Donna Smith: Political Revolution: This is what Democracy Feels Like

[eridani]

http://www.commondreams.org/views/2016/03/04/political-revolution-what-democracy-feels

In the room where we separated out into precincts, I witnessed something very different from what I have seen in previous caucus gatherings. There were lots of younger people, and that was encouraging. But there were also plenty of middle-aged and older people. A few young parents had their kids with them. The atmosphere in the room was happy and infectious. The first thing I mentioned to others was that I never knew we had so many like-minded neighbors. Other people agreed.

We chatted a bit about the crazy presidential primary season. I tried to identify who was a Bernie supporter, and I asked people why they were for Bernie. It was pretty interesting to hear people speak with such clarity about so many issues. Several times people mentioned that they were concerned about people staying engaged after the primary because of how much mistrust millions of Americans are expressing for Congress and for business as usual in politics. For several minutes while the caucus chair sorted through her materials and prepared to start our work, we talked -- really talked -- as neighbors, community members and Americans concerned about the future. While different issues appealed to different voters, it was heartening to see and hear the depth of knowledge so many people have in their areas of concern and political interest.

Our precinct voted 4:1 to support Bernie. But as I left my caucus I was thinking about what Bernie had said earlier in the evening during his victory remarks in Vermont. He mentioned he was pleased that perhaps his campaign was bringing Vermont-style politics to the primaries and caucuses around the country including the Vermont tradition of gathering in town meetings and talking through issues. While my Colorado caucus was not a town meeting, it did feel more democratic than anything else I've witnessed in quite a while.

Bernie's campaign is drawing people to participate in their own self-governance, and it is calling us to reject the take over of our government by those with wealth and power. And at least on Super Tuesday in my one precinct in Denver, I saw a glimpse of what that might look like. It felt great to even consider a future working with engaged people from throughout our society to make progressive change. It was as if the promise of my generation to leave a more decent, just and peaceful world to future generations might be possible after all. For me, that was a little glimpse of what democracy looks like when it works for all of us. Thank you, Berni