“I, the Lord God, make you free, therefore ye are free indeed; and the law also maketh you free. Nevertheless, when the wicked rule the people mourn. Wherefore, honest men and wise men should be sought for diligently, and good men and wise men ye should observe to uphold; otherwise whatsoever is less than these cometh of evil.” D&C 98:8-10
As I run around trying to pull every last detail together for my political party’s caucus tonight, I am reminded of several things, the first being the aforementioned scripture. I heard many reasons over the phone over the last couple of days as to why people were not attending the caucus: “I don’t feel well.” “I’m not really into that kind of thing anymore.” “I’ve got better things to do tonight.”
Well, I’ve thought about these reasons and thought to myself, “I have two books with a May 1st deadline. I have a husband still in the healing process. I am still struggling to keep eyes open after the 5½ weeks in the hospital. My laundry is taking over the house. My dishes need to be done and I’m pretty sure the dishwasher gave up the ghost with the last load. I am organizing two major author extravaganza events, participating in numerous book signings, speaking engagements, etc.” I do understand being busy. Nobody understands “busy” better than me. So why is it so important to attend your local caucus meetings, regardless of which party is yours?
First, this is where it all begins. The man sitting in the white house right now began at his local precinct’s caucus. At the caucus, people are elected who then attend the county and state conventions. At these conventions they whittle the candidates down to one who will represent the party at the polls. That candidate then goes before the people, pleads his or her case and wins or loses. If he or she wins, they then start creating, campaigning for and voting into law their agendas, which you hope are yours. All of this begins at the caucus at your local high school, elementary, community center – wherever it is held. It begins here.
Second, it’s an exciting process. You effect change when you attend and vote in these caucuses. At the very foundation of the American political process, you decide whom best represents your interests and send them off to do that very thing. You gather with friends, neighbors, church members and strangers and a strange comradery begins to form as the nominations, speeches and elections go forth.
Third, it is your duty as an American citizen, a wonderful, marvelous, exciting duty that others in far away lands would kill to have. No where on earth is there any place as free as this nation. Is our nation perfect? Heavens no! Could it use improvement? Absolutely! That’s the exciting thing . . . you hold within your hands the ability to effect change. Will you do it? It is a sacred privilege given to all mankind – America was the first place to implement it wholeheartedly and still fights to keep that privilege available to every citizen.
Will you step up to the plate and say, “I not only care about who is in office, I’m determined to make sure the right people get into office.” This is your chance. Don’t pass it up!