Friday, January 04, 2008

caucus night in iowa

So we accepted the orphanage's challenge and rode our bikes to our caucus, presented the resolution, and I guess it was accepted. We didn't really know what to do with our resolution so we gave out some copies and gave a copy each to two of the people who seemed to be in charge. Then after we got in our groups and got delegates people started to leave. So we asked the two in charge and they said that we were the only ones that brought anything so they would just take it on to the next stage since they didn't have anything else competing for the platform.
I guess democracy is easier in a small town.
We were in Allamakee County, Precinct Waukon 1
Lee & Andrea Venteicher

[We were, sadly, the only ones who biked to the caucus.]
[Here is me feeling silly after our resolution "passed" due to general apathy.]
[outside hubbell elementary school, i unwittingly tested the camera.
the paper indicates i AM at the right location.]

[the mostly reverend opted for a fixed gear bike, a late-60s schwinn "racer," a nod to his first participation in national politics in 1968, and to his intransigent attitudes and political resoluteness, often confused as crustiness and obstreperousness.]
.....
when the great history book is written, included in the chapter covering the presidential campaign of 2008 will be this significant footnote:
"three brave, committed citizens of iowa put their politics where their asses are and rode bicycles to their respective precinct caucus. two in the tiny, picturesque northeast allamakee county community of waukon, and one in the liberal urban enclave of the northwest side of des moines proper. as a result of their dedication and efforts on a cold, clear, crisp and history-making night in january, a resolution supporting the rights of bicyclists became the principal plank of the democratic platform, and revolutionized transportation in the united states, ultimately freeing america from its lethal addiction to foreign oil AND helping to revolutionize the reorientation of the medical profession from a treatment-oriented field to a wellness and prevention endeavor.
"sadly, the names of these three cyclists/patriots/heroes is not known."
.....
if you have cycling caucus stories and photos to share, please send them to me, and we'll post them here. thanks, and thanks to all who participated last night. it was good.
.....
and on an unrelated topic, this from a reader...
Plans for a Lance Armstrong biopic are still simmering, reports the BikingBis.com blog. Shooting could begin next summer, according to producer Frank Marshall, whose credits include the Indiana Jones and Bourne movie franchises. And speaking of Bourne, Marshall said that the lead role for a Lance movie is still Matt Damon's to turn down. (Damon is 37.) Marshall added that cycling's doping controversies are not the reason the movie has been slow getting going. He implied it's been a matter of other projects taking precedence.
.....
question: who would YOU recommend for the role of lance? who would you recommend for other roles [jan, george, johann, et cetera]? leave your suggestions in the comments . . .

2 comments:

john said...

I remember back in the 70's living in the Republican stronghold of Parkersburg - a town that hadn't had a Democratic caucus in years - the Adamson's decided to make do something political. We did a little research, got our paperwork in order, did some promotion and opened the doors to our house for the big night.
We were not expecting a big crowd, but when my wife and youngest son left there was only my other son and me to shut the doors, turn off the lights and try to figure out what was to be done with the official papers.
Our next attempt at caucusing brought to our house about 15 participants and the following one was soooo big that we had to move to a public building to house it.
I'm not sure if they have ever elected a Democratic to county office - and damn few have ever run for office in Butler County.
So long Joe - it was so good to know you.
John

Brett said...

A few things I noticed about the caucus last night around Iowa City; 1) The youth turnout, a couple of elder voters said they hadn't seen the young in numbers since JFK, not to mention the majority of young for Obama. 2) The large turnout. 3) New caucus goers, IE folks living up to their civic responsibilities.

I still like the Aussie and New Zealand set up where you are fined for not voting. In other words know and respect history regarding what those before you sacrificed.