General Discussion

That was the message I got when I attended my first Democratic caucus after leaving the republican party. I'd been growing increasingly dissatisfied with the GOP, and actually started supporting Democrats before making the change official. I'll be forever grateful that my change wasn't met with the vituperation some have exhibited here.

I'm reminded of when I posted about my mother, a lifelong boots-on-the-ground republican. She had been unhappy in the party for years but kept quiet about it while Dad was still alive; but even he, hardcore that he was, was caught in the act of throwing his newspaper at the television when W said or did something stupid again. After he passed Mom started to become more vocal about politics, but chose to remain in the party in hopes of turning the thinking of other party members. She eventually tired of banging her head against that wall; she shocked us all when she asked for a ride to the county offices where she officially withdrew from the party she had worked for over 70 years, beginning before she was old enough to vote. Her first vote for a Democrat was cast for Obama, twice, and she stated that he would prove to be the best president of her lifetime. Born within weeks of the passage of the 19th Amendment, at 97 she cast her final ballot for Hillary.

It was stunning when someone here posted a response to that post about Mom, rather viciously blaming her for every evil that ever befell the country. The nastiness was sickening, and I was struck numb for a bit. Much thanks to the kind DUers who reminded me of the blocking function.

Having recounted all that, I am thankful for ANYONE who comes to a better realization. It's not up to me how or when such awakening occurs. But it IS up to me to remember how my own change was received. So, to this woman and anyone else who comes to our door, I choose to smile and say "Welcome to the light."


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