Who gets to define 'true Democrat'?

August 12, 2008  letter in The Journal News

It is outrageous that Town of Ramapo Supervisor Christopher St. Lawrence would publicly state that challengers to his position are not "true Democrats" and are attempting "to hijack the Democratic party," as stated in Thursday's article, "Upstarts plotting political takeover."

I am one of the reform candidates running for a committee position. I registered in the Democratic Party for the first time in 1975 when I turned 18 and became eligible to vote, and have proudly been a member of the Democratic party ever since. I was born in the United States and have worked and paid taxes all of my adult life. Moreover, I have raised my family in Ramapo and my children have graduated from the local public schools.

It would be interesting to know how Mr. St. Lawrence defines being a true Democrat and to hear him explain why I do not fit that description.

Many citizens are concerned about decisions being made in Ramapo that impact the quality of life for everyone living here. As a citizen, it is my right to involve myself in the political process so that I can participate in how decisions are made.

I do not believe, as Mr. St. Lawrence appears to, that only those who agree with the supervisor's actions can participate. Mr. St. Lawrence, this is America, not a dictatorship and it is counter to Democratic beliefs for one person to control politics and squash dissent.

It is very sad that an elected official in this country does not support the American ideal of freedom.

Lori Schwartz
Suffern