Who we are and what we're about to do.

It's time for mid-year elections to start heating up. Exciting, yeah? It's time to start talking about platforms and who wants it bad. It's time to start thinking about who is going to shape our state and nation for the next couple of years.

But I think Sen. Bayh said it really well when he told the NYTimes, "As Democrats, we have a patriotic duty and political imperative to lay out our ideas for protecting America. Frankly, our fellow citizens have doubts about us. We have work to do." Sen. Barbara Boxer was forthright when she said, "We have a strategy. First is to convince the American people that what's happening in Washington is not working. We have achieved that. Now we have to, at this stage, convince people that we are the ones to bring positive change."

That's a large task. Rep. Nancy Pelosi commented that "You can't beat something with nothing," - and she's right. Where's our agenda? Where's our solution? The public is beginning to express outrage over a President who's stepping on civil rights; the public is beginning to understand that a hands-off Governor isn't ideal for creating new jobs.

I do think we need to be moderate and sensible - moderation, I believe, is the key to just about everything in life. But moderate doesn't mean boring or vague. I think we should advocate for strong education - and I think we should find a way to put our money where our mouth is. I think we should fight for health care. And not settle for the empty promise of "portable benefits," but find a way to provide adequate health care for every American. I think we should entice new industry to our state to replace the dying textile manufacturers. I think we need new leadership.

I know we're losing out on security issues and the general perception is that we won't be tough enough on terrorism. Where did that come from? I know we didn't (and still, generally don't) support the war in Iraq - but I don't know one Democrat who was against the War on Terror... unless it means illegal wiretapping and more transgressions by the Patriot Act. When did we become wimps? I believe that there are as many Dems out there sporting magnetic yellow ribbons on their cars as Republicans. ('Specially in this state). Let's show America we're the party who will bring their soldiers home without destroying the fragile peace in Iraq.

I want more for America, not less. More for South Carolina, not less. As the elections heat up and candidates start talking about what the want for this great place where we live - I hope my party picks up the pace.