He might never be a royal or pledge his alliance to a specific crown, but Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope is a registered monarchist — the only University professor registered as a monarchist according to data compiled by The Daily Reveille.
Twenty years ago Cope swapped his independent party registration for the Monarchist Party, a party he said reflects Louisiana’s monarchical structure.
Although never asked about it before, he is confident in his political affiliation and his reasoning behind the switch.
Cope is not fighting to have the state or country establish a way to crown leaders, but dogging traditional ways of political action.
According to the Monarchist Party of America’s official website, monarchists do not take part in any political party’s action — other than their protests or votes — to not give weight to the partisan system.
In his independent days, Cope struggled to identify a place where he fit in politically and said it was almost unattainable to be a true independent given the broad platform of the party and ideal changes.
Cope also did not agree with the common idea that independent party candidates or votes did not hold much weight in the two party system.
“If everyone votes with the idea that votes will be wasted, it will come true,” Cope said.
Marching to the beat of his own drum, Cope paid homage to the state’s early European settler’s monarchical culture with his party switch.
The state’s “highly pyramidal power structure” still resembles the political organization of Louisiana settlers, Cope said.
For example, several state entities are governed by boards or committees that are ruled by chairmen and chairwomen.
He chose to recognize the political reality of the state and fight the power structure with his monarchical registration.
“The only way to change the status quo is by individual action,” Cope said. “I was never aware the goal of a good citizen was to fit in.”
Cope said political parties often lead people to stand behind a candidate or clever slogan, as opposed to true ideals or established positions.
“Either political party does not give coherent opinions,” Cope said.
Assured in his political choices, he feels content in being part of a party that does not strive for consensus on specific issues, but holds principles.
“I was never aware the goal of a good citizen was to fit in.”
Mobile Interactive: Political affiliations among University faculty