“We need to build those relationships that really strengthen our Democracy…and it’s on all of us,” Jamie McLeod-Skinner told an audience of about 55 people at the Josephine County Democrats’ annual fund-raiser September 28.  She reminded Democrats of what they stand for and related a story about hearing two kids talking about political parties:

“What’s a Republican,” one kid says. “Well, Trump,” the other answers.

“Then what’s a Democrat?”

“They care about people,” was the answer.

“That’s become my favorite definition now,” said Jamie.

She went on to remind Democrats of what they stand for, caring about people, and said Democrats need to listen to others even if it makes them uncomfortable, that it’s ok to have people who think differently in the same party and in the community.  To build the party she said Democrats should listen and respond to young people worried about endless war and climate issues, to the poor, people of color and rural people and build partnerships with these groups to ensure all voices are heard in the halls of power.  She said since running for Congress she’s been on a mission to bridge the rural/urban divide and incorporate their views on issues affecting them such as land management and policies addressing economic disparity.  She reminded those present that people of color make up 20 percent of CD 2, including tribal people, and it’s our responsibility to reach out to them, listen, and get them engaged so they have a voice in decision-making.

Our political relationships and democracy has suffered lately, taken huge steps backward, and it’s on all of us to rebuild, she concluded. [Jamie’s address is at the end of this post.]