Why are you a Democrat?
This is a vital question we need to ask ourselves daily, because we have a country that needs to make up its mind. So many Americans are "Independent" or "Undecided" or (shudder) not registered to vote - it's scary. I also know from personal experience that a lot of Republicans are not sure what they themselves believe, especially now with their party completely unrecognizable from when they joined.
This is a call to go out talking to everyone you meet, because the best way to talk with anyone is personal examples - not stale rhetoric. We need to speak to everyone we know about making the best decision for themselves and their families with their vote.
Below the fold: Please share why you are a Democrat, and spread the word!
Your opinion, voice, and passion matter. Like most of the bloggers here, I have a firm conviction that we can help the American people make up their minds and participate in their own future.
The best way to talk with anyone, even Republicans, is just that: talk with them. Americans need to have some frank discussions in their neighborhoods, workplaces, and churches - and you need to lead the discussion.
Your own "Why Am I a Democrat?" story can spur you on to talk with a stubborn Republican or ambivalent unregistered voter. Someone else's story in this diary may also revitalize ideas for talking with the same audience. There are many reasons people are Democrats, and our stories are varied in both their depth and honesty in such a way that most Repbulican or undecided/unregistered will understand.
Maybe you'll be the spark that gets an extra 10 or 20 registered to vote? Make a few Republicans see the light?
(Interesting Note: Republicans are leaving the party in big numbers: so where are they going to? We need to help them find a home for their beliefs - Republicans exit-but where?)
Tell your story here! You're as important as I am!
My story:
I grew up in a very conservative, right-wing evangelical Christian environment. (Pat Robertson, Rush Limbaugh, and Ann Coulter are still favorites of some members of my family) When I was in my early 20's, I still beleived Republican ideals were the only ones, because anything not-Republican was tainted with a serious sense of "sin" or "evil".
At the same time, I was wrestling with coming out to myself that I was gay. Because of how I was raised, it was a "sin" and I was "going to Hell" for just thinking that way.
This chain of ideological struggles in my life led me to see how vastly different the two parties are. When Bill Clinton was villified for the "Lewinsky" incident, I made my final decision to be a lifetime Democrat. I was already a Democrat at this point, but this certainly cemented it.
The Republicans have proven they cannot stay out of people's personal lives, and Democrats value American people's freedom.
Your turn!