To the editor:

I completely support comments in favor of more and smaller caucuses instead of primaries. I attended my first caucus on Tuesday and aside from the substantial logistical problems, I found the experience to be overwhelmingly positive. I believe that feeling was shared by the vast majority of the attendees, even those of us who had to endure standing in line outdoors in the cold.

At smaller caucuses, possibly organized by voting precincts, we would have more chance to talk with our neighbors, share ideas and concerns about the issues, and mull over different points of view. I believe these kinds of interactions are the real lifeblood of democracy. Sitting at home, watching paid pundits screaming at each other on TV in what is more of a ratings battle than anything resembling an exchange of ideas, has merely led to the overwhelming cynicism and apathy that has paralyzed our democratic process in recent years.

I am glad to see the sleeping giant of people power has at last opened an eye and stretched. Let’s don’t put it back to sleep again! The caucuses were a wake-up call that all of our political officials should hear.

Bea Dewing,

Lawrence