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davidthegnome

(2,983 posts)
123. What would you suggest?
Sun Jun 12, 2016, 08:43 AM
Jun 2016

As far as moving forward goes, I mean? The facts are pretty simple. Clinton won the majority of pledged delegates - and a great majority of super delegates. She won the popular vote by millions. The people of America - and of the democratic party, have made their decision. While Sanders has not yet conceded, Clinton's nomination isn't in question at this point. The hints of rebellion... a contested convention, flipping super delegates and various other ideas... seems to me to actually go against the will of the people who voted, who got involved, who got out there and let their voices be heard. Many chose Sanders - more chose Clinton.

That does not mean that the Progressive Movement is defeated - Sanders was, but he wasn't the movement by himself. It doesn't mean we have to shut up and sit down, but it does mean that we will have to shift tactics somewhat, if we want to keep going.

There are no easy decisions here. I've got my doubts about Clinton, the democratic establishment and so on - but we do have to acknowledge the reality that she has secured the nomination. If it had been done by super delegates alone... that would have been another matter. If she had lost the popular vote, that might be another matter. If she was behind in pledged delegates, again, another matter. She won all three... handily.

I would humbly suggest, that we not only get behind Clinton - but keep burning the fire that Sanders helped start. For there are other realities, too. There are millions of people in this Country who are progressive, at least in principle - and want... and need, the changes that Sanders spoke of. Rather than jumping ship and voting third party, or actively working against the establishment... we need to make the establishment represent us. There are various ways we can do this, our votes for other progressive candidates will help. Our support for Clinton when she does promote and attempt to accomplish progressive policy will help. Our condemnation of corrupt politics, dirty money, conservative policies and so on... will help.

What will help more than anything else right now though, is defeating Donald Trump in the general. Clinton can do this - but she can't do it without us. A third party candidate... - cannot do this -. Not now, not with the current situation in this Country, not running against Clinton and Trump both. Something very similar happened here in Maine's last gubernatorial election - many progressives, independents, more liberal democrats and others... who were not excited about a much more moderate, somewhat conservative democrat like Mike Michaud, instead voted for the independent, Elliot Cutler... not just in the last gubernatorial election - but in the last two. The result? Meet Governor Paul LePage, austerity, the weakening and destruction of social programs, funding cuts, education cuts, bigotry... and so much worse. This is one of the most despicable, most hated politicians in America - and he won two elections because democrats and progressives could not unite and organize against him.

We don't have to completely agree with, or even like everyone we vote for. At times, however, there are choices to be made... for the greater good of us all. It's no joke, ladies and gentlemen... if Trump wins this election, we are going to suffer for it. America and the world will suffer for it. This goes beyond pride, beyond even principle. When it comes down to it, the choice really ought to be clear. We are caught between a candidate many progressives do not like or trust - and a man who, just about all of us are convinced... would be an absolute nightmare for our Country and the world.

We cannot lose this one - and by we, I mean the people of America who give a damn, who care, who pay any attention at all. A republican house and senate... maintained, under a President Trump. Imagine that, if you will. More wars? Oh yes, we will see more of that. Tax cuts for the rich, cuts to, perhaps even the elimination of social programs. Invasion of privacy? Expect it to become more severe. Hateful, bigoted rhetoric coming from the highest office in the Country. A commander in Chief with his hand near the nuclear button... who has no foreign policy experience, no military experience... a bad temper, and a horde of angry, militant supporters.

No, this isn't the time to sit down and shut up. This is the time to do what we must, for all the right reasons. We can hold Clinton's feet to the fire, we can keep this progressive movement going, we can keep that fire burning. Not only can we - but we must. The defeat of Sanders does not mean we are finished - far from it, this thing is only getting started...

However, if we want to have the chance, in the future, to help create the government we dream of, we need to maintain, at the very least, some level of security, of normal relations. We need to provide a constant check against the right wing, even if at times that means working with politicians who don't excite us. Are we going to let someone like Trump dismantle the EPA? Among all of the other really awful ideas he has... that one, at a time when humanity faces an extinction level event in it's near future... due to environmental issues...

It's insane. There is only one choice to make here going forward. I have made it for myself - and I invite you all to join me. I will be supporting Hillary Clinton in the general - because there is no other choice. No, don't sit down and shut up - speak up, about everything you believe in. Challenge power and authority when it is wrong at every opportunity. Demand accountability, march in the streets... but do not shoot yourself in the foot.

Just my ten cents.

You said it Ned_Devine Jun 2016 #1
+1! tecelote Jun 2016 #2
They're Building A Wall Around The Convention Center billhicks76 Jun 2016 #85
+2 840high Jun 2016 #23
+ 3 scottie55 Jun 2016 #25
+4 Duval Jun 2016 #45
+ 5. Betty Karlson Jun 2016 #51
+6 KPN Jun 2016 #65
+7 lakeguy Jun 2016 #81
plus google roguevalley Jun 2016 #106
Exactly what is happening as the RW regime is further entrenched. n/t RKP5637 Jun 2016 #103
Yep! The USA is A #1 at installing leaders and not just abroad. Phlem Jun 2016 #3
So Very True... AND It Seems So Many Here Even Want This! ChiciB1 Jun 2016 #4
Bingo +1 SmittynMo Jun 2016 #16
whyyyyyyy do so many on this board support to the bone AntiBank Jun 2016 #36
Because now it is OUR candidate and they have a "D" after their name n/t Wisc Progressive Jun 2016 #41
It's Authoritarian Adulation. The desire to stand with the biggest bully. rhett o rick Jun 2016 #68
Bingo... zeemike Jun 2016 #89
isn't that supposed to be a right wing thing? AntiBank Jun 2016 #105
I believe it goes hand in hand with conservatism although I could see it in the rhett o rick Jun 2016 #113
if that was the case, they'd all be for TRUMP Skittles Jun 2016 #118
Not necessarily. For some reason they've rationalized that if you have a "D" behind your name rhett o rick Jun 2016 #119
not everyone FELT THE BERN Skittles Jun 2016 #132
How very authoritarian for you to demand such, and in all caps. rhett o rick Jun 2016 #133
ENOUGH ALREADY Skittles Jun 2016 #134
Oh my! Forever? Well I hope you find happiness as the banksters rob us blind. rhett o rick Jun 2016 #135
Yeah, me, too nikto Jun 2016 #99
K zentrum Jun 2016 #5
Aaaaaaa, roger....fuck that! Over. Magoo48 Jun 2016 #6
Fuck that is right. Time to call this place "DE" not "DU". dinkytron Jun 2016 #7
sadly, you are correct. n/t indivisibleman Jun 2016 #11
Oh my God, leave. Go vote Trump and straight Republican if that's what you want so badly ashtonelijah Jun 2016 #112
wow, such anger, such compassion, and missed the whole point... Matt_R Jun 2016 #136
+1 Zen Democrat Jun 2016 #8
It's all about money and power. Wellstone ruled Jun 2016 #9
"Lifting the Veil". Must watch film. Fuddnik Jun 2016 #10
I'm going to watch that tonight. Thanks Teamster Jeff Jun 2016 #13
Thank you, watching it now passiveporcupine Jun 2016 #22
AMEN swhisper1 Jun 2016 #111
Thank you. eom PufPuf23 Jun 2016 #58
Bernie needs to run with Jill in the Green. I really want to swear. kpola12 Jun 2016 #88
Thanks for recommendation. cui bono Jun 2016 #90
Thank you! ReRe Jun 2016 #93
We can see even Wall St. watch dogs have their price as well. Jackilope Jun 2016 #12
I don't think that the sleeping giant is fully awake yet stupidicus Jun 2016 #14
True!!! raindaddy Jun 2016 #15
That's why I won't shut up. WHEN CRABS ROAR Jun 2016 #80
But Trump is bad, mmmkay? mindwalker_i Jun 2016 #17
oooh, boogeyman! ellennelle Jun 2016 #33
You must have misread that post Trajan Jun 2016 #50
Man, I thought the Mr. Mackey reference would give it away at least :) mindwalker_i Jun 2016 #75
The (TM) gave it away too. nt GoneFishin Jun 2016 #108
Mindwalker is mocking those who would tell you to do such a thing. Beartracks Jun 2016 #77
I've basically been thinking and feeling the same thing lunatica Jun 2016 #18
Well said. appalachiablue Jun 2016 #42
+1!!! I agree, I'm 52 and tired of the corruption! Dustlawyer Jun 2016 #44
I'm your twin brother Hulk Jun 2016 #46
Hear! Hear! ReRe Jun 2016 #78
62 year old Bernista here. roody Jun 2016 #84
"there was no such thing as beggars in the street in this country. Now they're everywhere. " GoneFishin Jun 2016 #109
Yep. I'm 64 and fed up LiberalEsto Jun 2016 #129
I'm 62 and have had this same experience Ligyron Jun 2016 #130
There is talk of a mass walk out at the Convention. I would jwirr Jun 2016 #19
The problem is if there is a mass walk-out, those left would then have free reign do as they pleased -none Jun 2016 #24
Yes, that is the problem. But they are not just trying to take jwirr Jun 2016 #26
They may be in power, but the National Convention is a high profile event. -none Jun 2016 #35
We will see. Remember DWS is still in control. jwirr Jun 2016 #39
she has got to fucking go! who would you suggest as a replacement? AntiBank Jun 2016 #47
Well the man I am about to suggest is not going to get it jwirr Jun 2016 #48
Joe Biden n/t Fritz Walter Jun 2016 #57
You have got to be joking. Biden is headlining a fundraiser this weekend for DWS! AntiBank Jun 2016 #59
Not joking. Unaware. Fritz Walter Jun 2016 #61
Warren would be too combative (a good thing for Senate, not good for the linking up of networks to AntiBank Jun 2016 #107
I'll do it. pangaia Jun 2016 #104
I doubt that staying will prevent them from doing what they want anywayz. rhett o rick Jun 2016 #69
If they stay, they can document and make a lot of noise about the unfairness of the procedures. -none Jun 2016 #74
A-frikkin'-MEN!!! ellennelle Jun 2016 #20
And don't forget segregation felix_numinous Jun 2016 #21
Don't Ever Let The Needs Of The Citizens scottie55 Jun 2016 #27
Sad thing for us they do wallyworld2 Jun 2016 #34
K/R Jack Rabbit Jun 2016 #28
Amen! McKim Jun 2016 #100
Clinton can't afford to write off the votes of an entire generation Warpy Jun 2016 #29
I'm with you on your analysis SmittynMo Jun 2016 #32
She is counting on our fear of Trump. zeemike Jun 2016 #91
That's not enough and we all know it Warpy Jun 2016 #95
There are a variety of reasons for people voting for Trump zeemike Jun 2016 #97
This should be in GD in order to watch heads explode. GoneOffShore Jun 2016 #30
exactly wallyworld2 Jun 2016 #31
it is absurd to expect the dem party to go left while certainot Jun 2016 #37
Very well and succinctly put! Nt Land Shark Jun 2016 #38
Yep libodem Jun 2016 #40
Feel free to exercise your right to the alternatives skepticscott Jun 2016 #43
Post removed Post removed Jun 2016 #49
10 - 20 years? Fritz Walter Jun 2016 #60
Oh, global warming is a lost cause for sure skepticscott Jun 2016 #121
How precious that you assume people on DU are not doing anything in their real lives. cui bono Jun 2016 #92
If they are doing what I mentioned, good for them skepticscott Jun 2016 #120
Thank you. Boomer Jun 2016 #122
I keep asking and have ever gotten an answer. tonyt53 Jun 2016 #52
The best way for you to get it is to look at Democratic Socialist countries lunatica Jun 2016 #62
Denmark? Don't you mean Venezuela ? reACTIONary Jun 2016 #115
Yep, that's their plan ... ain't going to work... modestybl Jun 2016 #53
Feel free to vote for Trump or not vote leftofcool Jun 2016 #54
You left out "write in Bernie", but then you did cover it under "vote for Trump" it is the same as. tonyt53 Jun 2016 #55
Is Bernie registered as a write-in candidate in your state? JohnnyRingo Jun 2016 #117
You sound like you're still afraid of Bernie Sanders lunatica Jun 2016 #63
Never was, never will be. Bernie will be forever a follower. He is good at it. tonyt53 Jun 2016 #76
Why do you think it's necessary to tell us we can do what we want? What are you even doing rhett o rick Jun 2016 #86
Really? We have your permission to act like normal adults and exercise our right to vote cui bono Jun 2016 #94
From lifelong Democrat to NPA? Fritz Walter Jun 2016 #56
A long time, yes, but it has not always been the OVERT goal HereSince1628 Jun 2016 #64
The powers that be awoke_in_2003 Jun 2016 #82
Actually, I was talking about '68 HereSince1628 Jun 2016 #83
The Democratic Party is more focused on celebrity personalities than it has ever been before. MadDAsHell Jun 2016 #66
I will no longer help enable this neoliberal crap. I'm done. Arugula Latte Jun 2016 #67
I hear you but the best way to fight them is from within the Party. rhett o rick Jun 2016 #70
Agree. hay rick Jun 2016 #98
LOL. I think we need to do both actually. Support groups like moveon, DFA, PDA but fight withing rhett o rick Jun 2016 #114
You are not alone. n/t Paper Roses Jun 2016 #71
K&R Paper Roses Jun 2016 #72
Absofuckinglutely! ananda Jun 2016 #73
A cold chill of Authoritarian wind just climbed up my spine MasonDreams Jun 2016 #79
democrats sold their dole to wall street for survival during the reagan rev. need offense now. pansypoo53219 Jun 2016 #87
Democracy Undermined. mia Jun 2016 #96
An unmanaged decline might put them out of business. Managed decline just eats us up. leveymg Jun 2016 #101
It's time to separate and move forward. The democratic party left us. n/t RKP5637 Jun 2016 #102
Kicked and recommended. Uncle Joe Jun 2016 #110
The 'TRADE SECRET' voting machines are the FINAL demoralization method. Peace Patriot Jun 2016 #116
What would you suggest? davidthegnome Jun 2016 #123
+100 Very well put skepticscott Jun 2016 #124
It's not an easy thing. davidthegnome Jun 2016 #125
Frankly, I would much rather live in a country skepticscott Jun 2016 #126
It's not just the Democratic Establishment Dyedinthewoolliberal Jun 2016 #127
Think first Dogberry57 Jun 2016 #128
Agreed. Eleanors38 Jun 2016 #131
Indeed. Bubzer Jun 2016 #137
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