To win, first show up!

Except for a few wreathes, Christmas has been put away for another year, just in time to prepare for Imbolc on February 1, which is also the date of local precinct caucuses in Minnesota. Yesterday we fussed about the prospect of attending in person. This morning we read on Twitter, from Ken Martin, Chair of the Minnesota DFL:

Excited to announce that last evening the DFL State Executive Committee adopted my proposal to allow our local organizing units to have an option to conduct contactless covid-safe precinct caucuses:

https://dfl.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/SEC-Emergency-Declaration-Regarding-Precinct-Caucuses-Rev-000.pdf

covid-safe anyone?

Photo by J. Harrington

It’s improbable our fussing had much, if anything, to do with the decision, but we were among a number of folks who were raising concerns about the health risks of caucusing in person. It remains to be seen whether our precinct caucus will support the contactless option. I’m not about to get carried away with optimism, but there’s a few signs that there may be hope for the future of Minnesota’s Democratic-Farmer-Labor party. The fact that caucuses are being held on the day that Celtic spring [Imbolc] begins doesn’t hurt either.

On the other hand, the Chisago-Isanti DFL web site doesn’t yet list the February Precinct Caucuses [“There are no upcoming events at this time.”] nor provide any information about the  possibility of a covid-safe precinct caucus option. This is not encouraging in  any way, shape or form. When we first moved to our home 25 years ago +/-, our House district was represented by an intelligent, progressive Democrat. That lasted for one+ term. Were we caught in a political bait and switch? Can Democrats win in rural areas? Not without help from an active political party! Do Democrats have a cart before the horse(’s ass)?

Democracy Poem #1

By June Jordan

Tell them that I stood

in line

and I waited

and I waited

like everybody

else

But I never got

called

And I keep that scrap

of paper

in my pocket

just in case

********************************************
Thanks for visiting. Come again when you can.
Please be kind to each other while you can.