Why Am I Still a Democrat?

I have been seriously asking myself this question since mid-2024.

Rather than spend time listing the many disappointments I have of our national Democrat Party, I would like to share my thinking.

·       The Democratic Party shares my personal values.

o   Democrats are Americans (and patriots) too!

o   Everyone (citizen or not) is a human, just like me.

o   All humans have the right to Respect: equal access to safety, education, healthcare, a living wage, a decent environment, and a future (and every specific right we can each name).

·       Democrats not only support Democracy, the Constitution and the “Rule of Law,” but we are willing to publicly act through demonstrations, letters, running for elections, and voting for like-valued candidates.

·       Democrats have differing political positions, some moderate, some progressive, but we are all part of this “big tent” of values and willing to work together without demonizing each other.

·       Democrats are “in solidarity” as we defend our freedoms in any/every way we can. (Being “moderate” is great, although some of our elected officials could do more to solidify their backbones.)

·       Democrats do not idolize “false” gods, although America has its own version of ruthless capitalism and wealth gods that rarely act outside of their profits.

·       Democracy is not for sale. It cannot and should not be privatized only for the benefit of the wealthy. Together, Democrats are actively working to protect our Democracy. (Many non-Democrats are even having a problem with our current administration.)

·       America and the Democrat Party are not perfect, but America is GREAT because of ALL of us (most of us) support our Democracy.

I’ve been asking friends and family “why are you a Democrat?” The answers are varied, some strong and many still so disappointed in our lack of leadership.

One friend (“A”) shared her story about going from a teenage poor mother to a professional nurse. “A’s” personal strength and available support through Pell Grants, child care grants and Medicaid (all Democrat Programs) moved her out of poverty! Please scroll to page 2 for “A’s” story.

Our Democratic values keep us connected and strong TOGETHER. Our party is just one of the many institutions under attack. All institutions must stand together in the face of this extraordinary and greedy power grab. (Thank you, Harvard for your stance.)

But the consensus from everyone – we each fight for our Democracy for ourselves, our neighbors, and our future…however we can.

Yes, I am a Democrat, and I work as a Democrat. LET’S WORK TOGETHER to keep our values and our Democracy!

Margaret Andersen May 9, 2025

My friend “A’s” story…

The other day, a friend of mine asked me why I was a democrat. Thinking about it, I could provide a long list of policies supported and offered by the democratic party such as abortion care, LGBTQ rights, climate action, social programs, and access to healthcare. However, when thinking about why I’m a democrat on a deeper level, I remember my own personal experience from when I was a teenage mother.

In 1992, at the age of 17, I gave birth to a healthy 9lb 4oz baby boy on the day I graduated from high school. I had no business being a mother at that age, but there I was. I had saved about 1000$ from restaurant work and lived at home with my newly divorced mother. To say times were tough was an understatement. I was a good student and I had plans to go to college after graduation but going to any school other than a local college was out of the question. My mother was struggling to support me, my younger sister and new grandson, so asking for her help with tuition, books and support would have been a difficult ask.

In order to support myself and my son, I turned to the local social services office to apply for help from the government (at the time Bill Clinton was president). I was able to access Medicaid and most importantly, I received funds to pay for very expensive childcare. I was able to pay for college using low – income grants. I used HUD funds to provide housing for myself and my son. I kept my head down, worked hard and finished college. I was able to transition from a nurse aide to a registered nurse with a wage of $11.70/hr. Hardly raking it in, but enough to provide for my family. 

Today is very different from when I was a young mother. Working people are struggling and instead of having a nation that offers a hand, we are seeing politicians itching to gut vital social services for people who need them most. Our most vulnerable citizens are feeling the pain with Medicaid and food stamps are on the chopping block. A story like mine would not be possible today. 

Had it not been for help from government services, I don’t know where I would be today. My lived experience of being poor has shaped who I am today. I am so thankful for my neighbors who helped me when I needed it most. I will fight for my neighbors who need a hand and this is why I am a democrat.