Dakota Beacon

My Response to the outcome of the 2024 Primary: I’m doubling down.  

Doubling-down is commonly known as a strategy in a card game.  

Practically, it means to strengthen one's commitment to a particular strategy or course of action, typically one that is potentially risky.  

A US naval commander “doubled-down” and made history with his response to the attack of a much-superior British fleet during the Revolutionary war. Captain John Paul Jones’ words have lived in that part of me that doesn’t quit easily and is eager to follow his battle cry, “I have not yet begun to fight!” What ensued was a fierce display of raw courage and resolve by said commander and an inspiring eye-witness account of a battle which swerved to bolster the colonies and humiliate the British.

While the pundits pontificate and the columnists evaluate, the politicians gloat and the other side celebrates, I’m keeping my powder dry as I ruminate.

For one thing, no matter how you approach the results, we won!  Republicans are still in a super-majority.  Term-limits are a reminder of the temporary status of the present configuration of the legislature in a very conservative state. This is simply a chance to review some numbers and use this set-back as a time for a reset to prepare for the future.  

And to borrow some lingo from the other side, there is a bright future ahead!

Especially if those who challenged incumbents because of their positions on policy, values or procedures refuse to call this a defeat, but instead embrace the opportunity to educate voters and inspire them to take a risk the next time they cast their vote.

Let’s just chalk this one up to the old, “Live to fight another day.”   And get back to work! There are far more worthy activities than running for office.

We who know the philosophy behind our beliefs, convictions and ideas will not pick up the ball and go home.  We’ll put a band-aid on what’s left of the original wound and keep moving in direction that takes us back to review where we started and why.  

You’ve heard (or read) when I say that people in general have short memories and need constant reminders to stay on the “right” path.  They also need a sound basis upon which to build a philosophy or a way of thinking about the world.   

Those of us who have worked to develop a framework of thought which incites passion for a movement owe it to our friends and neighbors to pass it on!  There is a way that is better than many have chosen because of “false advertising and empty words!”

Articulating what one believes is only the first step to real change; the next move requires action.  Become informed on the issues and the character and qualifications of the candidates running for office.  

Make prudent decisions. Decisions and laws made today reach into the future and effect your children and grandchildren.

What you do on election day may be the most important thing you’ve ever done.  Why not follow my lead and ‘Double-Down’.  

“Let’s Go Brandon”.

Emineth is a North Dakota native businessman and political activist. He is a former executive director and chairman of the North Dakota Republican Party. Emineth has served on the Republican National Committee and chaired numerous presidential campaigns in North Dakota. He is the host of “The Legislature Today” and “Open Range” daily TV shows on BEK. He is a serial entrepreneur and has 40-plus years of business experience with multi-national companies. He has traveled the world extensively and has served as CEO and president of mid-tier companies.