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Caucus Week

The First Presidency has long been encouraging those of us in Utah to get more involved politically, and sent out a letter saying as much.  The letter also stated that both parties have good principles, and encouraged us to attend our local caucuses.  So this week, I attended my local Democratic caucus.

A couple of years ago, tired of the CONSTANT phone calls and emails from the Republican party, of which I was then a member, I changed my status to Unaffiliated.  I was also disappointed in how extreme our state legislature has become, to the point of making us look completely ridiculous, not to mention gerrymandering our political districts, just because they don't like that a particular Democratic incumbent candidate keeps defeating them. I figured changing my status was my own way of making a point, but that was about as "political" as I was willing to get.  

So it was a big deal for me to attend a caucus at all, let alone a Democratic one.  But I figured that in the long run it was better to follow the counsel of the First Presidency than to not, so off I went.

I arrived at the Junior High where it was being held to find the place completely packed.  I looked for my local precinct table, but there was no room there, so I just stood in the back and listened.  There was some speaking on behalf of several different candidates and bills before the legislature, which was interesting.  Then they broke out into precincts to start voting on Primary candidates and delegates to the State Convention.  I didn't participate in any of the voting, even though Democratic caucuses are open to anyone voting as long as they're a registered voter.  But I considered my duty done, and made plans to attend the Republican Caucus later in the week.  Being unaffiliated, I figured I should give them both equal time.  Unfortunately, a migraine kept me away from the Republican Caucus, but maybe it was just as well.  Apparently they devolved into shouting matches, and there's nothing helpful or empowering about that.

I realize that at some point, I probably need to make a choice which party I want to support.  So I'm going to do some pondering about that. Stay tuned.

Comments

The Perry Family said…
Politics have definitely become frustrating and a media circus! I'm trying to "tune out" for awhile and just stay away from all of the disagreements going on. Nobody represents their constituents well anymore. Kudos to you for trying to stay informed!
March 19, 2012 at 7:25 PM
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