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H2O Man

(75,210 posts)
Wed Mar 30, 2016, 09:25 PM Mar 2016

Primary Blues Changes

The primaries for each of the “major” political parties continue to reflect the rising tensions in American society. Let’s take a brief look at the republicans’ situation. Kasich is staying in, attempting to deny Donald Trump the needed delegates to win outright. The republican machine may try to keep the nomination from going to Trump. It’s rumored that they are preparing an emergency case for the US Supreme Court to purchase a favorable outcome.(Okay, I started the rumor.)

If he is in the lead, and the republican establishment actively seeks to nominate anyone else, that convention will go out of control. More, a segment of Trump’s supporters will react aggressively away from the convention. For this campaign has reinforced their sense of entitlement to speak and act aggressively.

In the Democratic Party, both the Bernie and the Hillary supports are increasingly confident that their candidate will be the party’s nominee. While the passions may tend to hinder most people’s views, it can be interesting to sit back from time to time, and to recognize what a historic primary season we are experiencing. Both sides should appreciate this, as a clear indicator of just how important it is to so many people.

Because people understand that the outcome of this year’s presidential election will decide what direction the US will try to move in. By the “US,” I include the government, corporations, and citizens. Obviously, “government” -- from local to federal -- has a relationship with corporations that poses a threat to our constitutional democracy. It’s urgent that we elect a president who at very least attempts to find balance between people and profits.

A combination of our personal experiences, and our individual perceptions of where we are today, and where we can be, equals why we support either Bernie or Hillary. This includes our opinions on what type of US Supreme Court Justices each might nominate, if elected president. It’s safe to say the court will likely consider cases involving everything from abortion, to the environment, to domestic spying, to the right to vote, and to our ability to exercise our Amendment 1 rights.

Those differences in experience and perception -- which directly influence our individual and community value systems -- can lead to the fracturing of political alliances. We can actually see this within various protozoan types, including amoebas, ciliates, flagellates, and the republican party.

Yet it need not happen, on a destructive path, within the Democratic Party. There are going to be shifts in the balance of power within the party, for sure. Right now, we know that our party could grow in “people strength” -- including registered voters and grass roots activists -- and “motivated citizens” are why elections are won and lost.

The combination of the republican and Democratic Party’s 2016 primaries have raised issues that rarely, if ever, were covered in the media. That has increased the intensity in the debates between candidates, and the discussions and arguments at the grass roots. And that is definitely going to impact the balance of powers in both parties. It’s a never-ending process in American politics. And, especially since the 1980 election of Ronald Reagan, it has been defined by the inequality between the 1% and the 99%. Our experiences, perceptions, and values tend to be remarkably distinct from the opulent “elite” folks.

A heck of a lot of “average” Americans, across this country, are currently more aware that the 1% elite have declared economic, social, and political warfare upon the masses. That doesn’t mean they all have a healthy grasp on things -- a lot of them are convinced that billionaire Donald Trump is their savior. That’s really sad, when you think about it.

I am 100% certain -- based upon my experiences, perceptions, and values -- that Bernie Sanders is the best hope for the future. I think he is our party’s best bet for November, by far. I think he would continue to value people over profits, as he has throughout his adult life. I think he would nominate individuals to the Supreme Court that would recognize that our Constitution is intended to provide for human beings, rather than corporations. And I am convinced that his presidency would motivate the younger generation to remain an active participant in the social-political life of their communities, states, and country -- much in the manner that President John F. Kennedy began to do in 1960.

Peace,
H2O Man

36 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Primary Blues Changes (Original Post) H2O Man Mar 2016 OP
K&R.... AuntPatsy Mar 2016 #1
Thank you, H2O Man Mar 2016 #13
K&R...again! shraby Mar 2016 #2
Thanks! H2O Man Mar 2016 #14
I think we are facing a powerful point of decision in our country's history Hydra Mar 2016 #3
I agree. H2O Man Mar 2016 #15
Very well written. The Wealthy 1% have been waging war on the 99% for decades and rhett o rick Mar 2016 #4
Thanks, Buddy! H2O Man Mar 2016 #16
I like that as a motto. nm rhett o rick Mar 2016 #25
Few things make me cringe anymore hootinholler Mar 2016 #5
The comparison that H2O Man Mar 2016 #17
good word....good word....good word kgnu_fan Mar 2016 #6
Thanks. H2O Man Mar 2016 #18
Thank you very much again for your interesting OPs. sadoldgirl Mar 2016 #7
Thank you. H2O Man Mar 2016 #19
This is going to continue being exciting. Gregorian Mar 2016 #8
Interesting. H2O Man Mar 2016 #20
Obviously, “government”...has a relationship with corporations that poses a threat to our democracy" antigop Mar 2016 #9
I agree. H2O Man Mar 2016 #21
Kicked and recommended. Uncle Joe Mar 2016 #10
Thanks, Uncle Joe! H2O Man Mar 2016 #22
Thank you for that. beam me up scottie Mar 2016 #11
Thank you. H2O Man Mar 2016 #23
Great, but now what do we do if you are wrong about that rumor? Major Hogwash Mar 2016 #12
Very well said! H2O Man Mar 2016 #24
You say the fracturing of the party need not be destructive... auntpurl Mar 2016 #26
Thank you! H2O Man Mar 2016 #27
GDP is mostly awful. auntpurl Mar 2016 #28
We tend to agree H2O Man Mar 2016 #31
Kick and recommend. You made a very AikidoSoul Mar 2016 #29
Yes. H2O Man Mar 2016 #30
zreee! zreee! Agony Mar 2016 #32
Very good! H2O Man Mar 2016 #34
k & r nt antigop Mar 2016 #33
Thanks! H2O Man Mar 2016 #35
no, THANK YOU!!! nt antigop Mar 2016 #36

Hydra

(14,459 posts)
3. I think we are facing a powerful point of decision in our country's history
Wed Mar 30, 2016, 09:40 PM
Mar 2016

Last edited Thu Mar 31, 2016, 08:54 PM - Edit history (2)

Will we continue to be to country of "Profit" or the country of People? Can we outgrow the need for the abusive older system that fails us, or do we continue in the path that was carved out during the Reagan Revolution, where a person's worth is not based on his contribution to society, but what they are able to take from it?

The answer is coming.

H2O Man

(75,210 posts)
15. I agree.
Thu Mar 31, 2016, 09:46 AM
Mar 2016

When a person is placed within a hostile system -- say, for example, they are incarcerated in a corporation -- they will usually follow a pattern of behavior. It begins by withdrawing, to whatever extent possible, and accessing the system around them. To identify both “high risk” and “safety zones.” They seek to maintain their individual identity, as opposed to becoming part of that system.

In time, they adjust their perception of the system, along with their behaviors. They begin to relax the boundaries that they had set up. They begin to compromise with that system, in order to make minor advances in their personal comfort level. They begin to justify dealing with the system on the “system’s terms.” Thus, they become part of that system.

When Reagan took office in 1981, there were conservative Democrats who had voted for him over Carter. There were moderates who believed the Gipper had a mandate, and that it was proper to allow his administration to institute Reagonomics. There were liberals who recognized that Reagan was more dangerous than Nixon, and who were intent upon resisting the “Reagan revolution.” And there were progressives, determined to do battle with the beast, no matter what the odds appeared to be.

The conservative and moderates would form a “new” wing of the Democratic Party, which resembled the republican moderates. In the 1990s, of course, Bill Clinton represented this group. As liberals began to adjust to this new system, it would come to define their perceptions. Hence, today we see the conservative, moderate, and much of the liberal wing of the Democratic Party supporting the candidate that champions that system.

Yet, the progressive Democrats -- along with some liberals -- recognize Bernie Sanders as representing the long struggle against the injustices of the Reagan movement. Their support for Bernie is based upon the principles that they have fought for, for many decades. And they know -- exactly as you have stated -- that the 2016 elections provide us not merely the opportunity to pick which warden will run the system …..but rather, it provides a candidate who advocates for the freedoms that our government is supposed to represent.

 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
4. Very well written. The Wealthy 1% have been waging war on the 99% for decades and
Wed Mar 30, 2016, 09:42 PM
Mar 2016

we need change. Clinton has told those that paid her enough for a huge personal fortune that she will support more of the same greed and looting of the lower classes.

Anonymous please leak her transcripts and see what she really thinks of us peons.

H2O Man

(75,210 posts)
16. Thanks, Buddy!
Thu Mar 31, 2016, 09:54 AM
Mar 2016

In my opinion, we have a choice between a sparkling, clean glass of water, and one contaminated by hydro-fracturing for gas.

hootinholler

(26,449 posts)
5. Few things make me cringe anymore
Wed Mar 30, 2016, 09:51 PM
Mar 2016

But comparing Bernie to JFK or Martin is like nails on a chalkboard for some reason.

Another cogent and compelling essay, my friend.

H2O Man

(75,210 posts)
17. The comparison that
Thu Mar 31, 2016, 10:06 AM
Mar 2016

I made isn't between JFK and Sanders; to interpret it that way prevents one from understanding the important point: young adults were energized by President Kennedy in the early 1960s, much as young adults are energized by Bernie Sanders. It is those young people -- and their role in our society -- that I am focused upon.

Before the Kennedy presidency, young adults were viewed as focusing all of their energies on activities such as seeing how many college students could fit into a telephone booth, and the infamous campus "pantie raids." During the Kennedy years, sincere young adults joined the Peace Corps, produced the Port Huron Statement, and joined the struggle for civil rights.

Today, there is a conscious attempt by the establishment to portray young adults as focused primarily on attempting to fit as many meaningless messages onto their cell phones as possible. Only the Sanders's campaign recognizes the strength and dignity of the younger generation. With the exception of the "Clean for Gene" episode in early 1968, we haven't seen this level of respect for, and cooperation between, different generations n the context of a presidential election in far too long.

sadoldgirl

(3,431 posts)
7. Thank you very much again for your interesting OPs.
Wed Mar 30, 2016, 10:05 PM
Mar 2016

First, I hope the trial about your cousin goes in the right
direction. Sometimes justice will come through.

I disagree with you about Trump though.
We know he is a liar as well as a narcissist,
but he is not stupid.

He does not really want the job, but he wanted to
show his power of manipulation. He did not count
on the idiocy, which has overtaken the repug party.
He will not be the nominee, but will quietly enjoy
that he has started to destroy that party, not for
ideological reasons,mind you.

I still believe that that party will try to use any
shenanigans to give the top spot to Kasich, because
he would have the best chance in November, and
he is able to sound "reasonable".

Certainly, I agree that Bernie would be the best
choice, and I will try to contribute to his coffers
as much as I am able to.

The most important issue though is - no matter
what happens - to keep the movement not only
alive, but to help grow it.

H2O Man

(75,210 posts)
19. Thank you.
Thu Mar 31, 2016, 10:14 AM
Mar 2016

I suspect that we actually agree on Trump. I believe he entered the republican primaries with the intention of knee-capping Jeb Bush's campaign. It is rather ironic that he did not anticipate winning the republican nomination, while Jeb was convinced that he was a sure thing.

Among Trump's core features are two that have come into sharp focus: first, he is an opportunist, and the primaries have provided him with unanticipated opportunities to feed his ego; second, he is a parasite, and as such, is feasting upon the rotted green ham of the republican party.

Gregorian

(23,867 posts)
8. This is going to continue being exciting.
Wed Mar 30, 2016, 10:56 PM
Mar 2016

What stuck terror into my heart was mentioning the 1st Amendment. I had though only of Roe v Wade until now. I think Trump would be seriously hindered to the point of being as illegitimate as he thought of Obama. I love your comparison with plankton. Haha.

Thanks for the heads up on the convention. I wouldn't have thought of that. It's all a bit frightening. I hear what you're saying about how a part of society will get their confidence up; their bluster. I don't like it one bit. As if we didn't have enough to worry about.

Elections shouldn't be exciting. Am I wrong to be thinking that .

H2O Man

(75,210 posts)
20. Interesting.
Thu Mar 31, 2016, 10:32 AM
Mar 2016

I think that Bernie Sanders is correct in saying that a low voter turn-out favors republicans, while a high voter turn-out favors Democrats. Hence, as Democrats, we want a presidential election to include a high level of energy. Yet, that energy needs to be harnessed to move forward in a positive, non-violent manner.

In most instances, it is the republican party that seeks to stifle high levels of energy (excitement) during a campaign. Obviously, they want their ranks to be energized enough to contribute money and votes. But their definitions of "energy" are far different than our's. They are, by definition, rigid in their thinking.

The levels of energy in both parties' primaries includes a demand for "change." Each side's concept of change is very different, of course.The republicans' is an ill-defined attempt to return to their fantasies of American life circa 1952-60. However, if the republican establishment attempts a "Father Knows Best" approach at their convention, we will see how easily rigid structures can fracture.

antigop

(12,778 posts)
9. Obviously, “government”...has a relationship with corporations that poses a threat to our democracy"
Thu Mar 31, 2016, 12:22 AM
Mar 2016

Sadly, I don't think it is "obvious" to a lot of people even now.

beam me up scottie

(57,349 posts)
11. Thank you for that.
Thu Mar 31, 2016, 02:10 AM
Mar 2016

Always trying to raise the level of discourse and get people to stop for a moment and think.

Kicked and recommended.

H2O Man

(75,210 posts)
23. Thank you.
Thu Mar 31, 2016, 10:42 AM
Mar 2016

There are times when it really hits me -- a significant segment of Americans are at least willing to consider the possibility of electing Donald Trump president. How can this be? It is surely stark evidence of the pathology that is destroying our nation.

In saying this, I want to be clear: Trump is a symptom of the disease, not the cause. In a healthy society, he would be recognized as a vulgar clown, rather than being mistaken for a "leader."

Circumstances demand that each of us seriously consider what direction we want our society to move in, and take full responsibility for our contributions.

As always, I appreciate your contributions to the DU community.

Major Hogwash

(17,656 posts)
12. Great, but now what do we do if you are wrong about that rumor?
Thu Mar 31, 2016, 02:56 AM
Mar 2016

And that is why we have to support someone who will take Trump to task if he actually, beyond my wildest nightmares, becomes the nominee of the Grand Old Party.

I don't think that we can sit idly by and let Hillary steal this chance for change from us.
For one thing, I think that we will lose a majority of down ticket races if she becomes our nominee.
Who in their right mind is going to vote for a centrist Democrat like her, and then cast a vote for a liberal Democrat to go become a member of Congress?

Some of our party's Senators are already involved in tight races for re-election.
It just doesn't make sense to me that some people think that somehow more Democrats would come out to re-elect those Democratic Senators (while voting for Hillary) and expect that they will win, when we know that a tidal wave of Republicans would agree to march in lockstep with Trump, if for no other reason than to keep their corporate-owned Republican Senators in the Senate.

We either accept mediocrity and vote for Hillary, or we break the glass in the front of the red fire box containing the fire axe, and reach in for it to hack the old, stale-mating, filibustering, bullshit artist, Republicans out of the Senate this year by voting for Bernie.

The House of Representatives is the same way, completely stuck in a quagmire, a sort of Twilight Zone suspended animation, with nothing happening in that House of Congress at all.
Even after Boehnor quit his job as Speaker, nothing -- NOTHING! -- has improved in the Republican-controlled House!
Yet, the MSM hardly even mentions that frickin' factoid!

The only way we are going to take back control of the House is to run liberals for those offices in the House.
Every time we run a middle-of-the-road candidate for the House, they are rejected by the voters, time and time again.

We need to return to our roots.
Black lives matter.
And so does every other minority in this country!
Instead of arguing with each other over whose rights were squashed the most in the past, we need to guarantee everyone's rights for the future!

We have this chance for change . . so we had better not blow it.

H2O Man

(75,210 posts)
24. Very well said!
Thu Mar 31, 2016, 10:47 AM
Mar 2016

I agree completely.

Of the five current candidates involved in the two primaries, I believe that Bernie Sanders stands alone on one side, representing our constitutional democracy's potential for social justice.

auntpurl

(4,311 posts)
26. You say the fracturing of the party need not be destructive...
Thu Mar 31, 2016, 11:44 AM
Mar 2016

and yet this is the nastiest, most divisive, hateful primary I think I've ever experienced. And only one side is saying they won't support the other if they get the nomination.

Bernie supporters WANT the fracturing. They want the whole party (maybe the world) to burn. Tear down, blow up, start over.

I don't want those things. I think most Americans DON'T want those things. Maybe that's why Hillary is winning. Destruction is not a positive message.

H2O Man

(75,210 posts)
27. Thank you!
Thu Mar 31, 2016, 11:57 AM
Mar 2016

While I do not agree with some of your points, I appreciate that you took the time to communicate them. It can be hard to find balance on DU:GDP these days ......so it is important to me to reflect on other people's concerns and points of view.

It is an ugly primary contest. The growing fractures reminds me of 1968. And not in a good way.

From my perspective, the behavior of the Clinton campaign (independent from the candidate) is troubling. But obviously there are, for example, OP/threads here with toxic contributions from both sides. Hence, each side see's the other's misdeeds. Yet, there are also civil discussions on DU:GDP, as well. Those are the ones that interest me.

auntpurl

(4,311 posts)
28. GDP is mostly awful.
Thu Mar 31, 2016, 12:09 PM
Mar 2016

With an occasional thoughtful, intelligent thread.

But most of it is horrible, and you're right, it is on both sides, BUT there are so many more Bernie supporters here that you end up with 10 horrible threads about Hillary to every 1 horrible thread about Bernie. Even the trolls are proportional. It also really bothers me how many right wing talking points are used to smear Hillary. I don't like when people red-bait Sanders either - he's too far to the left for my personal preference, but I don't think he's a communist and no one else here really does either. It's also a right wing smear and I feel we should be better than that.

This primary has brought the worst out in people. I pride myself on never being uncivil, but it has been an absolute struggle as I've been called a liar, a corporatist (...not even sure what that means), a 1%er (I wish), a neocon/conservative/Republican/Libertarian (have voted Dem in every election since I turned 18), and in one notable instance, a Bernie supporter continued to use offensive rape rhetoric in post after post after I explained that I wished he would refrain because I am a rape survivor. I trashed GDP for a few weeks; maybe I should do that again. This place makes me feel physically ill when I get offline. That's probably not good, eh?

It used to be that the poll/data threads had the most interesting conversations, but now they seem to be mostly being used to bludgeon the other side as well (on both sides). Not sure where to find substantive posts here anymore.

Thank you for your reply, and for listening.

H2O Man

(75,210 posts)
31. We tend to agree
Thu Mar 31, 2016, 04:03 PM
Mar 2016

on the sad state of too many "debates" on GDP. A lot of it is simply anger being misdirected at others, simply because they view things differently. And some is definitely a more focused, unacceptable form of aggression. There's no excuse for it.

Still, there are good quality discussions here, as well.

Thanks, and keep on fighting the Good Fight!

AikidoSoul

(2,150 posts)
29. Kick and recommend. You made a very
Thu Mar 31, 2016, 02:15 PM
Mar 2016

good point that Bernie is likely to inspire young folks into staying involved with the political world we live in, like Kennedy was aspiring towards.

I agree.

It is Bernie's inspiration that will fuel the needed changes more than anything else.

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