Election Madness

I've been reading blogs (does that count as reading? The Oregonian has posed that question, but I'm getting off task) Anyway, many have touched on the subject of the current electoral process in action. And, of course the media is full of stories, speeches, appearances and election results. I think that the current slate of candidates has really fueled the imaginiations of Americans. It's historic having Hilary Clinton and Barack Obama racing each other for the Democratic nomination.

Obama has brought back some interesting memories for me. I remember being in high school, so it must have been 1988, when Jesse Jackson was campaining for the nomination. He made an appearance at Oregon State to give a speech and I remember having teachers tell us to miss school so we could hear him. That it was a historic moment. I imagine that those who are experiencing Obama's speeches have some similar feelings.

But back to the primaries and caucuses. Oregon has a closed primary system. I'm not a member of either party, so I don't have a vote in the primaries. Bottom line, my opinions don't really count until November. So, why am I "non-affiliated'? Easy, I don't see much difference between a liberal conservative or a conservative liberal. My opinions vary from issue to issue and I don't like to limit myself, or box myself in. I know that for some people this idea is frustrating. Friends have actually told me that I'm afraid of committing myself to either the Republicans or the Democrats. But, you see, I'm a student of history and believe that given enough time the parties, like the magnetic poles, will do a 180 degree shift and then I'd have to change my registration.

Bottom line. Closed primaries suck. The day I will truly celebrate is the day when open primaries are the norm in all 50 states.