Uncivil War

Today's New York Times, on the Op-Ed page, features an essay by Charles Blow entitled “Election From Hell.” Tangentially he was discussing the likely match up in November, but he did so in the context of a battle for the Governorship of Louisiana in nineteen-ninety one. As he depicted the election, it was very much like the one we face – two dysfunctional candidates, Edwin Edwards and David Duke, were struggling to convince the people that they were more qualified to lead than their opponent. 

In the end there was one winner and many losers. The losers were not only the second-place candidate, but the people of Louisiana. They survived, although ultimately Edwards, the “winner,” was indicted for corruption and served time in prison for his crimes. (He was also a television personality on A & E network. It was a “reality” show.)

It's interesting that, through all his trials, Governor [Edwin – the current Governor is John Bel Edwards who is no relation] Edwards has retained his popularity among the good citizens of Louisiana.

Mr. Blow used his experience as a voter in that Gubernatorial election as a springboard to the writing of his essay, suggesting that there were multiple similarities between the two elections. Indeed, noting the unpopularity of the two current probable Presidential candidates, Mr. Blow's commentary struck a frightening chord. It will be a terrifying battle won by the lesser of the evils – the candidate less disliked – irrespective of qualifications. More frightening, however, is the possibility that Senator Sanders will find a way to gain the Democratic Party nomination. Pitting his violent mob against Mr. Trump's could well initiate a Civil War. Been there, done that. And it was ugly.

Of interest, according to Wikipedia Edwards legally changed his name to “None of the Above.” He wasn't the first to do so, but it's enough to make you think.