(Just one more Thanksgiving piece, and a good one. - JB ed.)

As we sit down for Thanksgiving dinner this week, we would be wise to remember the Pilgrims. Not just by looking at the interestingly attired characters who appear on greeting cards and school decorations but really remember them — why they came here, the challenges they faced and what they were able to overcome.

Everybody has a moment when they realize they are a part of something much larger than themselves. For me that moment was in 2002, when Big Elm Creek in Abilene reached over 23 feet above flood level and began to seep into people’s houses.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I have been asked by The Texas Blue to dig deep in my recesses and tell everyone what I am most thankful for in my political life. I am most thankful for Drinking Liberally. No, this is not just another blog about excessive alcohol consumption. It is about a socio-political organization that has helped me develop as a politically well-rounded individual.

It is hard to pick just one memory of a time when I was really happy to be in politics, because the whole ordeal of campaigning is one big rush. One event that does stick out to me, though, is the Sam Coats election night party...

When I take a few minutes to reflect on the time I've spent working for the Democratic Party and the countless candidates I've had the opportunity to work for, there are so many things that have impressed me, and so many critical issues Democrats fight for that change peoples' lives every day.

Politics and elections are the most consequential aspects of our society. One does not need to be an historian or political scientist to understand this reality. After seven years of Bush Republican rule, I am optimistic and hopeful more Americans will now grasp the seriousness of elections and decide to become active participants.

As Thanksgiving approaches it is difficult to think of much to be thankful for in the world of politics. The dismal situation with our deadlocked Congress and almost comical antics of the recently-ended Texas Legislative Session make even the seasoned political observer shake their head in disgust. I suppose if one wanted to dwell on the negative, then I am thankful I am not a Republican.

After years of being in the minority party one thing we have
never lost is our optimism. Our collective sense that when we work
together, Democrats can do something to improve everyone's life.

My political experience started last spring with an idea. The idea was to start an organization comprised of young people who would be willing to get into Democratic politics in Denton County in a way that only young people can. At first this seemed like an impossible task, as there weren't many people I knew so wholeheartedly devoted to the political experience and I had never been part of building and maintaining an organization. However, as our task unfolded the true meaning and impact of what was happening began to dawn on me.

I’m involved in Democratic politics because the world does not change itself — and working together for that change is always more fun.