fed up with party politics as I am, is to approach this measure with reason and an eye to the future of this state. Let us take a step forward in returning power back into the hands of the voters and out of the clutches of party politics.
*** Nick Reid *** Friend and (normally) conservative advocate
Editors note: While my friend, Nick Reid and I usually agree on most things political, I was chagrined to see him pen a piece that seems out of character for someone as clear thinking and anti-establishment as him.
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