Reply #14: do tell me

[maxanne]

how will forming up in the queue and voting like a good little lamb effect any change in the Democratic party?

As the Dems swing further and further to the right, good old fashioned liberals like me are being squeezed out - or told to march in lockstep. Why should I - if my point of view isn't even welcome? Why should I continue to vote in a hold my nose cycle? You chose to ignore my question - but how many times have you been told to hold your nose and vote? This surely isn't the first election - nor will it be the last if we all follow directions. Why should I continue to support a party that does not support me?

To suggest that people voting their conscience is some sort of sour grapes is insulting, to say the least. Most of the people here at DU are seasoned, thinking political observers and participants. I've been a Democrat my whole life - the first campaign I worked for was McGovern's, before I was old enough to vote. My first presidential vote was for Jimmy Carter. I ran for office myself in 2002.

I'm taking a hard, honest look at the party I've supported for 30 years, and I don't like what I see. In fact, I'm going through a terribly painful examination of my values vs. party values. I may have to make some wrenching decisions before I'm done. I'm not doing this lightly. I am insulted at your trivializing this process, and your passive aggressive insistance that anyone who doesn't vote as you suggest is some sort of traitor.