Merit, Carpetbaggers, and South Dakota Politics
America gave up its allegiance to kingship, even though that is the governmental model of both the Old and New Testaments. The New World would look to a merit-based political system that transcends family lineage. This said, we still love to follow every social nuance of the British royal family, and families like the Kennedy clan seem to promise a reassuring familiarity.
In some states like South Dakota, the concept of “kingship” partially survives in choosing candidates who can claim kinship to long-rooted or “historical” families. The continuity with the past may be illusory, but who cares. The same holds for a candidate’s agricultural connections.
But perhaps merit should be championed–to the exclusion of blue-bloodedness, homestead family ties, ranching or farming, race or ethnicity, or other identities. It would enfranchise those who have come to the state for jobs or quality of life. The hitherto “advantaged” group wouldn’t be discouraged, but would be included equally under the umbrella of merit.
Of course, merit is found throughout the United States, so maybe candidates for political office can be selected from a much larger pool to run in South Dakota elections. Hilary Clinton was closely identified with Arkansas, but she was elected US senator from New York. Yes, a carpetbagger, but without the politically correct onus that associates it with raw opportunism.
South Dakota’s US senate vote is the equal of that from New York. Only two from each state regardless of the population. So what about all those capable conservatives in New York and other states who might be light years ahead of our “local” candidates? Could some be “invited” to set up shop in South Dakota so as to get on the ballot? Yes, a few rules apply, but establishing residency is easy.
What about a conservative “celebrity” from California who wouldn’t ever have a chance in ultra-liberal politics there? Might there be another Ronald Reagan who doesn’t have a chance there now? We all know that the average person will almost vote for a celebrity without question. Tom Clancy, Bruce Willis, and Mel Gibson come to mind.
And we know that in every election, nationally speaking, some excellent conservatives get nudged out. Could local party machines invite in an Allen West or JC Watts to South Dakota, for example? What’s important, of course, are the principles that must be fostered if America is to prevail.
In a recent video, “Mike” explains how mindless identity group and “47%” politics is central to the Democratic Party’s success at the ballot box. He argues that being taken for granted and ignored goes with such misguided “loyalty.” Merit, he implies, is far better than skin color as the basis for selection.
