On February 1, primary season and the media-induced three-ringed circus that is our presidential election process began. I have been so disgusted by the words, actions, and utter BS that has taken place over the last two months. My second graders are better behaved than some of these candidates. And it's such a shame that we have to put up with it for 8 more months! With that being said, I'm dying to make my choice of who I want to run for president. I want to vote! Unfortunately though, living in California means I have to wait until June 7 to have my say. And that has always been so confusing for me. As the most populous state in the nation, we have almost 200 Republican delegates and almost 500 Democrat delegates up for grabs, and most of the time the candidates are already chosen before our election day. With approximately 1/8 of the nation's population, it does irk me that we don't get our say in a timely matter.
I've heard a few different reasons for this late date. One being because of our large numbers, an early or mid-primary election could push a candidate over the edge to clinch their spot, leaving the rest of the country without a reason to vote. My problem with that logic is while making sure a smaller state gets a choice, our very large state representing a huge population of people basically has zero influence on the decisions. The other reason that comes up is that our state primary elections are held in June. The cost of holding presidential primaries earlier in the year and then again in June would cost the state gobs of money so instead the primaries are combined. While I always appreciate a cost-saving decision by our government, it doesn't make my vote any less worthless.
The only hope I'm holding out for this year is that the race, in both parties, is quite close. Our newspapers are reporting that this may be the year our votes do actually count and we could be a swing vote for one or both parties. Giving someone a large quantity of delegates could make a candidacy.
So, now I'm following every Tuesday and Saturday elections with bated breath, hoping none of the candidates run way with the votes. Because, damn it, I want my vote to count!
I've never felt my vote really counted. Even though we now have our primary on Super Tuesday (seems like it use to be May), we don't have many delegates.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're excited. I don't remember ever being quite so apathetic. :(
While I know that it's just one measly vote, but my thought is if we all feel that way and don't then the process is useless. I know that we all feel that it's useless regardless, but I'm not willing to give up the one and only way I have a say. This do-nothing congress we have right now is the result of most having apathy and not voting in the mid term. Plus, complaining about it isn't allowed if you don't vote...so I'm voting!!! ;)
DeleteExactly! If you don't vote, you can't complain!!
DeleteRight?!?! :)
DeleteVote for Sanders. He can't be any worse than the rest of them. At least he seems to have a belief about something. Plus he seems less likely to play with a nuclear buttons.
ReplyDeleteBeyond that, I'm just bemused. I can readily see why things are as they are, but I thought sanity would prevail.
But for what it's worth. I think Trump has called it correctly. We are about to enter one of the worst blow-ups in economic terms. Way way waaay worse than the 08 shitstorm. He sees they've answered none of the real questions creates since the end of the cold war. All the cash created by the US treasury running the presses hasn't dropped below corporations buying each other.
My prescription; Fill a bath with real hot water, dose with whatever oils you find relaxing. Crack a bottle of whatever eases you and light a few candles.
This is a repeat prescription to be used when needed. I suspect you'll need it.:-)
Oh, yah, I'm feeling the "Bern" right now, especially since he's done quite well as he's moved West. The super delegates aren't panning out for him, though, so I won't hold more breath.
DeleteIt's quite ironic that Trump supporters think he wants to get big money out of politics. I suspect that's the last thing he wants, however we don't really know what he wants since he has very little stance on the issues other than hating anyone who isn't white and male.
Yes, I think a repeated prescription will definitely be necessary. Too bad I'm not a bathtub fan. Maybe pulling the bed covers over my head or a bottle of antidepressants instead...if things get real bad. ;)
I have a big problem with Trump and Cruz though I wouldn't say I was totally anti GOP or Dem. I have to vote, because I want to be able to complain. I just think all the foreseeable candidates are problematic. The cookoo things I am seeing on my facebook, have made me hide some of my Missouri contacts just to keep my blood pressure down.
ReplyDeleteYes, social media is tough when it comes to friends and politics. And I'm sure SoCal leanings are quite different than Missouri leanings. :)
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