Experience has shown us time and time again that watering down the Democratic Party's progressive values loses elections. And with Democrats poised to win the White House and bigger majorities in Congress in 2008, we cannot afford to make this mistake again. Governor Dean and Barack Obama called for wide ranging input on the 2008 Democratic Party Platform. That's refreshing and exciting. At 21st Century Democrats we believe that America is stronger when we adopt these principles.

I love animals.  I have 2 rescue Australian Cattle Dogs, and 4 cats who were strays.  I've done animal rescue work and I am involved with the local no-kill shelter.

I've also always been a passionate opponent of the death penalty.  To me it is something that defines the US as not having made it to the ranks of civilized nations.  It is wrong in so many ways I can't begin here to enumerate them.  Our party was hijacked some years back by pro DP ideology, and except for John Kerry, every single candidate in recent years has run on a platform endorsing it.

This was on MSNBC today.  It is a statement by Justice Stevens, a vehement DP opponent of the DP, about the difference in the euthanasia of Eight Belles at the Derby and what happens to a condemned prisoner.