I'm very proud to be a lifelong Democrat

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In my lifetime, I've NEVER seen a government or party which completely represented me.

I immediately realized when I first began to pay attention to government that it is not designed to just represent me and my interests, but is responsible for a myriad of needs and concerns - some of which I may not share. The only thing I've ever felt I was due was to have my ideas compete alongside the others. I've always understood that I'd have to generate enough enthusiasm for a candidate from my district or state to carry the ideals I shared with them to the statehouse or Congress.

I understand that there will be opposition to my ideas, sometimes overwhelming opposition. But, I'm comfortable to have my ideas in consideration along with more popular or accepted ones. I see our political system as a mechanism to reconcile the many different and diverse ideas and concerns into action. I recognize that it's not always easy or possible. I'm not discouraged by that; I'm challenged to work harder.

In my lifetime, the Democratic Party has been outstanding in carrying and advancing those ideas I support and believe in. Those ideas haven't always prevailed, even among Democrats, but I have lived long enough to see some of those ideas revived, presented, and advanced after all, despite an earlier rejection or defeat. I fully intend to keep pressing my ideas and concerns until they can generate the support needed to advance them legislatively or otherwise.

I've never voted for a republican. I registered independent when I became eligible to vote, because Carter was ambivalent about legalization and Anderson was for it (but switched to Dem right away when I found out I couldn't vote in the primary in my state as an Indy). I am a life-long Democrat. I cried in nursery school when Johnson announced he wouldn't run, and I wore a Humphrey button that was larger than my face. I fought every day for every one of our nominees . . . I fought with pride for our party, and with a great love for my country.

I never expected to get my way with 100 senators and 500 representatives, but I'm satisfied with the progress we've made in achieving the numbers needed to gain the majority. There is obvious value in holding the majority, including the important ability to keep republicans from setting the agenda on the floor and in committees.

In all, the Democratic party remains the most effective and representative vehicle for my ideas and concerns, despite the disagreements I may have with the actions of this Congress or any other I've witnessed. I believe that the majority of our Democratic senators and representatives are working hard to represent the issues we've expressed concern for and I realize that I'll have to continue pressing them for recognition and advancement of those ideas and concerns that I feel are important. I've had more than that opportunity in my lifetime, with some significant successes. That's all I've ever expected.

I believe the political system has always been as corrupt as our society in general. In fact, I think the make-up and direction of our national political institutions have, mostly, tracked and mirrored that corrupt nature of our society. That doesn't mean that I can't find solace and pride in those in our party who've challenged and tried to change all of that. I won't turn my back on the party because of the corruption around me, and I won't cast off my party or my government just because there are corrupt influences. I've always understood that positive change - both inside our political institutions and without - was a difficult and perpetual process. That's why I'm engaged in it all.

I just happen to feel that our party has done the most good in advancing those ideas and concerns that I think are important. The only real solution to any rejection or defeat of the initiatives we support in our political system is to stay engaged and press for more representation within the system to effectively advance those ideas and concerns into action. I think that 'generally' most Democrats are well engaged in all of that. I'm proud to stand with them in those fights.

I've got more than just generic pride in my party. I'm proud of most of what our party has defended, has accomplished, and is working toward. I define most of all of that as Democratic principle - recognizing that all political action is a perpetual process which has to be vigilantly nurtured, defended, and encouraged. I also respect and appreciate the majority of individuals who identify their needs and concerns with our party and work to advance them. I'm enlightened from the celebration and acceptance of the majority of different pov's that intend to advance their own concerns under our party's banner.

I'm more than proud to be a Democrat.

[MineralMan]

1. I'm with you. Our party has flaws, and it doesn't always

do the right thing, but it's way ahead of the alternative. All we need is to replace some conservative Democratic Senators and we have a chance of making progress. We won't do it by abandoning the party. No way!

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2. I'm sure the republican party is cheering at our discontent

. . . and egging it on where they're able.

[MineralMan]

3. No doubt.