I cross-posted this at Burnt Orange Report and at my blog Casual Soapbox. Although I'm strongly leaning toward supporting Ciro Rodriguez after things I've read recently about Cuellar at this blog and others, my goal here was to create a somewhat neutral district profile for TX-28. -- abramcf

The Democratic primary down in TX-28 seems to have heated up recently, since the photo of President Bush cupping the face of incumbent Democratic Rep. Henry Cuellar at the State of the Union surfaced. That photo has prompted a surge of support for primary rival Ciro Rodriguez. With so much interest out there, I thought I'd post a district profile, like the one I did for TX-21 a few weeks ago.

I wrote this poem back in January 2003 back before I discovered blogs and poetry was my chosen outlet for political expression. I'd love to know what you guys think. (Cross-posted from Casual Soapbox and Daily Kos.)

I am a Democrat because Democrats defend our progressive heritage, including traditions of respect for truth, basic fairness, personal privacy and universal dignity.

I am a Democrat because Democrats stand for responsible stewardship - responsible stewardship of God's Creation, of America's wealth, of the sick and the needy, and of our democratic institutions.

I am a Democrat because Democrats support a wise defense - a defense that honors our soldiers, strengthens our alliances, keeps America's word, and wins wars but pursues peace.

Democrats stand for our progressive heritage, responsible stewardship, and a wise defense. Republicans stand for oppressive values, abuse of power, and reckless aggression. For me, the choice is clear.