George Takei Asks For Kindness And Civility

[kpete]

I'm George Takei. As many of you probably know, I'm a Democrat. And as you may have seen, I've also been a fan of Bernie Sanders. Much of what he stood for and helped bring to the forefront in this primary are things I too have fought for. I stood with the protesters at Occupy Wall Street and have spoken out often for campaign finance reform. I crowd-funded to defeat entrenched corporate interests in Congress. So I like Bernie. A lot of folks like Bernie. Even God, Himself, sent Bernie a tweet. But having been through many bruising primaries in my life, I'm also a realist. From where I sit, the math is clear. Hillary will likely win, and she will be our nominee. But that doesn't mean Bernie didn't also win. He won in a myriad of ways, none more so than energizing the Democratic base in a way no one expected. Young people in particular have become so passionate about this election. Because they recognize the historic importance at stake is nothing less than the very soul of our nation. So I'm asking Democrats out there to take a pledge, along with me.

#Vote Blue No Matter Who

While this primary, at times, has felt damaging, with many a harsh word leveled by both sides — ultimately, we Democrats know that a bit of a tussle isn't a bad thing. It makes us stronger, keeps us sharp. And really, it's like a family squabble. For only family, those very close to us, can truly get under our skin, but remember this too: it's precisely because we respect and like each other that the words and criticism sting as much as they do.

But here's the other thing about family — we come together when threatened and come together we will in November. In case you need a bit more convincing, there are many fundamental things both Bernie and Hillary agree on and would both work towards once in the White House.

Expand medicare and the Affordable Care Act
Raise the minimum wage
Protect a woman's right to choose
Fund Planned Parenthood
Make college much more affordable
Keep the church and state separate
Protect Social Security
Fight for LGBT rights and equality
Lead the world in combating climate change
Pass immigration reform with a path to citizenship
Raise taxes on the top earners

And importantly, both would appoint justices to the Supreme Court who share compassionate progressive values to stop the Conservatives from undoing decades of gains. Bernie himself has said, “On her worst day Hillary Clinton will be an infinitely better candidate and president than the Republican candidate on his best day.” If he believes that, his supporters can too. If your state has yet to vote, please do make your voice heard for the candidate you prefer. But remember, come November, Vote Blue No Matter Who.

for what it is worth:
https://twitter.com/GeorgeTakei/status/725793422372556800
http://www.dailykos.com/stories/2016/4/28/1521218/-George-Takei-discusses-Bernie-or-Bust-and-once-again-he-is-spot-on

[MisterP]

1. and if Voting Blue No Matter Who gives you someone selling off Medicare and SS,

against Medicare for all and $15 wage, said she'd go pre-Roe, is against affordable college, is in The Family, had a royal fit when they changed "Mother and Father" to "Parent and Parent" on forms, sold coal and fracking, says "send them back," thinks wars of choice are just a natural part of doing things, wants marijuana kept illegal, and is such a complete oligarch that we're not even allowed to know what she says to the people who give her her money

people making lists of things they like and assuming that Clinton will fulfil them since she's not a Republican are living in a dream, and a dangerous one at that

[VulgarPoet]

2. No can do.

Not for someone who voted for the PATRIOT act, not for someone who backed TPP, not for someone who voted for SOPA or its three other hydra-esque cousins, not for someone who thinks that the privacy of Americans requires a "Manhattan project" to be destroyed.

I love your work, but as of right now, you're just another celebrity endorsement that I am no longer listening to.

[BootinUp]

3. Mr. Takei is a great American, this post belongs on the home page. nt