This is a great day to be a Democrat. And while I do mean that in the general sense as well--we control both houses, finally starting to put some checks on an out-of-control-executive, etc.--I literally mean that today, February 19th, is a great day to be progressive Democrat.
This morning, after reading DKos, I am particularly proud to say that I am a Democrat, I am a progressive, I am a member of an incredible online, netroots community. Today, in fact, I am particularly proud of some of my fellow Democrats.
I am proud to be in the same party as Jack Murtha. Congressman Murtha is going to introduce legislation that says our troops can't be forced back into war unprepared. Congressman Murtha thinks that our troops, some of whom are going back for second, third tours deserve to have body armor, and deserve to see their brothers and sisters, their wives and husbands, their sons and daughters for more than six months before being shipped back off to war.
I am proud to be in the same party as Al Franken. He is hilarious. He offers the most cutting satire of some of our worst leaders. He also is a serious candidate for a serious seat which we should win. While I was previously skeptical about his candidacy, I no longer am. Watch his video, and see what I mean. If Minnesotan Democrats choose him as their candidate, he will make a superb Senator.
I am proud to be in the same party as my fellow Nebraska Kossacks. Red state nothin'. I got online today, and two other Nebraskans (count 'em: 1, 2) posted dairies, about Nebraska politics, Nebraska's role in national politics, and Nebraska leaders. This is what the 50-state strategy is all about. Progressives are everywhere, and it's time we made our voices heard.
I'm proud to be in the same party that Molly Ivins was in. I am not a big HRC fan; I'm not going to bash on her, and if she wins, I will campaign for her and vote for her. But the diary thats currently at the top at the rec list shows how Molly Ivins felt, and as it turns out, thats pretty much exactly how I feel. (In addition, its possible that Molly Ivins may have made a few other contributions to the progressive cause as well).
We absolutely do need a leader. We need someone who is going to inspire all Americans, not just a portion of the Democratic base. I don't know for sure who that leader is just yet (I do have a favorite, but thats another diary for another time), but I know he or she is out there. And as proud and inspired as I feel this morning, I'm pretty sure the progressive cause is not only going to help find that leader for 2008, but is already helping to create that leader for 2028, or 2048 (you should say that last line out loud, it will seem more poetic).
Anyway, here's to today. So far, an excellent Monday.