Isn't it weird how Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren support Obama

[JDPriestly]

37. We are Americans. We don't have to walk in lock-step with any leader.

We are Americans. We are free -- to dissent, to criticize and to support only when we think our leadership is right.

I support Obama on many things, but I disagree with him on many other things. Were Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren in the White House, I would probably also disagree with them on many things. That would not change the fact that I would support many of their proposals.

At this time, I agree more with Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren than with Obama on a number of issues. That is OK. That is the American way of government.

For me, the mystery is that any American would be puzzled by my point of view on this issue. My point of view on loyalty and on my freedom to agree with a leader on some issues and prefer someone else's view on those same issues is absolutely normal for any thinking American, especially for any thoughtful and intelligent American.

What I do not understand is how anyone can agree with another person on all issues or profess to do so. That is humanly impossible. And if you don't agree with a leader on all issues, you have a responsibility to consider why you do not agree and express your opinion. Democracy does not end at the ballot box. Democracy is a way of life every day all the time. Democracy means that we are responsible for the policies that our nation implements. We are partners in our government although our roles are less direct than those of our elected officials. But we are fulfilling our civic duties when we express our opinions on issues of public policy.