was a frustrating experience.
First of all, I went to Caucus for Al Franken. But, because of the way our precinct assigned delegates- they basically accepted volunteers- we never got a chance to express our interest one way or another in that important process. The individuals who volunteered to be delegates will are uncommitted and can do whatever they want.
My sense, based on the conversations, etc. is that Franken was the popular favorite and it is reasonable to assume that the 66 would provide proportional representation.
Regarding the presidential straw poll, the results for my precinct were:
Obama 447 votes 73.5%
Hillary Clinton 144 votes 23.6%
all others/uncommitted 17 votes 2.9%
Then the resolutions were offered and voted onby voice vote.
This got interesting when one person offered a resolution to impeach President Bush and VP Dick Cheney. In its original form the resolution was that vague. Rules allowed three individuals to speak in support of the resolution and three to speak in opposition. Two persons spoke in favor of the resolution giving reasons like " this would be an impossible statement to make after they were out of office and that immunity would protect them at that point. The argument goes that it is therefore important to do this as quickly as possible.
The third voice in favor listed reasons for impeachment (torture, lying us into war, etc).
Then I spoke out in opposition to this resolution. My basic point was that we are on the verge of nominating a candidate for president who is offering a message of hope and unity. An impeachment action now would work against the credibility of our candidate and only serve to create division in an election year. More important than this motion is unifying our party for a common purpose and to win over those on the other side through cooperation and persuasive argumentation.
The resolution went forward to a vote (late in the night). There were 109 people who voted. 52 in favor and 57 opposed.
G.W. Bush owes me big time.
I was glad for the outcome for Obama. We in Minnesota will continue to hold our breath for Franken. and all of us will look forward to November.
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2 comments:
A question for you: Would you have supported that impeachment motion about twelve months ago? I agree with your thinking here; we need nothing divisive or distracting at this time.
Another note about yesterday: Several registered Republicans in my circle of family and friends who normally vote in the primary did not go out yesterday. Reason? They do not like anyone their party is offering. I hope they do go out on election day to give the Democratic candidate votes. I'll work towards convincing them. Actually, I'll work relentlessly towards electing that candidate.
Great question. If the newly elected Democratic congress has tried to introduce article of impeachment it would have been equally problematic for the good of our party and nation. So, I do not believe I would have supported such a notion then either.
Sometimes, especially when right is on your side, you have to rise above the finger pointing and scapegoating and simply live by your ideals.
It doesn't help us at all to behave like those we oppose. Instead we need to convert others by the strength of ideas and the ability to both think and listen.
Now if someone was talking impeachment at the time these atrocities took place, when the R's controlled things, I think it would have been a powerful statement that would have kept them in charge for a generation. Further, in that scenario, I would have been one of the converted.
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