Blog Center: Kurt's Blog - Archived Entry

This past weekend in Austin, I had the pleasure of taking part in an intense Campaign Training program put on by 21st Century Democrats and sponsored by Democracy for America. It was a very long weekend, but the training was absolutely terrific and it was so invigorating to be around 400 Texas Democrats. Its funny that when you’re with a group like this, anything seems possible….even beating W in his own home state….oops that would be Maine, I mean adopted state!

The thrill of the weekend of course was a visit and speech by Governor Howard Dean, who established Democracy for America after dropping out of the race for the Democratic nomination. I was not unlike so many others that attended the training and many more that came yesterday afternoon to listen to Governor Dean. It was Howard Dean that inspired my reengagement with politics and the Democratic Party. His willingness to stand up and speak openly and frankly about progressive ideals and values at a time when the Democratic Party needed it most (i.e. when other Democratic politicians were kowtowing to Bush) touched many of us who still were willing to hold true to our liberal roots. Unfortunately, holding true to one’s liberal principles and ideals is seldom a trait that is truly admired by the general public and one which wins few votes in elections recently.

As I heard Governor Dean speak yesterday, I was truly moved by his words….to the point of being near tears (my wife will tell you that I can certainly be too emotional at times). As he spoke, I realized more than ever that we need to take our country back

…back from those who would brand all that disagree with their policies as unpatriotic

…back from those who are all too eager to join state with church, but forget how Jesus admired and blessed the poor while he admonished the rich

...back from those who are so quick to abandon the Bill of Rights but want to infuse the constitution with provisions banning matters of choice and lifestyle

Governor Dean put it very succinctly; Republicans like to run on the three G’s….. god, guns, and gays, while Democrats seek to run on important issues…..Jobs, Healthcare, and Education.

We now have less than 2 ½ months remaining before Election Day and we’ve seen that Bush is up to his old tricks and keeping the focus off of issues. We can’t let that happen. We all have to find the energy and time to get the message out….and of course that message takes on added urgency in the key swing states on which Driving Votes is focusing. If you haven’t taken a trip, sign up for one, plan one or get active locally. As we all learned in typing class (am I showing my age again?) “Now is the time for all good men (and women) to come to the aid of their country”.