For us expats, Iowa is a long ways away, but for some antiquated reason it still seems to matter. In the tired worn out mechanism that still prevails in the United States, the 30th largest state still lives on in the delusion that they matter in the political landscape because they are the first in the nation to hold a presidential beauty contest: the Iowa caucus.What this gets them, besides the earlier invasion of the state by the candidates and the news media for the straw poll, is the distinction to be lied to before any other states’ citizens. Candidates come to the state to make up stuff on the spot, sign wing nut pledges, and of course assure the good 91.3% of residents who are white that they will continue to get their fair share ($400 per person) in agricultural subsidies. Lies, promises, baby kissing, visits to old folks homes, and early morning rallies at the Wal-Mart parking lot in subfreezing temperatures are all part of this elaborate, sick mating dance.But for us expats and potential expats, there are several things to be considered in these elections, none of them discussed by any of the candidates: How much more difficult will any of the candidates make it to expatriate from the United States? How about the new passport rules coming down the pike, where a native-born U.S. citizen will have to provide multiple documents of proof of birth? The unfair taxation without representation that we suffer from? We never have anyone in the caucus and primary states asking questions for us, but then it would not really matter anyway, because when you get a group of political candidates together, you end up with a gaggle of liars, making promises of change, uttering all that their researchers have shown the voters wanting to hear. They make up crap on the spot, promising the old…”when I am your president, I will…” I will complete that sentence for my readers: “When I am your president, I will continue to shaft you in the time honored tradition of my honorable predecessors. I will continue to make deals with the corporations that I owe my election to, those that formed all the Super Pacs, those that promised me seats on the boards of their corporations when I am finally unable, due to term limits to screw you, the people, any longer!”And all this starts in Iowa, the fifth whitest state in the country; then on to New Hampshire, the third whitest state in the nation. And this is how the real losers will be eliminated - by white property owning evangelicals, just like in the beginning of the republic when the only people eligible to vote were the white male property owners, stakeholders if you will. This system disenfranchises any and all people of color from the early selection process. By the time the real American people, those who make up the melting pot of that marvelous country, get a say, the choices have already been made for them, and as always, the lowest common denominator wins: the person who signed all those pledges and made all those empty promises. The system of candidate selection has become nothing but a contest of who can raise the most money.The Winner in the Iowa farce is: The System.
The Losers: look in the mirror.I encourage you to write to me, jamie@expatdailynews.com with any questions or suggestions you may have, and if necessary, we can establish a voice communication via Skype. Disclaimer: I am not in any travel related business. My advice is based on my own experiences, and is free of charge. (Donations accepted). It is always my pleasure to act as a beneficial counselor to those who are seekers of the next adventure.Jamie Douglas is an Adventurer, Writer and Photographer with an amazing array of Nikon equipment, and a lifetime of experience traveling and documenting. To contact him for assignments, email: jamie.douglas [at] yahoo.comSee more expat articles by Jamie at
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