Why the Democrats Won't Be Voting in Michigan Tomorrow

That's right. The Republicans will, the Democrats won't. Be voting in the primary in Michigan tomorrow, that is.

How can that be?

Democrats punish Michigan for early primary
Leaders vote to strip state of all delegates for violating party rules

That Associated Press headline in December says it all. Michigan Democrats sought to hold their primary on January 15 - tomorrow. This violated Democratic Party national rules that only Iowa, New Hampshire, Nevada, and South Carolina could hold primaries or nominating caucuses (such as Iowa's) prior to February 5.

So ... the national Dems "punished" Michigan by saying, hey, we won't permit you to have a primary this year, period. Meaning, if Democratic voters go the polls in Michigan tomorrow, their votes won't count.

Excuse me?

Who is punished by this? Looks to me as if it's the voters of Michigan, and anyone who thinks a primary is a better way of selecting delegates than a smoke or whatever filled room.

To make matters worse, all of the major Democratic candidates with the exception of Hillary Clinton agreed not to campaign in Michigan, and withdrew their names from the ballot. Good for Hillary!

But what's the matter with Obama and Edwards?

They didn't want to antagonize Iowa and New Hampshire, who were unhappy about Michigan joining them as an early primary state.

Aw, what's the matter, Iowa and New Hampshire's feelings were hurt?

Of all the stupid things that beset our political process, depriving people of their vote ranks among the most inane.

Democracy is difficult enough, without party bosses making it even harder. Kudos to the Republicans for holding their primary in Michigan tomorrow. And Democrats - wake up!

PS - "The Democratic National Committee has yet to sanction Florida's primary on Jan. 29..." This from a comment yesterday in the Sun-Sentinel.

Only in America...