I Love America

Last night Johan and I went the Minnesota caucus. We arrived what I thought would be plenty early at 6:30 pm for the 7 pm meeting. As we approached Anthony Middle School, I saw a line of people trailing through the parking lot and adjacent park and around several blocks. It was about 20 degrees and families were bundled up together standing in the cold Minnesota darkness waiting to caucus. I wrapped Johan in a blanket, stuck him in the Baby Bjorn and off we went to take our place in line. A nice older couple told me to come stand with them, so my wait outside would be shorter and so the baby wouldn't catch "the nip of winter." So we waited. Neighbors chatted; joked about what hearty stock Minnesotans were; and expressed excitement about the impending elections. I wished I had brought my camera.

It was a truly un-cynical experience. Not waiting in line to buy concert tickets or try out for a reality show, but braving the cold (20 degrees is not actually that cold for any real Minnesotan) on a Tuesday night in February to particapte in the caucus. For me, seeing that happen was an almost sacred or holy moment. The sight of the huddled masses waiting in the cold was reminiscent of photos I have seen of Ellis Island circa 1880.

And for all my deeply partisan feelings, I remembered that the reason I really love politics is because it is all about voting, and to me, there is no greater act than casting a ballot in an election. I will always bring Johan with me to vote and to caucus, hoping to instill in him how utterly important it is to participate in America, how the right to vote is something to be protected, cherished, respected so highly that we will stand in the cold for the opportunity.

Ok, I promise not to get so sappy about voting and America again until November.

Once inside the caucus, Johan tried to volunteer to be a delegate to the state convention. He was soundly rejected and then started to whine so we went home. He is also a defiant child, having worn an Obama sticker on the butt of his Baby Bjorn, rather than supporting the candidate his parents backed. Well, Johan's candidate took Minnesota 2-1 and he gloated for the rest of the evening. Feisty little bugger.