I have lurked for so long, but decided to open a Daily Kos account this morning. My political journey has a been a long one. I have been a Republican, then a Libertarian, then I joined the Green party. Today, I am changing my voter registration to Democrat for the first time ever in my life. Why? Because of Bernie Sanders.
Bernie Sanders is the kind of candidate that does not come along too very often. I really hope the Democratic party will choose him as their candidate in the election. I have followed his campaign since he announced that he was running. His economic platform speaks to me.
I grew up in a middle class family, went to college and got a great job right out of school. I worked hard and made decent money. I bought a house I probably couldn't afford. When I lost my job during the recession, I lost my house. For the first time in my life I was poor. I had nowhere to go. I stayed in a hotel room that cost me $39 a night for a while until I couldn't afford that anymore. I went hungry many nights. I ended up sleeping in my car for a few months until I lost that too.
I slept outside at a park on a bench for a few weeks. Finally, as it began to get cold, I went to a shelter. They were able to feed me, give me a warm place to stay and help me find a job. Now, I have my own modest apartment, and a 15 year old car. I feel the most successful I have ever felt in my life. Thanks to a helping hand, I was able to get back on my feet. I make $9.50 an hour at one job, and $8.75 at my second job. I work very hard at both of these jobs and between the two, I often work 50-60 hours a week.
Bernie Sanders is the only candidate advocating for a $15 minimum wage. For this reason, he gets my support. He's the only candidate that is talking about helping the poor. He understands the plight of so many.
I like Hillary Clinton. I just feel that she doesn't understand me. She is so close to many large corporations and I worry that she has their best interest at heart instead of mine. I don't think she understands how a middle class person can become homeless in a matter of months. Many of us are one or two paychecks away from disaster. It wouldn't take much for me to become homeless again.
One of my jobs is talking about cutting back my hours after the summer. I won't starve if they do, but I won't be comfortable either. I'll do what I've had to do all summer. Eat cheaply. Keep the lights off as much as possible. Open the windows to cool off. If Bernie Sanders is elected and passes the $15 minimum wage, I would be able to afford to save some money possibly. I would be able to put a few dollars away in case I have an emergency.
I plan to hit the streets for Bernie Sanders to help him win. I've told all my co-workers about him already and several of them are excited for him too. When you vote in the election, please do remember the working poor and the middle class. Many middle class people are on the brink of becoming poor and are one problem away from it.
Please vote Bernie Sanders.
7:52 AM PT: Thank you for making this Recommended. I have been watching this community for a year now and so scared to get an account. I never thought I would even comment much less write up a diary. It's so intimidating.