Saturday Slight

 

Pouring rain yesterday, and it continues today. I wouldn't mind if it would quit cuz we may take Bridie out to Robyn's to meet some sheep later.

The rain is of the soaking variety AND it creates some exquisite images on the ground where colorful leaves continue to fall.  

That's the lowest the snow has come so far this season.  

There were times yesterday when it felt like it could come even lower. 

It's November. 

Native Idahoan Chris Moon with Pro-Proposition 1 debaters Christy Wood and Luke Mayville at last night's debate.  

Both Christie, an Air Force veteran and retired police sergeant from Coeur d'Alene who represented military voters and Luke, Sandpoint High grad and co-founder of Reclaim Idaho, were raised in Idaho. 

Representing the opponents of Proposition 1 were Scott Herndon and Michael Angiletta.

The debate, which lasted 2.5 hours and attracted an almost full house, was held at the Regeneration Calvary Chapel on McGhee Road in Kootenai. 

While opponents pounded away at the outside money funding the Proposition, proponents attempted to debunk numerous concerns about the proposed initiative.  

At last night's Proposition 1 debate in Kootenai, there was food and a whole lotta questions from voters on both sides of the issue. 

Three Moon Sisters:  Judy, Chris and Sally. 

It's definitely a "Sista Act" where these ladies are concerned.  The energy, enthusiasm and time they have put into the grass roots, volunteer movement behind Proposition 1 is impressive, to say the least. 

The Moon sisters are among countless volunteers across Idaho who have worked tirelessly in door-to-door campaigns signature gathering and informing voters. 

My thoughts:

Opponents of this Initiative for Open Primaries and ranked choice voting characterized the movement as one spearheaded by big corporations and "dark money."  

Realistically, with pretty much any significant election these days, percentages of outside money will undoubtedly play in the mix. And, it has been documented that both sides of the Proposition have received money from outside of Idaho.  

To suggest, however, that dark and evil forces are behind this Proposition, which opens up primary voting options for more Idahoans, seems to me like a desperation attempt at best.

Ordinary Idahoans, like me,  who don't want to affiliate with political parties just to be able to vote in primaries, have joined forces to reform elections in the state. 

I am also one of the thousands of Idahoans who have contributed financially to this cause. I know from my own personal experience that my money is not dark and that I am far from being a puppet of large corporations. 

An interesting observation I have seen in the effort to oppose the Proposition is the expressed concern from opponents that it is designed to weaken the Republican party in Idaho. 

Yet, in this "live and let live" state, the Republican party does appear to expect citizens to tow the mark when it comes to participating in primary elections. 

All you have to do is join a party to do your primary voting and the problem is solved, we heard from an outspoken opponent last night.  

The reality that many of us independent-minded citizens have observed over the past few years is that if you do join that party just to be able to vote in the primary, you are disdained as a RINO.  

Or, maybe even worse, you are one of those really evil Libtards walking around in Republican clothing--- figuratively, of course.

I also learned this week and heard again at the debate last night that it's not just certain Republicans who vehemently oppose open primaries and ranked choice voting. 

In Colorado and Nevada and one other state with this issue on the ballot, Democrats strongly oppose the reform. 

Hmmm.  

Wonder what that suggests:  could it be that those who enjoy political control in these states are afraid of losing their control? 

I guess this is okay, but that factoid still doesn't help those of us who would simply like to vote for the candidate and not necessarily the party.

Like anything competitive, it's a lot more fun for everyone involved if there's a level playing field. 

Anywho, Bill and I stayed for most of the debate, which was quite revealing in many ways. 

We seldom attend such events, so it was interesting to see some of these people, both debators and questioners, in action. 

I came away very proud of my former student Luke who, for the past several years, has provided the vision, leadership, knowledge, intellect, hard work and patient eloquence to institute positive change in Idaho for its people. 

And, of course, I'm always proud of my dear friends, the Moon sisters and all the hard-working volunteers from small towns and cities across the state who do the same.

Good luck to Proposition 1. One more time, I encourage a YES vote. 

Happy Saturday.