Don't Ask Me To Give Up - Sanders
I am a passionate Bernie Sanders supporter. I'm trying really hard not to be drawn into the bickering and slander that has been taking place between the Clinton and Sanders camps. It isn't easy. I'm also trying very hard to not let my passion over-ride my reason.
I would have never dreamed that the fighting on this board would reach such vile and venomous levels. It is so far beyond what I thought would happen here that I truly believe that it has changed the complexion of this site. My overwhelming emotion concerning this battle is complete sadness. No one side is more responsible than the other. I've read enough comments from Bernie supporters that I wouldn't expect to see from Right Wing nut jobs. So it isn't just the Hillary supporters that go over the top. My fellow Sanders supporters have nearly equalled the level of criticism I've seen on the Clinton side.
I try to base my support on the individual and not necessarily comments and criticisms made by either camp. In keeping with my effort to judge the individual and their records, I'm finding that examples of dishonesty, dirty tricks and self-serving rhetoric fall in increasing numbers on the Clinton side. Believe me, I wish it weren't true. I genuinely like Hillary and believe that she could make a good President. But there is no way for me to avoid what is becoming clearer and clearer every day. The bottom line (and what seems to separate Bernie from Hillary) is Clinton's desire for the presidency at whatever cost. It seems that she would do or say anything that she believes will further her cause and increase her chances of becoming the President. Once again, I wish it weren't true...I really do.
It is almost as if Hillary is a part of the "old" politics which encompasses tactics that were accepted in the past with little criticism. I think it is only the presence of Bernie Sanders where the contrast becomes obvious. Instead of accepting politics "as is," that "all politicians are corrupt and dishonest," we are seeing something different, something more genuine. And it has sort of pulled the vail back to expose what we have ignored for so long. Without Bernie's presence, I think we would be far less critical of Hillary.
I am 63 years old...a lifelong Democrat. Of course, now I would be considered a Progressive. It really doesn't matter what you call me. All I know is that I identify with the policies and practices of FDR. I would consider him to be a "true" Democrat. It has been so long since we have seen a true Democrat that we have forgotten that we used to be known as the "party of the people." Others have come close. I think JFK represented our Party well. And I am convinced that Robert Kennedy would have demonstrated progressive policies. Regardless, it has been a very long time. The Democratic Party lost its way. I am convinced that the Democratic Party left me...I didn't leave the Democratic Party.
So, along comes Bernie Sanders.
You can call him a Progressive, a Socialist, a Liberal...whatever. For me, he is what the Democratic Party used to be. He is unashamed of his political philosophy. This is demonstrated by the fact that he has held his beliefs for the entirety of his tenure in public service. It isn't simply a matter of being consistent, it is a sign of someone who is genuine. That is rare in life and even rarer in politics. Most politicians drift with the prevailing winds. Bernie proudly holds to his beliefs under any circumstances.
Having the courage of his convictions is in part, the reason why he has has earned such a huge following. People see this quality in Bernie and want to embrace it. It is something that they have never seen before in a politician...it is in direct contradiction to everything they have seen before. Bernie's personal character increases people's trust and belief. The people know an honest person when they see them. His honesty is so rare that it stands out in stark contrast to others we have regularly voted into office.
And now I'm asked to abandon this rare and unique man who I have been waiting for, for the entirety of my life. I'm being asked to support Hillary who in my mind represents the "old school" of politics. I'm asked to support someone who seems to desire the presidency more for her own sake than for the sake of others. You want me to back someone who has colored the truth and employed tactics that I have long abhorred.
I don't hold any hatred for Hillary or her supporters. Those that back her are simply not ready for a true Democrat. Change is hard. It is risky and causes anxiety in people that are not ready for it.
I will not see another Bernie Sanders in my lifetime. This is my one shot at voting FOR someone and not against someone else. It is an opportunity to reverse at least some of the policies of the past three decades. It will not be easy. But nothing worth fighting for is easy. If Bernie fails to gain the White House, I can at least say to myself that I saw a rare and unique politician occupying a rare and unique opportunity...someone who is not afraid...someone who puts people ahead of his own ego...someone who is a true Democrat.
This someone is Bernie Sanders.
-P
= new reply since forum marked as read
If the Dem Nominee is NOT Bernie We ALL certainly WILL be voting ... AGAINST Someone and NOT For Someone... To BE SURE!
...offer praise for your honest words...
"there appear to be long odds..."
Yes, the "establishment" are truly masters at creating and propagating the appearance that things are as they truly are not... just like the poll being gushed over in the hillary group that shows she's fifty-plus points up in SC... Until you see they only include people who have voted in primaries twelve years back.
Yes, leaving 12 years of voters from Bernie's strongest demographic is a great way to make it appear Hillary is that far ahead...
There is also the appearance of thousands upon thousands of excited voters. Yes, they appear quite frequently at Bernie rallies. You'll see them in the pictures and videos. They appear quite clearly in those...
Hillary's groups are often only about ten-percent in size relative to Bernie's, if even that... Maybe it's closer to one-tenth of one percent at some of these private fundraisers at these posh places like last night...
So yes, sometimes appearances are exactly what they seem...
Very moving. From a fellow FDR Dem, Thank you. 
Thank you for sharing that, WiffenPoof! 
... the numbers will tell him when he has no mathematical chance of being the nominee. Looks like that day will be here sooner than we thought.
... but not as a contender.
Me too, WiffenPoof. And I'm 64.
Yes, he is and I'm old enough to remember how it used to be. Thank you WiffenPoof.
kinda says it all.
WIN!
Bernie WIN!
Be kind, be polite, be open, be honest, remember we are all different. Think before you speak, would you want someone saying this to you? Ignore the negative comments, do not reply, do not be chided into an argument. Well my mother also taught me some of that.
It reminds me of wankpuffin, which still has me giggling. 
Wise words from you. Thanks!
