Yesterday, the Minority Leader, in essence, not only took my vote for granted, but ordered me not to vote for the candidate of my choice. This is an utter outrage. Shame on the Democratic Party. Shame on their interference with the democratic process.
See the Dead Man’s diary on this.
It is one thing for various membership of the leadership to endorse the candidate of their own choice, and it is certainly the right of every member of Daily Kos to support the candidate of their choice. It is quite another to attempt to destroy another candidate’s campaign. Even the Republican Party won’t sink so low, and they’re dealing with Donald Trump!
More below the break.
As far as I know, this is unprecedented. Endorsements are one thing. Anti-endorsements from a party leader are quite another. I am ashamed to be a Democrat today. I am ashamed of the Democratic Party.
After all this, how can anyone doubt that Bernie Sanders is taking on the establishment? Even if you don’t accept the idea that they are members of the oligarchy, this is an outright demand to keep the status quo. I can only conclude that the Minority Leader is totally content with the ways things are.
Don’t you think that should give them pause?
Today I wrote to the DNC thus:
I am a lifelong member of the Democratic Party. I support Bernie Sanders for President. I have been dismayed at the way the debate schedule has been set up in order to give one Democratic candidate the advantage.
Party leaders have the freedom to vote for and to endorse whomever they see fit. I have no objection to that. But I am outraged at
Minority Leader Pelosi's anti-endorsement, in essence ordering me not to vote for Bernie Sanders for the nominee of the Democratic Party for the office of President of the United States.
I see the actions of the Democratic Party as interfering with the democratic process. Even the Republican Party won't do such a thing to Donald Trump!
I have informed my local Congresswoman of my stance on this issue. I will not donate a dime to the Democratic Party in the future. All donations and effort from me will be concentrated on electing progressive candidates who will advocate for my positions, such as Medicare for All, instead of taking my vote for granted every two years. And I am strongly considering changing my party affiliation after the primaries.
The entire leadership of the party should be deeply ashamed.
Before anyone says “don’t you dare say that you’ll leave the party! This website is for Democrats only!” well, the Democratic Party is leaving me, and I have the right to let my feelings known in the matter. Even Clinton supporters should be worried about this. The leadership simply does not care about you. They just made that clear.
If you wish to contact the DNC Offices, their phone number is (202) 863-8000. Their email address is info@democrats.org.
And I just donated $25 more to Bernie Sanders.