MyDD :: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party

My Loyalty is to America, not the Party

by ProudMilitaryMom, Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:02:05 PM EST

The fathers of the revolution were much acquainted with the dangers of misguided loyalty. I find Samuel Adam's writing applicable to the call for party unity resounding from those who "derive their powers from us to serve the common interests."
As a long time Democratic voter I hear the hue and cry of Pelosi and Dean and wonder if they truly have the good of the "party" OR the people in mind. What is their true intent? Where are they trying to lead us?? Are we, as voters, to pay homage to "the party" at the expense of our country? Will we allow ourselves to be dependent on, submissive to, "the instrument of our ruin?"
Surely in their efforts to stop the primary process and bar the votes of millions they have become in Mr. Adams words, rebels against the undoubted rights and liberties of the people. There is in the higher ranks of the party a demand that we stop examining the candidate they so inexplicably are trying to foist on us. They are asking us to place our loyalty in the party; the same party that is blocking the votes of millions of people and trying desperately to stifle the votes of millions more by calling for the candidate who has the support of half the party to concede, to withdraw!

I find myself questioning the loyalty of the Deans, Pelosis and Kennedys of the party when they actively seek to quell the voices of the people they purport to represent. Are we not to be allowed to "remonstrate our grievances" and "point out methods of relief?" Is this not part and parcel of voting?
The question for me becomes more and more complex. To what or to whom are these party hacks loyal? What is the motive behind their unreasonable insistence on a candidate with a very slim record? Why call for a candidate with strength, intelligence and a proven record to withdraw before the process has run its course? It comes down to the age old question- What's in it for them?
Power- that is what is in it for them. Power and greed. They are loyal to themselves.

I will not make the mistake Samuel Adams warned against. I will not be dependent upon, submissive to or pay homage to this instrument of ruin that the Democratic Party is in danger of becoming.

My loyalty is first and foremost to my country and I will vote for the candidate I believe is the best choice to lead us in the days ahead. The party needs to understand I will not engage in blind loyalty when I believe it will be a danger to my country. I will not be told for whom to cast my vote!

Samuel Adams on misplaced loyalty

Loyalty and Sedition (1748)
"It is a very great mistake to imagine that the object of loyalty is the authority and interest of one individual man, however dignified by the applause or enriched by the success of popular actions. This has led millions into such a degree of dependence and submission, that they have at length found themselves to homage the instruments of their ruin at the very time they were at work to effect it. The true object of loyalty is a good legal constitution, which, as it condemns every instance of oppression and lawless power, derives a certain remedy to the sufferer by allowing him to remonstrate his grievances, and pointing out methods of relief when the gentle arts of persuasion have lost their efficacy. Whoever, therefore, insinuates notions of government contrary to the constitution, or in any degree winks at any measures to suppress or even to weaken it, is not a loyal man. Whoever acquaints us that we have no right to examine into the conduct of those who, though they derive their power from us to serve the common interests, make use of it to impoverish and ruin us, is in a degree a rebel - to the undoubted rights and liberties of the people. He that despises his neighbor's happiness because he wears a worsted cap or leathern apron, he that struts immeasurably above the lower size of people, and pretends to adjust the rights of men by the distinctions of fortune, is not over loyal. He that aggravates beyond measure the well-meant failings of a warm zeal for liberty, he that leaves no stone unturned to defend and propagate the schemes of illegal power, cannot be esteemed a loyal man. Indeed, the reverse use of these words may possibly find authorities in some parts of the world where language and sense are deluged in the torrent of arbitrary power."

Tags: Democratic Party, Dean, Pelosi, kennedy, elections, primaries, loyalty, voters, candidates (all tags)

Permalink :: 38 Comments :: Post a Comment

Loyality to the Country means not supporting (2.00 / 1)

John MCain... a war-monger, who refuses to touch a rapidly decaying economy, who wants to take away a women's right to choose, who is against Gay Rights... I'm not sure how anybody here could support McCain over Clinton or Obama - I mean we are on the edge of a collapse, and voting McCain just further pushes the bus over the edge.

Bring Back MyDD - Just say No to Rec'ing Candidate Diaries.

by CardBoard on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:07:46 PM EST

Re: Loyality to the Country means not supporting (2.00 / 2)

lol silly, no where did she say she was loyal to the issues :-p

the issues aren't important obviously we can trust McCain on

Abortion
Healthcare
Bush Tax cuts
War in Iraq (100 years aint that long)
Mortgage crisis (hey the market will fix itself)
GLBT Rights (They dont ask, he don't have to tell em they aint got none)
Enviroment (we can trust the GOP on this right?)
Energy

I am sorry but this is a strong list for McCain, and none of this is actually important to democrats right?

Obama said, as Bill beamed. "Thank you, President Clinton."

by TruthMatters on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:11:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

She didn't mention any particular candidate. (none / 0)

I would add that for most of us, our feelings about important issues are the thing that drives us to vote for candidates. No party is more important than issues like ending poverty or helping sick people maintain their dignity, or of helping our country maintain its prosperity and OUR democracy into the future.
In fact, I don't even think the concept of political parties is enshrined into the Constitution.

Parties are a construct that has been convenient as a vehicle for people to structure their citizenship and save time. Not all of us can participate directly in Congress, the Senate, etc, obviously, so we elect proxies, our legislators, to do it for us.

Thats the process that is enshrined in the Constitution. But even that may not be the structure we keep forever. At some point it may be possible, people having much more free time and much longer lives to spend it in, for us all to participate directly in democracy. Our current system of proxy legislators is basically a placeholder that helps us get there, hopefully in one piece.

At least thats the way I see it.

In the same way, America isn't so much a country of physical borders, its a state of mind and a system of values. Its also a body of citizens with hopefully common dreams and aspirations, that transcend parties. Its OUR America.

Insomuch as any party helps me get there, by supporting the values that I think are the most important, then they have my loyalty or at least respect. When a party loses touch with those values, then, I lose touch with it.

Universal healthcare IS a core Democratic value
Comprehensively cover 100%, not only the healthiest 80%

by architek on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:54:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (2.00 / 2)

John " I know Jack Kemp" McCain needs your vote and time badly. He is struggling in raising money, gaining any traction, and you can reach him at htt://www.johnmccain.com

/we need to get rid of the backwash involved in the party!

My dream is Hillary will sponser a joint resolution to authorize the use of the United States Armed Forces against Trinity Church

by denounceandreject on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:11:29 PM EST

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (2.00 / 2)

Your loyalty can certainly be to America, and not the party. As an independent voter, who has aligned myself with the Democrats, I agree wholeheartedly. If you think John McCain is a better choice for America than Barack Obama, feel free to vote that way. But think a bit deeper about your personal animosity towards Senator Obama and wonder if it is not misplaced, given the political climate and the realities here.

Hooray for John McCain!

by ragekage on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:17:42 PM EST

ragekage... (none / 0)

why the name, 'ragekage'?

Universal healthcare IS a core Democratic value
Comprehensively cover 100%, not only the healthiest 80%

by architek on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:56:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: ragekage... (none / 0)

I may be wrong, but ragekage seems to be referring to Jack Black's trusty and talented sidekick, Kyle Gass aka K-G, Kage, Rage.

unapologetic Obama supporter

by dantes on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 04:37:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (2.00 / 1)

Um, Loyalty to America is why I can't see voting other than Democratic, even if Hillary wins!

by Socraticsilence on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:18:36 PM EST

I didnt have to read the whole article... (2.00 / 1)

Just the title was enough to earn the REC =)

If you follow history with a long enough arc, things always get better, and the truth always prevails...Gandhi

by SevenStrings on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:19:38 PM EST

PMM...thank you for saying what is at... (2.00 / 3)

the heart of my probable decision about my vote in November.

I am first an American. And, by God, I will not vote for anyone who I feel will do harm to this country.

Period.

People can read into that whatever they wish.

Now, troll away!

by Shazone on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:19:57 PM EST

Re: PMM...thank you for saying what is at... (2.00 / 1)

invest in your country at:

http://www.johnmccain.com

He needs all the help he can get!!!!!

My dream is Hillary will sponser a joint resolution to authorize the use of the United States Armed Forces against Trinity Church

by denounceandreject on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:23:09 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Thank you for putting another nail..... (2.00 / 1)

in the door that is being sealed shut against an Obama vote everyday by people like you.

by Shazone on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:29:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank you for putting another nail..... (none / 0)

if your vote can so easily be effected by some unknown person on the internet..

if your convictions are really based on how that guy posting on a site made you feel?

then seriously feel free to consider me the last nail and just do it.

but to say well you insulted me so I could never consider voting for BO anymore? did BO insult you? Hey I am American, if I insult you will you now hate America by association?

seriously, and this goes for ANY supporter, your vote can seriously be effected by how some known person on the internet treats you, then maybe you shouldn't be on political blogs.

Obama said, as Bill beamed. "Thank you, President Clinton."

by TruthMatters on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:44:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

My vote is affected by Obama himsef (none / 0)

Until I began to learn more about Sen. Obama, I had believed that I would support whoever is the Democratic nominee. I did, after all, work hard for Kerry who was my last choice in 2004. Unfortunately, everything I have learned about Obama has convinced me that he is more dangerous to our country than McCain is. I intend to work as hard as I can for Hillary because she is certainly the only one of the three who should be president because McCain and Obama both admit they are not qualified. McCain said he doesn't know much about the economy and Obama said he is not good at organizational skills. But if Obama is the nominee then I will vote for McCain since he is the devil I know instead of Obama who is the devil that everything we learn of is worse and worse. By this time, I am absolutely convinced that Obama is just another Bush with a Harvard accent instead of a Texas accent.

by macmcd on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 05:30:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: My vote is affected by Obama himsef (1.00 / 1)

You are right here are some helpful links

http://wwww.johnmccain.com

http://www.nrcc.org

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23697639/

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/ 03/16/mccain-stumbles-on-hiv-prevention/

/we need to get rid of the backwash of the party!

My dream is Hillary will sponser a joint resolution to authorize the use of the United States Armed Forces against Trinity Church

by denounceandreject on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 05:45:37 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Thank you for putting another nail..... (none / 0)

Glad to help, the Republicans are struggling this year with a substantial amount of members retiring for "personal reasons", they are trailing in fundraising, and they have a 72 year old who does not know if condoms could help prevent the spread of HIV, as their leader. THEY NEED YOU!!!

Invest at:

http://www.nrcc.org/

My dream is Hillary will sponser a joint resolution to authorize the use of the United States Armed Forces against Trinity Church

by denounceandreject on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:45:08 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (2.00 / 1)

Good diary and agree with much, but I believe Governor Dean has been working to find a resolution on Michigan and Florida. And he has stated that Super Delegates have independent voice, unlike a pseudo rule Pelosi is trying to claim. The only thing that doesn't square is Governor Dean's attempt to go by "rules", and saying still, he wants Florida and Michigan to do that SO THEY CAN GET THEIR VOTES (his ultimate goal is to give the delegates), why did those rules not come in to play for Iowa, New Hampshire and So Carolina. That still scrambles my head.

by LindaSFNM on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:28:54 PM EST

Linda...don't be hoodwinked when you hear... (2.00 / 5)

Dean and Obama want the MI/FLA delegates seated.

They mean seated, as in come and play at the convention, eat, drink, be merry and vote for rule changes....oh, but you can't cast your votes for the POTUS nominee.

Please make sure that any resolution is clearly defined as in seated and allowed to vote for the POTUS nominee. They are playing this game all over the MSM.

by Shazone on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:31:49 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Linda...don't be hoodwinked when you hear... (2.00 / 2)

no hoodwink. MI/FL delegates must have a say in selecting the nominee. They are not irrelevant.

by JoeySky18 on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 05:13:59 PM EST
[ Parent ]

My contact with strong ties to Hillary's campaign (none / 0)

tells me that Dean is working to do the right thing and for Florida and Michigan to be counted with integrity. He didn't give me any inside information but he was very reassuring that Dean is not in the Obama camp.

I told him about my sending a letter saying the Dems should get back to me about a contribution after Florida and Michigan are honestly counted and are seated at the convention. He roared laughing when I told him that. He said those kinds of letters will certainly get their attention.

by macmcd on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 05:42:31 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Every piece of DNC mail I get.... (2.00 / 2)

is mailed back to them in their postage paid envelope with big magic marker letters spelling out...

"Seat MI and FLA delegates and THEN ask me for money."

by Shazone on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 05:54:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

re: Howard Dean (2.00 / 1)

You are the second person today who has told me that Dean is just trying to make a level playing field for both candidates so don't write him off yet. I would be skeptical but the other person is a very strong Hillary supporter with very strong ties to the Hillary camp and who is a very long term Democratic worker in the state of Texas. I told him how angry I am with Dean because of a phone conversation I had with a smart aleck woman in Dean's office. He said that he expects that in the end we will know that Dean was working to resolve this in the honorable way. He said the problem is that it is the Obama supporters who are doing the talking so as to influence the outcome but he has confidence that the outcome will be good for Hillary.

I certainly hope he is right.

by macmcd on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 05:37:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (2.00 / 4)

Missing the point are we???
The point is the party hacks are leading us down the primrose path and I will make my decision based on not what they tell me to do, but what my conscience tells me is the right thing to do.

IMHO all this "party Loyalty" crap is code for "Do what I tell you."

How about they shut up and let us VOTE for crying out loud?

by ProudMilitaryMom on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:29:45 PM EST

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (none / 0)

I'm seriously with you Proud Military Mom! Obama scares me and the DNC is not leading me down that primrose path. I e-mailed the DNC yesterday and said that if FL and MI aren't seated with their votes fully counted, my husband and I are voting Republican for the first time.

by yheitman on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 10:00:07 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (none / 0)

I had a dream last night in which Carrot Top told me to vote for Nader.

by Rumproast on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:33:36 PM EST

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (2.00 / 3)

Fine diary, thanks very much.

I too will vote my conscience, and it will not be for a candidate who is not qualified to be commander in chief, and could put our national security at risk.

by 07rescue on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 02:49:21 PM EST

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (2.00 / 1)

oh leave John McCain alone, its not that important to know the difference between Sunnis or Shi'ites, or to know which side Iran may be helping.

I mean its not like a president would need to know that.

Obama said, as Bill beamed. "Thank you, President Clinton."

by TruthMatters on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 03:10:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (2.00 / 1)

I agree 100% look how well he did here:

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/ 03/16/mccain-stumbles-on-hiv-prevention/

McCain/Clinton 08!!!!

My dream is Hillary will sponser a joint resolution to authorize the use of the United States Armed Forces against Trinity Church

by denounceandreject on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 03:14:42 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (none / 0)

Yea!

The last one didn't, and he was able to do presidenting for eight years.

Why raise the bar?

John McCain: Cheney with a temper

by wrb on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 03:18:08 PM EST

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (2.00 / 1)

It's because of my loyalty to America that my choices for President are as follows;

Barack Obama
Hillary Rodham Clinton
Ralph Nader
Cynthia McKinney
Roger Calero
Brian Moore
Spongebob Squarepants
John McCain

The American people; they were for the war before they were against it.

by nrafter530 on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 03:45:44 PM EST

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (2.00 / 2)

Hillary said in a rally in North Carolina. "You can vote for Sen. Obama or you can vote for me. But please don't vote for John McCain. Think about it. Don't do it."

Hearing her plead, I promised her that I'll think about it in November if her name was not on the ballot. I don't know how I'm going to vote in November. But I promise that I'll think about it.

For now, she's the only one for me.

by JoeySky18 on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 03:59:02 PM EST

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (2.00 / 3)

This is the best dairy of the day!!! Right on target. My loyalty is with my country, above my party. Destroying democracy for the benefit of one man, and his elite backers, is just plain wrong!

Elvis has left the building.

by True Blue Dem on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 03:59:29 PM EST

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (none / 0)

I agree invest at

http://www.johnmmcain.com

and my personal favorite

http:www.nrcc.org

we must defeat this liberal latte, birkenstock wearking, volvo driving, leftist

/plus he is a muslim who doesn't wear flag pins!!!!

My dream is Hillary will sponser a joint resolution to authorize the use of the United States Armed Forces against Trinity Church

by denounceandreject on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 04:15:19 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Where loyalties lie (2.00 / 3)

What we're seeing isn't loyalty to a party or the country but to a faction. The needs of the party, any party, are being subverted for the needs of a particular faction that embraces a particular ideology. That's why we have ideologues vs. a party and the country.

The best ideals in this country, its best values, have all but been forgotten. Fear, greed and ideologies have replaced common sense. Progress is not made of these. If you're really a progressive, how can you be a strident ideologue?

The term progressive is just a new way of saying liberal. By definition, a Liberal is open to new ideas and is respectful of individual rights and freedoms. Leftist ideology does not embrace individual freedom or open-mindedness.

A positive change for the country would be the return to traditional Liberal values and dedication to the country rather than a faction.

by Nobama on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 04:35:30 PM EST

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (2.00 / 2)

Great story. It's wonderful not to live in the former Soviet Union or Nazi Germany and feel obligated to have an allegiance to a political party. I agree our commitment is to America and not to a political party. It's about time political parties (and their some of members) stop taking members for granted.

Thank you for being objective and looking at the issues and not being personal.

by Athena2 on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 05:25:03 PM EST

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (none / 0)

BINGO! Thanks for "getting" it. I get the creepiest feeling every time I hear a DEMAND for "party unity." Who the hell do the party hacks think they are? Or better yet, what country do they think this is???

I want to live in the America I know and love, the America where every vote counts. Where voting is a sacred priviledge. An America where our children are taught that to cast a vote requires careful study and consideration.

I don't want anybody, the "party bosses" the media or my fellow Americans telling me which candidate I should support. I don't want to be treated like a traitor for not supporting the chosen candidate of Pelosi, Kennedy or anybody else for that matter.

by ProudMilitaryMom on Thu Apr 03, 2008 at 12:58:26 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Excellent diary (2.00 / 3)

I agree with you 100%. I definitely hope Hillary is the nominee because she will make a great President. But I am convinced that Obama is a ringer and that he very likely would be another bush. I am just not ready to vote for somebody that I believe we do not have a clue about who he is, what his backers are up to, or what he would do in the office. It is just too dangerous for our country.

Thank you for the thoughtful diary. Recommended.

by macmcd on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 05:47:46 PM EST

Re: My Loyalty is to America, not the Party (2.00 / 1)

Here's my problem. I will NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER

VOTE FOR OBAMA.....NEVER...GOT IT? NEVER NEVER

IT'S HILLARY OR MCCAIN

ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO HATED ON CLINTON, THE FILTHY LIES, THE SEXIST NAMES...YOU...DROVE ME AWAY..YOU

NOW, LIVE WITH IT

by IndyRobin on Wed Apr 02, 2008 at 06:10:36 PM EST

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