Repeat post from 5-16-05: Part of our message can be: Jesus Cares for the Poor, so do We. Democrats Make America Stronger.

Billboards have been in the news lately, and reminded me of the following 5-16-05 post that I thought was worth reposting:

The Blog for Democracy has pointed out a great Web site published by a South Dakota county group calling itself Grassroot Democrats -- South Dakota. This South Dakota group's identifying itself as being Democrats from the State of South Dakota is what I had in mind with my "A Georgia Democrat & Proud of It" bumper stickers. In each case our binding identity is that we are all Democrats from a particular state, for us the great State of Georgia.

Grassroot Democrats -- South Dakota has made what seems to me to be a wise investment in a couple of billboards that read: "Jesus Cares for the Poor, so do We. Democrats Make America Stronger." I feel certain this investment has the potential to pay big dividends.The rank and file Democrats want the party to come out and say we are not ashamed of our faith, belief in God and Judeo-Christian heritage.South Dakota's largest newspaper picked up on the Grassroot Democrats -- South Dakota billboard and wrote the following:

"Democrats speak out on religion

Democrats are tired of letting Republicans own the faith and values message, so they are taking their case to the streets.

A billboard campaign was launched Monday by the Minneheha County’s Grassroots Democrats, letting people know what their party stands for, says chairwoman Lisa Engels.

Green, black and white signs at Seventh Street and Minnesota Avenue and at Russell Street and Westport Avenue say: “Jesus cares for the poor, so do we. Democrats make America stronger.”

“The whole thing behind it is to counteract the Christian right and their so-called monopoly on religion,” Engels said. “They have been able to get out there and convince people that the flag wraps better around them than it does us, and that is not true.”

They plan to take their message statewide, she said.

(5-5-05 article in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota's Argus Leader.)
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The Grassroot Democrats -- South Dakota Web site also has some other quotes and comments that are worth noting. Among them:

• Democrats make America stronger.

We firmly believe this. We are excited to take the message “Democrats make America stronger” to the street. We also believe discussion makes America stronger, that is why we did not shy away from reminding America of our values – taking care of the poor and managing the deficit. Based on the outpouring of financial support, we know you agree with us – Democrats do make America stronger.

• Ike predicts future for GOP.

"Should any political party attempt to abolish social security, unemployment insurance, and eliminate labor laws and farm programs, you would not hear of that party again in our political history. There is a tiny splinter group, of course, that believes you can do these things. Among them are [a] few other Texas oil millionaires, and an occasional politician or business man from other areas. Their number is negligible and they are stupid." - President Dwight D. Eisenhower, 11/8/54

[And I digress to remind you what Virginia Gov. Mark Warner said at our Jefferson-Jackson Dinner that I noted on my 3-21-05 post to the effect that moderate Republicans are upset that the party of Lincoln and Eisenhower has become the party of Ralph Reed and Tom DeLay.]

• Proud Democrats -- The Party of Equality, Opportunity, and Responsibility.
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What a great theme "Democrats make America stronger" is!! Those noted above of taking care of the poor, taking care of the deficit and the GOP not having a monopoly of religion and faith are only a beginning. Let's put our minds to work here friends.
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P.S. This post is dedicated to Mel who found the Grassroot Democrats -- South Dakota Web site.