tom_thinks

I found this article on CommonDreams today, originally from Newsweek::

As the Democrats begin their convention, the expectations for the next four days are frankly pretty low.

The candidates have already been picked. No floor fights will be waged over the platform. And with events so carefully staged, the feeling is that conventions like this one are a drag. Americans would rather watch cop shows, which at least offer some drama. And presidential candidate John Kerry says he wants to calm the anti-Bush fervor among the delegates, even though Democrats are feeling more passionate about the outcome of an election than they have in years.

To play it safe would be a mistake. If there was ever a time for the Democrats to act up, it's now.

I know what would make this a great convention for me. If, instead of hearing well- dressed, well-modulated politicians make their stock speeches, I could hear ordinary, ticked-off folks who aren't worried about looking unkempt, sounding polite or breaking a sweat, talk about how the issues affect them. Wal-Mart employees explaining how hard it is to live off Wal-Mart's meager salaries and benefits. Unemployed folks telling what it's like to have their benefits run out and still be out of work. Seniors who can't afford their medicine, even with President George W. Bush's prescription discount cards.
I want to hear from cancer patients who are legally barred from getting medical marijuana, from gays and lesbians who want to get married but can't, and from the parents of schoolchildren who've been left behind despite the president's promises. I'd also like to hear from women who can't buy emergency contraceptives over the counter, and from Iraq war veterans who suffered grievous injuries and want to know what it was for. Stories like theirs cast the parties' differences in sharp relief, and the people listening at home can identify with them. For that matter, why isn't Michael Moore, the schlumpy movie director who's managed to fire up more Americans than John Kerry has so far, giving a keynote speech, instead of being relegated to a sideshow?
None of these things will happen because the Democrats, who are themselves divided over these issues, want to put on a united front. But with so much going on in the country right now that's out of whack, I don't need to see a warm, fuzzy image of the Democrats. I want these people catch fire.

I couldn't agree more. We need to get this party started! This is the best opportunity to motivate and reinvigorate this party, not "safely" playing to the right. Bring Back that Howard Dean screeeaaaaaaaaaammmmm!!!!