Bravo for Iowans!

Bravo for Iowans!

January 3rd was a great day for Iowans and the nation! We witnessed a record turnout at both the Democratic and Republican caucuses. At my Sioux City precinct, a show of hands disclosed dozens of first time Democratic caucus-goers. Moreover, despite the unusually large number of candidates vying for supporters, the caucus experience proved a spirited yet friendly event. It was exciting and gratifying to watch Iowans so enthusiastically embrace their civic duty by taking an active role in their own governance … the very definition of democracy! And let’s not forget the great press Iowa received, or the huge economic impact campaign spending has on our economy.

Unfortunately, the Sioux City Journal reminded us in a story the next day that many shirked their responsibility, as well. I can’t really fault those who had to work that evening, or had family responsibilities that couldn’t be rescheduled. However, couldn’t bowling night have been postponed just once out of respect for a momentous, once-every-four-years, life-changing event like the Iowa Caucus? I was especially troubled by the East High math and history teachers (brothers, no less) who failed to recognize their weighty position as role models for future voters; who, rather than simply decline to be interviewed, demonstrated poor judgment by joking and publicly bragging about skipping the caucus. Do they really believe their salaries and working conditions unaffected by politics?

Thankfully, tens of thousands of Iowans were responsible and took time out of their busy schedules to fulfill their civic responsibility. Kudos to them!

Peace!
Historian