I'm no super-politico, but I have made a couple of friends in DC since I moved up here recently, many of whom know of my politics and are supportive.
Last night, thanks to the largess of a friend of mine, I attended a DNC fundraiser headlined by Howard Dean.
Dems from across the country were there, including some great leaders. Joan Fitzgerald, the first woman to head a state senate talked about the 50 state strategy. New Mexico Attorney General
Patricia Madrid and Rhode Island Attorney General
Patrick Lynch were stellar examples of high-potential candidates for the future. I see both of them as congressional or senatorial candidates to watch.
Stenny Hoyer, House Minority Whip, rocked the house. Hoyer is a first rate orator, smart, and able to carry real depth of emotion in his political cadence.
I was excited by Dick Durbin as he spoke convincingly about how important it is to stand strong in the face of adversity and stand up for what we believe in.
Howard Dean echoed the same sentiments saying "Deep Convictions trump Ideology. The only way we are going to win elections is to standup for what we believe in."
I left, as I was supposed to I'm sure, excited, energized, clearly ready to fight the good fight for ourparty.
Then today, I see Dick Durbin crying his eyes out and apologizing for telling the truth.
It's all I can do not to turn my back on the party today. It's all I can do not to want to run away and cry myself. Where are our leaders? Where's the strength? Where's the backbone of the party?
Listen you Dems in the Senate and you leaders in the party, listen Howard, LET'S GET THIS SHIP TOGETHER! The rank and file are sick to death of putting our necks on the line so you can back down and give away the show.
Dick Durbin had the strenght of his convictions and stood up for what he believed in for less than a week. You can't just stand up for your convictions, you need to draw that line in the sand, pick up the sword and resolutely swear, "No More".
The sick fact is that we'll give our time and effort and money, because we believe in the America of the Democratic party. Democratic values are American Values. We believe in the power of America. We belive in fair judges and privacy. We believe that the real babykillers are the politicians who won't support wic or universal infant health insurance. We believe that liars shouldn't have the power to send our friends, and sons, and daughters, and fathers, and mothers to war.
We believe!
We believe!
We believe!
This is bigger than any of you. You OWE IT to the people who put you in power to exercise POWER!
Quit making us sick and make us strong.