The IOWA CIRCUS… CAUCUS…THE HAWKEYE CAUK-EYE…. I realize this a serious and an important event, but I have laughed ou
t loud many times during the build up to February 1. Anyone who knows me realizes I am one of the “curses of the world,” a Christian, right-wing conservative, white, white-haired baby boomer, but the candidates and voters on all thirty or so sides have brought a great deal humor and sometime embarrassment. (I enjoy reading newspapers from other countries, but yes, as I read, I get angry and embarrassed at how they look at us.) In fifteen minutes of broadcast time, we learn that each candidate is the finest most qualified person on the planet and in the same fifteen minutes are told they are all idiots with absolutely no candidate qualified. One single soundbite out of context from each candidate makes him or her the most brilliant or the biggest idiot. The whole thing is a hoot.
t loud many times during the build up to February 1. Anyone who knows me realizes I am one of the “curses of the world,” a Christian, right-wing conservative, white, white-haired baby boomer, but the candidates and voters on all thirty or so sides have brought a great deal humor and sometime embarrassment. (I enjoy reading newspapers from other countries, but yes, as I read, I get angry and embarrassed at how they look at us.) In fifteen minutes of broadcast time, we learn that each candidate is the finest most qualified person on the planet and in the same fifteen minutes are told they are all idiots with absolutely no candidate qualified. One single soundbite out of context from each candidate makes him or her the most brilliant or the biggest idiot. The whole thing is a hoot. I love to watch the recent “man on the street” interviews from FOX and CNN. Person after person on the east coast have no idea where Iowa is, not just millenni
als, but senior citizens as well. I laughed out loud, but it really isn’t all that funny. As a Midwesterner, I believe it was in the fourth grade in Southeast Elementary, we HAD to learn the locations of all the states. Yes, I know where all the states are and I think I can name the capitals; I know my wife, Dorothy, knows them all. In addition, I’d venture to say ALL the students in our school sixty years ago can still identify Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut …etc.
als, but senior citizens as well. I laughed out loud, but it really isn’t all that funny. As a Midwesterner, I believe it was in the fourth grade in Southeast Elementary, we HAD to learn the locations of all the states. Yes, I know where all the states are and I think I can name the capitals; I know my wife, Dorothy, knows them all. In addition, I’d venture to say ALL the students in our school sixty years ago can still identify Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut …etc. We were expected to know our senators, representatives, and certainly our president and VP. In the man on the street interview, all knew who Obama is, but few coul
d identify the picture of our Vice-President. Of course, all knew Adele, Howard Stern, Jenifer Lopez, and the cast of “Naked and Afraid.” However, only a few knew how many senators are in the senate, the branches of government, nor how many judges sit on the Supreme Court. One college student when asked the years of the Civil War she answered
d, I think in the 1950’s; A COLLEGE STUDENT. Few knew where Benghazi is, one adult man thought Benghazi was a model of a car. This is basic stuff, not the knowledge of only the serious scholar AND THESE PEOPLE VOTE…..
d identify the picture of our Vice-President. Of course, all knew Adele, Howard Stern, Jenifer Lopez, and the cast of “Naked and Afraid.” However, only a few knew how many senators are in the senate, the branches of government, nor how many judges sit on the Supreme Court. One college student when asked the years of the Civil War she answeredd, I think in the 1950’s; A COLLEGE STUDENT. Few knew where Benghazi is, one adult man thought Benghazi was a model of a car. This is basic stuff, not the knowledge of only the serious scholar AND THESE PEOPLE VOTE…..
Most have a favorite candidate, but are clueless why. Many are excited about the prospects of lots of “free stuff” from certain candidates, yet are unaware of the impact of taxes on themselves, much less businesses. Most were against “big oil,” but didn’t know why. The people interviewed all appeared to be not only American citizens, but grew up and were educated in the States.
“Ah, Bill, these are just a few people that were picked out to make fun of.” I’m sure there is a certain amount of truth in that, however, I believe it is more true than not. I am greatly concerned that people vote or caucus without knowledge of what they are voting for. As a “Baptist church guy,” I have always felt that only ACTIVE members should make decisions concerning the church. Even though all members generally have a right to vote, if a person is not active, he is clueless and can cause great damage to the body.
The point of this light-hearted, but serious “fulmination” is, KNOW WHY YOU VOTE FOR YOUR CANDIDATE! If you honestly stand on the left, at least know why. Take the time to know the issues and don’t follow your emotions. It is too serious to be flippant or to be a clueless “air-head.” if you are “on the right,” know why you stand where you stand. Be HOT OR COLD.
My passion is for Christ and His Word and I would truly believe a president totally sold out to Christ would be, by far, the very best president. I believe, I know, God was the foundation of our founding fathers. Our country WAS birthed on faith in God and many of the early leaders not only believed in God but trusted Christ Jesus. I do, however, know that Christ isn’t very “popular” in 21st century America.
I have not made my final decision for whom I will vote in the Georgia primary. It is pretty clear I am a conservative. Likely in the months to come I will unapologetically make a stand. However, I will say I will not vote for a candidate who has the desire to continue this anti God, anti faith, freedom and “tolerance ” for everyone except those to have a deep faith in Jesus.
Is the Iowa caucus all that important? Well, I’m not certain. It has brought us all a great deal of entertainment and some drams. What I am certain of is that God is still in charge and “If His people, who are called by His name, will humble themselves, seek His face, and turn from their wicked ways, He will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land.”