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Democracy Inaction
I’m watching the coverage of tonight’s Iowa Caucuses, and I am being reminded why I watch less and less cable news. Flipping between CNN and Fox News, I’m presented with breathless reports by people in rooms with lots of other people, marveling at the groupings of said people.
At Democrat caucus sites, I’ve heard reporters utter the phrase “this in democracy in action” many times, and the night is still young. Then, the camera pans over to four people while the reporter exclaims “These four people came over from the other camp!!!” You see, this is democracy in action, they keep telling me.
Sorry, no, I don’t see this is as democracy in action. These are people who should have already made up their minds, and shouldn’t have needed to be convinced by the Coralville #FeelTheBern Club. I don’t like how Democrats caucus in Iowa. When Republicans caucus, they write their candidate’s name down in secret, submit it, and then tally all the votes. That’s how we all vote for President, that’s how everyone should caucus in Iowa.
But, if I had my way, there would be no caucuses at all. Our country’s primary/caucus election system is too disjointed, with 50 states full of rules and procedures. We desperately need a uniform system of voting for the two (don’t even think about it, Mike Bloomberg) candidates who will eventually fight for the White House.
Published in General
Why?
We “desperately need” a new system, for what reason? I see federalism in action. How the people of Iowa choose who they wish to nominate is not how I would choose, but then I don’t live in Iowa.
If this method pleases them and reflects their wishes that seems well to me.
Roberto’s right. We really, really, really need to try and stay away from the one-size-fits-all meme. Let each state fight out who they want to represent them their own way. Heck, let each county do it differently. Maybe a rock – paper – scissors contest to win. ;)