Kevin Duniho, the ever so great Plattsburgh City Democratic Chair, last fall sent out requests for a brief statement on Why they are Democrats to put on the City Democratic Party website. These are some of the reasons why I am Democrat.

Believe in Freedom

Democrats believe in the importance of human freedom. The Democratic Party is the only party that is genuinely concerned about protecting the rights of the working person, allowing him to have the maximum amount of freedom and do whatever within reason he wants to in his life.

Believe in People

Democrats believe that people can do good. They believe that an individual left to his or her devices will ultimately do what is right for the community. They also believe the community will help the individual achieve his dreams, without unduly dictating how he or she gets to those dreams. Democrats don't believe in the power of government or corporations, but in the individual.

Believe in Government

Democrats believe in the good of government. Government can make good choices, if it's made up of good people who accurately represent the wishes of the people. Even then, we are quick to want to limit the power of government, particularly in areas that violate essential human rights. We don't want a dominating government, nor do we want corporations telling us how to live our lives.

Believe in a Healthy Environment

Democrats believe that we must take steps not only to reign in corporations but also to ensure that the products corporations produce are safe for the individual to use. Democrats seek not to limit individual actions, but to control the worst polluters that lower our quality of life. We also realize that we must have clean and friendly cities, that allow people to live together in harmony, and protect our precious countryside from suburban sprawl.