I don’t want get political, but let’s for just a moment. I know you probably don’t want to hear about it, but that’s the problem. Apathy, along with ignorance, is the most dangerous characteristic a community, county, state and country can have — voters have to take responsibility.
A year from now, Iowa will host the 2016 presidential caucus which will do two things: 1. bring qualified, viable candidates to the forefront of the race as well as leave many candidates behind, and 2. Allow ordinary citizens to participate and communicate with potential candidates. Iowa helps inform the nation by determining who passes our wholesome approval and what issues are concerning to us.
Journalists, broadcasters and politicians across the country look to Iowa for our insights and opinion. We’re the head coach of all states, we can either start you or sit you, not only with the candidates but the issues too.
“Iowa is terribly important. It’s the first test in the nation, where we get any test at all,” former Sen. George McGovern said in 1972.
We should be proud. It’s a unique and powerful opportunity, but many of us Iowans take our role for granted.
Caucuses are no place for someone too shy or silent, so I encourage anyone to conquer their shyness now. Practice talking about your viewpoints with family, friends or even your dog. What’s your opinion? Start preparing to defend it.
There’s one issue that really grinds my gears lately, and it’s one that should concern any voter regardless of party — corporate money.
I know we’ve heard it time and time again but don’t let its redundancy distract you from its severity. The money spent from corporations on both political campaigns and policy decisions is frightening and intensifying.
Money is a growing threat to our democracy and it’s taking place domestically, right under our nose. It’s easier for us to think of threats to our country as foreign, but we’re accepting a dangerous defeat from within our own border. The biggest obstacle facing our electoral democracy in our towns and smart policy decision making in our offices is corporate money.
In the 2012 presidential election, the Democratic campaign totaled $1.1 billion ($683 million candidate spending, $292 million national party spending and $131 million outside spending). The Republican campaign totaled $1.2 billion ($433 candidate spending, $386 national party spending and $418 million outside spending).
For example, let’s say Monday began a week-long campaign between Coke and Pepsi. Suddenly, you were bombarded with hundreds of messages that saturated all media.
Coke says don’t drink Pepsi. Pepsi will stain your teeth. Pepsi says don’t drink Coke. Coke causes high blood sugar. Coke says don’t drink Pepsi. Pepsi will lead to diabetes. Pepsi says don’t drink Coke. Coke exports its jobs to other countries. Coke says don’t drink Pepsi. Pepsi created national obesity.
By Friday, you’re not going to want to drink either product.
That’s the same effect, disinterest and distrust excessive money in politics has on our country’s constituents. Money closes the door to information, debate and decision making.
It’s not just building up in campaigns but equally as important is the effect special interest groups and lobbyist have on politicians in their policy decisions.
The way to make a substantial impact or at least an effort toward the next election cycle is by representing yourself and your precinct and confronting issues such as corporate influence head on. There are 8 precincts in Newton and I’m in 1-1.
Join your party affiliation at a local level, speak up about issues you want addressed and join the platform committee if there’s an opening. Ask potential candidates hard questions about whatever issues matter to you, like corporate funding. That’s not only their job to answer them but your job to ask.
“You can’t buy an election in Iowa,” Sen. John McCain said in 2008. I hope that’s still true.
Contact Kate Malott at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or kmalott@newtondailynews.com