January 03, 2008 12:04 PM UTC

Why I Will Caucus In Iowa (And Why You Should, Too)

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• by: NEWSMAN

by Chris Bowers: Originally posted at Open Left

Even though I haven’t been in the state since 1985, I believe I have every right to participate in the Iowa caucus. First, it would be consistent with the principle of democratic self-determination for the following three reasons:

The Presidency is a national office, and I am just as much of an American as anyone who lives in Iowa.

The Democratic Party is a national organization, and I am just as much of a Democrat as anyone who lives in Iowa.

In accordance with the principle of “one man, one vote,” after participating in the Iowa caucuses, I will not participate in the presidential nomination contest of any other state in the country.

Second, my participation in the Iowa caucuses are in keeping with the principle of retail politics often used to justify Iowa’s privileged position on the calendar.

I have seen every candidate speak in person. I have even talked with four of the seven candidates.

I have paid more attention to this campaign than about 98-99% of everyone else who will participate in the caucus.

Third, in keeping with the principles of democratic protest, this act of civil disobedience will be successful for the following reasons:

The vast majority of the country does not believe that Iowa should have such a privileged position in determining who is the President of everyone in the country. (Source, PDF)

What are the local authorities going to do? Arrest me for trying to vote? I’m sure that will look good, especially if several hundred people try to do this en masse.

Neither Republicans nor Democrats in Iowa really do much to try and stop this, anyway.

With all of this in mind, the only argument that

I can think of not to do this is that I don’t live in Iowa. Compared to everything else presented here, that strikes me as thin and anti-democratic.

People who live in certain areas of the country should not have more rights than people who live in other areas of the country. Even though Yespen ( http://www.desmoinesregister.c… ) seems in favor of it when it comes to choosing the next President, fighting segregation was one of the cornerstones of the civil rights movement in this country, after all.

So, I’m going to caucus in Iowa, if I can figure out a way to get there. I think other people should join in, too. The more people who come, the stronger our protest will be. Are you with me!?

http://www.openleft.com/showDi…