I realize Facebook is not a scientifically controlled microcosm of the real world. Unlike the real world, which is made up of diverse, often oppositional elements mixed in with all our familial/friend solidarities, the Facebook world is typically less eclectic. We tend to build our “circles” with people who think similarly, share similar tastes, follow similar threads, with, perhaps, a smattering of contrariness here and there. Even I, who has a public page, find the bulk of my Facebook circle to be largely of like-mind. (Though I certainly get my share of random haters!)
Then Election 2016 happened and I discovered that not only does my circle include a few libertarians, Tea Partiers and right-wingers, but there’s a solid contingent of hard-lefties, uber “progressives” and extremist liberals. And I am none of those, on either end of the spectrum. I’m a registered Democrat who falls ever-so-slightly left of center and who believes being a centrist, a moderate, is a good thing. That assessment is based on years (I’m moderately old) of being around extremists from both sides of the aisle and finding extremism to be, well, extreme; often close-minded, tunnel-visioned, self-focused and largely uncompromising. And while being uncompromising is good when it comes to morality, integrity, and honor, it is less so when working amongst people with diverse interests, learning to collaborate, listen, and consider the needs and realities of many different views. Which is certainly the assignment of any politician, particularly the president of the United States.
So given my stated political status, as well as the aforementioned “stew” that is my Facebook circle, you would not be surprised to learn that I hear a lot of chatter, view a lot of posts and witness a lot of political haranguing that is not of my ilk, not my perspective, not my “think.” I don’t mind — I think it’s important we stay aware of what’s going on in other corners of the world/country; equally important that we don’t spend all our time preaching to the choir. But while I find political solidarity with most/all memes, jokes, concerns, expressions of horror related to the Republican ticket, I am less in-line with what I see most in my newsfeed on the Dem side: the #FeeltheBern-ers. I’ve gotten so I cringe when I see that hashtag. Which got me to wondering why.
As I’ve always maintained, I like Bernie. I think he’s a passionate, well-meaning guy who’s been deeply involved in issues that resonate with a lot of people. They resonate with me. But they’re not all that resonates with me. There’s much that he pays little attention to, or has a different opinion about, that is also important to me. So he’s not my guy for president. Because I believe being the president of this country, particularly at this time in our history, requires talents, skills, experiences, nuances, personality traits and worldviews that are not necessarily in his wheelhouse. They are in the wheelhouse of Hillary Clinton. Which is why she’s my guy.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lorraine-devon-wilke/why-clinton-supporters-ne_b_9554372.html
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