From Texas: Day One Thoughts

So we're being asked to put up a brief journal entry about our experiences here in Dallas, and bring president I was picked to go first. I wish I could say I have a lot of interesting stories to share, but Senator John Edwards and Congressman Dennis Kucinich are not set to speak until tonight, and the election of our new leaders isn't until Saturday. But there is definitely an energy about this group, in this place, at this time.

First off, I never realized that there were so many motivated young liberals in the world. But so far I've been meeting like-minded young men and women from across the world. England, France, Denmark, Russia, Sweden, Canada, they all have a similar belief:

"IFLRY's policies are based on the belief in the universality and indivisibility of human rights. As liberals and radicals we strive for a free and tolerant society without any form of discrimination, with equal opportunities, respect for the individual and the minorities. These goals can only be reached through a democratic system of governance."

So the passion of the Democratic Party sweeps far beyond our borders and that is pretty amazing.

Second, seeing people from Utah, Nebraska, Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Texas who believe they can take back their states for the Democratic Party and make a difference in 2008 is inspiring.

Finally, we in Nashville too often take for granted how easy we have it as Democrats compared to many other places in the US. Our city is a Democratic fortress, surrounded by counties of red. But it will not continue to be a great, blue city if we are not prepared to defend it.

I hope everyone reading this has already or plans to vote in this year's Metro races. We must elect great leaders who will continue to build and protect our great city. And if you're not already involved, I encourage you to contact the Davidson County Young Democrats or the Davidson County Democratic Party to find out more about how you can make a difference in Nashville. (SEE BELOW).

Time to wrap this up. Breakfast is about to be served!

- Addison

Davidson County Young Democrats
Addison Pate, President
president@dcyd.org
(615) 554-4349

Davidson County Democratic Party
Billy Fields, Chair
Seannalyn Brandmeir, Executive Director
executivedir@davidsondemocrats.com
(615) 354-5400