Two distinct groups, two clear paths

If you wanted a perfect snapshot showing the precise difference between constructive Republicans and destructive make-believe Republicans, you got it Wednesday afternoon at the Coeur d’Alene library.

As a press conference unveiling a new group called North Idaho Republicans was wrapping up, a large man with red shorts and a big poster stepped in front of the group and refused to move.

His “colleagues,” to use a polite word, attempted to grill the North Idaho Republicans gathered at the front of the room. But it was a press conference, not a town hall or social gathering, so organizers concluded the session after media members had asked their questions. The disrupters didn’t care for that at all.

To rewind the tape: One group of people — most easily recognizable as dozens of longtime civic leaders — conducted a respectful, organized, brief press conference to explain who they are and what they’re doing.

The other group just couldn’t let the North Idaho Republicans introduce themselves in peace. Following the playbook of far-right extremists attempting to dominate North Idaho politics and far-left extremists elsewhere — it’s by no means an original playbook — antagonism, disrespect and chaos were their weapons of choice. Another word for that is anarchy.

If you really want to understand what’s happening, here it is: One side is struggling for leadership; the other for power. And so far, the power grabbers are winning.

North Idaho Republicans acknowledge that there’s too much distance between them and the head start gained by the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee over the past 10 years. The central committee, hijacked by Libertarians, Constitution Party members, John Birch Society acolytes and others, are likely to dominate local elections for some time because of that head start and the effectiveness of their strategy to convince unsuspecting Republicans that the committee represents them.

So back to the snapshot. If you consider yourself a Republican, which of the two groups best represents your approach to solving today’s problems? Respectful discussion and cooperation or antagonism and disruption?

Observe any of the assorted mob scenes around us. If their strategy built on intimidation and powered by the threat of potential violence floats your political boat, why, you'd probably be welcomed by the local central committee.

But for Republicans who think consideration and compromise are cornerstones of getting things done, that supporting societal pillars like public health and education is a blessing and a responsibility, and that the ultimate goal is to be a force for good, there's room for you in the big tent. See: www.northidahorepublicans.org