Tonight in Utah are the caucus meetings for the Republican party. Tuesday were the caucus meetings for the Democratic party. It is a great system of grassroots participation in the political system. A chance for neighbors to get together and choose delegates who will represent their values and expectations in a candidate. Those men and women who wish to run for office must then go to each delegate, introduce themselves, and state their case. It's a way for the office seeker to be vetted, unlike a primary system where the person who has the most money can put up a myriad of flashy signs and win through popularity, not substance.
The United States of America is a Republic not a Democracy.
James Madison, who was called the Father of the Constitution, offered a concise definition of a republic as follows:
"We may define a republic to be...a government which derives all its powers directly or indirectly from the great body of the people, and is administered by persons holding their offices during pleasure for a limited period, or during good behavior." (Federalist Papers, No. 39, p. 241)
Sadly, we've slid away from participation in our government; our voices have been silent in the political system, thereby allowing the duel negative creatures of human nature (power and avarice) to overtake many of our representatives.
Perhaps it's time to reengage in the process. Let's attend our caucus meetings.
1 comment:
Congratulations on your participation in the caucus and the wonderful result! You will be incredible!
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