2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Bernie Supporters - Please read my post [View all]hedda_foil
(16,375 posts)I've been working, both mentally and emotionally, on putting myself into the shoes of African-American mothers, daughters, sisters, friends experiencing even a fraction of the horrors that continue to be inflicted on them and their sons, fathers and brothers every single damn day.
It's hard to do because the level of fear and anger it awakens in me is terrifying, and the guilt I feel for being unaware for so many years is hard as well. But this year. I've finally started watching what has been going on ... the social injustice as well as the economic ... and it's beginning to sink in to my consciousness.
More than anything I've seen or read, though, your OP has helped me to see what you are seeing and experiencing. Of COURSE PoC feel the way you describe, and of course the deep connection to President Obama is something that cannot and should not be attacked. And of course, again, there's a greater degree of trust in the Clintons than in Bernie. They are known quantities, and they have publicly acknowledged some of their most grievous actions during Bill's administration.
Your posts in this thread have made me realize how essential it is for white progressives to work within this reality if we really want Bernie to win. All the great work he has done for civil, social and economic causes can't be used as a wedge to garner the support of BLM activists (and Hilary supporters), with unti they recognize that he might be a closer political match than she is. That has never, ever, ever changed anyone's mind about anything. That's why Bernie never does it, so if we want support from our African-American allies, we must listen, respect and understand what I they say and feel. And we need to help people, like bravenak, who are potential ambassadors to their communities.
Finally, could someone please send a link to this thread to Thom Hartmann? I think he'd read the OP on the air and talk to Bernie about it.