Why my children demanded to attend a Bernie Sanders rally

[eridani]

http://www.csmonitor.com/The-Culture/Family/2016/0224/Why-my-children-demanded-to-attend-a-Bernie-Sanders-rally?cmpid=gigya-fb

This week, the kids came to me asking to attend Vermont Senator Sanders’ speech. Avery, 16, Lizzie, 18, and Quin, age 12, were adamant about seeing Sanders. The teens threatened to cut school if I refused to take them.

Quin has been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome and hates crowds, but even he insisted that we go.

“Everyone is talking about [Sanders]. I want to see if he’s really real,” Quin said stubbornly. “I can’t tell from TV. I need to see him in the flesh.”

Quin soldiered through the Norfolk Scope Arena and about 5,000 cheering "Feel the Bern" supporters to a second-row seat where I could watch him from the press staging area nearby. Someone gave him a sign, which he bent over his head like an umbrella against the sound deluge.

<snip>

For me, as a jaded veteran, the speech was well paced, passionate, and often clever. No new ground.

But to my kids, it was a revelation – not because of the words, but the mutual respect between the speaker and his audience. He connected. The arena became one closed circuit with a low-key energy that lit the listeners from within.

“He’s so kind,” Quin said later. “He’s like a really good teacher because it’s not like he’s way greater and looking down on you. He’s like you and you know that. So I understood everything he was saying.”

[cantbeserious]

1. Compelling Wisdom - Vs - Disheartening Cynicism - The Choice Is Clear - Thank You For Sharing

eom

[Kentonio]

2. That was lovely.

[ladjf]

3. Your "babes" are telling a beautiful truth. Thanks for sharing. nt

[tk2kewl]

4. People like Bernie are few and far between.

That he is running for president is amazing really