So long DU

[sunnystarr]

194. I'm a democrat because

I believe that all members of society should be lifted up. This means a larger central government which distributes the collective wealth to ensure that the elderly have a safety net; that all children are entitled to a good education from pre-K through college; that when people lose their jobs, especially through federal policies or failings, they get unemployment insurance (I don't believe that should be taxable); that a society needs the arts and research should be encouraged and funded; that health care shouldn't be run by for profit corps and all are entitled to health care; that collectively we can overcome any adversity. I believe in decriminalizing drugs and only protecting our young from their distribution. I believe in a strong defense but not one to police the world. I believe in fair trade as opposed to free trade. I believe that all profits from US businesses and corporations should be taxable and making offshore tax shelters illegal. I believe in labor unions and collective bargaining and workers rights for all workers.

Do all Democrats share my beliefs? I don't think so. But I'll take as close as I can get in a candidate. A republican would never come close - they are diametrically opposed to all I believe in. But this is the climate our Dems must deal with. They have to make compromises to inch closer to the desired outcome.

Now Obama is pragmatic. He's made some mistakes but he's learning, as anyone in his position would. I believe his heart is in the right place and sometimes you have to make deals to get the funding to fight another day. Like it or not the money lies with the 1% and our representatives need the money to fund elections. Until that changes they'll have to compromise their ideals in order to get as much as they can.

So to answer your last point. Whoever wins the Dem primary will get my vote.