I participated in one of the largest Texas County delegate conventions and I am mystified by media reports that the gatherings were contentious
No doubt there are examples of conflict and rude behavior but in no way did these exceptions define the overall tone and conduct of the gatherings.
Our Travis County gathering of 8,000 was important enough to attract dozens of speeches by local candidates, elected representatives and included Terry McAuliffe of the Clinton Campaign. State leaders of the Clinton and Obama campaigns participated in our convention. The credentials committees that deal with disputes resolved scores of issues . My particular precinct had 60 delegates: 45 for Obama and 15 for Clinton and we were as warm and accommodating to each other as I can imagine. I saw no fights or loud arguments. It was in fact as cooperative and tame a gathering of passionate adults one can imagine in spite of the jury rigged processes set up to deal with a delegation crowd at least ten times larger than any in recent memory.
I had the opportunity in recent years to be involved in some news worthy issues in my town of Austin. So I could compare what I knew was happening with what was being reported. It was depressing to see how lazy and uncreative the reporters and editors were about trying to convey the truth of the issues. Invariably they opted to over simplify complex issues.
It frustrates me that collaboration and cooperation is just not news worthy. This is why I increasingly tune out Main Stream Media that focuses on breaking news because it is addicted to accentuating the inflammatory and ignoring relevant distinctions.
Born 1950, Married, Living in Austin Texas, Semi
Retired Small Business owner and investor. My political interest
evolved out of his business experience that the best decisions come out of an objective gathering of information and a pragmatic consideration of costs and benefits. I am interested in promoting Centrist candidates and Policies. My posts are mostly about people and policies that I believe are part of the solution rather the problem.