Phone Call from the DNC

Last night I received a phone call from the DNC asking me for a contribution. The telemarketer had a very passionate script, reminding me that we need to show solidarity against Republicans right now, that this is "not the time to let the elitist take over our country with their ideals." Then he asked me for money.

I told him very firmly that I would call up the DNC and give them the requested $50 the second they make Dean chairman. The caller told me he was firmly in the lead, and would no doubt be the chair, so please contribute now. I said again, "I will give you the money once Howard Dean is chair. Until then, I am not interested in supporting the DNC." He offered that Frost had dropped out of the race, so there really wasn't a problem.

"Ammitt," I replied, as he introduced himself to me as Ammitt. "You currently have a man in the running who is anti-choice. How can you tell me I need to support the DNC in it's attempt to separate itself from the Republicans when someone running for Chairman has a stance I, and many Democrats, don't believe in?"

He paused for a few minutes, and, as a former telemarketer myself, I could tell he was looking for the proper rebuttal to my question. Unfortunately, the DNC didn't write him one.

"We really need your help, ma'am."

"I will give you my money when you elect Dean as Chairman."

As Ammitt hung up, I realized that the DNC's greatest mistake is thinking that we are loyal Democrats through thick and thin. I have never given any support to the party itself. I never voted until the 2000 election. My first campaign contribution went to Howard Dean, and it was what was left over from my unemployment check for that pay period. My second was to John Kerry in the last days of fundraising. During a period of impotence after the 2004 election I gave to Planned Parenthood and Americans United. But I have never given to the party.

To put it another way, rather than give money to the DNC to spend how they want, I prefer to give it to the individual groups that I believe in, ensuring my money is spent only on the causes I approve of. I guess I'm a Republican that way.