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I'm a Democrat; in fact, I'm a "yellow dog" Democrat - a 19th century term for someone who will vote for the Democratic candidate if if it's "a yaller dog or a rag doll."

Why am I a staunch Democrat? That question is easier to answer today than it was before the Reagan/Bush junta embraced racism and fundamentalism and forced moderates out of the Republican party starting in the 1980s. I'm a Democrat because:

* I believe society can and should act in concert for the benefit of all its members.

* I believe the people who benefit most from a society should bear a greater share of its support.

* I believe the greatness of a society is judged by the way it treats its weakest members.

* I believe that the separation of Church and State is best for the State - and for the Church.

* I believe that wise diplomacy is more effective in protecting a society than rampant militarism.

* I believe that bigotry, racism, sexism, xenophobia and other forms of irrational hate are not a healthy basis on which to found a political coalition.

* I believe people who work full-time deserve a living wage.

* I believe that government officials have a duty to be honest and open with their constituents.

* I don't believe the Bill of Rights is "quaint."

I wish I could say all Democratic officials supported these beliefs with more than words. But in our system, laws and policies are made by parties, not by individuals. And at the end of the day, the Democratic party stands closes to my core beliefs.

Learn more about this author, Scott Knickelbine.
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