It's the eve of the Dem's national convention, so it's a good time to ask something that's been on my mind for a few weeks now: Why should I be a registered Democrat? How do I benefit, and how does the Dem party benefit?
I've identified exclusively with Liberal/Progressive causes for two decades. I've voted Democrat far more often than Republican or third party and for the past couple years I've voted nearly straight-ticket Dem. I've participated in almost every federal election since I've been old enough to vote as well as most of the state and local elections. Since the 1980s, I've consistently been registered Independent.
But the progressive wing, through sites and organizations such as DailyKos and MoveOn, is invigorating the party with life I don't recall it ever having. Tip O'Neill's organization was never attractive. Howard Dean's is.
However, I'm not a joiner. I'm leery of any group, especially any political group, which would require me to share a room with people who don't share my views.
I'm not interested in arguments about the price of joining a different group. I want to know why I should become a Democrat. Go to town, persuade me. If you succeed, tell me where to sign up and I will. You'll have won a convert.