I just returned from our county convention. While I’m not a faithful Democrat and haven’t the ability to vote straight ticket, I get along best with the Democrats and so I am the Democratic delegate for my neighborhood.Firstly, let me advocate, if you’ve never considered being a delegate, you should. If you feel like you’re picking between two horrible phony idiots each election, well guess who picks those two horrible phony idiots for you? That’s right, people like me. Don’t be too hard on us though; often there isn’t much choice for delegates either. It’s limited by who wants the job, of course. Nevertheless, you can make a difference, you will get heard, and your representatives will more likely remember you and return your phone calls.
Often, for the Democratic party here in Utah, securing a delegate position is simply a matter of showing up at your neighborhood caucus. In many districts, you’ll be the only one there and, if you think yourself able to write your name, you can vote yourself in; heck, be chair too. In my area, I generally have to bring a couple extra votes (family and neighbors) with me. But, not coincidentally, I’ve now been a delegate for every year of our children’s lives. It’s a small job, but it can be important.
Anyway, that PSA aside, a couple observations and tidbits from this year’s Salt Lake County convention:
--Okay, despite what I wrote above about this being important; it wasn’t so much today. We had one thing to vote on and it wasn’t significant. It’s an off year but wait until the upcoming presidential year’s conventions.
--Okay, despite what I wrote above, it is important. You meet and talk to council men and women, mayors, and even US representatives (well, only one of them for my case). You become a familiar face to those in control of some important aspects of your life, and they remember you and know you can be important to them, as a politically motivated individual in their constituency, among many who do not care enough to lick a stamp for them. (Yes, even in Utah democrats have power. Offer void in Utah County).
--This I found amazing, but then less so after thinking on it. The gay and lesbian caucus is the largest caucus in the local party. I knew this already; it shows. We have the largest room, many dedicated members, and our endorsement likely means the greatest votes. In fact, as a percentage, the national Stonewall democrats raked Utah #1. Utah! We have 10% representation while they are hoping for a nationwide 6%. Thinking on it, this is pretty recent. In fact I think it can be directly attributed to the folks who’ve been so destructive to our families in recent years. Again, I’ve been a delegate ever since my kids were born, and many others there are feeling the pressure to act now.
--I was asked to run for an office next cycle to replace a great ally :-). I was flattered (that I happened to live in the right geography), but no way… unless no one else goes for it. Besides, my presidential campangue is going swimmingly. Scot 2008!
-I appreciate Lyndon LaRouche’s ability to keep me entertained at every convention, and I’ll leave it at that.
-Our county auditor seems to be a great guy but put the auditors at the front of the speaker line up. They give speeches every bit as enthralling as one would expect by the stereotype of auditor, though that does give me confidence in the man for some reason.
-The more I know of and interact with them the more I admire two particular people in county government: Mayor Corroon and Sheriff Winder. There are politician I just cringe and vote for and politicians I respect. With each interaction these men are more and more clearly found in the men to be respected category.
--Lastly, I made it back just in time to catch Alan in his soccer game. He made his first goal, and I was so proud. Unfortunately he doesn’t know it was his first goal, and so I couldn’t make too big of deal of it. As far as he’s concerned his first goal was last week; no one had the heart to tell him it was made for the other team.
Anyway, that’s it. Become a delegate, and sometimes lie to your children by omission :-).
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3 comments:
"... sometimes lie to your children by ommission..."
Never truer words ever written in a blog before! I truly live by those words. :)
P.S. My wife was a state delegate once, just because she showed up at a mass meeting and the three other neighbors voted her in before she knew she was even running. That year was a national election, the governor, the senator - big stuff and she was inundated with candidates seeking her vote. Suddenly, our humble home was on the list for everyone to visit! And they came! Funny how simple involvement can be sometimes.
I was a delegate last year when I lived in Draper. Now that I've moved downtown, I guess I feel less important because my neighborhood is generally friendlier toward issues I care about. I need to get involved again.
Beck: Suddenly, our humble home was on the list for everyone to visit! And they came!
Exactly. You go from a mass of opinion they try to influence with advertising, to a single person that they have to talk to, with concerns they’ll try to understand (in some small part :-)). You should do it Beck.
Edgy: I was a delegate last year when I lived in Draper.
We were probably unknowingly in the same room then, at some point :-).
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