Letter to the Editor
Democracy
Published Monday, April 7, 2008
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Stumble It!April 3, 2008
To the editor:
In a recent letter to the News-Miner, Kelly Newman (Redo Votes, April 2) voiced displeasure in the way in which the Democratic Party is choosing its nominee for U.S. president. I wish to address some points raised in that letter.
First, Newman blamed the Democratic National Committee for disenfranchising voters in Michigan and Florida during the Democratic Primary. Michigan and Florida bear responsibility for disenfranchising their voters because they both violated DNC rules to which all parties had agreed beforehand. The results of their illicit primaries cannot stand. The DNC and both campaigns have supported “do-overs” in both states, but the campaigns favor different revote schemes that are likely to favor each over the other.
Second, Newman attended an Alaska caucus that was “a joke” wherein “most of the Democratic representatives had an agenda and did not want to hear from anyone who diverted from that.” As one of those all-volunteer representatives, I take exception to that characterization: The only agenda we had at the Feb. 5 caucuses was to manage the chaos resulting from record turnout so that party members’ preferences could be tallied before the overflowing rooms and parking lots created a hazard.
Third, Newman decried caucuses as “nondemocratic.” While the merits of caucuses are debatable, the reason they exist is not: Without state funding for primaries, the political parties must fund and run their own caucuses. In 1980, the then Democratic-majority Alaska Legislature made Alaska a primary state; in 1984, the newly Republican-dominated Legislature rescinded that law before Alaska could hold its first presidential primary. If you want Alaska to hold primaries instead of caucuses, tell your representatives in Juneau. Only they have the power to make that change.
Newman’s letter concludes by imploring readers to “make the Democrats deal with this in a fair way.” The only way to “make” a political party do something is from within. I invite everyone who wants to see change to get off the sidelines and get in the game. Democracy is not a spectator sport.
Community Discussion
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I, for one, am having a ball watching the democrats fight this out -
What a blast! I can't wait for the race riots once the democrats go to the super-secret back room and pick Hillary. Too funny....
Sadly - the republicans picked a relic so the democrats could probably run Big Bird or the Cookie Monster and win in the general election.
akguy,
i agree, the race riots you mention really are going to happen.
It is truely scary that most (not all, most) people are seeing a build up to the race riots from this election and it has sat on the back of our minds and not on the front of our tounges the whole time, it is barely whispered
I have been saying that for weeks! If Hillary is the pick or Obama is then loses the general election, its going to happen.
I say whatever Dem is picked,
They are most likely to win.
I think the cycle of republican trust is gone in this country for awhile until a couple of terms and then-Whoops!
Another Republican!
Either way-we will most likely have a 1st Woman or Black President.
I think that it is unlikely that America is actually ready for either a woman or a black president... Its unfortunate, but that's the way I see it. I just don't think all of the Southern fundamentalists are going to be able to stomach either one of those options.
This is really sad for me, since I agree that, in general, America is ready to oust the Republicans. One would think that they could just about get anyone elected this year. However, I'm far to mistrusting of a lot of people's level of sexism and racism...
I hope I'm wrong on this.
I have a friend who's convinced that somehow the GOP has rigged the Dem's selection process to make sure that they have two candidates that (almost certainly) can not be elected...
He's undeniably a conspiracy theorist. But...
Mr. Valentine makes some very valid and important points:
To get what some naysayers want, Alaska must have a primary presidential ballot system, enacted into law by the state legislature, signed by the governor, and funded by the state.
Otherwise, each political party is free to choose whatever method its members see fit to select its choice for presidential candidate, be it caucuses, secret ballot of recognized party members, or a round-robin tiddly winks contest.
Too many people make the mistake of thinking political parties are public organizations. They're not -- they're private organizations, funded by non-public donations and free to do as they please within the constraints applicable to all private organizations.
Want to set up a party that bars homosexuals? You're free to do so. Want to set up a party that requires members to profess a belief in a deity? Go for it. Want to set up a party that bars women? Sorry, you'll probably run afoul of anti-discrimination laws. Want to set up a party that advocates Alaska seceding from the union? Oops, already been done.
If you don't like the way things are being done, you have four choices:
1. Get your elected state representatives and leaders to institute a primary system.
2. Get involved in the existing political party of your choice, just like the Christian Fundamentalists have done.
3. Start your own political party.
4. Continue to disenfranchise yourself and just grumble about how others are doing things.
Side note: The Chicken Little Syndrome (i.e., "the sky is falling, the sky is falling!") seems to be a prevalent theme in many of the above comments. There's a awful lot of "if so-and-so gets elected, that group is going to do such-and-such." On the other hand, there's a noticeable absence of "regardless of who gets elected, life will go on pretty much as it always has -- some good, some bad, and (hopefully) some change for the better."
Newsreader writes: "I have a friend who's convinced that somehow the GOP has rigged the Dem's selection process to make sure that they have two candidates that (almost certainly) can not be elected...
He's undeniably a conspiracy theorist. But..."
This is the sort of conspiracy mongering that turns so many of us off from the Democratic Party. The problem is that the party has failed to field viable candidates.
Despite the fact that the Republicans are clearly more corrupt at this point, Americans still trust them more than they do the Democrats, particularly on defense issues.
The Democrats need to do some soul searching and figure out why they can't connect with average Americans. Unfortunately, rather than do this, Democrats (whenever they lose) scream vote fraud (curiously, they didn't claim this happened in the 2006 elections). Blaming others makes the party faithful feel good about themselves, but for those of us on the sidelines, it looks a lot like sour grapes.
The Democratic Party, which holds positions generally more in keeping with the political mainstream than the Republicans do, nonetheless keeps falling flat. This is because the party has an unparalleled ability to self-destruct.
Despite overwhelming odds in their favor, I wouldn't be surprised if the Democrats fail to take the presidency yet again this year. Particularly if John McCain chooses a well-known black woman as his running mate. Despite Newsreader's fears about racism and sexism, I suspect southern fundamentalist voters would have no problem with Condoleezza Rice.
If political talk bores me and makes me sleepy and mad does this qualifly as a disability
Tony08 - nope, I think that just qualifies you as normal! ;)
I attended the caucus as a district 7 voter. I am so thankful to the volunteers who ran it. It was a circus, but it would have been a total disaster had those volunteers not realized in advance what a huge turnout was coming. They found another location to take district 8(?), so the main location was less overwhelmed. For the number of people who showed up, it actually didn't take that much time. The organization of the process--registering new democrats, etc.--was as smooth as could be with the design of the building.
Although I was not in the majority with those attending as to who I supported, it made me feel so good to see so many people turn out to make a stand on such a cold (-40) night. I am so proud of everyone who attended. (I'm also proud of everyone who wanted to attend but couldn't because the caucus system only works for those of us who are available for the evening!)
I give those volunteers my sincere thanks for handling the situation as well as they could!
newsreader---
Since you seem to be so enlightened about voting for a black candidate, or for a female candidate for president, let me ask you: Would you vote for Clarence Thomas? Thomas Sowell? Ann Coulter? Condoleeza Rice? J.C. Watts?
I think that if you so no to any of these, then you must be as guilty as you proclaim "Southern fundamentalists" to be of some sort of racism or sexism. Unless, perhaps, you disagree with their politics. Is that an option?
Oh, I do so love watching the Dems self destruct, and stew in their own self-righteous hypocrisy.
And then whine, and hint that the evil Republicans caused it.
nonpartisan - great post... couldn't have said it better
Can't imagine how many registered Democrats slapped their foreheads when Kerry managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory
Agreed.
If I hadn't been so anxious to get my 2 cents in, I would have said so.
glacierles --
Actually, I don't vote FOR people. I vote AGAINST people. Regardless of whether Hillary or Obama win, I will vote AGAINST McCain, just as I have voted AGAINST Bush the last two times.
Basically, I'm not a politico. I've heard of Condi and Clarence - haven't even heard of the other three you named - so I couldn't say if I'd vote for any of them.
BTW - I'm not a dem either.
I am NOT a Dem, but I feel sure they will win this Presidential cycle. As a matter of fact, Geo Bush has done such a poor job, I think they will win for several more Presidential cycles. I wanted Ron Paul, who, by the way, looks pretty darn good about now, huh? If Repubs would have come together behind him, they might possibly have a true conservative going into the White House instead of sitting on the sidelines for years to come.
hmmm, its either Cookie Monster for me or ???
To add my two cents: I think it is absolutely asinine to vote someone into any office based upon their race or gender - just as it's ridiculous to not vote for someone on these same grounds.
I want the best, most qualified person who has America's and Americans' best interests in their mind to be in office, regardless of what natural demographic they happen to fall into. I am tired of having to hold my nose every time I enter the voting booth, and I've had to do it for what seems to be a very long time now. Not one of these candidates impresses me and all three scare me in different ways. But let's get real here: most of the politicians look the same anymore and these three are no different. If Hillary or Obama are defeated, it won't be because of racism/sexism; it'll be because they scare the voting populace more than McCain.
It's wonderful that our country is finally at the point where minorities can take a place in areas where they were unfairly excluded before, but as long as we have people voting for or against a race or a gender, then the focus is not where it should be: on ability, knowledge or experience.
It's sad that many commenters here are so eager to scurry for the sidelines ("I'm not a dem!") instead of to get involved in one of the parties. If you don't like holding your nose to vote, then get with other people within the party most closely aligned with your views to find better candidates. It is sickening how many people think they are somehow owed the opportunity to vote for someone they like. We're not owed any such thing; that's something we all have to work for. That's the nature of our political system: we get the government we deserve.
Just wanted to put in my two cents concerning conspiracy mongering. I still have a clear recollection of the 2000 presidential election and I can tell you Democrats didn’t imagine the thugs that were sent to Florida by the Republican Party on buses storming the door and intimidating the election workers in Florida, We saw it with our own eyes. We also saw Al Gore denied his right to a recount and then Governor Bush handed the presidency by the Supreme Court. Prior to the election Katherine Harris disqualified voters placing them on a list of felons that was 97% inaccurate. Most of the potential voters were black and blacks vote overwhelmingly democrat. I only use this election as an example because I don’t have the issue of elections fraud paraded in front of me every day. However this election was covered extensively and in my opinion it was corrupt. You say “The problem is that the party has failed to field viable candidates.” I say "Democrats would have never nominated an inept buffoon like the President." and three years into his second term there are plenty of Republicans that agree with that assessment.
newsreader---
My only point was that to not vote for Obama or Clinton does not make that person a racist or sexist. It's possible to disagree with their politics. However, the lockstep accusations against conservatives, of racism and/or sexism are only beginning. Such as your comment about southern fundamentalists. After the Dems decide on a candidate, then I'll know what I'll be accused of being.
FYI, Sowell is an economist, Coulter is a pundit, Watts is a former congressman from Oklahoma. All are conservative.
scrabble---
I think that you left out a few details in reliving the election of 2000. No matter, it wouldn't make any difference to a true believer, such as yourself.
You’re right. I’m too close minded. But not so close minded that I would read a post and determine from that post that the person writing it is a “true believer”, therefore, unable to appreciate my argument.
In response to David Valentine’s letter on April 7, in no way did I wish to appear ungrateful for the hard work the of the caucus volunteers, for I know theirs is a labor of love. Rather than misdirect blame, let’s look at the numbers. There are 13,643 registered voters in District 8, of which 2295 are Democrats. Around 400 people attended that caucus. That is 3% turnout of the potential total voters and 17% of possible Democrats. Compare that to a California primary where a 28 % turnout is considered low, or to 67% in Arizona.
4.2 million people voted in the In Texas the primary, and Clinton won. The caucus netted thousands of voters, and Obama won. People were allowed to vote in both, so each person that voted twice negated the sole primary vote that was cast by the elderly, the poor, those who had to work, had children, etc. Yet the delegates awarded from Texas were nearly equal. So, the fault may lie with a system that is lacking. Do “passionate” voters deserve more democracy?
Solutions include the following:
1) As the fox should not guard the hen house, people who have an outspoken opinion on a candidate should not run the voting process. In the primary system, poll workers are not allowed to campaign during voting.
2) Eliminate caucuses: People who have any disadvantage will not attend.
3) Keep the campaigns out of the voters’ rights: The fact that the DNC even would allow either of the campaigns to have a say in the current revote plan is ridiculous. This is an issue of voter rights and procedure, regardless what campaign is going on.
4) Nationally standardize the way each state holds elections at the primary level. Because of a blunder by a few Florida representatives in both 2000 and 2008, they end up actually choosing the candidate by the lack of votes from their state that could reflect democracy more accurately. I have no idea who I will support in November, but I would never want someone else to figure that out for me.
Both democratic candidates support health care reform, ending the war and in an accountable government. If the DNC does not allow people to feel that every vote counts, we will have more of the same...unfair health care bills, an illegal war, and a "bitter" populace.
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