Party Loyalty

[H2O Man]

168. Although I'm trying

to answer the responses to the OP in order (more or less), I want to respond to your's "out of order." Although there have been issues where we disagree, past and present, I have a lot of respect for your intellect, and ability to communicate your beliefs.

Why did I decide upon 50 years? Several reasons. First, it covers a period that I thought would be of interest, not only to older DUers, but younger folks as well. Second, simply for the reason that I tend to go on and on and on -- generally on topics that I find fascinating, but that have far less appeal to the DU:GD community. The lady who often serves as my editor constantly "suggests" that I attempt to focus on smaller, more concise issues. Thus, the reason(s) I opted for 50 years should be coming into focus.

However, for the sake of an accurate record, I have indeed posted similar essays here in the past, including 2008. I am a life-long registered Democrat, and proud member of the Democratic Left. Hence, everything I post on DU is coming from that context. It would be strange, I think you will agree, if I attempted to speak for moderate-to-conservative Democrats, much less republicans.

Numerous times -- though I admittedly haven't kept count -- I've expressed consistently my opinion that: [1] Jimmy Carter is a great ex-president, though I thought he was a flawed President; and [2] that I think Ted Kennedy ranks high among the greatest of US Senators, though I'm glad he never became President (I do not think he would have been very good in that position). I understand why Kennedy ran in the 1980 primaries, though I have no strong beliefs as to if it were a good or bad thing. Of that general time span, I think that Ed Muskie might well have been most capable in the White House. I admit to not being 100% objective on this, as I had opportunity to meet with him in the mid-1970s, and found him extremely impressive.

As to earlier history, I believe it is fair to say that I have, over the years, wrote extensively about a heck of a lot of the political issues, the politicians, and their impact on society. Indeed, I think that the reason that this OP has had a rather positive response, is that people here know that I'm a fair advocate for a progressive view of socio-political history. At the same time, I'm fully aware that another group of DUers find me an obnoxious jackass. That's fine with me.