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I
believe that I am, perhaps, one of the few old “Black Guys”
– emphasis on the old - who, from day one, was, and continues
to be, an unapologetic supporter of Bernie Sanders and his vision for
America and humanity.
Unbelievable
but true! Yes, I have been consistent and persistent in my conviction
that political, economic, cultural and social transformation can and
will occur in America if only we stay strong. Yes we can! When? “Ay!
That is the rub of it!” I remember that once Dr. King was asked
“ How long?” he responded, “Not long!” and
nodded his head.
In
1964, writing for the New York Amsterdam News, and supporting George
McGovern’s candidacy, I said. “McGovern is America’s
Last Chance.” Unfortunately, history tells us, in the words of
Muhammad Ali, McGovern was “whupped”. Sadly, the only
State McGovern won was Massachusetts.
Yes,
I have been consistent and persistent. To be “au currant”
in my commitment to struggle, I have argued that had the primary
contest been fair – meaning, that had the media, pundits,
pecuniary self interested politicians AND the Democratic Party’s
Establishment – remained neutral or AT LEAST OBJECTIVE; Bernie
would have beaten Hillary! Can you imagine? The former Co-Chair of
Hillary Clinton’s prior presidential bid, serving as Chair of
the DNC. Fair you say? O.K. There is a bridge for sale in Brooklyn.
We are where now?
Hillary,
thanks to the prospective convention votes of the Super Delegates, -
supposedly already allotted prior to California - is mathematically
assured of the nomination. True, Yogi Berra told the world “It
ain’t over till its over” and yes, GOLDEN STATE defeated
OKLAHOMA, but, seemingly, the writing is on the wall.
Like
many, I continue to cling to Tug McGraw’s exhortation “You
gotta believe!“. We are hoping that Bernie wins California and
marches to the convention with the momentum of the WIN as wind at his
back propelling towards the sagging sails of Hillary’s
California defeat.
Granted,
he, more than likely, will not be the presidential candidate many of
us desire; but, for an army of change seekers, he will be the
standard bearer who comprise a huge number of Americans. Thus, I
offer “THIS IMMODEST SUGGESTED PROPOSAL TO BERNIE”:
Do
not dismantle your base.
Instead,
transform it, as in England, into a loyal opposition to the
traditional Democratic party’s establishment - within and
outside of the party’s political machinery.
Work
closely with its leadership. however, in policies and finance,
continue to be functionally and fearlessly independent by
steadfastly supporting candidates in federal, state and local
elections who will fight for the ideals and policies which were the
kernel of the campaign.
The
movement should not, directly or indirectly, become a “party
within a party”. Neither should you, in any form or fashion,
be viewed as a “co-president”. There no such thing in
our constitution. Rather, the movement you consolidate and expand
must retain it’s activist passion and it’s viability to
challenge the status quo, as such. Resist the temptation of a vice
presidency. It’s a trap. So too, but less ominous, is the
platform committee. it could be tantamount to being “bait and
switch”. An independent and organizationally mired Bernie
Sanders can be a more powerful and moral champion and challenger
for change while keeping the president on course.
Above
all, keep the faith. A people united will never be defeated!
These
are but five personal suggestions to take after California –
whether you/we win or loose. “We have come long way baby.”
As was often said in the sixties … “straight ahead.”
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