I recently read an article at Crooks and Liars by Karoli which basically has Tad Devine and Jeff Weaver, Sanders campaign managers, outlining a new strategy to flip already pledged delegates from Clinton to Sanders, in effect shitting all over the votes cast by Democrats and virtually dismissing those who have already spoken as members of the Dem party. There are multiple levels that I find this offensive on, not the least of which, is the staggering hypocrisy even suggesting such a thing represents for the Sanders camp. Couple that with a growing number of Sanders supporters that have not only pledged not to support the candidate that gets the nomination if it’s not Bernie, but completely SHIT all over the Dem party. You know, the one they are asking to support him should he win…that one! That’s a staggering hypocrisy anyway you slice it, and coupled with this change in tactics by Bernie’s camp, just add more hypocrisy on to hypocrisy. I take ZERO pleasure in saying this, in fact it cuts me deep and gives me acid reflux. I’m having a hard time digesting why I shouldn’t believe that many of Bernie’s followers aren’t giant hypocrites. I’m not at this point saying they are, but here is why I’m having a really hard time…
I realize it’s hard for die hard Sanders supporters to be put in the situation they’re in. They’re passionate about their candidate, desperately believe that he’s the only candidate that can change the failures in our system. It feels pretty rotten when a majority just doesn’t see things your way. Believe me, as a Lib Dem in a Red state, I have an acute understanding of it. I also respect that many Sanders followers are NOT Democrats and owe the Democratic party nothing. They feel it’s an antiquated and rigged system, unfair and that it doesn’t represent their progressive agenda. Ok fair enough, but here’s my problem with this logic, which to me is circular at best. First, Bernie decided rightly or wrongly to run as a Dem. This in and of itself is an acknowledgement that Sanders CANNOT win running as an independent. He NEEDS the backing and support of the Democratic party to even have a shot at becoming president, BUT every time Bernie suffers a defeat, I hear nothing but lashing out, slandering and an endless barrage of “what’s wrong and corrupt in the Democratic party.” Because I happen to think what’s wrong is that YOU are absent. So let’s have a chat about that.
Let’s start with lashing out at people for having different opinions or not acting EXACTLY how they assume “we as true progressives” should. Perfect example is the abhorrent way in which Bernie supporters lashed out against Elizabeth Warren after Sanders Super Tuesday defeats, including Warren’s home state of Massachusetts. In case you missed that, do a google, and if you lack the motivation, I’ll leave this right here..Irate Sanders supporters turn their blind rage on Elizabeth Warren. Listen friends, I’m sorry your guy got beat, its a shitty feeling and I know exactly how let down and angry it makes you. Here’s where your logic becomes dishonest. So like I said earlier, I see a ton of pissing and moaning about how shitty and corrupt Dems are, how they aren’t really progressive, and are happy with the status quo. I’m going to stop you right there. Suggestion, if you don’t like the Democratic slant, then why not JOIN and change it with your ideas? There seems to be quite a bunch of you and if you would just quit complaining, and you know, get involved in the process to change it, that would probably have more effect on the system than electing Bernie Sanders would. In fact it ABSOLUTELY WOULD. We’re waiting for you….we need you, we’re ready for you. Help us help you!!!
There are so many progressive Dems just like me, that would like to see a more left agenda present in the base of the Democratic party. (If you doubt it,check out my twitter feed I’m as left as most of you and more than some) We’re inside, trying to do something about it. Join us!! We want the same things as Bernie progressives, except rather than bitch about a broken party, are IN IT, trying to change it, and IF those complaining would get involved, attend local and regional Dem meetings, vote on direction and leadership that better represents a progressive platform, it might, cosmos forbid, actually happen. But I know, that’s hard. Couldn’t we just elect a progressive president and be done with it?? If it sounds a bit like I’m calling you out, then perhaps I am. Revolution starts at a local level. That means changing things IN YOUR OWN YARD, and yeah, it’s a pain in the butt to attend meetings, to get involved and voice your opinion, have debates, represent your view, nominate and vote on leadership, get involved in the candidate selection process…but bottom line, it’s what you have to do if you REALLY want change. Revolution requires sweat equity, not lip service, or just voting for president. And that sweat equity has to come from YOU where you live. If you refuse to engage, yet still complain about the process, then I’ve no problem labeling you intellectually dishonest and have nothing further to discuss with you. If you believe the DNC is just concentrated assholes, then help us water them down. That just won’t happen without YOUR involvement. Think I’m wrong? Think a party can’t shift??? Two words, Tea Party. Peace people, and VOTE BLUE!