Why America may not vote Democratic after all

This is the Democrats’ big chance! How could they not win this next presidential election?Well, when ordinary Americans are presented with the whackiness, extremism, and condescension of that party’s activist base–which is so self-righteous that it almost never tempers itself for public consumption–revulsion may set in and Republicans may have a chance. Consider the catering requirements of the Host Committee for the Democratic National Convention in Denver, from Caterers find eco-standards tough to chew:

Fried foods are forbidden at the committee’s 22 or so events, as is liquid served in individual plastic containers. Plates must be reusable, like china, recyclable or compostable. The food should be local, organic or both.

And caterers must provide foods in “at least three of the following five colors: red, green, yellow, blue/purple, and white,” garnishes not included, according to a Request for Proposals, or RFP, distributed last week. . . .

“I think it’s a great idea for our community and our environment. The question is, how practical is it?” asks Nick Agro, the owner of Whirled Peas Catering in Commerce City. “We all want to source locally, but we’re in Colorado. The growing season is short. It’s dry here. And I question the feasibility of that.” Agro’s biggest worry is price. Using organic and local products hikes the costs. “There is going to be sticker shock when those bids start coming in,” he says. “I’ll cook anything, but I’ve had clients who have approached me about all-organic menus, and then they see the organic stuff pretty much doubles your price.” . . .

Thousands of other parties hosted by corporations, lobbying groups, individuals, nonprofits and more will happen in Denver during the convention, Burnap says. None of them is subject to the committee’s green agenda.

The committee’s effort to host eco-friendly events, she says, hinges on its determination not just to put on a smart convention but to transform Denver into a top-shelf green city.
“We are hoping that everything we are doing for greening (the convention) has some legacy value,” she says.

The RFP, for example, will likely live on after the convention in a brochure the city will distribute widely to help guide local businesses interested in improving their green practices.