After reading and participating in the thread about SF politics, I started to wonder about our similarities and diffrences as Democrats. 

The Democratic party prides itself on its “big top” philosophy, allowing diversity of opinion.  I think this philosophy has successfully manifested itself in this year’s congressional elections with Dems of a wide ideological spectrum helping to take control from the clearly corrupt Republicans.

Now I know this board is frequented by mostly Progressive Democrats.  I will admit I am not a Progressive, though I am not as far right as the Blue Dogs many of you Progressives seem to despise.  I would describe myself as a Moderate, splitting the difference between Progressives and Blue Dogs. 

All that being said, what makes US Democrats?

I am a Democrat because I believe that government can be a powerful tool for good.  I believe that government can provide for those who can’t provide for themselves.  I believe that government is a conduit for freedom.

I’ve been accused of being too liberal to be a Republican and too conservative to be a Democrat.  On the whole, I believe in more things Democratic than Republican. 

I believe:
-Marriage is marriage, regardless of people’s sex.  If people are willing to make the commitment “’til death do you part” who is the government to stop that.
-In the separation of church and state…and if all things are equal, I err on the side of the state.
-In a woman’s right to choose.
-The war on drugs is a failure and the best and most logical route is decriminalization of certain drugs along with heavy taxation and treatment is the answer.
-Taxes are good so long as they are not wasted on do-nothing bureaucracies.
-Environmentalists and corporate interests are not mutually exclusive and that if the two embraced each other instead of villifying each other, we could really accomplish & innovate.
-In the death penalty, so long as we are absolutely certain, beyond a reasonable doubt the guilty are being put to death. [and yes there are some who are absolutely guilty]
-In personal responsibility and the right to personal freedom.
-In the right to bear arms so long as I am a law abiding citizen…not hand cannons or assault rifles, but a rifle, shotgun or handgun to hunt or protect myself.

I don’t want to bore you with more crap, since I and everyone else could go on forever.

And one more thing about Moderates:
To me at least, being a Moderate is about being open to ideas from all sides, regardless of political affiliation.  I think there are great ideas that come from Democrats as much as there are shitty ideas that come from Democrats.  Conversely, I think there are great ideas that come from Republicans as much as there are shitty ideas that come from Republicans. 

I never let my party affiliation prevent me from having a conversation and exchange of ideas.  That give and take often leads to the creation of good policy that benefits us all.

ok…end Soapbox moment.

What makes YOU a Democrat?