It’s been a while. In fact, it’s been nearly six months. Indeed, the old adage that “Time flies!” is most certainly true. For those of you who’d like an explanation as to why The Minuteman has been fairly quiet, please accept my apologies. Because I’m not going to give one. There’s a number of reasons for that. Chief among them being— it’s personal.
When I started The Minuteman in 2016, I did it with the hope of providing a truly conservative voice in a state dominated by big government politics. (Note: If you don’t think North Dakota is dominated by big government politics, then you’ve either not paid attention or you’re in denial.) For the better part of five years, we worked at “Advocating for Limited Government on the Northern Plains”. And given the limited time and resources, I can honestly say we surpassed the expectations I had in the beginning.
I’m encouraged by this reality— If we compare the limited government movement in 2016 to the one today, I truly believe we’ve made gains. The activist arm is alive and better than I ever remember it. Now, in saying that, let me be clear— I’m not claiming that this is because of The Minuteman. No way would I say such a thing. But I’d like to think that we might have contributed — at least in some small way — to it.
My father often accused me of being a pessimist. My defense was that he was just confused and didn’t understand the difference between a pessimist and a realist. So, having said that, I’d be remiss if I didn’t tell you the whole of how I feel. And the reality of the situation as a whole is this— establishment political forces not only recognize the growth of the limited government movement like I do, but they’re doing everything in their power to crush it.
As evidence of this, we could most certainly hearken back and discuss things like Governor Doug Burgum’s efforts to crush conservatives in the last election with his personal wealth and political action committee (PAC). Yet, there are forces currently at work that want to stomp out this limited government movement before it’s too late. No, we’re not talking about folks over at the Dem-NPL. It’s a given they don’t like us. Instead, I’m talking about establishment “Republicans” who want to squash conservatives. That’s the reality we’re facing here in North Dakota.
Make no mistake about it, I firmly believe we’re at a crossroads in North Dakota politics. Whichever path is taken may very well set the course for the next decade or more for our state. I know what big government can do. It’s not good for North Dakotans. And that’s what has me wondering if maybe — just maybe — it’s time for The Minuteman to make a comeback?
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