Bernie Sanders has awakened a national revolution against corrupt politics as usual in our country. Clinton supporters largely defend her by saying that all politicians take money from corporate lobbyists. Yet, Obama won twice while refusing to take lobbyist money and Sanders has achieved more than most believed possible, funded almost entirely by small contributions from regular people. Sanders has inspired us to no longer accept corruption as a given. It's a Twisted Sister moment - We're Not Gonna Take it Anymore!
Whether Sanders wins or loses, those of us who have been inspired and motivated by his campaign should continue to hold politicians' feet to the fire. If they see that we are watching them and not going to support them when they sell us out, they'll have to change their ways. In that spirit, I wrote this letter to the editor of our local paper:
"We are in the midst of a primary election where one candidate is 100% crowd-funded and the other inexplicably claims to oppose Citizens United while at the same time denying that the enormous funding she receives from corporate lobbyists buys them access and influence. Win or lose, Bernie Sanders has inspired millions of Americans to say enough is enough! We are not going to accept it anymore when politicians sell us out to wealthy campaign contributors. We’re not going to vote for corrupt politics as usual anymore.
Turning the focus to our local congressman, Jared Huffman recently sold us out by voting for a Republican bill to reverse anti-discrimination regulations in the auto-loan industry. Surprise surprise, Huffman has received major campaign funding from the auto-loan industry. This is how politicians lose their souls, one compromised vote at a time.
Huffman may think he can get away with this quid pro quo because our district is mostly White and might not be vigilant on issues affecting People of Color. But, the White progressives of Northern California stand with Black Americans all over the country who have experienced intolerable discrimination in the auto and housing loan industry.
Mr. Huffman is considered progressive, but he just sold out progressive values to the highest bidder. In doing so, he has lost my support and has earned himself a vocal critic. Not only should we expand protections against racial discrimination in the loan industry, but the government should guarantee interest free loans for Black and Native Americans to begin reparations for centuries of misdeeds and the failure of America to live up to its promise of equal opportunity. Sponsor that legislation, Mr. Huffman, and you can earn my vote back."
Get up, Stand up, people! Don't give up the fight!