If you listen to the media anchors, hosts, pundits and know-it-alls, we might as well just forget our election process. It’s down to Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and maybe John Edwards if he can do okay in Iowa. You others don’t bother. Wes and Bill don’t waste the time or money.
I’m so mad I could spit. I’m so mad I may just quit watching television except for 24, Friday Night Lights, the Office, Ugly Betty, Prison Break, Heroes, American Idol. Oh what the heck, I’m not going to quit watching TV. But I’m mad.
This morning I heard NBC’s Tim Russett say something like it’s all going to be over after Iowa and three other states. This is what was so disturbing after the last election to me. Here in Alabama our primary was in June and we were just an after thought. I wish we could have a national primary day where we all voted much like we do for the general election. The candidates then would be on a more even footing.
My desperate hope for the Democratic Party is that we will put forth a candidate who can win this time. A candidate who can bridge the gap between party loyalists and independents, not a candidate who burns bridges. A candidate with a vision that unifies Americans, not a candidate who divides us and forces factions to dig in their heals. A candidate who shoots straight, not one who sways with the slightest breeze or fluctuation in focus-group opinion.
Please, Democratic Party. Listen. I am not alone in my feelings. Let's keep our options and minds open. Let the people speak. Not the money.
12 comments:
It's even worse on the statewide level. I could not believe that Nancy Worley was elected to a state Democratic Party office.
I don't imagine the politicians would ever agree to a one day Primary voting arrangement. They want to be able to spread it all out, so they can barnstorm the states right before that state's Primary.
Now, as for me? I think it's a great idea!!
I hope the Democrats AND the Republicans can choose a really good candidate. It would be so nice to be voting FOR someone, instead of AGAINST someone.
Jay, I was totally surprised to see the politics at work when Nancy Worley was elected to a state-wide postion in the Alabama Democratic Party. It was strictly payback to Worley's opponent for supporting Patricia Todd, a gay woman.
DB, I don't imagine that would happen either. I'm happy to see the field so open right now and hope we can let the process evolve without appointing the "winners" ahead of time.
Sheila and Jay, Worley’s win is even more evidence that the Alabama Democratic Party is controlled by Paul Hubbert and that Joe Reed may still have some clout within it. As long as they control the legislature as well, Alabamians will continue to suffer from not seeing real reform and accountability legislation passed.
DB and Sheila, I too wish both parties would find reputable, honest, qualified candidates to field, but having observed politicians for a while I have not the faintest clue where to find even one.
Thanks, Don, for stopping by. I don't care what color a person is, but I found it interesting that the supporters of Worley were largely black and the supporters of the other candidate were largely white. Joe Reed is black. Paul Hubbert is white. They continue to have too much influence, but I guess that's politics for you. The whole Patricia Todd case was interesting. There you had a gay white woman beating a black woman and the black politicians fought the will of the people because the winner turned out to be white. With these two king-pins in charge, it's a wonder the gay white woman was allowed to take office.
Politics makes strange bedfellows at times, Sheila. I believe that Hubbert controls the legislature, but without the blind support of most black Alabama voters the legislature would have more Republican members than it does now, thus reducing Hubbert's power. Since Reed has so much influence with black voters, Hubbert needs Reed at his side. It's all about power.
Many blacks are cowed and intimidated by Reed and afraid to cross swords with him. The same is true of many poor and often not well educated black voters in some areas of the state where their corrupt so-called black leaders gain power through voter fraud for their own benefit rather than the benefit of the citizens. It really is almost like black office holders are running a plantation with their own people enslaved by them.
Don, I guess every state has its version and style of politics. I happen to find ours interesting.
Hey Sheila, Check this out:
http://www.whistlingpastdixie.com/
The author was on the Colbert Report last night. It will rerun tonight at 7:30.
Oh my, I actually caught Stephen Colbert's show last night and his interview with this fellow. I loved how Colbert starting singing Dixie and requesting the author talk about the book over his voice. Finally, the author stopped and Colbert smiled and said something like, "See you can't do it." Watch the rerun on Comedy Central. A hoot.
Thanks, anon, for the alert since I'm usually long asleep at this time.
I wish I knew how to take the picture of the sleeping lady and change it to "WAKE UP ALABAMA!" and replace the attire with some made from the state flag. If I had one like that I'd put it on my website.
Well, Don, I could definitely Photoshop Alabama in and maybe replace the stars with the state flag. If time allows, I'll send you a version. You may recall, I did something similar with the famous Uncle Sam poster, changing it to I Want You to Vote!
Sheila, that would be very kind and considerate of you if you can.
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