Remember the democratic party is not the end goal its a means to the end goal.

[delisen]

11. I take issue with the "transportation analogy"-the vehicle.

I notice that another poster also uses the vehicle analogy.

Other people would see the Democratic Party as an association of like-minded people working towards a common goal.

Still others may see the Democratic Party as a home, a domicile, a meeting house - a place where people support and nourish each other in their political endeavors.

To me the vehicle analogy indicates a certain transience: I have a destination and will use this vehicle or mode of transport until it doesn't seem to be moving me along fast enough; I might tinker with it for awhile but at some point I'll find another vehicle to get me where I am going.

I see it an individualistic viewpoint: I have a destination and I will potentially use whatever vehicle gets me to my destination: I may be with the rest of you for a month, a year, a decade, or the rest of my life.

To relate to a political party as a association, home, or community (a place rather than a vehicle) is more a group viewpoint. People relate to others in the group on their political commonalities and a kind of consensus builds over time and the adjustments are ongoing.

I think people with this latter viewpoint are less likely to say-"I'll just find another home." (Especially in places where there are fewer options). they are also likely to say: We are not your tools.

Theses are two very different models of behavior or stances and I don't think that they are going to be easily reconciled. A certain level of tolerance may be achieved.