Why would anyone want to be a Democrat?

[bspence]

I honestly don't know why anyone would choose us over the Republicans. They control the media, they've got a president who won't be investigated because he controls congress, and most Dems (myself included up until Bush got elected) are afraid to speak for their positions.

Polls support this. Nobody's questioning the president. They don't care that he lied to get us into war. Once the economy strengthens even a little, he'll be seen as good for the economy (even though intelligent people know better). Problem is, most people on this planet (especially in America) aren't intelligent.

How do we fight this system where the right controls all the variables? Just sit back and hope they make mistakes? Hope the war and the economy go bad?

I'm going to be doing my part, for the first time in my life (I'm 29). I'm going to educate myself enough to change the minds of every swing and non-voter I see.

I just hope it's enough. I hope that all politics really are local. I hope that by converting one or two people that it'll be enough to change things.

If things don't change, I don't know how much longer I can stand to live here.

[THUNDER HANDS]

1. I don't know about you

But I'm working on the YAK vote in 2004.

YAK's have been severely overlooked by the Democratic Party in years past and it's time we gave them their due as loyal long-time supporters.

[MiddleRiverRefugee]

2. bspence - You answered this question line...

..with the last line in your post:

If things don't change, I don't know how much longer I can stand to live here.

What you said, twice.

Also- welcome to DU if no one has indicated that to you before.

[bspence]

3. Thanks Dude

I know that I personally would want to move, but I think most people aren't informed enough to understand how bad things are getting under Repbulican rule. (Notice how I used the words "aren't informed enough" instead of "stupid morons" :) )

[Kathy in Cambridge]

4. Volunteer to register voters

It's a great way to get people to vote-and you can also educate the voters if they ask.

[trotsky]

5. Pretty simple

The basic Republican message right now is: "It's perfectly fine to be selfish. Oh, and by the way, all your problems are because of minorities, liberals, and taxes."

Versus the traditional Democratic message of: "Let's take care of each other, and we'll all benefit."

Say you're Joe Whitey in the self-centered me-me American society. Which one would YOU buy into?

[primavera]

6. "...all politics really are local."

Ultimately, they are; how do you think the repukes got as far as they have? Despite their weak message, they've been infiltrating schools, churches, neighborhood committees, and every other conceivable local community-level organization for decades, and look where it's gotten them. The thing I find encouraging is that they've proven that grassroots activism really can have a sizable cumulative effect over time. Which means we can do it too if we're patient and hardworking enough. I'll grant you though, even as it took the Repukes time do build their fascist revolution, it may take us decades of hard work and frustration to achieve anything similar, but I perceive in believing that there is hope so long as we're willing to roll up our sleeves and be as dedicated to our cause as the repukes have been to theirs.

[DinahMoeHum]

7. But. . .I would NOT want to be a Republican these next few years

Sooner or later, the shit's coming down on the sheeple who voted for them. They're going to be mad, and they're going to blame whoever's in office. If the only thing in office is a Republican, well, watch out.


:kick:

[ForrestGump]

8. Because we've got all the hot chicks

And because we're more sensitive to issues like sexism and women's issues.

What??




Ow!

Ow!

Ow!

Ow!

Ow!

[helleborient]

9. Look back to 1992

Bill Clinton did understand that people do also respond to energy and hope.

Who do you think elected Bill Clinton? I think many of them were the same ones who responded to Ronald Reagan's "Morning In America." Give them a hopeful, positive message alternative to the fearmongering. Bush and co. have already overstepped the fear angle a few times...such as the national jokes about duct tape. Bill and Al's bus trip the first time around after the '92 convention was brilliant as well.

We can't sit around like Dukakis in '88 or be afraid to be passionate like Gore last time until it's too late (he did surge late, but the momentum should have come a week earlier).

If Americans really were completely self-centered, it's my contention that Democrats wouldn't win anywhere, which isn't the state of the U.S. We are still nearly split down the middle...work for that edge to toss it all our way.

[geniph]

10. The pendulum always tries to come back to equilibrium

...anytime it swings too far one way or the other, people get restive and uncomfortable, and things start to equalize again. This too shall pass...