the best and worst of a day in retail

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

All politics is local


Shopgirlove loved Tip O'Neill. She does not, however, love the national political scene. She's not actually certain there even is a national political scene. Let's face it: Obama-Clinton? Whither the distinction in this difference? Texas, Ohio? Who cares? Well, some do. However, most of the impact on everyday lives seems to happen at the State and municipal levels. Although, some people could, apparently, benefit from a refresher course on the geography of these United States. Hi, Trooper Bowler, California is west of Massachusetts:

"California's a bellwether state. What happens here, blows east," Larry Bowler, a retired deputy sheriff from Sacramento who opposes gay marriage, said outside the courthouse.

So, while every citizen in this country has a President regardless of their race, gender, or geography; how long each has a President seems determined more by zip code than anything else. And irony of ironies? Local elections have the lowest turnout:

"Voter Turnout: Municipal Elections Compared to Presidential/Gubernatorial Elections November voter turnout is four times higher: Turnout in presidential and
gubernatorial elections (November elections) is higher than turnout for municipal
elections (held in March). From 1980 through 2004, turnout in Presidential elections
ranged from 76% in 1996 to 89% in 2004, whereas turnout in local elections was
approximately 30% in 1980 but declined to approximately 17% in 2004..."

Yes, Shopgirlove understands just how important the Supremes are. She gets that the war(s) is/are a really bad idea. And, yes, these are Federal issues. However, day by day?

All politics is local.

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