Robert Reich on the Netroots Nation event

[Betty Karlson]

110. I am not a PoC, but I do happen to be gay.

I know that before the BLM controversy broke, there was some bickering over Mrs. Clinton's belated support of LGBT rights. Some were arguing that this somehow disqualifies her.

In my opinion, what matters is not the moment Mrs. Clinton came out in support of gay marriage, but the way she did it. She is very outspoken in her support. Even more outspoken than Mr. Sanders (which is to be expected, since new converts always have a tendency to want to demonstrate their newfound beliefs at every turn).

What matters now is not where candidates have stood 50 years ago, or ten years ago, or even two years ago. What matters is where do we want to stand a year from now. Because PoC are feeling as if they are drowning, caught between lone wolves and a murderously biased police corps.

I'm assuming that most of the BLM protesters do not need to be educated. Even if they have no college degree, they know more about being a PoC than I ever will learn about it. They can educate me. The best and brightest among them may even be able to educate Mr. Sanders, who thank God is never afraid to learn something.

What needs to be done now is to show a united front. Who-ever gets the nomination, that candidate will commit himself / herself to act (with congress and the rest of society) to get us to where we want to be a in a year's time.

To cast aspersions about other candidates, as this point, is an almost cynical exploitation of fears. And it can only help to exacerbate the feeling of being alone and uncared for: if the other candidate wins, I'm screwed.

GLBT are now for the first time in a position where they can vote in the primaries and know that ANY candidate will have their backs. I cannot tell you how much of an elation that is. And I sure hope and pray that PoC will get to feel that elation too. After all: does any candidate really disagree with the other candidates on the need to address the plight of PoC?