I Switched Party Affiliation Today....to Independent

[journalist3072]

And here's the text of my email to the Democratic National Committee explaining why. I just sent this:


With great sadness, today I wrote to my local Board of Elections and Ethics to switch my party affiliation from Democrat to Independent.

It was not a conclusion that I reached lightly.

As I thought about the last 4 years, I realized that the lifelong values I have held which made me a Democrat (civil rights, education, equality, etc) had not changed. Rather, my Party had changed.

I was proud to be a Democrat because I felt Democrats were more concerned with the best interests of the country, not their own personal political power. I no longer feel that is the case. Too many Democrats now seem to fall prey to political cowardice, and are unwilling to stand up for what is right.

The events of yesterday, when the US Congress met in joint session to certify the results of the November 2 election, were very telling. Democratic lawmakers should have been falling all over themselves to do the right thing: object to the certification of the Ohio vote. Yet, only one brave Senator joined some of her equally brave colleagues in the House to object.

Many Democrats who spoke during yesterday's debate seemed to talk out of both sides of their mouths. They admitted that many legitimate voters were kept from voting on November 2. Yet, they lent credence to George Bush's 're-election,' saying they believed he won. What? If you honestly believe that legitimate voters were prevented from voting, that is voter supression. And if voter supression has ocurred, I don't see how you can feel you have a legitimate winner.

And I also wonder, where has the DNC Voting Rights Institute (VRI) been? The DNC VRI should have been all over the place in Ohio and other states, collecting affidavits, taking court action, and explaining these voting problems to the media.

There have been many other disturbing events within the Democratic Party these past four years. The Democratic Party allowed one of its own, a multiple amputee from the Vietnam War, to be viciously attacked as unpatriotic for standing up for worker's rights during the debate over the creation of the Department of Homeland Security.

Democrats have not learned how to truly act like an opposition party. Too many Democrats have rolled over and played dead while ill meaning Republicans distorted our positions on the issues, lied to the American public, and stole another election.

And it's a sad commentary on the state of the Party that Democrats will most likely help confirm as Attorney General the man whose memos to George Bush helped set the stage for the events at Abu Ghraib Prison; a man who sat in on meetings that considered whether the United States could threaten mock burials of detainees as a part of torture.

It is apparent to me that the true conscience of the Democratic Party can be found in the members of the Congressional Black Caucus, who always display the courage and conviction to speak truth to power, when no one else will.

The example they have set, is one that the Democratic National Committee (DNC) should follow. But it seems that the only thing the DNC is good for these days, is sending out form emails that ask for monetary contributions and claim that the DNC is on the job, fighting for America. Really? I can't tell.

If one thing is clear from November 2, is that it didn't help the Democratic Party to run as Bush Lite. It didn't help that John Kerry only paid lip service to "reporting for duty."

I hope that the Democratic Party will soon return to its roots and core convictions. If it does not, it risks remaining a minority party forever.

[RuleofLaw]

1. I salute you Sir!

:toast:

[txaslftist]

38. Me, too. I've just got four fingers down.

A vanity protest that, if followed in the aggregate, will just move the party rightward.

Thanks for nothing.

[tx_dem41]

2. In what states do you actually identify with a party when you register?

In Texas you don't.

[bleedingheart]

3. in those states with closed primaries

here in PA if you don't register with a party...you can't vote in the primary..

[genieroze]

6. Same in NJ. eom

[tx_dem41]

7. Thanks for the info guys...

We have open primaries in Texas...and in Louisiana we have what is called the "jungle primary" (everybody running together).

[shadowknows69]

23. NY too

which is really the only reason I haven't gone independent yet but this primary was as much a farce as the election. They had Kerry as our candidate as soon as the media wackoized Dean. Two examples. Until Dean blew a gasket our local Dem. comm. office had posters of all the primary candidates. All but Kerry's were lost immediately after and the chairman actually went on radio and lied about it claiming they never had any posters other than Kerry's. 2nd example. I had to vote late primary day and literally 5 minutes after I got done voting for Edwards (and still 2 hours till the polls closed) the MSM called it for Kerry with like 1% of the exit polls in. Our sh*t is broke bad folks.

[txaslftist]

45. So stay with the party and fix it.

We can do it, but not if we run.

Howard Dean for president in 2008!

[Selteri]

8. In Ohio too

You have to regiter with a party.

[sueh]

10. I am changing party affiliation to Independent, too

Illinois requires identifying party affiliation when registering to vote.

[txaslftist]

39. Let them know on the Independent Underground.

Because it doesn't mean anything to me.

[sbj405]

62. MD. nt

[bunkerbuster1]

4. While I can't follow you (yet), I hope your message serves a purpose

I'll fight for progressive causes whether it's through honest Democrats, Republicans, Greens or Libertarians leading the way. At present I will continue to support local Dems.

That said, my patience is not infinite, and I want them to fight. If it takes some noisy, public displays of impatience from folks like you to make it happen, so be it.

[Bronco69]

5. Great letter!

"But it seems that the only thing the DNC is good for these days, is sending out form emails that ask for monetary contributions and claim that the DNC is on the job, fighting for America. Really? I can't tell."

Truer words were never spoken!

[arwalden]

9. So How Does Switching To "Independent" Change Anything?

[Steve2525]

11. Great question!

I always wonder that myself

Independent as in vote for whoever is best?

Independent as in only vote for third party candidates?

Personally I think that unless everyone were to jump ship and support a third party candidate, all third party candidates do is split the liberal vote (or as in Perot the moderate to conservative vote) as in Nader in 2000.

We'd have Gore in a second term if it weren't for Nader and his supporters in my opinion.

flame away

[arwalden]

17. In Many Areas, Voting In Democratic Primaries Requires Being Registered AS

... being registered AS a Democrat! So, for those folks who protest by UN-registering as a Democrat make themselves IMPOTENT to actually vote for the Democratic candidate that represents their views... and that could guide the party in the same direction.

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

13. it means

there is one less person they can take for granted. everyone should be an independent. it means they will have to work harder for our vote.

[xultar]

16. But think about it, who are they competing with, for our vote Rethugs?

So, are they compeeting with Rethugs for your vote? There aren't enough Greens to go around.

Are you saying that you won't vote?

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

18. i just meant that one won't be taken for granted

look at the so-called swing voters and the attention they got.

i'll won't vote republican but a democrat will have to work for my

vote. i just might vote green next time instead of someone like kerry.

[arwalden]

19. Those So-Called "Swing Voters" Are MODERATES...

... that the Democratic party is courting by moving further to the center (ie: "too far to the right").

So joining the ranks of the "swing voters" tells the Democrats that they need to move FURTHER RIGHT (closer to the center) in order to get your "Independent" vote. :crazy:

Some logic, huh? :eyes:

>> i just might vote green next time instead of someone like kerry. <<

Some logic, huh? :eyes:

[noiretextatique]

24. well...there are the greens, and nader ran as an independent

so it would be erroneous to assume all those who register for third parties are "moderates." as to "swing voters" :puke: there is a much larger group democrats need to attract: non-voters.

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

25. you make some great assumptions.

and you know what happens when you assume, don't you?

i was for wes clark. kerry was a disappointment, (how could a

decorated viet nam vet lose the viet nam issue to an awol coward?)

but i voted for him.

my major point, which you seem to miss, is that they won't take

people for granted. can you follow that logic? huh?

if i vote green, good for me, at least i know what they stand for

unlike the current democratic party.

[arwalden]

27. What "Great" Assumptions? And What Happens When I Assume?

Is that a roundabout way of making a personal attack and calling me an ass? Nice. Real nice.

Exactly why do you think swing voters are called swing voters?

>> my major point, which you seem to miss, is that they won't take people for granted. can you follow that logic? huh? <<

So... quit the party. Nose. Face. Spited. Nobody of importance will care if you leave the party.

>> if i vote green, good for me, at least i know what they stand for unlike the current democratic party. <<

Simply astounding. :eyes: All that you do to weaken the Democratic party benefits the Republican party.

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

28. i've been an independent for decades

but i vote democrat.

when you assume, you make an ass out of u AND me.

you make my point for me. "nobody of importance will care if you

leave the party." but, by being an independent, "somebody of

importance" might want my vote.

[arwalden]

29. Oh... So It's Okay To Call Someone An Ass As Long As You Include Yourself?

Yeah right! Nice. --- Such verbal gymnastics reinforces the impression that you were trying to find a way around the rule against name-calling. :eyes:

>> you make my point for me. <<

I did? (By the way... I just love it when people say that. It always tickles me. It's like some automatic pre-emptive declaration of victory. "You made my point for me, so I win! You lose! Whoo hoo!")

>> "nobody of importance will care if you leave the party." but, by being an independent, "somebody of importance" might want my vote. <<

That's your point???

So the party and the candidates head straight for the center to pick up those "swing voters" and "independents".

These people who leave the party because they feel the party is too far right, are shooting themselves in the foot. Wow! Aren't they clever?

And those "independents" who can't participate in the primaries REALLY AND TRULY have an impact on helping to decide WHO becomes the candidate.

Their intellect is truly dizzying! I just can't keep up with them.

[GreatCaesarsGhost]

42. i'm an independent

why are you telling me your problems?

i said you made my point only because you did make my point.

[arwalden]

50. Really? What "Problems" Do You Think I Have?

>> why are you telling me your problems? <<

I don't recall telling you ANY of my problems. Can you elaborate on that comment please?

Independents who believe that the Democratic party is going to vie for their vote by moving to the LEFT are fooling themselves.

[Sterling]

65. What "Problems" Do You Think I Have?"

I could make a list but I would get kicked off DU.

[arwalden]

77. Sterling...

What's the purpose of that? :shrug:

[txaslftist]

47. You're right. It will be counted as "lost".

The party doesn't take the votes of registered democrats for granted. How can they? A buttload of registered democrats voted for Bush last go.

Keep your democratic registration. Vote democratic. Save us from corporate fascism. Please don't leave.

[xultar]

14. No shit, cuz you aren't going to vote Rethug and there aren't enough

greens in local and state politicts.

It is a great shot over their bow but they know the real story.

[sherilocks]

15. If enough people switch from the Democratic Party

maybe they will rethink their spineless agenda of appeasement to the right-wing.

I'm holding off until Feb. 10 when we pick the new DNC chair. That's my line in the sand.

[txaslftist]

48. Or maybe it will be powerless as well as spineless.

Thanks a lot.

Thanks for nothing.

[sherilocks]

78. You are most welcome for nothing

If and when I have a choice in the primary, if the Democrats happen to give me one, I can always reregister as a Democrat. I didn't even get ONE Democrat in my CD to vote for this year.

I am waiting until Feb.10th. If the DNC chair turns out to be another repug wannabe, I go independent.

Spineless and powerless go hand in hand. My years of prodding, fighting, and cajoling within the state and local party have met with the the force of the powerfully stupid within the party. If the party leadership used as much power against the repugs, they would have my blessings, even if I don't agree with them. But they don't. All the power is reserved for maintaining their own position inside the party.

Frankly my dear, I don't give a rat's ass whether you thank me or not.

[sueh]

20. I'll tell you how.

It keeps the parties guessing and wondering how an Independent will vote. My husband and I were very active on the local level this year. One of the things we did was a "precinct walk" going door to door in October asking people which way they were leaning, Democrat? Republican?, Independent? in the election. We had printouts of registered voters information, name, address, registered party affiliation, and which party they voted in the previous 2 primaries. We found many Independent voters actually voted either Repub or Democrat in the primaries. We also found that registered Independent voters didn't want to say which way they were leaning. The only doors we knocked on were registered Democrats, Independents, and those whose info didn't indicate a party affiliation, meaning they moved to new homes after the 2000 primary, had registered for their new address, but had no voting history in their new precint.

Switching affiliation to Independent will be noticed by the Democratic party if it is tracking this info from one election to the next. And with all the sophisticated, state-of-the art "instant response" system that Terry McCauliffe so proudly showed off I would bet they are tracking this info.

And it will make those of us who feel abandoned by the party feel quite a bit better. That's not to say I won't hang it up and quit being active. My focus for now will be riding the asses of my senators, Durbin and Obama.

[arwalden]

22. A Vanity Protest... Empty "Revenge"... Sticking Out One's Tongue...

But I can see how it might make someone feel better to be passive-aggressive and flip-off the party by QUITTING it. I hope that's enough to console you because in real terms, that's about all you'll have.

"So THERE! Take THAT you nasty old Democrats! I QUIT! How do you like THEM apples? That'll show YOU, huh?"

If you think they don't care about you now... what makes you think they'll care about you if you're out? :shrug:

In the party's effort to court the "swing voter" & "Independents", the party will simply move further to the center (closer to the right)... and that's exactly OPPOSITE what you guys appear to want.

Go figure, huh?

[txaslftist]

34. You have it exactly right.

Whenever I see one of these 'I'm quitting the party, so there' posts, I've promised to flame it. The sentiment sucks. It's selfish and pathetic.

If you are quitting, get lost. The people here are believers with important issues to discuss, the least of which is your absence.

[Behind the Aegis]

46. Interesting tactic

Rather than explaining what is still good with the party, you basically tell people to "fuck off" if they don't like what is happening? Is that about right? I may not agree with what the poster has done, but I sure do understand. S/he has stood by her/his principles and moved into another party. Perhaps, if our elected Democratic leaders stood by their beliefs instead of trying to appease the Rethugs and the Christian right, we might have a clear message and a stronger party.

There are very important issues to discuss...one of them being why are so many people leaving our party?

[txaslftist]

49. Okay, so what's a valid response?

Are we interested in pulling the power back into the party, or are we interested in more circular firing squad reasoning?

You tell me how I'm supposed to respond when someone says they're giving up on the one political party that has even a chance of stopping a regime that is killing innocents, mortgaging our children's future, selling our budget to multinationals and taking away our civil liberties? This is not polemic to me, this is REAL.

What is the correct thing to say when someone bails out of the plane I'm trying to get flying right?

Maybe if the rest of us can fix it he'll feel better and want to come back? Stay on board and try to help.

[Behind the Aegis]

51. Vinegar and honey

Your response is your response. I simply asserted that giving someone the "one finger" salute is as productive as someone leaving the party. Why not put forth an argument (much like you did in your response to me) that encourages the person to stay and fight to change the party, instead of telling the person to "piss off?"

What is the correct thing to say when someone bails out of the plane I'm trying to get flying right? How about..."I really need your help, it is in the best interest of us all." That might work much better than "Get the fuck out, I don't need you anyway."

I understand his feelings. I can also appreciate your feelings. But, instead of letting people go, we would be working to convince them to stay. If they really don't have the heart to work, then let them follow their own path. I just don't relish letting people go without pointing out some of the good we can do as a group. Part of the problem is that the DNC is not worried about its own people leaving, it is more concerned with attracting people who don't share our philosophies and they do this by mimicking the Rethugs, to no avail. Soon, if they keep up this tactic, they will be leaders with no party.

Frustration is very high, we need as many fighters as possible and some need more convincing than others.

[txaslftist]

52. Your reply is exactly right...

embarrassingly so. I have to admit that seeing defeatist stuff like this makes me totally lose it, and maybe I shouldn't have learned to type so fast; perhaps I need to pause and think.

On the other hand, every time someone posts 'I'm leaving the party' on the party's website... Well, you can see how that gets me ticked.

No, you are right. Gentle persuasion is perhaps more effective than scorn. On the other hand, perhaps pointing out the pettiness of the sentiment of 'I'm taking my ball and going home' to the poster -and all the persons reading it- can stiffen the resolve of those who AREN'T leaving, and show them that they aren't dupes or chumps, but champions of our rights.

This is a tough one...

I'm gonna stick with scorn, I think. I'm better at it, it will reach more people, and it refutes the accusation of democratic spinelessness that seems to be the 'flamebait de jour' around here. I thank you for your post, however, sincerely.

:toast:

[arwalden]

54. Stiffen The Resolve... Indeed.

Why should someone be cajoled into staying? And does this not, in effect, reward bad behavior by giving them undeserved "strokes"? Will it only encourage them to repeat this behavior the next time things aren't going their way?

[Behind the Aegis]

56. True..to an extent

I don't know that we need to "cajole" a person, but if we share our frustrations, as they share theirs, perhaps we will be able to create a bridge between us. To me "bad behavior" is when they want to give in to the Rethugs, not express anger and disappointment that they feel their party has/is failing them. There are still some good things about the Democrat Party, and we should embrace that, but be aware of our short-comings. There will always be those who flee at the first sign of trouble, but should we really be holding the door open for them?

[arwalden]

59. It's Unlikely That These Crybabies Can Be Pacified...

... and in many cases, the party can never be far enough left for them. Idealogical purity and their own vanity are more important to them than the party as a whole. On "principle" they choose to do things that hurt the party's chances of winning elections and that improve the Republican's chances. Yet, even in defeat, they remain smugly comforted that they "did-the-right-thing" and "stuck-by-their-guns".

I'll show them the door. It's not as though there aren't PLENTY of other people out there. Maybe as the selfish one goes out, a few dozen other rational ones will enter.

Kind-hearted, forgiving, and nurturing folks like you are more than welcome to stroke their egos, soothe their skinned elbows, and bring them out of their Pollyannaish worldview of politics. It will take some patience to enlighten them to the reality of party mechanics and our TWO PARTY national system. Rotsa-ruck riff rat run, Shaggy!

(Thanks for your thoughtful replies.)

-- Allen

PS: Did you know that some folks ACTUALLY BELIEVED that the election would be overturned yesterday?

[Behind the Aegis]

64. this may be true too

It is true that many want the party to be far on the left (it would trill me), but I think many (myself, included) believe the party has swung too far right. However, we must all realize it is a two party system, despite what we may see. To let others leave, under the misconception that they are "punishing" the Democrat Party, only hurts us more. Instead, we need to open those eyes and let them see that this plays into the hands of our enemies. Also, by leaving the party, their voice is lost, essentially. Frustrations are running high on our side because we see the danger our nation is in. I will freely admit, I wanted to flee the US after the election. Then, I decided, I would not let these lunatics chase me from my own "house!" I try to show that to those who are looking to leave the Democrat Party.

I didn't know that people thought that the election would be overturned. I guessed they might think that. Sometimes false hope is better than no hope.

PS...I loved Scooby-Doo as a child, so I giggled when I saw that in your post! :)

[txaslftist]

58. arwalden, I love your posts.

Keep on rockin' along

:yourock:

[arwalden]

83. We Think A Lot Alike

:hi: Thanks.

[Sterling]

69. "bad behavior"

That's so funny. People love to be told what to do. I for one am part of a growing number of people who feel the time for me to be the parties bitch is over. The party will now be our bitch or it will be starved to death from lack of support.

Eventually their will be an opposition party. It may be small at first but will be the beginning of a true fight for America not the puppet show we are growing so tired of watching.

[arwalden]

76. See Ya!

:hi:

PS: Unless and until we change the way we choose a president, we do have a two-party system. You can pin your hopes on an "opposition party", but it ain't gonna happen in your lifetime... that is... of course... unless you're able to get rid of the electoral college and have direct electiongs... with instant automatic run-offs for the top two candidates whenever nobody gets more than 50% of the vote. (Oh... but you knew this already... why am I wasting your time telling you something you already know?)

Anyway... have fun storming the castle!

[Behind the Aegis]

55. Frustration abounds

I really do see why you are angry. But, as I said, I also see the other side. As I was writing my second reply to you, I had the same thought of "taking my ball and going home" mentality. However, it is a little different in this situation. On one hand, we have Sen. Boxer standing tall, then we have others who are "too afraid to rock the boat." The other party has so much power, we have been shell-shocked, and many folks are trying to figure out..."where do we go from here?" I mean, even with the threat of theft looming over the election, I would have NEVER though Shrub would be 're-elected!" He is a DISMAL failure, but...there he is in the White House...again!

You stick with scorn and I will stick with...well, I don't know what it is. I am afraid if I will offend you if I use certain words, because it will sound as if I am saying I am better than you or my way is better. So, it is best we stick with our respective manners of persuasion, and between us both, perhaps we can herd the cats! :)

BTW...I don't think scorn is what you are better at, IMO. Your replies to me have been very productive, communicative, and respectful. I try to get people to embrace their anger in a productive way, that is the counselor in me. You continue to bring people to the fight, we can't stand to lose more people!!!

:toast:

[Sterling]

68. "I really do see why you are angry."

I see why they are angry too. They are angry because losing constantly seems to bother most people. That is the unfortunate result of the wrong strategy and arrogant complacency, not to mention alienating the base and failing to offer a real difference in the eyes of many Americans.

It still won't help them if all they have to sell is "fuck you" and "were all you got". The people who fell in line this time around and settled for Bush's frat buddy as a candidate are really over it and will not be cowed with insults or threats.


Honestly at this point most people who were trying to help the party that I know are now refocusing their energies on things that are more tangible to them, like their job,family, football, whatever. Anything to not have to deal with supporting people who don't know how to win and don't seem to be trying to learn.

[Behind the Aegis]

70. I am confused

"It still won't help them if all they have to sell is "fuck you" and "were all you got". The people who fell in line this time around and settled for Bush's frat buddy as a candidate are really over it and will not be cowed with insults or threats." You understand this is not the tactic I am for? I am trying to get people who are frustrated, for the very reasons you mention, to not leave the party! I am not trying to sell them anything, except that there is more power in numbers and by leaving the party, their voice may also be lost.

Did you think I was encouraging a "fuck off" attitude? Or am I misunderstanding your posts?

[Sterling]

72. No I am agreeing with you.

nt

[Behind the Aegis]

73. Gotcha!

I had to reread a few times. It must be your OU logic that confused me! heehee (I worked for OSU for 4 years!) Go Pokes! Again, kidding, I graduated from USC (South Carolina)..so...Go Cocks! :evilgrin:

[Sterling]

66. you basically tell people to "fuck off"

It's sad but that seems to be all the party has left to offer. I hope these people are not staffers trying to astro turf us because the approach they are using is tired and won't work anymore.

[txaslftist]

41. It shows the world what a candy-hinder looks like.

Someone who can't stick it out and try to make positive changes within. You know, a coward.

[journalist3072]

61. It will let the Dems know how disappointed I am in them.

[arwalden]

87. But What Does It CHANGE? How Does It HELP?

Yes, it let's the party know that you're "disappointed" in them. You sent a message. Okay. Fine.

But that could be accomplished with a face-to-face meeting with someone on your local or regional level... it could also be accomplished with a letter (or letters, plural).

Your disappointment could also manifest itself in wanting to take a more ACTIVE ROLE and getting involved, recruiting, registration, meetings, etc etc. Use your imagination!

There are PLENTY of much more effective ways to express your disappointment... but it would appear that the EASY one (the passive-aggressive one) is the one that you choose.

Okay, so that's your choice. My original question still remains unanswered: How does the gesture of switching your party affiliation change anything?

Now you're just a bystander. In many areas, people who do as you have done have taken themselves OUT of the process by NOT being able to participate in the primaries... and actually CHOOSE the Democratic candidate that best represents your ideas.

As a passive "Independent" (in most areas) you'll be stuck with the candidate that the rest of the Democrats choose FOR YOU back in the primaries.

Oh well... enjoy your decision.

[liberalmike27]

12. It

It's gratifying to see increasing numbers of people realizing that Democrats in general have sold out, and are owned by the same corporate megalopoly than the Republicans are, our government is totally corrupt, and no longer deals with, we, the people.

One thing I've found is, when people call themselves independent, they usually do so because they are on the left of both parties.

Now I'll hope for an increasing realization that the whole of the media is controlled by the right-wing, and the ecclesiastical community, and anything else that matters. We're done, in fact, we're burned.

[A Simple Game]

30. I am an independent who always votes for the Democratic

candidate, always, but I rarely vote in the democratic row. In New York State most candidates run under more than one party(labor, socialist, conservative, liberal, etc.), if given a choice I always vote for the Democratic candidate using the minor ticket, usually liberal. My reasoning is that they will see a percentage of their vote coming from that party, and realize they need to keep them happy to be reelected. The higher the percentage the better.

I know we don't have any choice but to vote for Democratic candidates to stop the GOP on a national level,and given my age I probably never will. But when the cream of two crops can't defeat who will with no doubt go down in history as the worst American president, and you have no alternative, it is very depressing.

Lets hope the GOP implodes, it appears to be our only hope.

Edit to add the reason for my reply: Yes I feel you are right, I am far to the left of both parties. Niether party truely represents me, but the Democratic party is the closest viable party.

[txaslftist]

36. Great... so join the Anarchist Party...

and get off the Democratic site. The purpose of this site is to join people to the democratic party, not to drive them away. You want to change the spinelessness of our leaders? Write them a letter. Better yet, start a letter writing campaign. Better yet, run for office yourself. Until you've done that, who's really spineless? I mean they're the ones with their asses in the wind before the entire friggin' nation.

Gee whizz...

another damn vanity post.

[Zhade]

57. Doesn't anyone read before they sign up here?

The purpose of this site is to join people to the democratic party, not to drive them away.

Sorry, you're 100% wrong. As it says from the "About" section of this website:

We welcome Democrats of all stripes, along with other progressives who will work with us to achieve our shared goals. While the vast majority of our visitors are Democrats, this web site is not affiliated with the Democratic Party, nor do we claim to speak for the party as a whole.

So, we independents and Greens will stick around, thanks. This is as much our site as yours.

[Sterling]

71. Sometimes when people pay attention they change their minds.

Lets face it the people who call themselves democrats can no longer agree on what it means to be a Democrat. The party is in the midst of a split. Maybe you can get Skinner to kick everyone who has been here for the last 4 years that are fed to the neck with the bullshit off the site.

Maybe you can get him to stop letting these people who have donated time and money to DU and the party post their current feelings on the utter failure of the party's strategy.

If you can then more power to you. You will be left with a ghost of what DU is now and will have nothing to show for your anger but a smaller party and an ever dimmer future for the power structure you place above the people it is supposed to represent.

[Zhade]

86. No offense, but what in the HELL are you talking about?

I'M not the one who told people to get lost. I'M not the one who wants only Dems here.

Maybe you replied to the wrong post?

[Rockerdem]

21. They did it because they know that they will get away with it

I'll declare right now that I wont go Green or indie, even though I am tremendously disappointed with people who I thought would show a little spine. They know that, and will get away with it. But I dont know what the reasonable alternative is. If I go Green, then another Pug will be sitting in the Oval Office in Jan 2009.

Sometimes the most mature thing that one can do is rant for a day or two and then move on. If I can make compromises to vote for Kerry in both the primary and the general, I guess I can overlook Barack Obama ratifying Bushs Ohio "victory", or other more seasoned Dems voting no. There is no practical alternative. Thats the way it is. Its been quite a while since my firebrand days.

[realFedUp]

26. I agree...

like their vote on Iraq

[txaslftist]

37. They weren't trying to 'get away with' anything on Iraq...

They were either hoodwinked and bamboozled by the republican's fake intelligence or they were so convinced that their constituents were hoodwinked and bamboozled that they thought it would be political suicide to vote against a war that everyone seemed to want.

They were between a rock and a hard place. Did you send your congressman a letter telling him that the war vote was a bad idea? Did you tell him that you were prescient and that Bush was going to abuse the authority and rush hastily to war despite his promises to the contrary?

Or did you, like me, sit by and watch with horror, hoping someone could stop the escalation until the first rockets flew? Did you, like me, hope that Saddam would say or do something that would appease the bloodthirsty warhawks enough to stand down?

Otherwise your disappointment is misdirected.

[realFedUp]

53. I didn't sit by like you did

I was one of first two protestors at my
Congressman's office. I wrote letters, made
phone calls and was actively voicing my
opposition to the illegal invasion of Iraq.
I was one of the many who saw this as
an illegal and criminal war act with no
ties to Al Queda or the criminal acts on
9/11. I've been posting at DU long enough
to have posted many threads protesting this
invasion even previous to it.

Congress is no smarter or dumber than I or
thousands of others who saw this invasion
as a mistake, an international crime but
it did not stand for its convictions, knowing
that an en masse vote was more protective
of them than standing out against it.

We know who was right in hindsight but even
more important, we knew we were right then.

[Zhade]

90. THANK you. I didn't sit idly by, either.

I also wrote letters (which I posted online as well) that foretold, based on my educating myself, what could happen if we invaded and why we shouldn't, since the "evidence" of a threat was debunked in real-time.

Congress either knew there was no threat and voted for it anyway, or else they're abysmally stupid. I don't believe the latter to be true.

[txaslftist]

33. You're still a firebrand, rockindem.

It takes a firebrand to stand up to the pity party going on in this thread with a practical, no-nonsense look at the issues.

I'm a yellow dog democrat, and I'm sticking to the party. They may disappoint me sometimes, but they make me proud, too, sometimes. That's the way it is in life. Nobody's perfect.

Hell, I don't belong to any organized party, I'm a democrat.

That's as true as its ever been.

Nothing to be ashamed of.

[no_to_war_economy]

31. you and ....

you and Mike Malloy, I understand

the Boxer Rebellion was hardly noticed

[newyawker99]

74. Hi no_to_war_economy!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[no_to_war_economy]

85. thank you for the welcome

long time DU reader, finally got my sheet straight and got to posting!

[txaslftist]

32. Don't let the door hit you...

on the way out. Sorry I won't be seeing anymore of your posts.

At least that's what I assume, right?

Since you'll be posting on the independent underground and all.

[journalist3072]

60. LOL!

No, I'll still be posting on here, b/c I care about the issues. Like I said, my values and the issues I care about haven't changed at all.

I was really sad yesterday that Barbara Boxer was the only one to stand up and do what's right. They should have been falling all over themselves to do the right thing.

[amazona]

35. is that wise?

It keeps you from voting for your choice of Democrats in the primaries.

[txaslftist]

44. It's not wise...

it's selfish and stupid. Weak-kneed and pathetic too.

Stay with the party and reform it from within. That's the only thing that will work.

[Politicub]

40. Do you want a cookie or something?

A pat on the head? a You GO GURL!?

The dems have warts but I'm glad to be in the same party as the courageous Barbara Boxer. I'll stick around and work to reform my party rather than turning tail and running away when the going gets tough.

[txaslftist]

43. ROCK ON POLITICLUB!!

:yourock:

[Politicub]

80. :)

You do too!!!

[Selatius]

63. Some friendly words of encouragement

I think it's great that you became independent. Your allegiance should be to your principles, not to any damn political party no matter which slant. The Democratic congressmen in power today must EARN your vote. It should not be treated for granted simply because you're also left-leaning.

In the meantime, continue to represent your principles and stand up for what you truly believe is right. You're not alone in going independent. There are many who have done so, and many more who are seriously considering it. The people in power who purport to represent your interests must wake up to the reality of the situation.

I'm also contemplating about going independent myself. If anything, these politicians must work to earn my vote, and I'll try my best to tell them what I want so that they can choose to listen or ignore me.

[ngant17]

67. I don't agree with certain issues

I'm not a Democrat because the local party here is really conservative and they don't represent my thinking. The Repugs are much worse. The Dems are basically the lesser of the two evils, and I have to set higher standards than that. If there is an Independent, I would listen to them first.

[GreenPartyVoter]

75. Excellent letter. I hope you will continue to support the Dems

who you feel deserve it. :)

------------------------------------------------------------
Help save our country one town, county, and state at a time!
http://timeforachange.bluelemur.com/electionreform.htm#why

[Sugarbleus]

79. Going Independent but not until close to next prez election..

At this point, I continue to depend on my dem reps. Problems come up, or I need to bitch about what's wrong with our system..I write to them.

When the next Presidential election comes up..and/or depending on who is running on the dem ticket by then, I will change my affiliation at that time.

I'm proud to have been a lifelong Democrat, I still love them for what they have been able to achieve in the past; I just don't recognize the party anymore..

I haven't switched yet; time will tell the whole tale.

[Name removed]

81. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[AlbizuX]

82. props!

that's a principled stand..I commend you.

[serryjw]

84. I'm about to follow..my email to Diana Degette yesterday

She is one of the most liberal Congresswoman we have. I'm in liberal (gay) Capital Hill (Denver) CO
quote.....
quote....
Diana, we will never win if we don't have the courage to fight the thugs. 31 Democrats in the House had that courage, sadly you were not one of them. On 1/20 I will change my party affiliation to Green. After 54 years I have no Party. I was born a Democrat and I thought I would die one......sadly that is not true either.
end quote.....

[Adelante]

88. With you

And as far as the sentiment of "sticking to the party" goes, as expressed so many times in the past two days, I've stuck for almost 40 years. It's the party that's come unglued. I said to somebody the other day that we've become so used to nothing that anything looks like something. That's how I see the "historic action" the Dems are so proud of taking on Thursday. Big fucking deal. They failed us in 2000 and they failed us in 2004.

This is not to say I won't vote Dem when it's the only choice, but I won't identify myself that way until they stand up. Maybe it will take Howard Dean for DNC chair, I think so.

I admire your sensible email; mine was a lot shorter and less thoughtful.

I'm thinking of changing my screen name to "Whiner" since it seems in order to express a dissident opinion this week on DU, you're tagged with it anyway.

Go Democracy, Go Dems.:eyes:

[sherilocks]

89. delete: threads got confused, not me, of course