Why I’m Feeling the Bern

The other day I decided to put my money where my mouth was and actually give a bit of money to the Bernie Sanders campaign. When I talked about doing this on Facebook, I got a bit of push-back. Someone actually said they were surprised I was supporting a Socialist. It occurred to me it might be beneficial to actually give the reasons why I am, as the current saying goes, feeling the Bern.

First and foremost, I think I’m going to do away with the term Socialist. In Bernie Sanders’s case, it’s nothing more than a meaningless label. People have used the label to try and paint him as someone who would be right there with Stalin and Castro, and honestly the way the press works these days that notion will almost certainly gain traction, deserved or not. For the record, Bernie is a democratic socialist. If you look back in American history, you will read about a rather robust democratic Socialist movement active around the turn of the last century, particularly in the Midwest. These were not wild-eyed radicals bent on world domination and general suppression. It was a movement that attempted to make life better for those on the lower end of the prosperity spectrum. They championed the formation of strong labor unions, called for a living wage, and (to a certain extent, at least) strove to make life more bearable for those who, for whatever reason, could not work. This is a huge part of what Bernie stands for, and since I consider myself part of a social group that has traditionally been marginalized by society, how could I not throw in my lot with him? He speaks my language more fully and clearly than probably any politician in my adult lifetime. It’s very clear to me that the playing field needs at least a bit of leveling, and that’s what Bernie wants to do. He resonates with me and what I stand for more than anyone ever has for as long as I’ve paid attention, and that’s why I have actually put monetary skin in the game.

Even with all that, though, I am at heart a realist. Despite all the enthusiasm that Bernie has engendered in people like me, the chances of him actually making it to the White House are slim to none. Even if he secures the Democratic Party nomination, the powers that be on all sides will go into hyperdrive painting him as an evil threat to our way of life, or something. It has the potential to make what has happened to President Obama over the last eight years look like kid gloves treatment. That would have the almost certain effect of evaporating his support. I wish it wasn’t the case, but people really do seem fickle these days, and it seems way too easy to sway them. Critical thinking is a skill that appears to be in extreme steep decline. So, with all that in mind, would I support Hillary Clinton if she turns out to be the Democratic nominee? In a word, yes. I have serious questions about her ties to Wall Street and she is way too political for my liking, but in this scenario she’s head and shoulders over the alternative. But, ultimately, I hope I’m wrong and Bernie can travel the long and winding road without getting shoved into a ditch. America is in desperate need of political change, and whether you like him or not you can’t deny that Bernie Sanders offers that in spades. As for me, I will continue to proudly feel the Bern.

About Kevin LaRose

cat daddy extraordinaire, creator of mouthwatering dishes, able to teach a language geek enough history and politics that she removes her head from the language books for at least an hour a day...

About Kevin LaRose

cat daddy extraordinaire, creator of mouthwatering dishes, able to teach a language geek enough history and politics that she removes her head from the language books for at least an hour a day...

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