A Democrat abroad

This afternoon I got a phone call inviting me to participate in the local part of the Democrats Abroad Global Primary this coming Saturday in Auckland. I remember as a kid watching Democratic National Conventions and hearing the votes cast from the Democrats Abroad delegation and thinking that sounded very exotic. I had no idea one day I’d find out for myself whether it was or not.

New Zealand has only had an active Democrats Abroad chapter since before the last presidential election, as far as I can remember; if they were active before that, I didn’t know about it. Apparently they get together from time to time for various events, and there’s a part of me that thinks it would be really fun: Democrats who are expats, or vice versa if you prefer, in the same room sounds like something I’d like.

However, this is the busiest workweek of the month for me, and I don’t know if I can go (also, it’s not like there’s any doubt as to who the Democratic nominee for president will be!). Still, I appreciate the opportunity and the phonecall.

We expats need to have politicians aware that we exist and that we have needs, too. They often crafts laws that adversely affect expats, so we need to agitate on our own behalf. And, let’s be real, only Democrats would ever even consider repealing the “Defence” of Marriage Act so that same-sex bi-national couples might have a chance to remain together in the US, and they’re also the only ones who would even consider comprehensive immigration reform so that, among other things, gay and lesbian US citizens could sponsor their non-US same-sex partner, just as most developed countries, including New Zealand, allow.

I may not be able to attend on Saturday, but I certainly wish them—and the Democratic Party generally—every success.

Related: Events like Auckland's were scheduled all around the world for May 1-6. Here's a list.