Who will meet his/her Waterloo?

Based on my previous entries, it should come as no surprise that I believe we must seriously change course in this country, or we'll be down the tubes soon. So here I am, putting my money where my mouth is here in Waterloo, Iowa.

I've been here for ten days now, campaigning for our governor, Bill Richardson of New Mexico. In addition to believing that Bill has the best skill set to do what needs to be done to save our country, I came here to watch our democracy in action. I haven't been disappointed.

Iowans are intensely involved in furthering our democracy. Their laws doggedly insist that their caucus usher in the opening of our presidential selection process. They pay dearly for this privilege. They are literally hounded for weeks on end prior to their caucus by presidential hopefuls of every stripe. Many of them resent the intrusion, and become downright rude to canvassers during the final days.

Most Iowans, at least among the Democrats, are proud of the role they play in our democracy. Their especially proud of their ability to prove the punditry wrong. As a supporter of Bill Richardson, I'm rooting very hard for them.

In three hours, I'll walk into a precinct here in Waterloo as an "observer." As a New Mexican, my role will be limited by the caucusing rules, but apparently I'll be able to act as a cheerleader for Bill's supporters in the room.

After the caucus--and the ensuing party, of course--I'll be leaving here for the Des Moines airport and home. I'll have more to tell you later, along with pictures from this incredible week.