Well, kudos for lasting as long as you have on Free Republic. My only question is, why are you still a registered Democrat?
When I registered to vote hereabouts if one wanted a say in local elections one had to be a Democrat . The two Republicans in the county didn't count for much (that is very different now). I came to appreciate being able to write to the then Democrat governor and starting my letter with "As a registered Democrat..." which allegation could be and was checked. The Democrats have better parties and picnics than do the Republicans. I get all the Democrat spam and hear the Democrat buzz so I know what they think they are going to accomplish, at least with the locals. I even voted for the Democrat candidate for School Superintendent once when the Republican candidate was hopelessly venal while the Democrat was competent and worked out well.
I retain my registration because I seem to be able to stay on top of some things better. I also see less and less reason to register as a Republican. There has not been much worthwhile in that party since Reagan.