Let's Have a Party

Last night (11/15/05), The Progressive Caucus of Snohomish County Democrats (PCSCD) hosted a house party in conjunction with Howard Dean's call for a National Organizing Kick-off Event across the country. Ours was one of thousands around the globe and one of 62 in the state of Washington. As a matter of fact, Autum Samples, a DNC sponsored grassroots coordinator in Wenatchee, was chosen to introduce Gov. Dean for the conference call. Over half of the PCSCD membership attended the meeting at the AFSCME Building in Everett, WA. Also in attendance were the Chair of the County Democrats, 38th LD Representative Mike Sells, and many other party activists.

After a (much delayed) conference call with Gov. Dean where he spoke about the outline of the Democratic agenda for the upcoming election cycle and about DNC efforts in encouraging grassroots party building, we went around the room to introduce ourselves and discuss the issues that are most important to us. Gov. Dean spoke about a 5 item list that will be the basis of the Democratic agenda: Honesty in government, a firm and ethical national defense/foreign policy, universal healthcare, real education reform, and jobs that will stay in the country (he believes many of these jobs will be created through developing alternative energy resources). The chairman also talked quite a bit about grassroots party building and, while congratulating those who have chosen to run for office, continued to encourage more of us to do the same.

In our group, Iraq was the issue on top of most people's lists. Most of the group talked about ending the occupation and bringing the troops home sooner rather than later. We talked about the economy and the negative effects of the Bush tax scheme along with the massive deficit being created with the bloated military budget. Much of the conversation, however, was centered on party building and recruitment. County Chair, Mark Hintz expressed concern about recent efforts to bring PCOs into the party only to have them disappear back into the woodwork after the nominating conventions.

I believe that the PCSCD should play a major part in recruiting and motivating PCOs into the Democratic Party. If we are to succeed in moving a Progressive agenda forward, we are going to need numbers. As opposed to candidates or single-issue groups, we Progressives can offer prospective PCOs the incentive of constant challenge and activism to the people that we recruit. I left the meeting last night very encouraged that we will go out and do just that. I hope that I am not alone in that feeling.

To be continued.................

Chad (The Left) Shue