Tuesday, March 22, 2016

Returning to be Heard


This country was established so that every citizen within its borders would get to cast their voice in with others to choose their leaders. However, statistics show that only 60% of America is represented in the votes for leaders. With such strong roots for individualism, when did we let our voices fade away?

I will go back. That was my decision as I left the caucus tonight.




I went in literally with no expectations of how to feel, how to participate, or how to react. I have never been confident in my political knowledge and tend to stay out of political conversations. However I knew it was important that I participated in the caucus.

Walking in I was hurriedly handed a presidential ballot, herded into a tiny classroom, handed another blank ballot and then was told I had 30 second to vote from one of the 3 delegates on the board.

I didn't know who they were, but I wrote down a name anyway and put it in the basket. I saw who I had voted for and regretted my decision to support him as delegate. His sarcastic remarks and a dominating attitude made me sick.

With each nomination and election I began to see a pattern. Heavily sided toward masculinity, women were never heard, nice people were forgotten, amateurs were degraded and "experts" were jerks. We could easily see how it was not an overall enjoyable experience.

I learned a few things during my 90 minutes in that stuffy room. First, I don't think I really know what is going on. Second, I shouldn't trust people after only hearing a 60 second speech. Third, we need more youth, families, and women to represent. Fourth, I have never felt a disappointment in America before.

Yet, despite everything that happened, I want to go back for the next caucus. Why? Because that is the fifth thing I learned. It's important. It's important that I go. It is important that I am heard.

2 comments:

  1. I was also able to learn a lot and feel more empowered to make a better decision the next time around. Attending the caucus reminded me of my experience attending career fairs. They're both equally hectic, and you have to go a few times to really know what you should be doing.

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  2. I appreciate this Jolene. I had a very similar attitude walking into the caucus and I want to make sure that the next time I attend that I am properly prepared to make a valid and thought through vote.

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