Today I attended my precinct's democratic caucus.   Having always lived in a primary state, it was a new experience and I went as much out of curiosity as anything else.  I didn't decide until less than an hour before start time whether or not I'd attend.  Since I really identify much more with the values of the Green Party i was hesitant to throw my lot in with the democrats.  But, as a Green Party candidate is not likely to take power any time soon and the democratic party candidates are so much more interesting than usual, I decided to check it out.  Plus, I was annoyed that each household in WA was sent a primary ballot with no explanation that the ballot actually would NOT count (totally messed up!).

When we got to the local elementary school, the line was out the door.  I didn't realize there were several precincts meeting in the same place and didn't know my precincts number so I had to wait until they figured it out.  I was surprised the didn't have a map or something for the people who were signing us in.

There were about 25 people from my precinct and initially 8 were for Clinton, 11 for Obama and the rest undecided.  The few people who felt really passionate about their candidate said their bit, but we quickly got to the topic of health care which seemed off topic to me since they no one tied their issues to a particular candidate. Then, the PCO person got smart and decided that we'd go around the tables 1 by 1, say who we were voting for and why.

I hadn't planned on speaking but I really thought this was the best part.  I loved hearing the everyday people share.  They weren't necessarily well-educated nor were they eloquent, but they were real and down-to-earth and sometimes even passionate.  For me, it was incredibly energizing.  Not in a way that makes me want to support one candidate or the other, but just excited to see people taking part in the democratic process in a very hands-on way. 

I've felt pretty apathetic these last 8 years.  After that man was appointed president against the popular vote 2 times in a row I couldn't bare to even try to keep up with politics, I felt much too cynical.  I see the democrats as only slightly better than the republicans and felt like real change would only come through grass-roots efforts.  I feel the tide changing now.  Global warming is hardly even contested in the mainstream media any more.  Sustainability is a buzz word.  I'm not the only one bringing re-useable bags to the grocery store anymore!  Everyone agrees that something needs to be done about health care and most are ready to get out of Iraq. 

Our precinct ended up with 16 people supporting Obama and 9 for Clinton.  We divided our 9 delegates accordingly.  I even agreed to be an alternate delegate for Obama. 

I'm excited at the prospect of change, but am wary of getting my hopes up for fear of great disappointment.  What does the future have in store for us?  I guess we will have to wait and see...