To The Telegram:
Last Saturday's paper there was an article titled "Party affiliation has limited value in a good representative" asking for a definition of a "true Democrat?" After being a Republican for some 25 years, and then converting over to Democrat about eight years ago; I feel qualified to answer the question. Normally I wouldn't involve myself in something like this but since it seems to be a slap in the face directed toward the Democratic Party, and since other party members are active in campaigning, I'll try to answer.
First of all, in the context the person referenced by county board member was writing her article. If a person involves themselves in the Democratic Party for 10 years, that person will not only be familiar with current legislation but also how legislation has progressed to that point. For example, if a person attends college for eight years, they will most likely be more knowledgeable about the curriculum than someone just starting their freshman year.
Anyway, my view of a "true Democrat" is not someone who supports an issue, or a candidate, simply because they were offended by two or three opinions in a newspaper. I believe we all need to look at the whole picture and how our decision in voting for the best legislator will help the prosperity of our state and nation. Oftentimes a Democrat will end up supporting something they don't agree with, because they represent the majority and not themselves. True Democrats work as a team for the benefit of all Americans, for example.
Frank Boyle hosted a meeting at Bong Heritage Center a few days ago addressing veteran concerns and needs. The communications by our senators, Congressmen Dave Obey, Bob Jauch, Boyle and two from our Veterans Administration were able to put forward a bill giving veterans benefits that had not been achieved since WWII. It has been on the minds of all veterans and veteran organizations from WWII through Iraq and Afghanistan for many years and current times. Town Hall meeting such as this filters specific information to all attending. Nick Milroy sat in the front row across the isle from me. This information goes throughout the community as being first hand. Many times the media only covers the highlights and not the specifics.
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There are many special interests groups' issues that are prioritized by each candidate. I believe we should match all of our priorities to all the candidates, and then we are ready to vote. We should vote for the candidate whose priorities are closest to our own. Mary Tripp is a very viable candidate, and this will be a very difficult decision on election day for many people. Hopefully, we vote according to what the candidate has to offer rather than the example our 18th District county board member suggests. Most people qualify as a candidate with a few concerns, while quite literally there are hundreds of concerns to consider in a campaign, not just a few. The more issues you have to prioritize the better your chances are of knowing which candidate gives you the most bang for your buck. The above is just my opinion and not meant to offend anyone.
-- Dan Watland,
Superior
