Help.This is really tough for me.

[saracat]

I am a District Chair. My husband is running for office. And I no longer want to be a Democrat. I loathe Harry Reid. I haven't liked him or trusted him since the Bankruptcy Bill. I have tried to support the Dems. I really have. But this is too much. Can someone give me a reason to stay Dem? I really don't want to be an American anymore. I feel I would be letting down my District and my husband but what is the point? Help me Kerrycrats, I think I am losing it. I am sitting on my hands so I don't pick up the phone and resign. The way they are treating Kerry is the absolute last straw. He is the only one( and Kennedy) really worth a damn. I am in full melt down . I spoke to my state candidates today and the major candidate refuses to even comment on Kerry and the filibuster! Reid gave him marching orders. He was just campaigning with Salazar! Shit. This is critical and all they care about is their own ass, literally.
Maybe I am tired I have phoned and faxed and gone to meetings with everyone I can think of. I have a show to do and I am afraid I am too angry. Can someone say something so I don't do something drastic? I have already tried the argument that if Kerry is willing to take this ,I ought to be able to take it, in order to support him, but that isn't resonating with me anymore.Help me guys.

[blm]

1. Sorry about the tiredness, but think of the beatings that guys like Kerry

take everyday.

It's only the people like us who make their trials more bearable.

I am one uber-exhausted person, but how does one stop their mind from knowing that right and justice must prevail? You won't be able to do that, saracat.

[saracat]

4. That is why I am sitting on my hands and trying NOT to do anything,

I think I am more hurt if possible than after election 2004. This is the ultimate betrayal.

[WildEyedLiberal]

2. Because most regular grassroots Dems are like you and me

And because the more of us there are, the better positioned we are to give the Dem party to Kerry in 2008. I am pretty disgusted right now too, but if we weren't around to support Kerry, who would stop Hillary or all the other manipulative selfish Dems from having their way with everything?

[saracat]

3. I hope that is true WEL.

But the problem is, and this is selfish of me, if this goes through, the Court will not be reformed in my lifetime. And I have a major problem living with that and knowing my own party helped to dismantle the Constitution. I guess it is tough to live where those in control have no value system. And it really hurts to know those that call the shots in my own party have little values as well. I guess I was naive to think they did.

[karynnj]

7. Following up on what WeL very beautifully said

The other reason is where would you go. The sad thing is that Kerry, Kennedy, Durbin and a small number of others are the only people in public life fighting for American values. The people in the third parties (in addition to not being viable) aren't any better.

It's sad that there was a time in most of our lifetimes when there were genuinely good people in office from both parties - you might disagree with there policies, but there were many shared values.

The only reason to stay is because people like Kerry are working as hard as they can to get things right and they need us.

[sandnsea]

11. Don't count on that

If they go too far, the country really will respond. I also remind myself that there are 5 Catholics, and if the separation of church and state Catholics get back in control of the Church, these 5 Catholics might just come to their senses on why they can't be making rulings based on their religion. Nobody gets that better than Jews & Catholics, I don't think. Wouldn't it be a hoot if these 5 Catholics suddenly understood what the rest of us Catholics have always understood, that you can't legislate religion?? We'd have the most liberal court in history. So hang in there, you just never know what the future has in store.

[FreedomAngel82]

5. I think you're the only person who can

tell yourself what to do. Look at what the democratic party stands for and what we've done in the past. Think about what values you hold to you. I am frustrated too but I'll be a democrat till the day I die even when the leadership and some other democrats piss me off. We can only change the party together. As Howard Dean said in 2004, if you don't like how a democrat is doing things replace him/her!

[saracat]

6. Don't even get me started on Dean and his alleged promises.

He has changed nothing and in some instances made it worse! Talk to some federal candidates and you will see what a shamthe DNC support is. But that is another story. I too have been saying we must work for change within but nothing is working. Things seem worsr. I sound awful, I know. I suppose I should shut up. I am just devastated. I can't imagine being anything but a Democrat but I don't think we stand for anything anymore. Maybe I just need a stiff drink! But I am not all that fond of the stuff. Maybe later. Sigh.

[FreedomAngel82]

24. It has to be grasswork and we have to do things ourselves

[beachmom]

8. Like it or not we live in a 2 party system country, Saracrat

You have to choose. The Green party is not viable nor are any of the other parties. I actually refer to myself as an Independent liberal Democrat. What does that mean? It means that I generally support the core Democratic principles, but the independent part means that I have a mind of my own, and will criticize when leaders don't step up to the plate. You can also think of yourself as an "anti-Republican" in a convenient alliance with the Democratic party. Does this make any sense?

I also always go back to what my parents told me when I first voted. They said don't vote for the party, vote for the candidate. Back in the '80s, there actually still were decent Republicans to vote for (at least in the northeast), and there probably were some pretty bad Democrats down South (think, Zell Miller). However, now things have changed so that it's a no brainer to vote for the Democrat because you know the Republican is SO FAR to the right and unreasonable. But what this translates into today, is that moreso than the Democratic party, I follow John Kerry. I have fully vetted him, know where he stands on most of the issues, and unequivocally trust him to do the right thing MOST of the time (I'll allow for a small margin of error). In order to prop up JK, I need to prop up the Democratic party. It's as simple as that.

Does any of that motivate you?

[saracat]

9. I agree with much of what you say but I wasn't planning on joining another

Party. I am just trying to prevent myself from quitting the Democratic Party. But I hate being affiliated with what they are doing today. I am having a tough time supporting my local candidates. I have never felt this bad before. I think it is because they are douing this deliberately. This isn't a "stolen" election. This is a premeditated decision to let the Court be overrun and throw the country to the wolves.

[sandnsea]

10. Infiltrate

You say he got his marching orders from Reid? Are you sure? And who did Reid get his marching orders from? And does your major candidate know that other leaders are supporting Kerry and exactly who they are? Who else in your state has political pull who agrees with you and could give some support to that major candidate? We've got to crack this nut and figure out exactly what is shaking down from where, and I personally don't look at just votes to figure it all out. There isn't any other way, not soon enough to make a difference.

[rox63]

12. Well, you have a few choices

You can drop out of politics. You can drop your affiliation with the Dem Party, and be partyless. You can move to another state where the party organization is more to your liking. Or you can be part of the catalyst for change within the party.

I suspect that moving to another state is not practical, especially since your husband is running for office. Dropping out of politics and dropping your affiliation with the party both point towards a lack of hope that anything will ever get better.

I suggest you look at the last one in that list of suggestions. You can be the change, or at least be part of the change. Things will never get better until someone believes it's possible, until someone starts working towards a new and better vision. You can be part of that effort to make things better.

[saracat]

13. I am taking really deep breaths here. I don't WANT to leave the Democratic

Party and believe me, I am doing my best to infiltrate!I am trying my best to get my emotions under control here so that is why I am talking to you guys. I really appreciate the feedback. I am NOT going to do ANYTHING right now. I am taking my deep breaths and getting back to work but I am still so disheartmned that I am having to do it through tears. I feel so helpless. I keep waiting for that better day and yet..Thanks for letting me vent. I think I am going to put tape over my mouth today! I don't want to say anything on the show I will later regret! Thanks guys. I really needed this!:loveya: :loveya: :loveya: :hug: :hug:

[WildEyedLiberal]

14. Saracat, you need

A BIG KERRYHUG!

:grouphug:

[jenndar]

15. OMFG

Where did you get that pic? IT'S SO AWESOME.

[WildEyedLiberal]

16. They were from a trip he took to Texas in March

I don't remember where the website was. I think whometense (?) found them.

[jenndar]

17. Well, it is quite possibly the best picture ever, so thanks :) n/t

[TayTay]

21. I wrote to the Artist who took these pics

And suggeted the pics be sent to Sen. Kerry's office. BTW, we have permission to reproduce these here, as long as no profit is made and we credit the photographer. (A I prefer to say artist, as these are the best Kerry pics I have ever seen.)

http://www.ethosphotography.com/kerry/

Enjoy!
BTW, WEL, didn't a certain tall and wondrous Senator from a unfairly maligned Eastern State sign that particular pic for you back in Dec.?

[jenndar]

30. THANK YOU!

Bookmarking :)

[saracat]

29. Thank you WEL.

That is truly beautiful!

[JI7]

32. he's so hot

he can be hot and sexy at the same time as being cuddly snuggly.

[ginnyinWI]

25. step away from that ledge...

;)Take a breath. Don't make any decisions based on emotions.

Here's what I think about the party. Not every Dem in politics is a brave as Kerry is, or as motivated by principle, inner convictions and sheer love of country. Some can be bought, and some just like to grandstand. So we have to be patient and wait for change. Kerry's not the only good one, and we'll get there one day. I think I'm older than you, Saracat, so I have even less time to wait. But I'm waiting anyway. What's the alternative--we know we're on the right side of the question.

[jillan]

18. Saracat - you are going to stay a dem because...

you live in this screwed up red state.
Because we are fighting to get more dems elected to office.
Because we are fighting to keep AAR.
Because we hate Kyl.
Because we have Janet.

Because Az needs all the dems it can get - so snap out of it :dem:

(I had one of those moments the other nite too.)

We are all in this together. Please stay and fight.
We not only have to fight this administration, we
have to fix AZ too. Put on those boxing gloves, and keep them on.
:hug:

[saracat]

27. Thanks pirhana.

I AM staying Dem. I am just so frustrated and for some reasons I have NOT posted. I am disgusted and discouraged but I WILL NOT give up fighting. BTW AAR will be now broadcast on possibly five new channels across the state, with a better frequency! I am going to snap out of this though it is hard and I was even more discouraged today! Thank you for your kind words. We will prevail!

[jillan]

31. Tomorrow - please pm me with the aar info

Goyette is suppose to dedicate a show on this.

We'll talk more over the weekend...
I should have been in bed hours ago. I hate working on Saturdays. fd

[Island Blue]

19. Saracat, please try to stick it out.

I know how easy it is to get discouraged when you live in a red state, I live in one too. Sometimes you just want to bang your head against the wall and throw things at people. It's a wonder that any of us are sane. Just remember though, you are not alone. You have your brothers and sisters here at DU as well as folks you have never "met" who are all trying their hardest to change things. We need your voice!

Maybe you just need to take a leave of absence from being District Chair if possible. (For that matter, take a leave of absence from DU if you need to.) Give yourself some time to re-energize and think about things. We all need to do that from time to time IMO, even if we only "go away" for a day or two.

Just remember:

"A little patience and we shall see the reign of witches pass over, their spells dissolve, and the people recovering their true sight, restore their government to its true principles."

Thomas Jefferson 1798

[TayTay]

20. Dr. King: Letter from a Birmingham Jail

I must make two honest confessions to you, my Christian and Jewish brothers. First, I must confess that over the last few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negroe's great stumbling block in the stride toward freedom is not the White citizens' "Councilor" or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I can't agree with your methods of direst action"; who paternistically feels that he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by the myth of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait until a "more convenient season." Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection.

http://www.africanamericans.com/MLKJrBirminghamJailLetter.htm



Tell me Saracet, if Dr. King had called it a day and packed it in and given in to the 'moderates' of his day who told him he was rocking the boat and upsetting people, where would this country be? You are not the first nor will you be the last to experience this feeling that you fight alone. You don't. You are not the first one to be frustrated with 'our leaders' and their cautiousness. Stand and fight. When the going gets hard and you need some help and a shoulder to cry on, come here and tell us. Take a break, take a sabbatical, do what you need to refresh your soul and restore your beliefs and resolve. Then Stand and Fight. It's what you do.

[beachmom]

22. Thanks you for posting this, Tay Tay

Hope nobody minds me comparing MLK to JFK, but this is kind of what Sen. Kerry was saying today on the Senate floor. He talked about how you can't keep waiting. Damn, that was an apt quote, Tay Tay. Wonderful and inspirational. I used to live in Atlanta and went to the MLK Center, and I was weeping watching one of his last speeches about how he wasn't afraid of dying because "I've been to the mountaintop". He would be against Alito, now wouldn't he? And he wouldn't lay down before waging a fight.

[TayTay]

23. Maybe I should put it in GD?

What say you?

[saracat]

28. Thank you Tay Tay! I have vented my angst and am ready to fight another d

Oddly due to events I am not able to post, I feel sadder and wiser at the moment. I may never be able to be as idealistic about the Party as I had been but I will remain Dem. I will however mourn my lost idealism.But we will prevail. We must .There is no other alternative. I just wish I liked some of us more.Thank you for your beautiful words. They mean more than you can know!

[_dynamicdems]

26. It's not easy being liberal minded.

Here's my corny and somewhat warped perspective on the Dems and Repugs.

Being progressive or liberal minded is not an easy road to walk. By the very nature of being open to a variety of opinions and beliefs, we open ourselves up to conflict. What is the alternative? We could be emulate the right. The right-wing is nothing if not a bastion of consistency and like-mindedness. They attack in unison even when doing so goes against the few grains of conscience they have left buried in the dark recesses of their black, shriveled hearts.

Being bad has always been easy and being good (or trying to) has always been a bitch. We are all human and not a one of us walks on water. Most of us can't even swim and a good percentage of us would be hard pressed to dog paddle. People will always come into conflict with one another. Egos will get in the way. Selfishness will rear an ugly Medusa head just when you think you've got a handle on altruism.

The Democratic Party is composed of human beings and many are selfish, greedy, disloyal bastards. That said, look at the alternative. And I'm not talking the lesser of two evils here. Push comes to shove the difference is between human frailty and inhuman indifference. There is a fundamental divide between the two parties and it is chilling if you really think about it. Somehow, in the process of making laws and governing society, we've lined up on opposing sides on a idealogical divide, polarized in philosophy and in basic morality. Democrats sin and they know when they are doing it. Republicans never sin because they change the rules as they go along. They do not hold themselves to account to any morality other than which will will serve their purpose of the moment.

Don't give up on the good guys. John Kerry is one of them. Think of it this way: remember those old Western towns where a Sheriff is left to fend on his own by a bunch of cowardly townsfolk or those stories where the hero gets blamed for something that wasn't his fault and the whole town turns against him? In the end, the hero always forgives the people who would not stand with him or who turned their back on him. Why? Because these flawed people are the good guys. And if there is ever any doubt, just take a long look at the villains.

These archetypes are not merely fiction: they are snapshots of reality. People are basically flawed. There isn't a place on earth to flee from human stupidity.

Please try to continue the good fight. It is high noon in the Senate and JK has his sixgun strapped down. If he doesn't run from this fight, how can we? He is, after all, fighting for all of us.

[WildEyedLiberal]

33. What an amazing post

*lump in throat*

I'm far from perfect, but I'm behind John all the way. I don't know if I'd be as good as him to forgive those who tried to tear me down, though. He is SUCH a good person.

[_dynamicdems]

35. Oh, WEL he is a good person! And you are too or you wouldn't care

do deeply about him and the things he believes in.

[YvonneCa]

34. Final reason...

...glad you're better, saracat...final reason is because you can't do what the repubs are trying to get us ALL to do. We need to stay together as a party and FIX what's wrong after this crisis.:patriot: