I have been a Democrat for a very long time

[2speak]

longer than most of you have lived probably. Since I have been a Democrat for that long of a period of time I have concrete ideas about what a Democrat is. Would you share with me what your beliefs about what a Democrat are? The reason I ask is that I have noticed people from Canada on this web site and I wonder what their motives are for being here. I'm sure there are some 180's here also. What is important to me is that the rest have a strong grasp of what being a Democrat really is. Thanks.

[Frances]

1. I think anyone can post here as long as they obey the rules

[2speak]

2. I have witnessed people posting and not obeying the rules

but my interest on this post is not about them, it's about the Democrats that is all. Obama is a Democrat.

[Oregone]

8. So was Lieberman. So is Kucinich. Sometimes it means everything. Sometimes nothing.

Hopefully it means something significant and good to you, because that is all that matters essentially.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. I'm sure the Canadians are here because we're their neighbor.

And we have a huge influence on them.

Also, there are more than a few ex-pat Americans living there.

As to what a Democrat is...

I too have lived a very long time. Almost 65 years, actually.

For me, being a Dem means that I care about others. I want our government to enable people to live happily and securely. Good education. Safe roads. Competent teachers. Responsive public officials. I could go on, but I'm sure you get my drift.

[2speak]

7. I agree with you 100%

and yes I do get your drift! Haven't heard the drift in awhile now...Thx

[elshiva]

17. Actually, we are all neighbors in this world.

There are some DUers who are British or Australian. I saw some one post from Nepal, the other day on DU. It is good that people from different parts of the world can join our dicussion. There are liberals/progressives all over the world.

Also, there are some Green Party voters on DU who vote for Democratic Presidential candidate while endorsing local Green candidates.

[TexasObserver]

4. your lack of a profile will be a problem

If you want others to respond to you well, first you'll have to make posters feel you're not simply looking to start trouble.

[2speak]

11. I have looked

but seem to be unable to find how to start a profile.

[Quantess]

12. near the top of the screen are icons with a word underneath.

Click on the index card that says "Options" under it.

On the left side, about the third down the list, it says "edit your profile". Click on that, and fill it in.

You can leave out some information if you want to, but at least people will be able to see how long you have been a member.

[TahitiNut]

5. "Democratic Underground is an online community for Democrats and other progressives."

Perhaps it'd help to read.

2. Who We Are: Democratic Underground is an online community for Democrats and other progressives. Members are expected to be generally supportive of progressive ideals, and to support Democratic candidates for political office. Democratic Underground is not affiliated with the Democratic Party, and comments posted here are not representative of the Democratic Party or its candidates.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules.html

I'm a life-long independent liberal. I eschew partisanship ... I wouldn't even consider voting for George Wallace when I lived in Alabama. Tough shit.

[2speak]

9. Perhaps you should read this

Civility: Treat other members with respect. Do not post personal attacks against other members of this discussion forum.

I abhor crossing party lines. Tough shit.

[tkmorris]

10. What the HELL?

You've got nerve, I'll give you that.

[mtnester]

18. No nerve really when responsing to a patronizing response

which is exactly what they did.

Kind of refreshing axctually.

[H2O Man]

15. "We hold these truths

to be self-evident ...."

Words have meanings. Let's take a quick look at a quote from the preface of Sean Wilentz's wonderful book, "The Rise of American Democracy: Jefferson to Lincoln":

"A republic -- the res publica, or 'public thing' -- was meant to secure the common good through the ministration of the most worthy, enlightened men. A democracy -- derived from demos krateo, 'rule of the people' -- dangerously handed power to the impassioned, unenlightened masses." (page xvii)

The history of the "modern" political parties is a fascinating area of study. Among the more interesting sources that I would recommend is "Daniel Dickinson: Defender of the Constitution," by Marjory Hinman.

The democratic party has, in the past 60 years, undergone significant internal changes. There are some "party values" that remain constant, while in many other areas, the party has evolved. More, at any given time, there were various factions within the party, often competing for power, and when at its best, coordinating efforts to share power.

Today, the democratic party has numerous interest groups: these include citizens looking to advance those rights which are self-evident for those who have been marginalized by the larger society, as well as those who have obtained these rights and look to expand upon them. There are a range of values and beliefs, which result in four basic "wings" within the party: from left to right, there are progressives, liberals, moderates, and conservative democrats.

Among the progressive and liberal left of the party, there has always been an appreciation that we gain strength by coordinating our efforts with other non-democrats, including independents, Greens, etc. By expanding links with others, we enjoy greater strength both within the party, and are more able to determine the outcome of elections, from the local level up to the national level.

Thus, the progressive and liberal democrats on DU welcome our independent brothers and sisters from the progressive left. Perhaps my single favorite example is my good friend TahitNut. I became friends with him on DU, and am proud to be on the same political team as him. More, I have come to know him beyond the DU forum, and count him among the most decent, honest, and intelligent people that I have ever had the pleasure to know.

I will suggest that he was not being uncivil to you. He was simply pointing out that DU has information, easily accessed, which defines who and what this forum is all about. I will also politely suggest that one risks offending a large segment of the DU community when one starts off early with a conflict with TahitNut. He is among the most respected members on this forum.

Peace,
H2O Man

[elshiva]

16. 2speak, TahitiNut was not attacking you.

He was just used the phrase "tough shit." He was talking about Wallace, he wouldn't vote for Wallace, and if that offended anyone, that indeed, would be "tough shit."

[mtnester]

20. Not an attack but

if it walks like a patronizing duck...

[Oregone]

6. Ive never registered Democrat....

Ive also moved to Canada.

That doesn't mean that I do not have some concern (although shrinking) for the state of the US.

Further, I have deduced that a progressive/liberal solution is best to address such issues, in order to create the most wealth/happiness/empowerment/education for the most people, as well as stop the most pain for the most people (globally included).

Hence, I would naturally feel inclined to join some discussion group regarding such liberal solutions, and their needed application in the US. Do we not have a shared interest?

As far as what I feel a Democrat is, who knows? As they operate, according to politicalcompass.org, it isn't exactly impressive (simply less authoritarian and less right of center than their counterparts). I think Democrats are people of all different colors and shapes, being so for different reasons. Some liked Clinton, some have parents who were, some may remember their civil rights support, and others may be considering voting for McCain because they don't like black people (I know of one). Some like the way they word things more, maybe they make NAFTA sound prettier (but pass it regardless). Some people genuinely feel they are better managers than their counterparts (but are they the best managers?). Some people may like Kucinich, Bernie Sanders, and feel inclined to hold their noses and join whatever party they caucus with (or are in).

There is no concrete idea of what a democrat is. Only what it is to you. Some people have lofty ideas (some perhaps not realistic, but noble nonetheless). Some people, like me, feel that even Democrats, and what they bring to the table, are a drop in the bucket and not a constructive force in the proper direction this country needs to travel before it completely implodes (socially, economically, politically). Some of those people, like me, might of bolted already, seeing no light at the end of the tunnel. Who knows, really.

[debriefed]

13. helping the poor, equality among races

etcetera.

[Waiting For Everyman]

14. Nowadays, I think of it as "bottom up" vs. "top down" policies.

FDR vs. Reagan. That includes a whole lot, but it's a shorthand for all that goes with it.

[endthewar]

19. Believe that the government is meant to help the people

[rebel with a cause]

22. A government of the people, by the people, for the people.

or something like that. It is 4:30 a.m. and I have got to go to bed. Morning comes in four hours.

[earth mom]

21. If only the U.S. was more like Canada or the French. If only.

Newsflash: There is nothing wrong with Canada or the French. True dems know this.

[rebel with a cause]

23. The only thing wrong with Canada.....

is that it is too hard to move there when you are poor and you want to excape bush country. ;)