So Bernie Sanders said he is in favor of voting rights for “even the Boston marathon bomber.. or rapists.” As your average progressive/liberal who was open to a Sanders candidacy, I find myself really, really jolted by this. In 2013, I ran the Boston marathon. I ran slower than I or my family anticipated. I was just into the finishing area when the bombs went off. I heard them, saw them, smelled them. The moment is indelibly imprinted in my mind. My family (husband & two children) were to be in the finishing area waiting for me. Where were they? Were they OK? Once I was able to get my gear (and my phone), I tried to call to no avail. Cell calls were not going through. I have PTSD from that moment. Fortunately, the T was slow, and they were stuck on it, not having made their way to the finish.
No, I do not think the bombers have a right to vote. I also do not think convicted rapists should have the right to vote. My sister was raped. No. Crucify me if you want. These are crimes against humanity. I am forever grateful to the kind woman, whose name I do not know -- I was a mess, and didn’t/couldn’t ask — who nevertheless persisted. She gave up her afternoon to help a stranger, distraught and confused. She found a way to walk me way around the route/scene into Cambridge and made sure I eventually found my family.
If you favor Sanders’ view, help me to understand. This moment is painful to relive.