Persuade me to be a Democrat?

[ElsewheresDaughter]

DUers for my final i have to make a 15 minute speech (minimum)to "persuade" and i need help with compiling a good persuadsing speech on any topic complete with visuals and props...i am freaking...and have writers block...i would like an A ...and you guys can help me achieve it

or if you have another idea for topic please feel free..the speech can be on anything :7...even be to persuade to use xyz brand of chewing gum

my target group is college age students 18 to 25

[Zero Gravitas]

1. Reason Number 1

George W. Bush is a Republican.

[WindRavenX]

2. You can work a lot with this:

The Democratic Party is all about doing what is best for the most people- for example, the middle class, minorities, etc. And there was a great line from...I believe Ghephart: "If you want to live like Republicans, you have to vote for the Democrats!"
Essentially, the party that works for unity and for PEACE and PROGRESSION. To be a Democrat is to wish for a better world for EVERYONE, not just the few.
Hope that helps!! :hi:

[ElsewheresDaughter]

5. execellent ..i will use that Ghepthart qoute!

[Dookus]

19. I believe it was

a Truman quote. Gephardt used it.

[caledesi]

43. Truman, then Clinton. nt

[sangh0]

3. A suggestion

Argue that conservatives, who now rule the Republican Party, have a history of opposing democracy. They want a weak govt, they rail about govt activism, they want to "keep the govt out of" almost everything. They didn't want to count Fla's votes. Bush* disparaged the election of Venezuela's President by saying something like "winning an election isn't the only way to become a legitimate President", they oppose patriotic dissent calling it "aid and comfort to the terrorists", they expose CIA agents, etc...

[Brucey]

4. Divide your speech into sub-topics such as

1) domestic programs, such as social security and medicare; 2) civil rights; 3) international cooperation and support; 4) environment; 5) social issues, such as women's rights, gay rights, STUDENT'S RIGHTS; 6) public education. These have all been democratic issues or agendas. If someone is giving a counter speech, anticipate what they are going to say and tell what's wrong with it before they speak. They will then look stupid arguing what you already said was wrong. Good luck.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

7. thanks for the strategeries Bucey...........smooches to you

[bspence]

6. Some reasons off the top of my head:

1. We support equal freedoms for all people, even those some may disagree with (flag burning is something we might not like, but support someone's right to do it. Gays, women and minorities being treated equally).

2. Helping the poor find support and help getting back on their feet

3. We realize that the poor and middle class truly run this country, and that tax cuts should give them an advantage to spur our economy.

4. Women's right to choose

5. We look for peaceful solutions and view war as a failure of diplomacy.

[Zan_of_Texas]

13. remarkably, Democrats are good for the economy

The two Bush administrations have plunged the economy downward. The current Bush administration has taken the tidy surplus left by Clinton, and turned into a giant deficit, which seems to have no end in sight. Over two million jobs have been lost since Bush took office.

The shoveling of resources into the hands of the already-wealthy does no real good -- the wealthy just stockpile it, and collapse power into ever-fewer hands.

The Clinton economy was a great one. Investing in things like children's educations, infrastructure, small business keeps a country growing.

In addition, the so-called free trade arrangements are killing American jobs. They are also ruining economies elsewhere, forcing peasant farmers off their land into already-crowded cities.

Our economy's success needs people to have money to spend globally -- we can't be successful here if the rest of the world is in economic shambles (not to mention wars we have started preemptively).

[hlthe2b]

8. Though it doesn't seem like you are avoiding controversy...

my suggested change of theme, while compelling, might be a bit too over the top: 'Why Christians should be Democrats.' There's even a website: LiberalsLIkeChrist.org to get you started.

I can assure you, you'd have your class' full attention!

[ElsewheresDaughter]

15. hmmm great idea...the christian democrat slant...my U is a Catholic one...

it will work...thanks

[IrateCitizen]

Focus in on a simple analogy -- don't get muddled in "statistics"

One that immediately pops into my mind is organized sports.

Sports are competitive activities, just like the modern marketplace. But sports are governed by strict rules, and those rules are vigorously enforced to ensure that the game is FAIR. Likewise, while all teams have their stars, everyone still looks out for everyone else -- even the person riding the pine down at the end of the bench.

That's the way the Democrats view the world. Competition isn't a bad thing, so long as it is within the rules. Cheating to get an advantage isn't acceptable, and will be penalized in some way. And while each team has its star, the team as a whole doesn't do well unless it receives contributions from every person on it -- and the people who are the "role players" on the bench will contribute to the team the most when they are recognized for their efforts by the rest of the team.

Republicans, on the other hand, want a system without rules -- one in which people are free to do whatever they want to win, regardless of how they might hurt others. At the same time, they advocate promoting the stars above everyone else, and leaving anyone who isn't a star unrecognized and unappreciated by the rest of the team. The only way that this kind of system ends up is in a complete breakdown of the team, because the whole idea of "team" is lost in selfishness and blind avarice.

Hope this helps.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

18. irate thanks...that can be transitioned in nicely for the males in

my target group>>>college students

[blm]

9. ED...I came across this EJ Dionne op ed from May....

It has an interesting comparison between us and them, and it's not about capitalism and socialism, it's more about Libertarian and Communitarian ideals. A compelling observation.

http://www.johnkerry.com/news/clips/news_2003_0520.html

[ElsewheresDaughter]

21. blm great!..i have it bookmarked i am getting excited now.thanks everyone

i can do this...i can do this :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:with all your help :you rock:

[thebigidea]

10. offer candy

[Kamika]

11. There was this great speech i saw here some weeks ago, if anyone remember?

It was basicly like this..

It was the progressives that made women eligable to vote, conservatives opposed it.

It was the progressives that made it possible for workers to have decent wages and vacation etc, the conservatives opposed it.

etc etc it was a really good speech withtons of points like this and sounding MUCH better.

hope someone has it

[ElsewheresDaughter]

28. Kamika...sounds like the ticket...damn how do i find the thread?

how long ago was it posted?...

[Kamika]

35. i dont know honestly. Ask for it

Im not sure maybe 1 month ago or something.

If i were you Id ask in gd and lounge for it

[Logansquare]

58. Are you thinking of Conason's piece?

It's a piece on liberal values excerpted from "Big Lies" . Not Democratic values, but name me a Republican other than Lincoln who did this for the American people:

" If your workplace is safe; if your children go to school rather than being forced into labor; if you are paid a living wage, including overtime; if you enjoy a 40-hour week and you are allowed to join a union to protect your rights -- you can thank liberals. If your food is not poisoned and your water is drinkable -- you can thank liberals. If your parents are eligible for Medicare and Social Security, so they can grow old in dignity without bankrupting your family -- you can thank liberals. If our rivers are getting cleaner and our air isn't black with pollution; if our wilderness is protected and our countryside is still green -- you can thank liberals. If people of all races can share the same public facilities; if everyone has the right to vote; if couples fall in love and marry regardless of race; if we have finally begun to transcend a segregated society -- you can thank liberals. Progressive innovations like those and so many others were achieved by long, difficult struggles against entrenched power. What defined conservatism, and conservatives, was their opposition to every one of those advances. The country we know and love today was built by those victories for liberalism -- with the support of the American people."

[AP]

12. I'd start with a little history...FDR

I'd talk about what the battle was over during the Great Depression (ie, whether society was about guaranteed wealth for the wealthy, or if it was about giving everybody a chance to contribute their talents to the fullest, and allowing people to reap the rewards of their labors). I would talk about how there were American fascists who didn't believe in these basic principles. I'd talke about Keynes.

I'd make it seem like you were just giving a little history lesson, becasue your biggest problem is that Republicans are going to be defensive right off the bat if you just attack contemporary Republicanism. So I'd make it sound like you were attacking something that's 70 years old. Once you have everyone listening to you and agreeing with you about what happened in the 30s, and with the idea that a liberal economy is a strong economy, then I'd lay into them with the present. I'd explain how we are returning to a battle over the same principles FDR and the American fascists fought over in the 30s. I'd leave them thinking that it'd be dangerous to undo FDR.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

30. AP yes FDR a must....thanks

[LondonReign2]

14. Because the Democratic Party is about freedom

The liberal/democratic ideal we espouse is based on freedom--freedom from oppression, freedom from government sponsered religion, freedom for a woman's right to choose, freedom to live in clean and unpolluted environment. Further, we work towards ideals

The conservative/republican agenda is quite the opposite. They want to dictate all aspects of life: which religion is good, what you can and can't do with your own body, etc etc. Conservatives only work towards what is good for huge corporations and the already privileged class.

I ask: Which vision would the Founding Father's support?

[ShaneGR]

16. Here's some thoughts, I'm pretty good at crafting message.........

Belief that deficit spending is bad, compare past administration of Clinton (Balanced budgets, surplus) with current massive deficit spending. Point out that by 2010 our national debt will be 10 trillion dollars. With the baby boomer generation retiring, America has to make a decision whether they want to be able to provide healthcare and education, or pay back massive debt with interest. Explain that the idea of fiscal conservatism has become a Democratic theme, not a Republican. Government has grown under Bush, not shrunk.

Democrats believe that the war on terror should be focused on the cause, not the sympton. We can't just go out and kill the terrorist cells without thinking of why these cells exist in the first place. How are they recruiting? What can be done from a non-military standpoint, like winning hearts and minds, instead of creating animosity because of our questionable use of military force (In Iraq.) Explain that only the Democratic side is doing this.

Point out that the Democratic Party, in the Congress, is the side consistently fighting for workers rights, veterans benefits, women's issue, investment in our nation's infrastructure, etc. etc. etc. Add as many as you can.

Then point out that the only thing the Republicans can do is cut taxes. They have no solutions, and they don't even bother to debate them. To them, the only thing that really matters is that the wealthy stay wealthy, regardless of whether or not the middle class and poor are any worse off.

If you want to get a definite A, explain the story of Socrates and the Sophists. The beginning of western style political thought. The Sophists were teachers during the time period, who felt that politicians should only be concerned with attaining power, and therefore the sophists focused on rhetoric not policy, as the best way to attain that power. Point out Bush's rhetoric: No Child Left Behind with no funding, 1 million jobs created with tax cuts despite the fact we have lost 3 million, compassionate conservatism turned into aggressive extremism, no nation-building turned into massive no-bid contracts for the rebuilding of occupied countries, etc. etc. etc.

There's a lot more, PM me if you want to meet up in a chatroom sometime.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

24. srg2 thanks for your offer and i will be taking you up on the chat

and the political cartoons idea will be good for some props and visuals :bounce:...oh this is gonna knock my profs sock off!

[mrgorth]

17. a couple

promote seperation of church and state.

Would rather use tax dollars to elevate the working class than funding 25th century military technology.

Oh, be prepared to be railed against.

[haymaker]

20. Simple. Concentrate on pink tu-tus.

Tell them how pretty they would look wearing a pink tu-tu. "Everybody loves someone who wears this pretty, little ballerina outfit, the pink tu-tu." Pink is such a soft, agreeable color to everyone. The fringe around the bottom sparkles and bounces so brightly and lively. Who wouldn't want to be seen on the floor of Congress wearing one?

[ElsewheresDaughter]

22. haymaker thank you for making me laugh...i needed that and humor works

[haymaker]

26. I was serious.

Have you worn one lately. They really impower you.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

32. i will wear one while giving my speech! or at least put it on the donkey

i will use as a visual :shrug:

[ElsewheresDaughter]

40. NOT!

[rawtribe]

23. Are you Better Off

http://www.buzzflash.com/AreYouBetterOff/

These charts say it all.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

25. wow great charts...thanks

:bounce:

[drdigi420]

27. Speak about ending the drug war

The drug war affects almost every issue that Democrats hold dear, from the environment, to education, to public safety, to homeland security.

It's racist in design and enforcement. It's a violation of EVERYONE's civil rights.

And, most importantly, IT DOESNT WORK.

Not ONE person that wants drugs is unable to obtain them. Children are recuited to sell drugs. Schools and playgrounds have become turf war zones. Our police are so busy looking for drugs that they can't stop REAL crime, you know, the kind with VICTIMS.

Until we realize that, even with drugs as dangerous as heroin, we only make them worse by outlawing them and removing all regulation from the market. We proved that with the most devastating drug in the history of man: alcohol.

You cannot legislate morality. You cannot legislate a man's appetites. And, if I am the victim and the perpetrator in my drug use, I refuse to press charges.

(note, I don't do hard drugs like alcohol, cocaine, nicotine, meth, or heroin anymore, I use natural herbal cannabis exclusively)


End the drug war and our economy, our environment, our children, our safety, and our civil rights will thank you.

[billyf65]

29. random ideas

First, the Gephardt quote is originally from Truman (or at least was said by Truman before Gephardt). I have a "Great Speeches" CD and he says it at the JJ dinner when he announces he won't run for re-election.

Beyond that - people will argue that the social programs are simply throwing money at a problem. The economics behind social problems are solid though.

A healthy, educated society is a less-expensive long-run solution. For example, a poor pregnant woman who receives publicly funded prenatal care is more likely to have a healthier child with fewer chronic illnesses to drain Medicare. She'll also have a better stake in her pregnancy, and likely her child's health.

A more educated population is more productive, and less likely to commit crimes, etc.

The point, in short, is that being compassionate for compassion's sake will certainly be construed as borderline socialism (erroneously - but we've all had plenty of experience arguing with conservatives). Making economic points makes your lends gravity to the argument.

Hope my blabbering is useful...

[ElsewheresDaughter]

34. absolutely all blabbering is welcome &sorely needed..please blabber away?

:7

[neebob]

31. My big reason

is that Democrats understand the way to build a strong country is to take care of people. The country is divided in so many ways because of a long series of administrations that put business first, ignored and denied the rights of various large communities, and let others fall through the cracks. People who are not taken care of are easily manipulated by fear.

I should think that message would really resonate with college students. You could use a moment out of Bowling for Columbine that was particularly powerful for me - the one where Moore was talking to the Canadian kids about their health care and how it's different in America, and they were like, "Well, duh, everybody has a right to see a doctor."

[HFishbine]

33. Frame a buy-in

Your persuasion will be more effective, and your writing tasks easier, if you beging by getting people to buy-in to an over-arching premise. What is it? "We all want a better world for our children?" "Everybody wants peace and prosperity?" "These are dangerous times that call for careful action?" "Democracy cannot survive if the governed are deceived?"

You get the idea. Set-up a premise that goes beyond ideology, then compare the applicaiton of ideological principles to your premise.

[OKNancy]

36. Go to Google and type

Why I am a Democrat

You will find tons of stuff, even a JFK piece

[Eloriel]

37. There are 3 centers of power in this country:

1. The People
2. The Government
3. Corporations (and the wealthy)

The trick is to keep these power centers balanced -- so that none becomes predominant (to the detriment of the others).

Repubicans traditionally ally themselves exclusively with corporations and the wealthy.

Democrats have traditionally allied themselves with The People, tho this is real hard to see lately and the more they cater to the Rich and Powerful and Corporations, the more they abandon their base and in fact their whole raison d'etre.

Obviously, an essential element of difference between the two parties, is what is the appropriate role of Government? Democrats have believed (tho are forgetting) that Government should help moderate the power of Corporations, and champion The People's welfare and rights. Thus, for example, all the "benefits" we enjoy as employees come from Democratic initiatives (or union efforts) -- 40-hour week, overtime pay for hourly employees, paid vacation and holidays, sick pay, health benefits and pensions or other plans, worker safety (OSHA), non-discrimination in hiring and promotions, on and on. You'll find protections for the environment, protections for consumer products, and so on coming from Democratic efforts.

Republicans want smaller, "less intrusive" Government so that the power of Corporations is not abridged. They want untrammeled free enterprise, and care not a fig for the health, welfare, safety, etc., of The People (workers, consumers, citizens affected by pollution, etc.). And they want what is left of Government to work for the benefit of Corporations and the Wealthy.

So, which side do you want to be on?

Personally, being a Democrat (or any other left-of-center political being) isn't at all about "choosing," it's about values. My own personal values involve fairness, justice, equality, equal playing fields, protection of the environment, helping those who need it, etc. Therefore, being a liberal is simply WHO I AM. I couldn't have "chosen" it, and couldn't be talked into or out of it.

Eloriel

[ElsewheresDaughter]

38. please keep this kicked..i gotta run and pick up my kids bb in a few

i will by ya'' drinks when i catch up with ya later :beer:

[Kanary]

39. Thank you, ED!

..for posing this question. I've learned much by reading it.

Now for the hard part..... I'm struck by how well-tempered and reasonable Dems can be when wanting to persuade someone of another persuasion to be open to their view of why Democrats are an attractive option.

I don't understand why Dems can't speak with *each other* in the same reasonable way...???

Sure would like for there to be some thought given to maybe this is how we shoot ourselves in the foot?

Again, "Daughter", you started a great thread... lots to ponder.

Kanary

[calimary]

52. Forgot to welcome you to DU when I saw your posts earlier, Kanary!

Don't we all clean up nicely?

Glad you're here. Lots of people on this site vent, probably rooted in the fact that we're all so F-ing ANGRY about having the election stolen from us, our foreign policy hijacked by a bunch of greedy megalomaniacs, our economy driven into a ditch (I don't CARE what the figures today say. You explain that to the empty store fronts in my neighborhood - and I live in a pretty nice neighborhood). We're angry because, until people like Howard Dean came along, few Dems even dared to stand up to the bushies and their many arrogant, rude, loud-mouthed, belligerent, holier-than-thou apologists. For awhile there, to be a Democrat was actually to be a doormat for the bush cabal to wipe its feet on. And we were/are EXCEEDINGLY FURIOUS about that. We're angry because we see what our country can be - and frankly, what it WAS and was becoming on Clinton's watch, only to have everything summarily trashed. WHAT jobs? WHAT surplus? WHAT friendships overseas? WHAT allies? WHAT security? WHAT victory - moral or otherwise? WHAT pride? What do we have to be proud of, as Americans, anymore?

That's probably what fuels most of the ranting around here. People are just heartsick over what's happened, and damned angry about it. PARTICULARLY those of us who tried our damnedest to stop it. Just ask any of us on the anti-war front about that!!!!! It's NO comfort or satisfaction, now, to say "I told you so."

This IS a great thread. It's vital that we remember who and what we are, and what beliefs we hold dear. Because that informs and infuses EVERYTHING ELSE! Just bear with us, Kanary. We've got lots of rough edges. But it's soft, smooth, and sweet underneath 'em.

[Kanary]

54. thanks, calimary..for the welcome...

*love* the name, BTW. ^_^ Related to those little squid? ~gigglesnort~

I understand about the anger. I'll see your anger, and raise you a rage. ~evil grin~ Yeppers, I'm willing to bet I can outanger you. Could probably even get that in writing. ^_^

However, taking it out on each other is.... isn't it a bit counterproductive? Isn't this what the Dems have been doing so much of... going after each other, rather than the ones on the other side of the aisle?

If you knew what I'm living with, and what I'm facing, I think it would give you some idea of just how much rage I really have. But, I don't come here with the idea of dumping it on those here. I just now saw a thread where somebody all but put up his dukes, and challenged me to a duel. I haven't a clue how to deal with something like that. If I were going around provoking people, that would be one thing. But just because I gave a short reply? I gotta tell ya, I don't understand. And, yeah, probably won't have the courage to speak up much. I really meant it when I said that it's sad that Dems will be so careful to speak to conservatives in a nonconfrontational manner, but think nothing of blasting another Dem. Maybe Dems would find more people willing to be active in the party, if there was a more welcoming atmosphere? Hmmm.......? Maybe there's a reason for lagging support?

Again, thanks for the words of welcome...

Kanary

[calimary]

55. Well, I've been called a LOT worse than an invertebrate!

And yes, I get squid comments about the name. Stems from being named Mary and living in California. And now, because my kids love Spongebob, I guess it entitles me to enjoy his friend Squidward a little more!

Yes, truly. Welcome!

I, too, find it funny that some Democrats can be so deferential to rethugs. I mean, look at the way they're all pussyfooting around the word "LIE" when it comes to applying that word, so aptly, to bush?!?!? HELLO!!! What would they call it if Clinton were saying crap like this?

I'm sorry some people have been too confrontational. As a Deanie, myself, I've seen a whole lot of slings and arrows thrown at him, and I worry, too. Seems to me as though we're just providing material for future rethug attack ads, if we cannibalize our own. And I hate it.

Every now and then, we get some threads that remind everyone that it's about DEFEATING BUSH, not ourselves!!! And THAT'S where we should be aiming our wrath. NOT at each other.

Sorry if you've been unfairly buffetted. I still believe that everyone here has basically a good heart and good intentions. Besides, what intentions could be better or more noble than to want to free our country from this HORRENDOUS hostage hold we've been forced into since Selection 2000?

I also think everyone's gonna stay nervous and dicey like this until ONE nominee is settled upon, and then we can all unite behind him (yes, a male human. Carol Moseley-Braun doesn't have a chance, as much as I've found myself nodding in agreement when she speaks, and does so with such eloquence, consideration, and intelligence). Try not to take it too personally. Some people are just outta-their-minds angry about all this. Leave it to bush and his pals to bring out the absolute WORST in people, 'eh?

Please don't lose heart. You're another new arrival who swells our ranks and adds to our strength and our resolve, and contributes plenty of worthy, important opinions and viewpoints to our dialogue here. You make us better for your being part of us. You are appreciated and welcomed, and what you have to say needs to be said and needs to be heard and needs to be contemplated and discussed.

And sometime, perhaps, I shall bore you thoroughly with my own idiotic posts and tell you how I made a huge fool out of myself here one day. As Lucy once said to Charlie Brown, I think, in an early Peanuts strip - "I'm never quite so stupid as when I'm being smart!" Tee hee!

Welcome, again. We're a wild, unruly bunch. But I wouldn't spend a day without checking in here at least once! Besides, the links are great and MOST useful and informative, especially when you find yourself in an argument with a REAL lemming or "bad guy."

[meow mix]

41. left/right

i liked this one...

The Ultra Conservative Drug Addict, Rush has made the world think that Liberal is a four letter word. However if you check the history of the US, it was the liberals who fought for worker's rights, protection of children, women, and minorities.
At one time in America we had slavery, involuntary servitude, women couldn't vote and couldn't sign a contract or own a business in some states, and minorities couldn't marry whites.
I could go on, but the point is, it was the compassionate liberals who fought for all the rights and benefits everyone has. Left to their own, Republican white protestant males would be the only ones with any rights in this country. Look at everything they do and you can see that their mindset hasn't changed.

copy - http://autocannibal.home.comcast.net/left-respond.html

[calimary]

42. Well, this is what I tell people who say there's no difference between

Dems and rethugs...

It reminds me of the story of Cain and Abel. What's Cain's most famous line? "Am I my brother's keeper?" Well, it seems to me that this is the bottom-line bedrock of the core republican philosophy. As rethugs, they tend to think in terms of "I got mine. You go get your own." Or as my late father would more crudely put it - "IGMFU" (stands for I Got Mine, F--- You). He was, as you might suspect, a republican through and through, although he claimed to be an independent. Even so, you could still bet money that he'd be pulling the lever for the "R" candidate. The rethugs are the Party of Cain. The Party of IGMFU. They don't want to have to be ANYBODY'S keeper. They hate people who are "on the dole." They hate the idea that somebody gets something for nothing - but only if that somebody is poor and has the opportunity to take advantage of one of those dreaded entitlement programs. This doesn't apply, however, to themselves, because they, too, enjoy getting something for nothing and certainly don't condemn themselves for that.

Dems on the other hand seem more concerned with what rethugs deride as "the nanny state," where the government tells you what to do. The funny thing is that the rethugs, especially THESE rethugs, seem most interested in making CERTAIN they build up a government that tells you what to do. Dems like to see big government use its bigness to fix things for, or lend a hand to, the little guy. The equally dreaded Hilary Clinton once described her philosophical bent by saying she believed in (I THINK this is the quote) "government as a force for good." And for change. The rethugs would have none of that. Dems would reply that - sometimes you HAVE to step in and fix something. Or help somebody out, especially if they're not managing too well on their own.

I do not want to be a member of The Party of Cain. I DO care about being my brother's keeper. If I'm able to, I SHOULD do so and care so. I, too, think government can, and should, be a force for good. We've certainly seen within the corporate world how good is often brought about - only by force. Corporations by their nature don't think in terms of the public or community good so much as they're only concerned about their own. And profits. Also their own.

If it weren't for government stepping in, and various laws and regulations put into place, Southern California's air quality would remain unfit for human consumption. Years ago, first, second, and third stage "smog alerts" (as they were originally called), and later, "health advisories" were commonplace, especially during the hot, suffocating summer months. Kids and old folks were told to stay indoors, and keep exercise and strenuous physical activity to a minimum. The rest of us between those two age groups knew that applied to us, as well, if only a little less urgently. But then, after enough wheezing, coughing, respiratory distress and increasingly serious health crises, emissions restrictions were passed, legislatively. Car engines had to be more efficient and their emissions systems boosted and their testing mandated. Factory emissions faced the same regulatory clampdowns.

NOW, air quality alerts are very rare indeed. And it takes a crisis like the wildfires now ravaging Southern California to remind everybody of how bad the air quality here used to be, ROUTINELY. My husband, who's 54, said - the day before yesterday = that air quality in the San Fernando Valley was so bad it reminded him of how it used to be in the 50's (before the arrival of the anti-pollution laws). It was progressive, liberal, and Democratic thought that got the ball rolling on that. Rethugs would rather not see corporations' and business' feet held to the fire - because it costs too much and would cut into profits. Corporations and businesses wouldn't do any of this on their own unless/until they're compelled to by the force and power of law, and/or public opinion. It's JUST NOT SOMETHING they do on their own, just to be good guys. Why? Because it costs too much and cuts into profits. THAT'S why we need government intervention from time to time and from one degree to another, and that's why I'm a Democrat. Because sometimes people and companies have to be forced to do the right thing for the greater good. If this weren't true, there'd be no need for laws or regulations or government intervention. We sometimes need help rising to our higher selves, when it's mostly so much easier and less expensive not to do so. That's why I'm a Democrat.

Well, there are a LOT of other reasons, besides, but that, I guess, is a pretty basic one. At least for me.

Hope this helps. Lots of other great stuff in this thread, too!

[ElsewheresDaughter]

45. calimary you always have the right stuff...my hats off to you...thanks

[calimary]

50. Takes one to know one, my dear!

Thanks back at YOU, too. It's questions like this one that NEED to be asked now and then, to keep us all on track when we get too tied up in inter-candidate bickering and other assorted what-nots. It's discussions like this, about why we are what we are, and why we believe what we believe, that hopefully sharpen our minds and strengthen our spines. It helps my resolve to remind myself of this. Heaven knows we're getting smacked around enough by the bad guys. I REALLY, DEEPLY believe that WE are correct. That WE SHOULD NOT HESITATE to be our brothers' keeper, and that those to whom much has been given, then much is expected. Or some such verbiage. I will never be able to join The Party of Cain. I just don't think that way. My dad always joked about that IGMFU stuff. I never found it funny, even before I understood what a Democrat or a rethug were as party animals.

And to those who sneer at those of us - for being "bleeding-heart liberals," I'd respond - "HEY! At least I HAVE one!"

on edit - wanted to thank you further

So, my appreciations to you. Thanks for starting this thread. It's really important for us to remind ourselves of why we're here and why we ARE! In my opinion, it's philosophies like those of the Dems that elevate our country and our humanity, and best embody and promote what our loftiest, most patriotic goals supposedly are.

I am honored to be part of this discussion - AND this forum.

Kisses to ya!

[caledesi]

44. Simple, just say this.

It's your hard-earned money, and if you look at history your money is safer with Democrats than Republicans. Democrats know how to spend money while th red-ink repugs are borrow-and-spend.

This is a fact.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

46. calidesi yuppers...feed me Syemor!...keep it coming ...i will get every

student on campus to pull that "D" lever in 04!...

[mmonk]

47. And after you gather all the information

about why to be a Democrat, tell them a mind is a terrible thing to waste on the Republican propaganda and its cult.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

48. hmmm ??? i will need a good clincher to close...this may work

[Liberator_Rev]

49. See http://www.LiberalsLikeChrist.Org/Democrats

If they are a Jewish or Christian group, give them a taste of the site below, and they aren't, just tell them to skip the scriptural references, if they like

http://www.LiberalsLikeChrist.Org/Democrats


See what Christ might say about the "Christian Coalition" & "Religious Right" imposters.

[camero]

51. Ask this

What kind of country do you want to live in? A country where people are exploited and die in the streets? (Repubs). Or a country where all people, not just the very rich, can have the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness? (Dem).

[calimary]

53. Dahlink - you MUST let us know how you did!

And what the response was!

And if anybody came up to you afterwards to request more info or make a supportive comment!

Or if they were just a bunch of hard-hearted, self-involved slimeballs.

Eager to hear!

And - YOU'RE A STAR!!! Besides, YOU'RE RIGHT!!!! SO, GO KNOCK 'EM DEAD!!!

[ElsewheresDaughter]

56. thank you so so much everyone!! i will be making my speech on the 11th

and i tell report back here and thank you all again for my A

I LOVE YOU GUYS...DU IS THE BEST!!! and i will be giving hand-outs about DU...visuals are part of my grade....:yourock:

[ElsewheresDaughter]

57. a kick for some input from the DU nightshift..