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

[gregcrawford]

45. With all due respect...

... I believe this lack of support you cite is the result of fabrications thrown out there by those who are determined to swiftboat Bernie's campaign. These agent provocateurs count on the fact that too many people can't be bothered to do a little - and I mean VERY little - homework.

There are very few white men of a certain age, as it were, who have done more, up to and including risking his life in Mississippi in the early sixties, to further the cause of Civil Rights than Bernie Sanders. In that regard, he doesn't owe anyone a damned thing.

A point to consider: First, Black lives DO matter. I'm behind that one trillion percent. I am enraged and disgusted by the unspeakably evil acts of white supremacist cops. BUT... does it serve the long-term interests of the Black community to verbally assault one of the few white politicians in Washington who has proven that he DOES care about the horrors being visited upon People of Color? These problems will never be overcome without white allies; that's an irrefutable fact of life. And preaching to the choir doesn't accomplish much, as we all know. Success will only come by working together to combat the racism that still pervades our society, and the cop culture's siege mentality in particular. Incidentally, my younger stepson is a cop. Sadly, he's fallen in with a bad tribe, and I've given up trying to reason with him.

Second point: At this point in his campaign, Sanders is detailing his positions on the broad issues that affect ALL Americans, not necessarily those of one segment of society or another. That doesn't mean he doesn't care, or isn't thinking about what's happening.

I think a more productive strategy would be to throw your support behind the only person in this race who has given far more than mere lip service to addressing your concerns. And that only person is Bernie Sanders.

Bernie is one of my senators. I've been watching his career since he first ran for mayor of Burlington back in the seventies. I've met him, and I've spoken with him. I'm a cynical old bastard and I don't trust anyone too readily, let alone politicians. But I trust Bernie, and I think you can, too. He's the real deal, and the best bet for the Black community, and all communities. At least give him the chance to prove it.

Thus endeth my sermon. Have a good day.