As most of you know, I have no use whatsoever for government. Politicians, I detest them. I have not directly participated in electoral theater in a few years. I have yet to look back. I have found freedom in my personal anarchy.

Even as I write this little post I listen to a debate amongst several local libertarians. One of them was a candidate recently – a Republican for expediency. He lost yesterday in his bid to join the corrupt and useless Columbia County, Georgia commission.

My good friend, Russell Wilder, was the only liberty-minded of the five candidates who sought the 3rd District seat. Russell is the honest owner of Top Shelf Cigars.

For personal reasons I recently vacated the county and could not have supported Rus even if I had wanted to. I did not, not caring for the race at all. I did though support and encourage my friend. He would have been a tremendous asset for the people of Evans, etc. I posit he would have been too good for the local citizenry. They got what they really wanted and what they truly deserve – crapulence.

I understand two men out of the five made the cut and will now face off in another election. Hurrah… I don’t even know who they are. Maybe they’re both worthy. Given the pitiful, short-sighted, and plain stupid political history of the area I doubt it. Again, I don’t care and whatever falls out will be just comeuppance for the voters.

These are the same people who elected a gang of thieves who foisted upon them a series of low-rent, crime-ridden apartment complexes. And, then they re-elected the officials. These being the same officials who, being bribed, allow developers to over build without the slightest concern for increased traffic or utility needs.

They are the same people who putter about with their handicapped plates, blocking all hope of speedy travel. The same who righteously preach the evils of alcohol on Sunday only to be arrested Monday for giving booze to kids on Saturday. The same who automatically favor bombing some country they could never find on a map. They complain about government waste and welfare spending as they ship their drug-addled children off to public schools and as they collect all manner of disability and other state checks. These are H.L.Mencken’s poster children.

Russell was naturally let down about his placing in the polls. Any free people around should feel similarly. Rus would have been a fresh presence of common sense, decency and freedom. But, those are not things the general public usually desires.

The man you missed; your loss.

I told Rus it was really for the best – all things happen for a reason. I analogized his loss to Boromir’s fall in The Lord of the Rings.

Boromir, a powerful, good, and noble man, was unnaturally drawn to Sauron’s illusion of power. Had he gained the Ring of Power he may have well affected great change and victory for his people. Perhaps not. Either way he would have suffered a horrible fate in the end. He would have been corrupted and ruined.

As it happened, Boromir failed in his attempt to seize power. He redeemed himself and conquered his evil temptations. The experience cost him his life but it remained his life – free and decent.

Russell’s plight is, of course, less dramatic. Still, he has been saved, through defeat, from the endless stupidity of local politics.

He may attempt public office again. He may win next time. Next time he may make a tangible difference. It will happen when or if the ordained time comes. Until then the local populace will continue to get what they get – and no less than they deserve.

Note: Yeah, I’m a little harsh in this assessment. Harsh, but honest. If you happen to live in the area and are reading this, you are obviously not the problem. I bet you do know the problem though.