Dear Editor,

I thought I had straightened everyone out with a response in January concerning the use of democrat vs. Democratic Party. But I see that some were not paying attention.

Again, the party name is the Democratic Party. As a member of the party we are known as Democrats. Saying or writing "democrat party" is considered a slur. The history of that slur is below.

Since the 1990's many Republicans use the term probably not necessarily knowing that it is considered a slur. Rush Limbaugh helped to popularize the term but it started as a slur with Limbaugh more than willing to disparage Democrats. The 'Democratic' or 'Democrat' Party? By Justin Bank Posted on Dec. 7, 2007 Factcheck.org

The Democratic Party traces its roots to 1792 and the anti-federalist faction led by Thomas Jefferson. The Jeffersonians called themselves "Republicans" at first, and later "Democratic-Republican." The party splintered in the late 1820s, and the faction led by Andrew Jackson in his successful presidential campaign of 1828 became the modern Democratic Party. It formally adopted the name "Democratic Party" at its convention in 1844.

However, some Republican leaders have made a habit of referring to their opposition incorrectly and discourteously as the "Democrat Party." The reason isn't entirely clear; it may be meant to imply that the party isn't sufficiently "democratic" in the general sense, or may just be meant as a petty insult. In August 2006, Hendrik Hertzberg traced this Republican usage, which he termed a "slur" on his party, back to the 1940s. He says it was used by opponents to needle the powerful Pendergast organization in Kansas City, which backed Harry Truman. He also says it was used often by the late Sen. Joseph McCarthy.

Rosemary Schwartz

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PK August 11, 2024, 9:22 pm RS...YAWN!!! Who wants the party explained???
YAWN!!!
GB August 11, 2024, 11:29 pm The Democratic Party has turned into socialists who still claim to be the Democratic Party. Not sure the attempt to get everyone "straightened out" is going to be very successful.
MAGA.
CB August 12, 2024, 1:28 pm What difference, at this point, does it make?
DL August 12, 2024, 1:28 pm GB,
You don't know what Socialism is! It happens to be the opposite of Capitalism. Capitalism was very good for this country, until Ronald Reagan came along, and claimed that strengthening all corporations would lead to benefits for everyone. He called it "Trickle Down Economics". That was 43 years ago, and nothing has ever trickled down. I'm not saying that Socialism is what this country needs, because that doesn't work in a democracy type government.

Now, a party name has no real meaning, other than to those that created the name. Our current Democratic Party has been of a Liberal ideology, since the early 20th Century. But, a party can change their ideology, at any time. Much like our two current parties did, some 100 years ago. The conservative Democratic Party (Mostly the Southern Democrats) started the original KKK. The Northern Democrats changed direction, and became the Liberal Party, and fought for the Civil Rights Act of 1964. IF the Democratic Party were to slide into Socialism, the party name wouldn't change, only the ideology, or platform, would change. No such platform change has happened, or will happen in any of our lifetimes. If you are ever able to get deprogramed, you might actually be able to understand the difference between Socialism and the Social Programs that Liberals (not Socialist) push.
RS August 12, 2024, 4:19 pm JS,
I really wonder about your reading comprehension. The first sentence of the 2nd paragraph says it all.

Again, the party name is the Democratic Party. As a member of the party we are known as Democrats.

It is not that hard to understand. I am a Democrat who belongs to the Democratic Party.

Rosemary Schwartz proud Democrat of the Democratic Party.
JS August 12, 2024, 2:20 pm Rosemary:
So if you are a member of the Democratic Party are you Democratic or a Democrat? You make no sense. A member of the Democrat Party (thus listed as so on the election ballot) you are a Democrat and likely voting this way a member of the Democrat Party. Good Grief!!!!

Editor's Note: I just went to the Auditor's website and it does list "Democratic Party" on the ballots. Copy and paste this into your search bar... https://elections.bentoncountyia.gov/files/sample_ballots/20240604_belle_plaine_1democrat_42439.pdf
GB August 12, 2024, 5:58 pm DL, you are confused enough without trying to explain to me what a socialist is. I've been deployed to enough places around the world to give you a class on socialism, communism and fascist governments. All three can be found in the Democratic Party today. I encourage you to educate yourself.
PK August 15, 2024, 10:14 am Who cares about the minute difference between Democratic and Democrat??? THEY are claiming that the economy is doing fantastic under Bidenomics and Harris. Then I look at TWO news sources, and I see "layoffs" and grocery prices still on the rise and businesses closing due to HIGH crime rates. OUR OWN AMERICAN CITIZENS ARE GOING TO NEED HELP SOONER NOT LATER!!! Who are we helping??? BIDEN'S OVER 10+ MILLION ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS!!! Our seniors, our Vets, and our poor aren't even helped as much. What is wrong with this country???

DEPORT INSTEAD OF SUPPORT!!!!!
SJW August 15, 2024, 4:01 pm Petty bickering aside, should we start calling Republicans "Republics".
Do you understand now?
RS August 16, 2024, 12:11 pm SJW
SJW I did not come up with the name of the Democratic Party and the use of Democrats. That is history from 1848. However, the traditional Republican Party does not exist anymore. May I suggest I change to the MAGA Party or the Trump Party. You can call yourself Magists or Trumpists. Do you understand now?
SG August 16, 2024, 12:15 pm So if Democrats or the Democratic Party is still its traditional wholesome self, I assume they are still backing the KKK as they did in the 50s and 60s and now they are Hitler level antisemitic.
Care to explain that one?
SJW August 20, 2024, 10:40 pm Rosemary, calm down. I agree that the party has traditionally been and should continue to be called the Democratic Party". The right wing started saying Democrat party because the correct term made them look un-democratic. Which they are.
You people need to take a deep breath, and vote blue in November. It sickens me that Benton County is so damn red, and see no problem in voting for a felon and sex offender.