I'm from Iowa. I was born and raised there. I do not live there now and do not really wish to do so now. It's not that I have anything against Iowans. The acorn falls near the tree. I am that acorn and I grow into my own private oak tree quite near the tree(in Kansas). I only wish to preface my coming remarks with the full disclosure now ended.
The past months of political activity have finally come to an early cadence. Those people in Iowa interested enough to get up out of their chairs and go down to wherever they go to caucus will pick whom? They will pick a man or woman who they believe can be President of the United States. That's it. After tonight, very few people outside Iowa will care AT ALL about Iowa. Please raise your head up from your chest and nod if you are surprised. If you did not hear the request, then you are still asleep and may remain so. There is nothing to get up FOR.
OK. I ended a sentence with a preposition. THAT is more interesting than the Iowa caucuses. I enjoy political discussion to a point. This obsessive focus on such a small sector of the voting populace causes my sense of proportion to flash red and buzz loudly. I am envious of the people from the early days of American political life.
I admit that the early Americans had little influence in the greater society. They had almost no influence in choosing the President of the country. This task was left to the elite. I am not of the elite now and would not likely have been of the elite then. One of my points is this- I bemoan the hoohaa in the service of a process which has become a hindrance to our general welfare.
Does it really mean anything at all if Iowans like someone for President? Or the voters of New Hampshire? Or any one state? Do we need this horribly drawn out leeching of precious resources to select two people neither of whom will really be of much value as a human being and even less as a leader? Am I as cynical as I appear to be?
Iowa. The land of my birth. Oh, Iowa. My heart bleeds with every second of inanity. May you survive this assault on your gentle nature. Peace to you, Iowa.
