Why Are You A Democrat? (Not why aren't you . . .)

[bigtree]

Why do you choose to organize and advocate under the Democratic banner?

I posted a condensed version of my own explanation for organizing as a Democrat here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=439&topic_id=2211194

excerpt:

"Our Democratic platform remains the most effective vehicle available for elevating our ideals and initiatives to the point where they can be considered, and hopefully, agreed on. I imagine that, if I was born in the days of Lincoln, I'd likely be a republican railing against the notion and practice of State's rights, be-damned any other issue which contradicted that.

We choose the best coalition because it's a challenge to advance one ideal or the other to fruition and perpetuity. We are challenged to unite -- even as we hold our separate interests, needs, and expectations.

That's why I'm a Democrat. That's why I support this Democratic presidency. It is the most effective vehicle available that has the potential for elevating my own particular concerns into action or law . . ."


I'm not interested in arguing with folks on this thread about why they think the responses are wrong, etc.. I just want to read responses from DUers explaining why they choose to identify themselves as Democrats. I don't think it's too much to ask that folks be allowed to make a positive response on this thread without having to argue with folks who don't necessarily support the party. So, please,

I'm anxious for some insight into the reasoning that folks might be not want to express openly here, predicting confrontation over their position with folks who don't share the same sentiment. So, please, some consideration, in order to generate a decent amount of responses (if any).

[NightWatcher]

1. I'm too poor to be a repuke

[Javaman]

4. +1 nt

[dkf]

2. I'm a Democrat because I like rational pragmatic solutions instead of pure ideology.

I like smart and inspiring leaders, and I like that Democrats aren't focused on religion and that we believe in science.

[LWolf]

3. I lifelong independent, I registered as a Democrat

in 2002 to protest the 2000 selection.

You can call me a Dino; I'm still an independent, regardless of how I registered to vote. I've never bought into loyalty oaths, I've never seen a political party as a savior for anything, I don't view politics as a sport, and I don't shut up and get in line.

[kctim]

5. I am a Democrat

because I agree with the Party platform more than I do with Republicans, conservatives or progressives.

[Beststash]

6. I'm a Democrat because

I put working people over business interests

I believe that it is our responsibility as citizens to protect our environment even at the expense of profit

I believe that religion is a personal choice and not something that government should be involved in at all

I think that capitalism is the best economic system yet discovered but only if it is regulated to prevent human greed

I think opportunity is the key to success in life

I am not a mean-spirited person

[WCGreen]

7. Because I believe our country is more that a collection of individuals

and that we are all in this together...

In a country that touts freedom and individuality, we should foster a well-educated population that has the ability to help those in need without question...

[MatthewStLouis]

8. I care about things and people other than myself.

I also believe in workers rights, a well regulated financial system, progressive taxes, and fair markets (the market we have now is rigged).

[Scuba]

9. I vote Democrat because of the ideals of the Democratic Party....

...but I have to lean far to the right to vote Democrat, ergo I remain an Independent.

I find myself working for Democrats who walk-the-walk regarding Democratic Party ideals (e.g., Feingold, Baldwin).

I think my lack of party affiliation is even more important when Democratic Party leaders advocate for cuts to Social Security and other social programs. They should be working to strengthen and reinforce these reasons for having a government in the first place!



on edit: I'm only now learning how to work at the grass-roots level. Perhaps I'll join the Party. I'm certainly trying to support "real" Democrats at this level.

[bigtree]

10. just as I expected

. . . some remarkable and fascinating responses. Truly a breath of fresh air.

Keep it going!

more of my own view, from 2007: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x1096368

[Uben]

11. I live in deep red country in Texas and......

...I don't like who "they" are, so I choose not to be "them"! I hear their thoughts and ideology.....and it is just not me. I believe in helping the less fortunate. I believe everyone should have affordable healthcare. I believe we need to raise taxes on the rich immediately. Class warfare? Not really, I'm a millionaire myself, a few times over. I have always been a democrat.
I'm just another one of them hippies who is getting old. I've never trusted the "system" and always felt dissention was our best tool to change it.

Another reason I'm a democrat is that I am not stupid. I don't vote against my beliefs like so many republicans do just because I'm told to. I vote how I want to.

[tcaudilllg]

12. Because Republican policies disgust me.

I could play the game... I won't because I know the limits of the system they want. It's not enough. I demand something better than what they are willing to accept.

[Kurmudgeon]

13. I'm a Democrat because they spend less, kill less and don't crash the economy as much.