02/09/2008 - 17 YEAR OLD GOES CAUCUSING
(Kitsap County Republican Caucus, Dist. 35, as experienced by 17 year old Erica Coleman:)
Period 4, US History, February 9th, 2008
Many people may wonder what a caucus is, and what the point of one may be. Today, February 9th, I learned that electing a president is much more complicating than checking a little box on a ballot. While that vote counts, it really depends on the electoral votes that brought forth from every state that determines who the president will be. At a caucus, you have the opportunity to discuss candidates from your preferred party, as well as issues that you think need to be addressed at the Washington State Convention.
The discussion focused on problems in Kitsap County, as well as problems that are arising throughout our state. I heard about taxation and private property rights a lot throughout people's conversations. Their main point on taxation was that the government should not be adding excess taxes that aren't necessarily needed to meet public needs. As I have started paying attention the campaign for presidency and to the different views from opposing parties, I believe that some of the things that democrats want to start taxing American's for are unnecessary. When it comes to private property rights several argued that the government should not have a say on what you do on your property. Granted, if it is illegal it is understandable but one of the stories there caught my attention.
Michael owns a small business, and the government said that he could not have his equipment on his property, because it is not a commercial business. In my opinion, I believe that if he personally bought the equipment, he should be able to keep it wherever he chooses. Another thing that caught my attention when it came to private property rights was that you cannot build a building on your property that is within 200 feet of any wetlands. Although this is a good thing when there are animals that could be in danger, who is to draw the line when there aren’t any animals living there?
Having never been to a caucus, I was not sure what to expect, but there a lot of people who came to support the Republican Party. In our precinct, there were several people that were nominated for delegates. When it came down to it, I was very proud to hear that my dad was one of the three with the popular vote, and he will be attending the Kitsap County Convention, with hopes of making it all the way to the National Convention.