I only get into trouble on DU when I try to get to what's real.

[Dustlawyer]

15. I agree that we need a healthy discussion. Having "safe" areas is a mistake since it seems

we are all just agreeing with each other about how we're #1! Having good monitoring to weed out troublemakers is a must though, but there is a difference. How can you work together to address deficiencies if you cannot admit to them in the first place?

I am a rabid Bernie supporter who admits that Bernie needs help in the area of black outreach, although I think he recognizes it and is working with Black Lives Matter now. I strongly believe that Bernie is the best candidate out there for the black community because he sincerely believes in equality for all. Being a white man married to a black woman has been a learning experience for me for sure. No one can ever truly "walk a mile in someone else's shoes," but it sure helps to try. We should all try to imagine where people are coming from to better understand why they feel/believe the way they do. It makes it easier to persuade them and helps to change yourself as well. A better understanding of human nature helps a lot as well. When you put aside cultural/religious and societal differences, people are pretty much the same. They want the same things for their selves and their families.

I hope we can educate the black community, as well as other minority communities, about Bernie and what he stands for. He may not be hip or cool, but in his heart he wants all Americans to have opportunity and success. At the end of the day it's all we can ask for.