Reporting from duty…

The DNC has issued an Annual Report To The Grassroots, and those concerned about the financial burn rate at the Committee might take some comfort in the impressive array of accomplishments the report contains. While the effectiveness of their efforts can't be measured until the votes are counted, Chairman Dean has connected the DNC to ground level activism in a way that hasn't been seen for decades. The current polling tip in favor of Democrats might be written off to Republican ineptitude, but there's been a lot of hard work done by our side, and it's time to give, and take, credit where it's due.

The focus hasn't been on organizing alone, though. Thanks to Dean's coordination with Congressional leaders and others, a set of priorities have been set that give every Democratic candidate the opportunity to connect with a meaningful national agenda, a Clear Agenda...

Honest Leadership and Open Government-- We will end the Republican culture of corruption and restore a sense of responsibility to elected office, and we will pass fundamental reforms that make government more honest, open, and accountable to the American people than ever before.

Real Security -- We will protect Americans at home by getting serious about homeland security, and address the real threats abroad by capturing or killing Osama bin Laden and focusing on actual (not imagined) nuclear proliferation. We will be prepared for the threats of tomorrow, and we will always tell the truth to our troops and the American people.

Jobs in America that will Stay in America -- We will keep good jobs from leaving and ensure that every job in America is a fair deal. We will balance the budget, ensure that the tax code is simple and fair, and create jobs by making America energy independent.

A Strong Public Education System -- We will strengthen our nation’s public schools to restore opportunity and optimism for every American.

A Health Care System that Works for Everyone -- We will join every other industrialized country by making sure everyone has access to affordable health care. We will change a corrupt, inefficient system into one that makes sure the world’s wealthiest country is also the healthiest.

The whole "Democrats don't stand for anything" whine is so 1980's...