I live in the Reno area and got an opportunity to experience yesterday a historic event for Nevada – our first caucus. It was an interesting process although I’m not sure how “democratic” it was considering many could not attend since they had to work – like my husband, for example. Being the first caucus, most of us didn’t know exactly what to do in the beginning, including some of our volunteer leaders, but we stayed calm, kept our senses of humor, and muddled through the process. Basically, it was a big head count.
Regardless of party connections, I think all who participated were extremely happy with the turnout. I live in a rural area north of Reno and we had about 200 people attend. Personally, I was happy with the results of the Democratic caucus with Hillary Clinton winning, although it had its share of controversy. The local newspaper reported today that Barack Obama requested an investigation into the Nevada Democractic caucus as many precincts closed their doors at 11:30 a.m. when the state party had mandated that the doors remain open until noon. I am happy to report that my local precinct followed the state party guidelines.
Ultimately, I would prefer that primaries be held in my state rather than caucuses as this would provide everyone a wider opportunity to vote. But the caucus experience was about as “grassroots politics” as one can get – every individual vote truly counted. It is heartwarming to see that the average citizen is becoming more active in the political process and takes this process seriously. “Staying the course” just ain’t working these days, Dubya. Americans want change. I can’t wait for Super Tuesday!
Man, there is some bad mojo looming about today. When I arrived at work this morning I saw an email from the campus police that a 19-year-old girl was missing and most likely abducted from her friend’s house located very close to campus. A newspaper bulletin indicated that the FBI is now involved in the investigation. There have been two assaults to females near campus in the past couple of months so, understandably, all women on campus are a little nervous. My husband even bought me pepper spray because I walk a fair distance to my car each night. I hope this young woman is okay and will be returned to her family soon!
My second set of bad news arrived shortly after the campus police alert when I learned that one of my former bosses had emergency surgery for a brain tumor over the weekend. She came out of the surgery okay, but there are still a lot of tests and possibly treatments she will have to endure. I am anxious for her and her family.
And finally, this afternoon a friend IM’d me to announce that actor Heather Ledger is dead. Now that boggles my mind. I’m not really into all the celebrity gossip and broo-ha-ha, but Heath Ledger was an extremely talented, young actor and I really admired his work, from Monster’s Ball to Brokeback Mountain. I LOVED him in Lords of Dogtown and his performance in Brokeback simply broke my heart. I just don’t get it.