Allen Clifton and the Bernie passion.
I read this thread: http://www.democraticunderground.com/1251513215#post33
While I disagree with much of Mr. Clifton's political analysis, he has a point about some Bernie supporters.
In an open cycle, things always get heated and ugly. Bernie has at least hundreds of thousands (probably millions) of supporters in cyberspace. I wish we all were exemplary in our behavior, but with all of the cross currents, it is inevitable that some ugliness and irrationality occurs.
But I want to address his concern that some progressives will have little hope if Bernie is not the nominee. I will vote for Secretary Clinton, if nominated, but I don't expect to be hopeful in that case.
In American history, there have been certain elections which were historically pivotal: 1860 (slavery); 1900 (by luck, Teddy Roosevelt took office and became a trust buster); 1932 (the Great Depression); 1960 (combating Jim Crow); 1980 (when we succumbed to Reaganism); and 2016 (1. climate change is an existential threat, 2. wealth inequality is out of control and 3. structural racism is intolerable and is finally becoming the issue it should have been decades ago).
The world is on the wrong track and more and more scientists are telling us that human extinction is a real possibility, or the collapse of civilization, or at the very least the US will undergo horrific changes without a radical reversal of our planetary path. A Business As Usual nominee gives me no hope.
I don't mean to offend anyone, but I feel Secretary Clinton is one such candidate. I base that on my observation of her actions and political affiliations since 1993. I strongly applauded her attempt for sweeping health care reform in 1993 and she was demonized for it. Since then, I think she has acted "snakebit," for lack of a better term, with respect to transformative change. I sincerely hope I am wrong about that.
In contrast, Bernie Sanders is calling for a revolution based on grassroots action. If elected, he is calling for a million young people to march on Washington in order to make the Congress "an offer they can't refuse." That is what it will take to get the real change we need to survive as a species and as a people.
So as an honest answer to Mr. Clifton, yes, if Bernie is not the nominee, I doubt I will have much hope. But the reason we are working every day to elect him, is we have real hope. Why? Because Bernie is incorruptible and dedicated to revolution.
Finally, if you have already decided on a candidate, feel free to respond but I will only discuss or debate with undecideds and Bernie backers. This is not for lack of respect or concern for others' views. I am just focused on getting my candidate elected. Once the nomination is resolved, I will gladly talk to any person of good will.
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