As a Centrist or Liberal Republican, I was impressed by Mr. Ken Block's efforts to create a vision for Rhode Island. He presented that vision through the creation of the Moderate Party. The old Republican party, locally, has been effectively neutralized. It is a failure as much because of the local Democrat lock on the General Assembly as it is due to the right-wing extremism the national Republican Party. As a result those of us who are centrists or independents here in Rhode Island have made divided government (Democrat General Assembly vs Republican Governor) a standard solution to an otherwise dysfunctional state government.
Mr. Block and the Moderate Party appeared on the scene to offer an alternative for the vast majority of us who feel disenfranchised by the current Rhode Island political jungle.
So it was with great surprise and disappointment when I read yesterday's Projo story that Mr. Block is considering a run for the Governorship under the Republican banner. Mr. Block stated his reason as
“I am not running because I want 5 percent … to keep a party alive on principle,” said Block, who is running a second time for governor. “I am running to win this race.”
I had to ask myself, "Where is the idealism, the vision, and commitment he expressed in his message to the public about the mission of the Moderate Party?" Where is the commitment when he says on the Moderate Party website "Rhode Island does not need career politicians. We need dedicated volunteers who are problem solvers and who are willing to serve the public for a limited time."
For those who have supported the Moderate Party and those of us who have thought to join the Moderate Party now we are left with questions
Is Mr.Ken Block the public spirited idealist, visionary who formed the Moderate Party and volunteer his talents and corporation to help "to root out social service waste and fraud"
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Or is Mr. Ken Block just another RI Narcissist who wants to gratify his own ego like other narcissists, e.g. Governor Donald Carcieri, Mayor Buddy Cianci, etc.
Is the Moderate Party Chairman's ego too big that he now feels politically constrained by the grand vision he once professed and sold to the public?
Or maybe, his initial vision and commitment is too weak and tentative to lead challenges that the process of building of a new political structure for Rhode Island would require?
Then too, maybe the Tea Party allure is just too much for his narcissistic ambition?
We are left today with question, "Who is Ken Block?
