With all the talk of zealots and partisans I thought I would share my perspective which I think reflects how many others feel, but maybe can't articulate properly.
Let me get this out of the way, I don't hate Hillary. I don't even dislike her. She is a modern day politician who has no bad intent and probably even good intentions, but whose only real flaw is they are far more likely to go with the flow, than fight to change it. Its much easier to go with those in power than to fight with those without to achieve it. Thats Obamas flaw as well. Nothing evil or particularly selfish, just getting by to get by, doing what you have to do and trying to get as much good along the way that such tactic will allow. Nothing nefarious, but little chance of achieving greatness through changing the paradigm. A competent leader who will keep the wheels from coming off the cart.
I see Bernie in a completely different way and I would like to believe how he may see himself. Bernie is an opportunity for us to take or not as a nation. Bernie is a person who will fight the flow against those in power with those trying to get some back, but as a leader is no more likely to change things than anyone else, unless he is merely spearheading our charge for change. There is a need for change and a grumbling that the people are ready for it, so he is offering himself as the tip of our spear, if we are ready to become the spear.
We as a people may not be ready to take up his offer, that is a fact and no one can really know one way or the other how this will turn out. There is definitely a sound base of people ready, but if there is really enough to create a spear for change can only be told by time. There is no guarantee he can nor any he can't, because its up to the people themselves if they are ready to take up the fight or not. The fact he has been impressed with his initial reception is a good sign that it won't die before it even begins, but says nothing about achieving threshhold needed for critical mass.
That all said I would consider myself the greatest fool to not at least take a shot when such a rare opportunity is offered. I see almost no chance in harm for this because Bernie is good for the party win or lose, hes being a strong Dem in places that rarely get a chance to see one. There is almost no chance he can screw the party because Hillary is by far the strongest other candidate of either party and he will either get his people's spear of change and blow right by her, or he just won't but he will leave positive traces for the party all over the map.
So here we all are presented with this opportunity and its really up to us if we wish to take advantage of it or not. There is already a core of us willing to give it the best possible chance its got, because to just let it pass by without giving it a fair shake would be such a waste. There is nothing particularly zealous about it, other than giving something the very best you can give it while you have a chance to.
Every American will have to ask themselves this same question: Are you ready and willing to fight for the systematic change you know this country needs? Some will say yes and some will say no and where it takes us nobody knows.
But you have to honestly ask yourself this question because the opportunity is here and it doesn't come often and there is only so much time to decide before everything goes back to normal.
Are you ready to fight for the change you know we so desperately need?
Are you?