OT -IOWA POLITICS

wrote:

On Jan 4, 8:13 am, jeff miller wrote:

ok, ok...i know... but honestly, it's the most encouraging thing i've
seen in the national political landscape in far too long a time. i fear
it may not last, that iowa is a unique island in the political world,
and that it will cause the rivals to resort to dirty works appealing to
the baser sense of the electorate...but, damn, i'm hopeful and nearly
optimistic. g more than 50% of the caucus participants were 1st
timers...perhaps all us cynics are dying out and there will be a new
vigor in a changed political world.

jeff (wishin and hopin...but still cynical)


you know, jr's post analogizing the jfk movement to the growing
sense of obama's power among the young is very convincing. thinking
back to those halcyon times, i saw myself amongst the adoring throngs
of kids in chapel hill in the early 60's, watching our hopes for the
future rise in the hands of jack kennedy.
fast forward to the present, and i watched myself, hunched and
fuming over my discomfort, as my hoped for image of the clintons back
in the whitehouse began to fade in the bright light rising out of
iowa.
maybe it's time for the young to give us another shot of
charisma.

yfitons
wayno

it is very difficult to acknowledge one's old age because of all that
aging entails in this society...plus, whatever the stuff is that sees
out of my eyes still looks at the world and what's around me with the
same sense of youth i felt at 25 notwithstanding my gray hair, wrinkled
and sagging skin, pot belly, and the aches & pains equal to my
years...however, i agree with you. it's invigorating to feel a sense of
hope again, even if only as a voyeur, and also, though long ago, once to
have had the opportunity of a similar youthful zeal about politics and
making change in our country. i think you and i have been very
fortunate as far as the times and places we have lived our lives...and,
i'm hopeful for another go round. g

jeff (like once used coffee grounds...there's probably a cup or two
worth of brewing left)

jeff