Bernie started this fight for justice in the early 1960s at the University of Chicago. I was there then too and I also began my parallel fight without knowing Bernie. Our paths converged much later but we both have been consistent in our fight for justice. We both have been involved in elections and the workings of the Democratic party without buying the two party system that the oligarchical system uses to control us.
Tonight’s primary has Clinton supporters rejoicing. The oligarchy must also be very happy for their system is delivering once again. Don’t be fooled. Bernie must be thinking some of the same thoughts I am going to express here.
Bernie has mad it all too clear that the only reason he is participating in the election is to build a political revolution. He has never even come close to identifying the revolution’s fate with the outcome of the election. He has entered the game and has played by the rules. He is not a spoiler and has no illusions about what our electoral system does to people. His message is consistent and clear.
If you read his book his attitude toward wining and losing election battles is quite clear. They serve as an opportunity to get a message out that transcends the electoral system that has crippled democracy in this country.
His courage in taking on the system by running for president comes from the long history of public service he has had. He has had to make hard decisions and surprised himself with the many successes he has had in the system.
He has won and lost elections. Those outcomes have had the effect on him they would on any decent human being but they have not distracted him from the goal of his struggle.
I have to feel sorry for those who are so caught up in this oppressive system that it consumes them and blinds them to the broader picture.
Tonight was just another battle. All the crystal ball gazing in the world merely distracts from the deeper meaning of what is going on. Of course, if that were not so we would not be where we are now.
My approach to politics has always been to try to stand in the other person’s shoes. During the Vietnam War, for example, it allowed me to win debates and to become a movement leader. Today I still feel the advantage as I read what people are writing about tonight’s primary.
Bernie is but one person. If our cause were so shallow as to depend on him alone it would not be worth a moment’s time. I feel good about what Bernie is doing and I feel good about my own smaller contributions.
It is up to each one of us to try to understand this situation and to stop buying the frames and memes the establishment wants us to believe in.
This is especially hard when one is caught up in the elections turmoil. That is one big purpose the elections serve and it props up the system quite well.
Meanwhile we will fight on and try to get others to see what role they are playing in the bigger picture as this thing unfolds.
Meanwhile try to feel the Bern even if you are for the electoral game and even if you will be supporting Clinton. Life will go on beyond November and its outcome. The planet will still be in trouble and injustices of all kinds will be growing. It does not end there.