By C. J. Garbo | Guest Commentary, Rocky Mountain Voice
The word “unity” is often invoked in political discourse, but I fear it is profoundly misunderstood — particularly among conservatives in Colorado.
Unity is not merely a buzzword; it is a virtue and an essential principle with deep roots in the Republican Party’s history. To unite does not mean to surrender one’s principles, nor does it mean blind allegiance to one faction or individual.
Unity means striving for a shared purpose, leveraging our differences to achieve greater goals, and coming together to address the challenges we cannot overcome alone. Sadly, too many Colorado conservatives have misinterpreted unity as uniformity, creating divisions that weaken the very foundation of our movement.
The GOP’s Legacy of Unity
When the Republican Party was founded in 1854, it was born of unity among diverse groups — abolitionists, former Whigs, free-soilers and more. These factions had significant disagreements, but they united under the banner of ending slavery and preserving the Union.
Abraham Lincoln, himself, one of the most revered figures in the party’s history, was a master of forging coalitions and persuading skeptics to work toward a common goal. Lincoln understood that unity required compromise, negotiation and mutual respect — qualities that too many modern conservatives dismiss as weaknesses rather than strengths.
Consider the transformative policies of Ronald Reagan. His success wasn’t built on rigid purism, but on his ability to articulate conservative principles in a way that appealed to a broad audience, including Democrats and independents. He understood that unity meant expanding the tent, not shrinking it, and that persuasion was far more effective than exclusion.
Compromise vs. Negotiation
Unfortunately, many Colorado conservatives have blurred the lines between compromise and negotiation. To compromise is often seen as capitulating to the left, sacrificing values or diluting principles. But negotiation is different. It is a strategic tool that allows opposing sides to find common ground without abandoning their core beliefs.
For example, negotiating tax policy to include reductions for businesses while investing in workforce development isn’t compromise — it’s effective governance. By refusing to engage in meaningful negotiation, many conservatives have ceded valuable opportunities to advance conservative ideals incrementally.
Extremism Is Not the Opposite of Moderation
A common misconception among the loudest voices in our party is that the opposite of extremism is moderation. This is a false binary. The true opposite of extremism is civility, persuasion and intellectual rigor. Extremists, whether they claim to be on the left or the right, often exhibit the same troubling characteristics.
They are purists who believe in their own self-proclaimed authenticity, deeming themselves the arbiters of who is “true” to the party. They engage in cancel culture, silencing dissent by ostracizing or censoring anyone who dares to think differently.
Their first line of defense is not debate but ad hominem attacks, labeling opponents as RINOs, sellouts or worse. They thrive on rumors and distortion, creating a toxic atmosphere that alienates potential allies.
To those who see themselves as guardians of conservative purity: ask yourselves whether this behavior mirrors extreme Democrats or extreme Republicans.
The answer is yes.
It is not ideological purity that wins elections or inspires movements — it is a commitment to civility, persuasion, and building coalitions.
The Price of Extremism: Unaffiliated Voters
The rise of extremism has a measurable cost. Unaffiliated voters, who now make up the largest voting bloc in Colorado, are leaving political parties in droves.
Why?
Because they place a high premium on civility. They are repelled by the vitriol, the in-fighting and the refusal to engage in good faith. Yet, instead of addressing this exodus with introspection, extremists within the GOP celebrate the shrinking of the party as if it is a victory for purity.
What they fail to realize is that their narrow vision of the party leaves little room for growth, innovation or success. They may remain in power within the party, but at the cost of winning elections, advancing conservative principles or building a movement capable of shaping Colorado’s future.
Colorado conservatives must rediscover the true meaning of unity. It does not mean suppressing differences or abandoning principles; it means elevating the discourse, respecting diverse viewpoints, and working together toward shared goals. It means rejecting the divisive tactics of extremism and embracing the intellectual and moral courage required to lead.
Without unity, we will continue to cede ground to our political opponents, not because they are right but because we are too divided to mount an effective challenge.
We stand at a crossroads. Will we choose the path of Lincoln and Reagan, who understood that unity was the foundation of victory? Or will we allow ourselves to be consumed by the petty infighting and extremism that alienate voters and weaken our cause?
The choice is ours, but the clock is ticking. Let us unite — not for the sake of power, but for the sake of preserving and advancing the conservative principles that have always defined the Republican Party at its best.
C. J. Garbo is a seasoned conservative strategist, political commentator, and former law enforcement professional with a passion for fostering thoughtful dialogue and unity within the Republican Party. With over a decade of experience advising campaigns and engaging in grassroots activism, Garbo has worked to advance conservative principles at local, state and federal levels. He holds a bachelor’s in political science from Metropolitan State University and has served in leadership roles, including chairman of the Douglas County Young Republicans and district captain for the Douglas County GOP. Known for his ability to articulate complex political issues with clarity and conviction, Garbo is committed to bridging divides and strengthening the conservative movement through intellectual engagement and principled leadership.