Having just read Shaun's diary on the imperfect presidential candidates we have, I want to respectfully focus on one word: Ferguson.
Ferguson recently had an election. An imperfect election for City Council. Turnout among residents improved by 30%. The City Council then changed. An African American city previously run exclusively by white people now had representation which would start to reflect the values of the community. Why was it an imperfect election? Because it was no landslide. The City Council seems split between the old and new guard. I'd describe it as a strong step forward, but every one agrees so much more is needed. But what came of that election? A new Municipal judge was appointed. An African American. The residents of Ferguson, who essentially were living in an apartheid state, are now receiving a whole sale expunging or restructuring of their extensive, brutal and unlawful criminal records. Imperfect elections, yes. Imperfect candidates, yes. And if this is the types of things our imperfect Democrats are getting done, then I can't wait for the next election. We should be proud and inspired by what we are now accomplishing in Ferguson and so many other areas. We should see that we can change these things. To go off on a tangent, 8 years ago, we just wanted the gay community to be able to serve in the military. Now this week, gay spouses are eligible for retroactive social security benefits. Once again, when's the next election? I can't wait.