Young Democrats are people too

[Hill_YesWeWill]

I addressed this on another post, but I'd like to post it for everyone to see because I think it's important that young democrats not be dismissed by older members of the party, because, we Are the future!

In response to a claim that Obama supporters are "cultists" or affluent kids that have been handed everything and have few negative life experiences, I wrote:

"In my experience, young affluent kids with few negative life experiences generally vote Republican!

The young democrats are those that care about social issues, fixing poverty, healthcare reform, reforming the political system, electing officials that can get stuff done and work for the people."

The most involved young democrats I've known have been individuals that have faced discrimination and fought against being marginilized and disenfranchised their whole life.

To dismiss these young democrats would be damaging to the party in the long run, and we can't afford to do that.

TO be sure, there are probably some mindless democrats out there too, but I much prefer that to them being mindless republicans.

Just some thoughts, talk amongst yourselves . . .

[LisaM]

1. Thank you for your post. I appreciate it.

Let me ask you this question. One of my friends was running a caucus here in Washington state and a lot of young people were really eager to go to the next level and be delegates for Obama. She reminded them that this meant that they were obliged to be delegates for all Democratic candidates - that they were making a committment to the party, not the person. She said they seemed a little surprised by this.

I am a lifelong Democrat, just a couple of years older than Obama. I can honestly say that when I was just becoming a voter, I cared passionately about the party, from top to bottom. I've canvassed, worked at county fairs, picketed, sent out endless mailers, worked on campaigns, etc. I've been a precinct delegate. It was all on behalf of the party much more than individual candidates. I see that kind of party loyalty slipping away while people become more engaged with personalities and personal style.

What would your response to that be?

[Hill_YesWeWill]

2. I don't think that's true, that's just because of the election going on Within the party obviously

but these young voters would not be getting involved if they weren't in agreement about some of the issues that Both candidates agree on.

No matter who they support, these young democrats believe in the end of war, healthcare reform, immigration reform, civil liberties, rights of Marriage for all, right of choice, and they would Never vote for a Republican that wants the opposite of all of those, there's just no way!

Who wins young democrats in elections? Always the democrat!

[madfloridian]

3. The party is not standing for things it should stand for.

It is making it hard for young people to be loyal to party. Look at how much of Bush's agenda this Democratic congress has given to him?

He goes on TV tells them what he wants, and they give it to him.

I am not a young person, but I think the party needs to rethink what they are doing right now.

That is why we supported and still support Governor Dean and his efforts. It is why we support the person we believe is most likely get the party out of its rut.

I guess if a person is a delegate they have to follow the rules. Too bad the ones we have elected have made such a poor showing.

[Hill_YesWeWill]

4. I think a lot of young people, I mean A LOT, agree,

they don't want to vote for a moderate democrat, they don't want to move to the center!