Undercover Porcupine in 2013

2012 was quite the year for politics, both in Maine and across America. The world we live in is economically hitting rock bottom and the path we’re on reflects a lack of ambition for correcting our course. As dark of a picture as that point paints, there is hope to be found moving forward. We are where we are not because people are cold, stupid, or indifferent, but rather misled.

For years, we’ve been told that baby steps forward is the method for confronting the leaps backward in society. For every three jumps back, two slow movements forth is the solution of mainstream politicians. The fear is if we correct society too fast, it will upset the balance of things and throw everything into a state of chaos.

Politics is not a complicated science however. As much as television talking heads, paper crusaders, and keyboard warriors like to join forces with corrupt politicians to tell you this is the case, it is not. It’s not a difficult formula that only lawyers, billionaires, and high class citizens can figure out. Everyone can comprehend it and anyone can fix it.

The mission of Undercover Porcupine, as it has been from the beginning, is to create political transparency and open discussion on topics that are considered beyond the mainstream. The aim is not to be controversial for the sake of being controversial, however, but it is sometimes an unavoidable outcome. The truth cannot be censored to avoid upsetting individuals, groups, organizations, or other entities.

As 2012 was an important moment in our Nation’s history with a critical election, 2013 will be as equally important. The newly-strengthened Democratic Party will be flexing its muscle in the Legislature here in Maine, standing up to Governor Paul LePage while it holds its finger on the rewind button for an entire session. Republicans will be forced to correct what resulted in a vicious defeat and a widespread rejection by the people. While the two mainstream parties continue dueling over phantom differences in ideology, the Libertarian Party will be preparing to build upon a record showing in 2012.

Given the libertarian uprising in 2012 within the Republican Party, and the number of Libertarian Party votes over past years, it’s becoming increasingly clear people are looking elsewhere for answers.

Here at Undercover Porcupine, I will attempt to capture these moments and provide libertarian-leaning perspective on the events that shape the political landscape over the next year. Here are some things to expect:

1) Maine Liberty Profiles
Everyone knows who the big hitters are in the Democratic and Republican Parties, as well as in the mainstream grassroots. How many people know about those who are leaders within the Maine Liberty Movement? The Maine Liberty Profiles will be a series of articles, each covering an individual who has and continues to lead within the movement.

2) 2013 Legislative Session
The 2012 elections saw the failure of the Republican majorities to be re-elected, as the party nationally crashed and burned. The Democrats vow to hit the ground running in their mission to undo what has been done over the previous two years. Undercover Porcupine will regularly cover major movement in the Legislature and deliver a libertarian perspective on legislation. I will specifically have a series of articles on legislators to watch and important legislation for people to become active with.

3) Maine Republican Party
The Republican Party had an interesting year and it was no different here in Maine. While with the election everything seemed to go wrong, a greater transformation is in progress. Charlie Webster, the controversial chairman who took excessive credit for a grassroots victory in 2010, saw the grassroots strike back. An ugly primary left the party shattered and leaves the new leadership to pick up the pieces. Former State Legislator Rich Cebra has taken over as State Chairman and has the difficult task of healing the divide between the many factions. Can the liberty grassroots, united by the Ron Paul presidential campaign, and the mainstream Republican Party come together in 2013?

This in addition to current events, discussion of principles, and other relevant commentary. 2013 promises to be an eventful year for Maine politics and Undercover Porcupine will be there to capture the moments as they occur.

Chris Dixon

About Chris Dixon

Chris Dixon is a libertarian-leaning writer and managing editor for The Liberty Conservative. In addition to his political writing, he also covers baseball for Cleat Geeks and enjoys writing on a number of other topics ranging on Medium.