Chairman's Corner
A New Season, Renewed Strength
As November arrives and we roll our clocks back one hour, it makes us reflect on how seasons change and how precious life is in all its diverse complexities. As I travel the state for the Democratic Party, I am reminded that Alabama Democrats are more like a big family than a political alliance. We grieve when we lose long time volunteers and party activists as we have this year.
We also fight, disagree, but always come back together for bigger battles involving our Alabama neighbors. Being a real Democrat means that emotions will sometimes take over for better judgment some days, but usually we will come around and do the right thing. Forgiving is a great way to start anew.
The Democratic family also celebrates with each other when good times and happy events roll around such as when a young Democratic officeholder and his wife adopt a new born baby or when someone's daughter gets crowned homecoming queen (that happened in my family recently). It is a special bond among Alabama Democrats because we care about people and cherish life in its abundance. That may not be listed as a party principle, but it should.
Life in party politics today is a full time effort and a full contact sport. It gets tough always fighting so hard for Democrats. It is also taxing to constantly be on the attack, but it is often very necessary. Most folks are quick to complain or criticize and we need to hear that. But remember to encourage, thank and lift folks up for their hard effort and jobs well done. Most of us do this work for free, make calls for free, drive hundreds of miles and subsidize these efforts out of our own pockets. Remember to be gentle with each other; after all we are on the same team.
We at the party are constantly doing the fundamentals: raising money; doing research; building better lists and voter files; getting the daily message out; organizing and reorganizing; staying in touch with our elected officials; and reaching out to the grassroots in each county to stay abreast of public sentiment.
We have a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, SDEC members, ADC members, County Chairs, and other friends that keep the engine greased and running. Just this week our team has been in places like Greensboro, Carrollton, Tuscaloosa building the party and signing up new county committee members and precinct captains.
This week we also unveiled an updated website at www.aladems.org. Many thanks to Brannon Walden our longtime stalwart employee at the party and IT Director. He worked very hard along with Trent, Jesse and others. Our site has been phenomenally successful to date and the new site will allow us to build on that success. As you check it out, please sign up and donate! We need the funds to keep traveling and building this party. We are winning the political cyber war in Alabama but we need you to stay connected with us through our website!
Our fall JJ Dinner is on November 30th in Birmingham and will feature retired 4-Star General Wesley Clark as our guest speaker. Please make plans to buy a table or tickets online. Also, now is a great time to become an Alabaman and get the great benefits that come along with being a member. Email Stephanie for more information. We are proud of Stephanie's hard work for the party! She sold a record number of program ads this year!
Outside of the political realm, if you ever are in need personally, or just want a friend or shoulder to cry on...get in touch with a fellow Democrat. Most of us are compassionate, caring, and make great friends. When voters know we care and love our neighbors, politics gets more simple and usually more successful. See you down the road.
