George,

I was very disappointed to read Lloyd's comment that "In 2000, the Party was an angry, distrustful and contentious bunch. I hope that working together during 2001 will have helped soothe feelings, but I don't think it has very much."

A number of us from Dems for Change have been very active in the Party. My experience is that there are very good feelings.

Admittedly, Dems for Change made mistakes in 2000. One mistake was being too closed and secretive. We all learn from our mistakes and this time we are trying to be as open as possible. Thus, for example, the annoucement of our meeting was widely circulated -- including to the cvilledems e-mail list. Dems for Change can change! Let's look to the future rather that raking up old contentions.

Our annoucement was sent to the City Committee list in the hope that many of you would attend the meeting. By the way, my definition of a "progressive" is anyone who thinks they are a progressive. So all "progressives", please come.

David RePass (electronic mail, November 20, 2001).