Why is Iowa so important?

Don't get me wrong. I like Iowa, it is a beautiful state. Iowans are great people. But I have to ask, why is Iowa so important?

Look at the Caucus system. If you have to work, or you cannot get a babysitter, you cannot participate. If you are an American soldier from Iowa, you cannot participate. If you are elderly or disabled, you must get yourself to a caucus site to participate.

Once the few get to caucus sites, the doors are locked at 7:00pm. You may be bullied by a neighbor or even your boss to "vote" for someone you do not want. There is no secret ballot in the Iowa primary.

Say, for example, you are supporting a second tier candidate. If there is not 15% in the caucus hall for that candidate, you must change to a second choice.

This system is not Democratic. It is not a large state. Iowa is not a state that represents America. But we Americans winnow down the field based on Iowa. This does not make sense to me. How do we as democratic Americans allow this to go on.

My hope is that in four years, Iowa will not be the determining factor in choosing our next President. Remember two things. Bill Clinton skipped Iowa in 1992 and was a two term President. Also remember, Pat Robinson won the Iowa caucuses eight years ago. But we still let this travesty of non Democracy go on.

If you are a middle class worker or a single mom you are probably not caucusing. This is not fair and must be changed.