Combating cynicism

Friday I went to the state Democratic party convention as a delegate for my precinct. The Salt Palace was packed with delegates, candidates in booths, political signs and various politicians and local celebrities.

It was really cool because I felt that my vote actually made a difference. Melinda doesn't share my political leanings, but I really like Obama and I find his positive outlook and focus very refreshing. It's such a contrast to the reactionary paranoia that seems so pervasive today.

I've felt so pessimistic about politics and the state of things generally. This has been a good exercise in not feeling helpless. It's nice to feel that my vote makes a difference and that I can make my voice heard.

Lonely delegate blues

Today I went to my party's caucus meeting. I haven't ever been to one before, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Democrats are few and far between in this red state, which is a shame. Even if you don't subscribe to the national party line, it seems dangerous to have a virtual one party system in local politics.

So we met all together first for an introduction and then we split up into our precincts. I sat down at my precinct's table and patiently waited for the cohorts of my precinct to join me and tell me how this is all done. I kept waiting. When nobody else came to my table I started to feel like the last one picked for dodge ball. How appropriate that this was in an elementary school gym/cafeteria!

I dully drove home after the meeting thinking, "what have I done!" I vaguely recalled something about becoming precinct chair and delegate... something about a dodo and Alice running around in circles... did I just win a caucus race?

How did this happen? I ignorantly went to this meeting just to "check it out" and left feeling like I had just enlisted in the Army.

I guess it's like they say "the world is run by those who show up." Let's just hope that those who show up know what they're doing.