Party Unity

By Richard M. Mathews

We are all Democrats. We must respect differing opinions within our party, and in the end we must come together to defeat the Republicans.

As a County Central Committee Member, I will work hard for the election of all Democrats, from the top of the ticket to the bottom.

I pointed out that unity does not mean that one side just gives up. It does not mean that both sides don't do what they can to fight for their candidate or position in a respectful manner.

Party unity means that we remember that we are all Democrats. We respect differing opinions, and in the end we come together to defeat the Republicans, to protect those who cannot protect themselves, to preserve the Constitution, and to restore our country to its full greatness.

We are watching wealthy Republicans attack and destroy each other in this primary election campaign. Democrats must not do the same. We must talk about issues. We must talk about who will be most effective at getting the job done. But we must not hurt each other in ways that leave us crippled when it comes to the general election.

Some rules for civil discourse

Never mischaracterize your opponent's position. If you must say what your opponent stands for in order to contrast your own position, make sure your opponent would agree with that characterization.

No name calling. Name calling and stereotypes are not appropriate methods to debate serious issues. If you have a criticism worth bringing up, it is worth taking a moment to explain the substance of your differences.

Never say anything about a Democratic opponent in the primary campaign that you would not stand by when working for that former opponent in the general election campaign.

Democratic Blue

We are going to be electing a lot of new Democrats this year and in coming years. As a County Central Committee Member, I will continue to work hard for all of our Democratic nominees, from the top of the ticket to the bottom.

Tommy Lasorda used to say that he bleeds Dodger Blue. I bleed Democratic Blue. I am committed to electing Democrats.