Let's continue down the road a bit, shall we?

There seem to be 3 starting scenarios worth evaluating:

1. GOP fractures, leaving the extremist right-wing nut-jobs in control of the party apparatus.

2. GOP fractures, and the extremist right-wing nut-jobs in abandon the party to create their own party (which they might call the National Socialist Party or the KKK, for example... or maybe even just "The Fascists").

3. Time passes and some degree of calm returns, allowing the party to remain intact, as it is (or has been, of late).

I think alternative 1 is a mixed bag. I am pleased that the GOP may suffer serious setbacks and end up completely marginalized because they are overrun by whackos, but those "moderate" Republicans will be looking for a home, and they just may decide to move on into the Democratic Party. Such an outcome would likely cause the Democratic Party to begin steering more to the right.

Now... is that a bad thing? Well... YES... no need to explain why... but it would probably stimulate more political evolution. Specifically, the Progressives in the Democratic Party would probably decide, under those circumstances, that the party was going to be so hopelessly lost in the pro-business world of corporate personhood that the best option would be to leave the party. Where would they go? I'll bet on the Greens, or others like them. In any case, I think third party strength would be increased... and THAT would be a good thing.

Alternative 2 seems more positive to me, if only because the Fascists would have to actually do the work of creating the party and promoting themselves to the public. They'd have to announce to the world just what kind of psychopaths and sociopaths were welcome in their party, and that would make for good reading. The GOP, in the meantime, would be left trying to redefine itself and might not experience a resurgence for many years to come.

If the Democratic Party could become sufficiently focused on progressive goals, and maybe even if not, it could hold onto power for quite some time. The opposition may simply be too disorganized (can you even believe that?) to overcome the Democrats' broader appeal.

Honestly, though, I am hoping for further fracturing. Depending on where the "moderate" Republicans go, they could easily pull many of the conservative Democrats with them. I'd be happy to see them go... but it could mean that progressive causes end up losing steam (which would not make me happy).

I think scenario 3 is the worst. I think it would do the most harm to the possibility (or inevitability) of the growth of third parties. If the GOP pulls it together and keeps the same people under the tent (which would be really amazing), the Democrats will need to stay intact as well to stand in effective opposition as though they've managed to accomplish that at all...).

Until we get a political system that will strongly support multi-party representation, or free and open representation, completely devoid of political parties, we're likely to continue having to fight the same battles we are fighting in this election.

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All that's left for them is to go at each other and hold their very own "anarchy" event. Many will not survive. They should be reminded that peaceful marches and rallies in the streets will not be tolerated. All forms of civil disobedience will be dealt with severely. We have no more time for them. There are countless major fires to put out. Two wars would be first on my list. The killing can't go on. Nobody really wants this. ANNA

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