Reply #10: good question

[Fleshdancer]

Not just ABB.

Would Dean have inspired me as much if I truly thought the Democrats in DC were doing their job and voicing healthy opposition and asking the tough questions when it was most important and necessary? Maybe not. Back in 2000 I thought the Dems were doing a horrible job carving out the differences between our ideals and the Republicans, but nothing could prepare me for the 2002 elections.

Democrats were being compared to OBL or Hussein, labeled unpatriotic, accused of not caring about Homeland Security and what did our party do??? No really, what did our party do? I didn't see them defend themselves and I sure as hell didn't see them stick up for me. I saw them get kicked in the teeth and do nothing. I'm sick of it.

Dean is a fighter. I agree where he stands on many positions and he's a fighter. He had the courage to say what we were all thinking when others were too busy playing politics or cowering in fear. This is how he inspires me. His campaign has given me a way to channel my anger into action and the meet-ups are a monthly reminder that I am not alone in my opposition and sanity.

At the end of the day, I can handle my anger toward the current administration. I knew from day one I wouldn't like them (although I didn't anticipate it being THIS bad), but my dissapointment in my own party is what really upsets me.