The word on the street is the our land of liberty has its eyes on Iowa, but what it doesn’t see is many of us are not attracted toward the first-in-the-nation acclaims.
I hear it more often than not. Whether it’s a colleague at work or family member on social media — a popular outlet to spew complaints without shame — the disgruntled attitude toward politics is brewing in the heart and minds of many, and I’m disappointed.
Despising the penetrating political atmosphere which surrounds us, we complain to each other as if democracy is a burden of responsibility. Even when excited, however, we sometimes lid our opinions with negativity.
In fact, in the last 20 years, only about 20 percent of registered Republicans and Democrats even participate in caucuses. That’s only 11 percent of Iowans.
Although it’s largely a waste of resources, I find caucus season thrilling.
I get it. You’re tired of hearing the same messages on primetime or the phone ring for the 15th time this week, just to find the voice of an unwanted stranger asking about someone with whom you’re unconvinced.
These small complaints are a little too typical, Iowa, and sound like first-world problems to me.
First, it’s not even February.
We’ve got a long way to go until November. We have blooming spring, a local election and the sunny summer ahead of us. We have the Fourth of July, the state fair and those leafy fall days which will bring out herds of volunteers. Can we show some endurance until summer at least?
Second, this is a privilege.
Throughout the course of history, many Americans have been prohibited from true democracy. Non-land owners, those of certain faiths, those under 21, women, African American, etc. have been excluded from the process. I think we should refrain, at times, from excessive complaint and acknowledge the work of our ancestors.
Another privilege is proximity. The next president of the United States has more than likely been in Newton in the last few months or weeks. We have probably had the opportunity to speak to this person or hear them speak to us.
The rare process is a privilege we need to be proud to own.
And as we grunt over the whole inconvenience, my friends from outside the Midwest relishing in stories, and even in Iowa, fellow journalists have said they wish for the range of candidates we have in Newton, welcoming everyone from both parties.
It’s also fun to think about how many tourists come to Iowa this time of year.
I couldn’t tell you how many people from all across the country have come to Iowa to work in politics as if it’s some sort of gold rush. Most recently, I met a camera man from Atlanta living in Des Moines and a campaign staffer from Brooklyn living in Kellogg.
The caucuses are a little confusing but you won’t be the only undecided constituent — that is for sure. Don’t forget a caucus is just a meeting and you’re not actually electing anyone. The real deal comes nine months from now.
There are 1,681 precincts in Iowa and you’re invited to join your neighbors in representing yours Monday evening.
I encourage you, on behalf of those who can not, to participate. Be curious. Ask questions. Go with an open mind and heart. It won’t take as long as your imagine, and I guarantee you’ll learn something.
Then you can go on complaining to your peers.
Contact Kate Malott at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or kmalott@newtondailynews.com