Dean Still Getting It Right

When my toddler grandson someday studies the political history of the first half of the twenty-first century, I’m sure that Howard Dean will be among the few cited as true catalysts for change, as a true hero of our American dreams — a scrappy, idealistic, evangelist for democracy in the best sense of all of those words.
The tone and the substance of his remarks on the Future of the Democratic Party, given at George Washington University yesterday, should set the Party’s message until the next election is won.
Among all of the stirring, call-to-action statements that Dean made in his speech, these are my favorites:
We need to embrace real political reform — because only real reform will pry government from the grasp of the special interests who have made a mockery of reform and progress for far too long.
It is time for the Democratic Party to start framing the debate.
We have to learn to punch our way off the ropes.
We have to set the agenda.
We should not hesitate to call for reform — reform in elections, reform in health care and education, reforms that promote ethical business practices. And, yes, we need to talk about some internal reform in the Democratic Party as well, and I’ll be discussing that more specifically in the days ahead.
Reform is the hallmark of a strong Democratic Party.
Those who stand in the way of reform cannot be the focus of our attention for only four months out of every four years.
Reform is a daily battle.

And the success of each daily battle depends so much on strong, vocal, and inspiring leadership to keep the image of the destination clear and compelling on all fronts.
Howard Dean.

One thought on “Dean Still Getting It Right

  1. Go Howard

    Thanks to Elaine for the pointer to Howard Dean’s comments posted on Blog for America We need to embrace real political reform — because only real reform will pry government from the grasp of the special interests who have made…

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