Why I WAS a Democrat

[SmartBomb]

I've have always voted democratic since my first election. I never had to think about it, never felt compelled to ponder the alternatives. Why? Was it because dogma-spouting parents, bent on shaping my beliefs, indoctrinated me? No. Our home was essentially apolitical. We never discussed politics, or ideology for that matter. Granted, my political leanings weren’t formed in a vacuum, the cultural environment in which I grew up certainly influenced my values and worldview, but I wasn’t instructed. No one ever told me “Democrats are right and Republicans are wrong”.

I think the reason I’ve always voted democratic, aside from being more aligned with their platform, was because it felt genuine. I sensed they really believed in “for the people, by the people”. Sure, sometimes they advanced ideas that I didn’t necessarily agree with, but in the true, transparent, spirit of democracy, they put it out on the table and let the people decide. This is not to say to say the democrats were incorruptible and didn’t have their share of back room deals, dirty tricks, and scandals. It’s just that at its foundation the party was about empowering people through the democratic process.

The republicans on the other hand, seem to be more about imposing their predetermined agenda on the electorate, by hook or crook. It always felt manipulative; the coded speak, the memes, the hot buttons, the legions of demagogues… Always more about directing your decision than letting you make one. I must have inherited my mom’s defiant streak; I hate anyone telling me what to think or how to feel, and I’m instantly suspicious of anyone who tries. Ideology aside, the republicans never had a chance with me.

That was then… This is now.

Sadly, the Democratic Party has so lost its way that it no longer feels genuine, transparent, or true. While reforming the party from the inside is a valid notion, I don’t believe the party can ever function as was intended in the current political system. I believe real reform can only come from outside. Like many I will continue to support true democratic candidates where they’re found, but in an effort to send a wake up call to the party, I’m changing affiliation to Independent.

[NDFan]

1. ...

Maybe you can form a new website, Disgruntled Ex-Democrats Underground.

[SmartBomb]

3. Hmm... Maybe...

[nankerphelge]

2. Very true

I think the only reason I'll keep my Democrat registration is to vote in the primaries. The democrats that win the primaries are part of the problem.

[OKNancy]

4. What state are you in?

Does your state have open or closed primaries?
If they are closed, you will be powerless to help choose a Democrat to your liking.

Being a Democrat is like getting old. You may not like it but considering the alternative..........

For myself, I'm not going anywhere.

[SHRED]

5. I can sum it up quick

Republican politicians are mostly all fascists and Democrat politicians are mostly all gutless.

[BikeWriter]

6. Yeah, right, that's the way to win, fragment the party!

</sarcasm>

[mike_c]

7. that's neither fair nor accurate....

In reality the Democratic Party is fragmenting itself. It has moved so far to the right of Richard Nixon that it has essentially abandoned its liberal base, whose very name-- liberal-- it now considers pejorative. By abandoning core liberal ideals, the Democratic Party has signalled that it is now more interested in recruiting moderate republicans and like-minded independents than in retaining its traditional base. If that base is left out in the cold, they can hardly be blamed for having fragmented the party.

[NickofTime]

8. Zell Miller?

The Democratic Party is strong and united. If it hadn't been for Repugnant computer software tricks, John F. Kerry would President right now. Only old, worn out wacko's like Zell Miller would leave at this point in time. There're great opportunities coming up in 2006!

[BikeWriter]

11. I agree. President Kerry won, before the machines were readjusted. n/t

[BikeWriter]

9. We're all Democrats, too aren't we?

A cross section of this forum would be pretty liberal. Yes, more of our politicians need to go back to liberal values, but we have to stop the theft of our elections first!

[Deja Q]

10. What's worth fragmenting when we don't have any winners as candidates?

:crazy:

No sarcasm from me, sorry.

[BikeWriter]

12. We did win, then we were robbed. n/t

[vetwife]

13. Become an independent......

If you are in a red state, I don't think anyone cares much for party loyalists anyway. I should know, there was no one fighting harder than me and my back didn't get covered.

In fact most want to just write off the South.

[KnowerOfLogic]

14. I'm thinking about doing the same. nt