Desperate Cry For Attention

While thumbing through the local fish wrap, I noticed a tiny article which screamed loudly for attention. "Local Republicans Expect Record Convention Turnout" was the headline which led one to believe that the droves of Republicans overcrowding the streets might need to be subdued. As the gears slowly started to turn I realized the importance of such an excited announcement...this is the weekend for the Travis County Democratic Convention, and also the Republican Convention. Since most of the general public is wrapped up in the Democratic nomination for President, the Republican Presidential nomination of Senator John McCain seems to be old news. The excitement exuded by this article seems to be overshadowed by the apparent need for attention by both the author and the Republican party.
The excitement in announcing the Republican Convention cannot hide the lack of support for the GOP as a whole. Numbers rarely lie, and the nearly 3 to 1 ratio (Dems to Reps) of those attending each parties respective convention shows the true enthusiasm for change across the board. The passion being shown in Hays and Travis Counties are an example of the winds of change sweeping the nation.
While many could say media coverage of the Democratic Convention has been a bit abundant, the same could be said about the lack of coverage of the GOP side. However, the excitement in the GOP convention was lost when Senator McCain became the leader in delegates. The excitement still remains on the Democratic side of the political spectrum, not only for the announcement of the presidential nominee, but for the change in control which will inevitably be wrested from the GOP.
The classless attack on the civility of the Democratic process of nomination by Rosemary Edwards, the new leader of the Travis County Republican Party, only seemed to reinforce the desperation of the GOP. This is coming from a group who's idea of civil duty is to nominate a leader who is a war monger. The plea, excuse me, the announcement by Edwards that the majority of attention was on the Democratic Convention, but that Republicans were excited also, was a poor attempt to be recognized. Never fear, poor (and I do not mean financially) Republicans, Hays and Travis Counties know you are around, but the numbers are showing, on a local and national scale, that we just do not care anymore. Americans want change, and the only way to achieve that goal is with a Democratic majority.

http://www.statesman.com/news/content/region/legislature/stories/03/28/0328gopconventions.html

Genius of Exaggeration

For many individuals, the ability to find a laugh throughout the day can be a difficult task. Many Central Texans can find solace in the brilliant satire of the great Ben Sargent, a political cartoonist for the Austin American Statesman. Mr. Sargent's work can be admired on a daily basis in the Editorial and Opinion sections. The different National and Local situations which are satirized not only make one chuckle, but also create a certain awareness of the direction of our government, and our great nation.
Recently for Texans, the Democratic Primary and Caucus brought out droves of voters, ready to make their voice heard. What appeared to be an easy task, ended up becoming a fiasco, with accusations of fraudulent voter registry, to strong armed tactics allegedly being elicited by one of the sides involved in the race.
It has become an unfortunate situation for the voters of Texas, that the magnificent display of one of our greatest rights as citizens of the United States, the ability to elect our leaders through a popular vote, has now been bastardized. What should be as simple as casting a single vote for one's candidate of choice, is now a two-step process which wastes the very important time of hard-working Texans.
Mr. Sargent brings a different perspective to the table in an effort to relieve the anger experienced by those first voting in the Primaries and then completing the Caucus process. The numerous steps illustrated by the artist, greatly exaggerate the two-step process, allowing the reader to gain a satirical perspective on how complicated, or not, the process is. While the Nation slowly rolls into a recession, the ability to smile will still be one of our greatest assets. Suffrage is another asset we have as Americans, and the process may be difficult, but if that right is not exercised, then even more may be lost, including the freedom of speech exhibited by great minds like Ben Sargent.



http://www.statesman.com/opinion/content/editorial/sargent/index.html