Why I Am a Democrat

By Charles Ahern

Some of the reasons that I have always been a Democrat.

I am a Democrat because Democrats believe that Americans can work together, through their government, to progressively improve the lives of their family, friends, and other Americans. And Democrats win elections.

Democrats understand that in order to resolve the problems facing the American people, we cannot simply entrust a free-market economy to produce effective and equitable solutions. While we support and enjoy the benefits of capitalism, Democrats favor the interests of the larger population in the working- and middle classes. Corporate executives and wealthy individuals can afford to hire PR firms and well-paid lobbyists to promote their interests. The Democratic Party provides a voice for those people who can't afford PR firms and lobbyists. That is why I'm a Democrat.

The close relationship between the labor and civil rights movements and the Democratic Party demonstrates that Democrats understand how 'ordinary' people can organize to accomplish significant changes in American life. Often the key to success for Democratic candidates is the support of grassroots activists. These activists may not be able to write big campaign contribution checks, but they can contribute their time to walk precincts. Even in an era of big-money political campaigns, Democrats know that word-of-mouth campaigning can beat still beat 30-second ads in prime time. That is why I'm a Democrat.

In a time when many people ridicule the Federal government, Democrats recognize that the American people use the Federal government to basically define what it means to be an American. Because we are such a mobile society, Americans expect some consistency in the legal and political ground rules as we move from place to place. Those who want to devolve political power from the Federal level to states and cities may prefer to ignore what it really means to be an American. I hope we will never again need Freedom Riders to demonstrate how local control and states rights can be un-American. That is why I'm a Democrat.

When Democrats look to the future, they see opportunities for social and economic progress. Rather than enshrining the traditions of the past or defending the inequities of the status quo, Democrats identify problems and propose policies to improve the lives of the majority of Americans. FDR summarized this Democratic spirit when he said, "The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today." That is why I'm a Democrat

Many people hold opinions and positions similar to Democrats, but cannot or will not attempt the transition from social critic to elected official. They prefer to observe those struggling to govern, rather than joining the struggle. Others make the attempt through third parties. However, Pat Buchanan's plundering of the Reform Party demonstrated the frailty of third parties without their charismatic leaders. The Democratic Party wins elections. That is why I'm a Democrat.

That is why I will always be a Democrat.