There has been a lot of confusion about the post-primary precinct conventions/caucuses. Really people, just RTFM - or in this case RTFTDPDSE - Read the frickin' Texas Democratic Party Delegate Selection Epistles. While many of those who were at last year's convention argued strenuously against explaining the delegate selection process in the style of the apostle Paul's letters, those in opposition did not win the day, as everyone who attended that fateful meeting at the basement of Big Al's Pizzeria in Brownsville will recall.
I don't know what everybody's grousing about. It's not like the rules are written in ancient Greek. (That measure was barely defeated, mostly because Susan was stuck in the bathroom, because of a bad reaction to Al's ravioli.) Still, some people have the temerity to complain that the rules are still written in Koyne Greek rather than English, or even Latin. C'mon folks, this is Texas, the bible belt's buckle. How are we going to ever turn this state from red to blue if we reject the language of the bible?
Now about the raccoons. I will be the first to admit that I don't remember exactly how or why raccoons became a part of the process. I think all of us who were at the meeting will agree that too much wine was drunk that night. So be it. It's too late to change the rules now.
First of all, regardless of other diaries you read, YOU DO NOT NEED TO BRING YOUR RACCOON TO THE CONVENTION/CAUCUS. However, for your vote to count, you need to bring a picture of you with your raccoon, along with a notarized document testifying that the picture has not been doctored. Now I know that there have been a lot of web sites popping up that allow you to doctor raccoon photos. Let me just warn you that we're well aware of these sites and we have conducted training for the precinct leaders on how to detect forgeries.
Some have predicted that the raccoons would turn the caucus/conventions into a farce. It's not like a raccoon is a dog or a cat. You can't go to the store and buy one. That my friends, is exactly the point.
Besides, the Clinton and Obama campaigns have stepped up and set up stations throughout the state where supporters can pick up their own raccoon. And let me remind you, that despite what anyone from the campaigns say, receiving a raccoon from a campaign in no way obligates you to vote for that candidate in either the primary or the caucus.
The eyes of the world are upon us, fellow Texans. Let's do this state proud!!!!!