The Buzz Blog

It goes without saying that the Democratic Party has been going through a prolonged identity crisis over the last 25 years.  Sitting through three nights of the convention, it appears, however, without the media filter, that this year it is returning to embrace, at least in part, its progressive roots.  The diversity of speakers at the convention, their commitment to civil liberties, to women's rights, to equal opportunity, to working for improving the public good, has been clear, loud and consistent. 

Although we haven't been able to watch television coverage of the convention, we have gotten a whiff of the"conventional wisdom" of the "pundits" being that speakers have been muzzled in order not to have Kerry appear too liberal.  Well, we guess those pundits didn't watch Al Sharpton speak last night, or Dennis Kucinich, or Elijah Cummings, or John Edwards, for that matter.  Diversity, equal rights for all, the sanctity of the ballot, opportunities for every American, regardless of income -- that is what is being emphasized. Yes, there are the repetitive tributes to Kerry as a war hero.  There should be.  And yes, there are ongoing references to creating "a stronger America," which is understandable, considering the situation that the Bush Cartel has got us into.

But the heart of the Democratic Party has been pretty much worn on the sleeves of an extremely diverse group of speakers.  The GOP show of inclusion in NYC is going to look positively Disney-esque when contrasted with the passionate commitment to an inclusive society evidenced during the Democratic Convention in Boston.  This may not come across in the television coverage, but it does in person.

Which brings us to a little pause for reflection here.  Before we left for the convention, we read through Garrison Keillor's new book, "Homegrown Democrat: A Few Plain Thoughts From the Heart of America ."  And it reminded us that THERE REALLY ARE a heart and soul to the Democratic Party (despite the irregularly beating corporate heartbeat of the DLC).  In his own inimitable way, Keillor reminded us about the sense of community, opportunity, equality and commitment to the public good that has been central to the core values of the Democrats over time.

Here is the review we wrote of the book:

As the Democratic Convention gets underway, we couldn't think of a more appropriate and moving book to offer as a premium than this heartfelt ode to the core values of the Democratic Party. We haven't been moved by a book as much since we read the anthology of Bill Moyers writings, "Moyers on America." Keillor and Moyers are adept at returning to their roots to explain their commitment to a pluralistic democracy in which each citizen is a member of a national community.

Keillor's rich voice makes him a natural for radio and "The Prairie Home Companion." But reading "Homegrown Democrat," you realize what an incredible craftsmen he is as a writer, his companion profession.

I don't know if any American could make a stronger personal testament to the importance that the Democratic Party has made in enriching the lives of Americans. Keillor is heartfelt, anecdotal, lyrically digressive, personally revealing, and deeply reflective on what it means to have grown up in a society that offered a poor Lutheran kid a door to the future.

Keillor's Democratic roots are deep, but it is clear that his experience as a student at the University of Minnesota awakened him to the wonders of a society that provided public benefits to all its citizens, regardless of their parents' social or economic status. It was at the University of Minnesota that Keillor realized the grandeur and nobility of what a democracy has to offer.

Community is at the center of Keillor's vision of the social contract that comes with living in a democracy -- and only he can use a St. Paul cafe that he frequents to demonstrate his point. Democrats value the local community AND the national community, while Republicans seek to separate the US (wealthy) from the THEM (the other 99% of America).

Yes, Keillor makes the case for being a Democrat far more strongly and eloquently than the Democratic Party could ever do. He forgives the party its flirtation with the corporate trappings of the GOP, because he is a forgiving man when it comes to people and organizations that have done so much good for their families and their nation.

Reading "Homegrown Democrat," you realize how much Keillor has never lost his sense of place in being a native Minnesotan and a member of the great northern tribe of guilt-ridden Lutherans. The Republicans give us photo ops and sloganeering when it comes to "the real America," but Garrison Keillor GIVES us the real America. He' s a man of the heartland who knows that we are part of one community.

He is, he declares, a Unionist.

If you ever have doubts about being a Democrat, this is the book to read. At points, you might wonder where Keillor is going as he launches off on what seems a digressive point; but, he's a master, he always knows where he's taking the reader. And where he is taking the reader is home, home to an America that is committed to caring for its own.

And one more thing. I can't recall any writer who can so lacerate the Republican Party and George W. Bush -- skewer, gut and filet them -- and yet you feel as if you are just taking a quiet stroll with Garrison down a wide St. Paul boulevard having a casual chat after attending church. Keillor exposes the Bush clan as rank shysters, philistines in the guise of religious fanatics, and betrayers of the public trust with such acumen and grace that it leaves you in dumbstruck awe.

"Homegrown Democrat" gives the Democratic Party something it should live up to, a gift of sorts from America's raconteur of the Heartland.

Indeed, Keillor calls his book just "a few plain thoughts from the heart of America." It's much more than that. It's patriotic, soulful, graceful, thoughtful, poetic, meditative and affirming.
Keillor brings us back to what is good and decent in our nation -- and the Democratic Party.

This book is like a good friend that raises up your spirits when you are in the midst of despair.

It's not a self-help book, no not at all.

It's just honest and true.
http://www.buzzflash.com/premiums/04/07/pre04031.html
(End of review)

There are so many people in America this year who want to restore greatness to this wonderful nation and to do it as part of a community that unites rather than divides, that draws strength from our diversity, and that respects our individual rights.

The Democratic Party has spent many of the last 25 years wandering like Moses in the desert.  But it is time to come home to its roots.  It is time to remove Pharoah from his throne.

There are more than 5,000 delegates and alternates meeting in Boston this week who are ready to get the job done. 

Their only fear is that once again they might get mugged.  John Kerry will need to be every bit as tough as he is being portrayed.  When you are running in an election where the people in power are willing to rig the voting booth, you have to walk around with a tire iron -- and be willing to use it to protect the sanctity of one person, one vote -- and to ensure that all the votes are counted.