I'm a Democrat because... (DPO Video)

I grew up in a staunch Republican family... albeit one which reflected the influence the historic Progressive and Populist movements had on Oregon politics, but Republican nonetheless.  I came of age in the immediate wake of the Civil Rights struggle, and while the war was raging in Vietnam.  It quickly became obvious to me that the Democratic Party offered the only hope of an America which lived up to its ideals of equality, social and economic justice and environmental responsibility at home and peace and cooperation abroad.  Despite its many flaws, that's why I'm a Democrat.  It's also why I was greatly moved by today's release by the Democratic Party of Oregon (DPO) of its new video, "Why I'm a Democrat."  I think it is especially timely viewing during the heat of this primary season, so I'm posting it here after the jump.

That's why some of my neighbors, party leaders here in Oregon, are Democrats.  How would you finish the sentence, "I'm a Democrat because . . ."?

•  Tips for the Democratic Party as a Cause...

  not just an organization.

  by jgilhousen on Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 04:13:16 PM PDT

•  ...Because I believe in the Power of Govt

  I'm a Democrat because I believe in the power of government to accomplish great things.

  I believe in markets, but realize that market mechanisms often fail.  When they do, it is the obligation of government to step in in rectify the problem.  

  President Clinton and Bob Rubin taught a generation of us that laissez-faire economics doesn't work, and provided us with the empirical data to argue for increased government intervention in the economy, to ensure an optimal outcome.

  by PatriciaVa on Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 04:14:16 PM PDT

  •  I am a Democrat because ...

    I believe in the power of our people to overcome the injustice we all see everyday.

    by DrMicro on Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 04:50:30 PM PDT

•  sniff sniff

  Tears in my eyes....ok ok I am getting old.  But yeah.  All that and a piece of cake.  

  I am a Democrat because I am liberal.   Because I do believe there is a basic good in all of us.  Because I want everyone to be able to grow up without being afraid.  And I want there to be a green world out there to grow up in.

  by crazyshirley2100 on Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 04:15:52 PM PDT

•  we have

  the cutest women, the best pie, and most hollywood celebrities. what else does one need?

  by Turkana on Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 04:15:59 PM PDT

  •  Thanks, Turk...

    I needed that to get rid of the lump in my throat.  Ya' done good.

    by jgilhousen on Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 04:19:48 PM PDT

•  I value people over corporations

  by NY Writer on Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 04:28:58 PM PDT

•  I value reason over tradition n/t

  by gooners on Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 04:42:54 PM PDT

•  I think that government

  is part of the solution not the problem, and who want to look out for the poor and disadvantaged.

  by SensibleDemocrat on Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 04:51:34 PM PDT

•  I am a Kossack because ...

  I believe that posts like this should be promoted to the recommended list.

  by DrMicro on Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 04:56:48 PM PDT

  •  I like the sound of that...

    but scarcely can pretend to be objective on the subject.

    by jgilhousen on Tue Jan 22, 2008 at 05:33:49 PM PDT