I am a Democrat

[LiberalLovinLug]

13. Bravo!

You say it with more politeness than I have been able to muster.
I find that some Democrats seem to be adopting the long held Republican belief of party before country. Or party name before good policy. And that shouldn't one step back and first decide what one feels is important to advance, and back whomever is working to advance those issues? Of course it has been the Democratic party (At least since 1948) who one would naturally align with based on their history since that point. But it seems to be like some kind of brand name that has become a set of blinders for some that cannot even appreciate or accept any outside help in furthering advancement in society, because they don't have the official stamp. Or that there must be something wrong with them for not joining the collective.

In fact it is quite brave to run as an independent. Not too many are successful, because it takes a lot more effort and the risks are greater. I would suspect that there are elected Democrats that secretly would love to not have to be beholden to a top down control of the party whip. But they don't have the guts to run as an independent because they'd get creamed. I don't blame them. But Bernie broke that mold, broke those rules, and has lasted for decades now in the Senate. Amazing accomplishment. And having such a popular, respected, Independent working with and for us, and taking in many independent voters with him? Priceless.