Given the precarious condition of the world and the fact the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i (DPH) Presidential Primary is being held today, I think it’s only right that I let folks know where I’m at on this.
I suspect I’ll disappoint those readers on the very far left, the more libertarian anti-corporate activists who I occasionally fight along side of, and those very few folks on the far right who I might be related to.
But regardless of the risk to friendships and family disagreements, when the general election on Nov. 5 arrives, my vote without question will go to Joe Biden.
While an “uncommitted” vote during the presidential primary allows me to vent, and express my extreme dissatisfaction with his action and inaction facilitating the tragedy in Gaza — on Nov. 5, I will check the box next to the name of Joe Biden.
“Voting isn’t marriage — it’s public transport. You’re not waiting for ‘the one’ who is absolutely perfect. You’re getting the bus. And if there isn’t one going exactly to your destination, you don’t stay at home…you take the one going closest to where you want to be.” — Paul Tambyah
I understand there are differing opinions, but I believe there’s only one candidate who can win and get us closer to the destination we want. If we stay home or divide our votes on Nov. 5, Donald Trump will win and take us down a road to the apocalypse.
My thoughts about President Joe Biden range from total dismay, to he’s a good man doing a good job. As to the Democratic Party itself the internal dialogue is similar, ranging from it’s corporate control to it’s real life pragmatism, to it could be so much worse or better, to it’s our own damn fault because more of us are not involved.
But regardless, it’s “game on” for the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i presidential primary. Wednesday is the big day with voting across all islands, starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 8 p/m/.
The choices on the presidential primary ballot will be: Joesph R. Biden Jr., Jason Michael Palmer, Armando “Mando” Perez-Serrato, Dean Phillips and Marianne Williamson. There will also be an option for “uncommitted.”
Yes, I’m gonna show up. And you should too.
As frustrated as I am by global, national and local party politics, I’m going to show up this evening and participate in our democracy. Giving up is just not in my genes. We quit. They win.
While voting for president starts at 6pm, the main event is the DPH biennial election’s at 7 p.m. For info (scroll down main page): https://www.hawaiidemocrats.org.
The DPH has great potential as a force for positive change. I’ve seen the party break loose from it’s good ole boy, corporatist bindings in the past. I know that can happen again if we show up, speak out, and put our own names forward to serve in the various party officer positions.
In local party elections, just a handful of people can make a huge difference. Each state House district has a 15 member council. These council’s are responsible for identifying the three names the governor must choose from to fill legislative positions when incumbent legislators retire early (or go to jail).
Please. Show up. Bring your friends, and when the time comes, raise your hand and offer to serve on the district council or in another position.
Kaua‘i Democrats will be gathering and voting at the following sites:
District 15 — Hanalei Neighborhood Center
District 15 Satellite — Kapa}a Neighborhood Center
District 16 — HGEA Hall, 3213 Akahi St, Lihu‘e
District 17 — Hanapepe Neighborhood Center
And oh yes, I almost forgot. The Republican Party will also be having its presidential caucus on Tuesday, March 12, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. To find out more, talk to a Republican or go to https://thehawaiirepublicanparty.com.
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Gary Hooser served eight years in the state Senate, where he was majority leader. He also served for eight years on the Kaua‘i County Council. He presently writes on Hawai‘i Policy and Politics at www.garyhooser.blog.
