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Tad Walch: Delegates are ones in control of Utah politics

Oh boy. Here we go again. Every election season we all get to hear about how great Utah's election process is; how democratic it is. Well, here's my caucus story: I went one night to support a friend who wanted to be a delegate. I heard about four blowhards stand up and tell why they would make great delegates. Not one of them said who they supported for governor, which I thought was the point of the whole process. I mentioned this to a lady sitting next to me. She concurred, and nominated me to be a delegate! She also asked each of the delegates who they supported for governor. Their general answer was "I'm not sure, but just trust me to make a good selection." Luckily, I wasn't selected. But it was the most undemocratic process I had seen. You mean I can't just vote for the candidate I want to represent my party? Now THAT's democratic. What a joke the current process is.

I will be attending my caucus I will support anyone who will not support an incumbent. They are self-serving, egotistical folks who will tell you why they are your new best friend. Where were they for the last two or four years? Did they "care" about you and yours or did they just begin to notice you?

While less that 2% of Utah voters have even attended a caucus or mass meeting, those who do realize quickly that this is where the real power is. Call a legislator as a citizen and you'll get a recorded message. Call as a constituent and you'll get an answering machine and a return call from an intern. Call as a delegate and they'll stop a committee meeting to be sure they get back to you personally - and to ask how your wife and kids are doing.
Of course there is that all important competing event on Tuesday night that could keep the same old political crazies in control - American Idol. If I stay home and watch David Archuletta from the couch for two hours, I can simply vote by phone and know I've done my patriotic duty.

I have never missed attending a caucus meeting. I say to all of those who stay home, since you don't really care, it is best you stay home and let those of us who do care influence the political process. In my mind there is nothing worse than an uninformed voter. This is reflected in the Democrat race for the presidential nomination. My own daughter, who I raised better, thinks Obama is the man because he gives such inspirational speeches. We know virtually nothing about him. There once was another man who gave inspirational speeches. When he got into office he turned a country of great culture into a killing machine. You know who I mean... the little corporal with the funny moustache. Great speeches don't cut it for me. If that is what you want... image, but no substance... stay home. You deserve what you get.