off topic

so, until now i've kept politics a great distance from this blog. i know that once i go off on a rant, i may find myself going headlong into ill-advised direction. having said that, i just got back from the Alaska Democratic Caucus, and i'm jazzed.

i was told the last time there was a caucus in Fairbanks they had ten people. ten. tonight there were hundreds. the JP Jones Center was packed with rabid Alaskans, and more importantly Americans. the spirit was electric. every demographic was represented, and i made me feel good- every race, age, gender, and tax bracket stood there together. interesting also (or maybe not) to see the number of Army families.

just as we were being shuttled off to our appropriate floors for our district caucus, we were told that the police were outside and anyone parked on the street had to move their car or they would be towed. the announcement was met with uproarious laughter. moving your car meant no vote. i didn't see anyone exit the building.

as i stood under the Obama sign upstairs i began chatting with a nice, recently retired, couple. to say they were full of fire would be a gross understatement. tonight they registered as Democrats - for the first time ever.

as we strolled out together into the 40º below zero air afterward, there were cars on the street five blocks deep in every direction. i told them it was nice to meet them, and that i hoped the police didn't tow their car. the gentleman smiled at me and said "you know son, tonight, i don't give a damn".