[Mpls] Caucuses

[Delcalzojan at aol.com]

Mike Nelson wrote:
> 
>> I just came home from my precinct caucus.
>> I seriously doubt I will be returning.
>> When we were in the process of filling our allotted number of
>> delegates,we had more volunteers than open positions. Someone made a
>> suggestion regarding how we might eliminate some people.
>> The suggestion: " I think anyone who is a white male should step
>> down..."
>> I didn't even stay to hear the rest of her suggestion. I left.

and

Steve Nelson wrote:

> I am sorry you experienced this at your caucus, Mike, but wouldn't that 
> be the perfect time to remind people that the DFL is the party of 
> INCLUSION not EXCLUSION.  Walking out, while it may feel good at the 
> moment, ends up being a disservice to the rest of the attendees who may 
> well have agreed with you given half a chance.
> 
> Don't give up on the party over one incident.  Get out their and bring 
> your friends to next year's caucuses so you can form your own subcaucus!

And I contend that the subcaucusing has been at the very heart of what is 
wrong in the DFL party.  People are Balkanized according to some division - 
labor, feminist, gay - and that is the niche in which stay.  The groups barely talk 
to each other because they are off choosing their own delegates.

I for one liked the old days when the delegates had to be chosen by the whole 
caucus, not just their group.  Did it have problems - sure.  But many of 
those problem could be overcome just as Steve Nelson said - organize, bring your 
friends.  Heavens, packing the caucuses was a tried and true technique to 
insure victory.

Jan Del Calzo
Lynnhurst
Ward 13, Precinct 6