"Five to One, Baby ...."
I am 100% pleased with Bernie Sanders’s showing today in Nevada. Obviously, I would have been happier if he had won the contest by a few percentage points. And I’d get out of this chair, and dance an Irish jig if he had won by more than 10%. But he did not. So, on one hand, I congratulate the Clinton supporters; on the other hand, in the context of a political insurgency, I know that we have done much better today than necessary, in terms of continuing this struggle.
An insurgency is, of course, a fight against the an established form of government. While throughout my entire adult life, as a registered member of the Democratic Party, I have voted for the Democratic candidate in literally every presidential election. Yet, in these same years, I have witnessed our party’s leadership move so far to the right, that many Democratic politicians today that they would have been accurately viewed as conservative republicans in the past.
I believe that the insurgency, which is represented by Bernie Sanders today, is the healthy response to the class warfare that the 1% has systematically engaged in over the past fifty years. In this sense, I am reminded of Minister Malcolm X’s saying that the difference between some Democrats and republicans is the difference between a fox and a wolf. The fox smiles to your face, but attacks you from behind; while the wolf always makes it clear that he is your enemy.
I appreciate that many good people on this forum are happy that Hillary Clinton won today’s contest. I know that they are sincere in their belief that Hillary is the better candidate. That they support her does not surprise, nor bother me. We look at pretty much the same facts and circumstances, and come to different conclusions. I like and respect them as much as I did before the 2016 primaries began, last year.
I understand why they assume that today’s results would be discouraging for Bernie’s supporters. Indeed, these results would signify “defeat” for an establishment candidate. But that is a very different metric, than the one used to measure victory for an insurgency. And since by definition, an insurgency always begins as a minority effort, relatively few people understand the on-going goal of the insurgents’ efforts.
As a non-violent, pro-constitutional democracy insurgents, we do not need to “win” every time we engage the opposition. Rather, state-by-state, we are changing the public’s perception of the contest . It’s not the same as what’s happening in the republican primary, for their “rebel” is a billionaire who requires that his followers NOT think. Our insurgency is rooted in people thinking for themselves.
A clear sign of our success is found when the opposition increases its attacks. In every instance, we should be using each attack as an opportunity to engage in a conversation, both with our opposition, and with the greater public. In order to achieve positive results, we need to remain positive. For we are engaged in a historical struggle, part of a long tradition in this country.
It’s related to the great insurgent movements including Gandhi’s in India, and King’s in the USA. It is in the tradition that the democratically-inspired among the Founding Father’s encouraged. And it ties in with Jim Morrison singing, “Five to one, Baby, one in five.”
Peace,
H2O Man
= new reply since forum marked as read
May take a week and it may take longer... "
Along with the Unknown Soldier...
issues that cross lines with the younger generation, HC and SS. They never 'fought the establishment' so to speak as we did in the 60's or 70's, still they just know things are not right.
Many of our kids grew up not seeing all the divisions along race or gender, for them that is somewhat of a given, and that is fantastic. We need to keep that alive and not forge a division!
Among my kids, one states she could move to another country, a 30 year doc who knows she has abilities that will be welcomed in other countries. I was surprised to hear her say so, but not shocked, she told us that a few weeks when she switched parties and registered as Dem to vote for Sanders in Florida. My son is less on a permanent footing, yet still independent as far as his beliefs. Sometimes they both need some prodding, a parent's work is never done.
PS: You were one that received one of my Valentine hearts, for your contributions to DU over the years. Just FYI.
Donate and remember Nevada has a large LDS population, even the democratic LDS tends to be very conservative.
K&R
But, that's okay.
. . . and all the children are insane . . . all the children are insane . . .
something so unthinkable as early as 4 years ago.
We can dare to dream big regardless of the loud angry chorus of the powerful proclaiming "NO!". I've been quite moved at how quickly the political trajectory has changed. From the early days of Occupy to present - these ideas have caught the passions of a whole new generation and it's so inspiring to see. The rhizomes are connecting under the soil.
*This* is how compromises are made - you aim big and negotiate from there - not give your weakest position and cave in from there. This Bernie Sanders is a smart man.
OOf - I haven't had any coffee yet, so I'm just babbling.
Thank you for your essay. It's inspiring as ever.
Thanks for the thread, H2O Man.
I really thought Bernie was going to win NV, and was disheartened when he didn't. You've
helped me see the bigger picture, which is encouraging. Thanks for that.. 
With twin towers a fallin, and bush* looking for WMD's under the rose bush. Are you sure 
