Friday and Saturday, I hiked partway up Pikes Peak with my friend Kemper, staying at the legendary Barr Camp Friday night at an elevation of 10,200 feet. Although it snowed Thursday, and a snow squall in the mountains can be life threatening, we had blue sky and saw the eclipse as we hiked down. A 13-mile hike — exhausting but satisfying for two 81 year olds!
The weather has NOT been so good in the U.S. House of Representatives, where the stormy search for a new Speaker of the House is emblematic of the disfunction of our government. The majority in Congress care more about agendas than getting work done for the people. Extremists get elected because only +/-10% of Republican Voters and 15-20% of Democrats – mostly party activists – vote in a primary.
Imagine how different the results would be with single ballot open primaries and ranked choice voting, where extremists are less likely to make it to the general election, and more rational, responsive candidates could rise to the top!
This Tuesday, October 17th at 4 p.m., I’ll be taking that message to folks in Colorado Springs outside the Pioneers Museum, then walking 15 minutes down to Rico’s Wine Bar for a Q&A with folks who care about the future of our Democracy. Both events are free admission (food and drinks on you) and I’m really looking forward to it. RSVP here, and please share with your like-minded friends in Colorado.
RSVP HERE
From here, it’s north to Denver, Fort Collins, and possibly Boulder, before heading east into Nebraska. Thanks for all your notes of encouragement and your donations. Together, we’re convincing a lot of people to take action!
Onward!
Rick
PS: A thank you to my new friends Katrina Nguyen and at Colorado Forward for all their logistical efforts for the rally and walk!