Democrats....can't live with them...can't live without them

This is only partly meant to be taken tongue in cheek....the other part completely true. Democrats are such pains in the asses! I am a progressive. To me, a progressive is someone who understands that it is the people of our country who make it great, and unless we take care of the people first, we'll never be successful in maintaining our greatness. Taking care of the people means providing health care for everyone. It means keeping the environment clean, safe and preserved. It means great schools and great jobs. It means improving the lives of families, rather than lining the pockets of big business, or big politicians. It means taking care of each other here, and around the world. The party that shares my ideals, for the most part, is the Democratic party....I align myself with the Democratic party....but we're a diverse group and therein lies the problem! I went to "Paint the Valley Blue" a couple of weeks ago. It was a gathering of local Democrats in a traditionally Republican safe haven. Over 500 people showed up - a lively, fun, enthusiastic crowd. I put some thought into what I would wear....Paint the Valley Blue obviously called for something blue. I found my bluest outfit, pinned my "Obama for President" pin on my shirt and off I went. I was more than a little disappointed to not to find myself surrounded by an ocean of blue wearing, flag waving Democrats. All manner of dress was in evidence....just not necessarily blue. Heck, the head of the Democratic party in the state even showed up in a red polo shirt! You really just can't get Democrats to march in lock step like good Republicans. If this had been a Republican gathering every person would be wearing red and those showing up without red would have been given something red to wear or would have been turned away at the door. Our rendition of "This Land is My Land" was led by a non-singing leader reminiscent of William Shatner's much-criticized and much-parodied singing career. The Republican's would have had a professional leading an organized choir in four-part harmony. There's a huge price for the diversity we enjoy in the Democratic Party....we just can't agree on much - not even what to wear to "Paint the Valley Blue." I really wouldn't have it any other way!

Ed Lovell