I am registered Democrat and for quite awhile I have been wondering why. The more I see and experience the more I believe that the entire two party system is completely corrupt and broken. I started out a couple of years ago on a journey to see if I believed in Kos's "Crashing the Gate" or complete and radical reform of the entire system. Going back and forth I am now in the camp of radical reform.
This election cycle I believe has educated many on just how completely dysfunctional the Dem primary process is. As an Oregonian I have essentially been excluded from this process. It looks like the nominee has been chosen and my voice will not be heard. Or at the very least, I will have just two to choose from but for me this is not a choice.
There is however a Democrat in Oregon who does have a choice and a vote available now and apparently a vote that has a higher value than my vote, that is if I get the chance to vote. He is a super delegate. And to add insult to injury he is a total prick. I watched as this person facilitated the complete alienation of any progressive voice in the local Dem chapter reverting it back to its state of being a small exclusive club. He essentially instigated a coup that unseated the progressive chairman who had made the catastrophic mistake of endorsing Moveon's ad against General Patraeus in an editorial in our local paper. During a shouting match at the coup it was cited that the chairman's actions would hurt local Dem funding drives. One woman sputtered that she didn't want to offend any of her Republican friends. The tactics and behavior displayed at this meeting were so appalling that there are many like me who have left this chapter and will never return.
Yes, I think I've moved permanently to that dark, oh so dangerous side of demanding what I want and what I think is right. I believe that preoccupation with doing what's good for the party leads to corruption of the party. A balance needs to be struck and that balance is the third party. You will see me from now on as a Democrat for Nader. He is offering what I want and what I believe to be right. Feel free to join me at VoteNader.org and learn more.
Update: Yes, I'm angry and I apologize for the word "prick" but I'm not removing it because it emphasizes my distaste for the element of the Democrat "Super Delegate". Also, as often mentioned, this is a site for Democrats and that is what I am. And keep the vitriol coming. It shows off the best of this site and it's openness and tolerance. Also remember that the anti Nader talking points such as he being ego driven and vain hold as much value and weight as the best of Republican mems. Keep it coming. Keep validating why anyone whether you call them Democrat or Republican can become a thug when they gain power.
Update 2: I would like to thank the person who edited my tags with grafiti. As well as hid my tips line and most likely removed any recommends. Smells like Republican doesn't it? Welcome to DailyKos!
Update 3: A commentor asked why I didn't go into detail about why I support Nader. Simply go to his website and read his platform. Nader can explain Nader better than I can.