Iowa's Caucuses Is Grassroots Democracy In Action

I believe the people of Iowa continue to give to the rest of the country a reason for being optimistic about the future of our democratic republic. The reason is simple: Iowa's reliance upon the caucus. Why? The caucus not only separates those who aspire to the presidency from those with a realistic expectation of gaining that important position, but it shows to the rest of America and the world that voting for a candidate in a primary is not the best or only way of declaring for a candidate. The caucus system provides to the voters of Iowa an opportunity to speak their minds, to gather together, to voice their expectations and disappointments, but more importantly, the caucus brings these voters together in groups large and small. It is democracy by committee, if you will. This unique demonstration of democracy shows the rest of us the basic process in action. Some may fault this process and refer to the expediency of a primary vote, but a primary vote fails to bring the People together to discuss the future of the nation. Thank you Iowa for demonstrating for the rest of us what grassroots democracy is all about. This is what those demonstrating Occupy Wall Street movement were striving for, but failed to utilize and fully appreciate. Iowa's demographics may not fully represent all Americans, but its process does let us consider our candidates in a pragmatic and democratic way.