I registered as a Democrat to be able to vote for Obama in the 2008 presidential primary. Now it looks like I'll be joining the non-affiliated ranks again.
Because I'm super-ticked off at the Oregon Democratic Party after five Dems, including the House Speaker (Dave Hunt) voted against saving the Metolius Basin from destination resorts.
Hence, as Blue Oregon reported via a live blog, HB 3298 failed by one vote.
What's the point of working hard to get Democrats elected, plus donating a bunch of money to the party, when they cave on one of the most important bills of the 2009 legislative session?
This is the first time since last November that I've seriously — way seriously — regretting signing on as a Democrat. I've always been cynical about political parties, figuring that it was better to remain unaffiliated to keep the Democrat/Republican B.S. from sticking to me.
Suddenly I feel very sticky.
I felt a little better after dashing off the following email to Rep. Hunt. If Oregon Democrats won't stand up for one of the most special places in Oregon, I'll make my Metolius statement by walking away from the Democratic party
Last year I changed my voter registration from a long-standing "unaffiliated" to become a member of the Democratic Party. I'll be changing back to an Independent again after seeing that gaining a Democratic majority doesn't make any difference on crucial environmental issues. If you're out to bring Democrats down to earth after successes in 2006 and 2008, you're off to a great start with this vote.
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I share your frustration. Of course, 30 Oregon House Democrats voted for the bill. Just five voted against it. In the Senate, 16 voted for it – just two voted against it.
Some of those who voted against it are friends of mine. I share your frustration, but I intend to direct it specifically at those who voted No, rather than generically at all the Democrats.
Kari, I hear you. If it hadn’t been the House Democratic leader who was instrumental in killing the Metolius protection bill, I’d feel differently. But to have Hunt squash one of the most important pieces of environmental legislation in the 2009 session…that hurts my progressive soul, big time.
….that hurts my progressive soul, big time
Brian…it should hurt your progressive soul. Mine is still aching today and I suspect it will be for a long time.
Goddamnit