2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: I'm not a NEW DEMOCRAT-are you? Some history about the NEW DEMOCRATS is needed. [View all]ChiciB1
(15,435 posts)Actually, I think overlooked your Graham's comment because I only brought him up because of what I remember about him. My husband and I have lived here since the 70's (revealing my age LOL) and HE was born in Tampa which makes him a native of FL. Some ARE left anyway. Only reference THAT because it verifies just how long I've been in the trenches as an activist and have lots of memories about MANY politicians.
MY HOW FLORIDA HAS CHANGED! Not that it was ever a bastion of liberalism in the way that I am, but I recall times when I wrote to BOB Graham and he always replied and tried to explain the reasons why he voted for certain legislation. One of my pet peeves way, way back was WHY did we send so much money to Israel because by the 80's they certainly had established themselves and had become very able top defend themselves from the Palestinians by that time. Regardless of what upheaval there is between them in that region. Now, under Netanyahu my feelings about how he runs the country has upset me quite a bit. He's quite the WAR HAWK, but this this issue isn't why I'm replying.
Back to the subject at hand and how I've seen the evolution of the Democratic Party of today and what's it's become is very DISTRESSING to say the least. I understand that we always must accept changes in society and remember the struggles of the past and how "we the people" had to stand up and fight for out rights. Women and people pop color couldn't vote, abortion was a back alley way of life, civil rights was a horrible fight that's NEVER gone away... and so many more issues that need not be listed.
But, it was THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY who I felt was more open to the rights and causes of the ordinary person. This has changed dramatically for me now and it's THIS election that has shined a very BRIGHT NEON light on what it's become. What's more, it's now seems THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY I knew has become one that has astounded me because it seems they would rather WE SHUT UP AND SIT DOWN and do as they want!
In no way is Bernie Sanders who they've made him out to be. They've done a DAMN GOOD job and have gone out of their way to make him seem like some ridiculous radical mad scientist and have completely ignored how very much he's always aligned himself with Democrats and fought for our issues from WAY back.
I can recall the time when BARNEY FRANK was a pariah and the likes of Paul Wellstone were viewed as radicals. No one will ever know the "truth" about the air plane crash, which actually happened on my birthday.
This Democratic Party even turned against those like Russ Feingold. A time when Barbara Boxer & Nancy Pelosi were those we chose to help fight The Democratic fight. Patrick Leahy always seemed to speak out loudly and who can ever forget Robert Byrd? These are just a few of the names who at one time would have EAGERLY embraced "a Bernie Sanders" and saw him as one to restore rights that so many of us have lost. Bernie Sanders is in fact less radical than Barney Frank once was!
Demographically I'M supposed to be a true Hillary supporter, a white older woman! Ain't no way! I wonder how many here know that Gloria Steinem was very much against Hillary Clinton?
I've been tempted many times to ask the age of these rabid Hillary supporters but have decided it doesn't matter anymore, just as TRUTH and FACTS no longer seem to matter. OKAY, I've ranted on for way too long, might have something to do with the fact that I won't feel comfortable doing so after tomorrow.
I'll still stand and fight the fight of "WE THE PEOPLE" as I always have... Bernie has rejuvenated so many of us who thought we would NEVER see any Senator fight for us again like he has. So I leave you with this...
AND also...
just some feelings that linger on.