2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Bernie Supporters - Please read my post [View all]Armstead
(47,803 posts)This isn't personal.You don't know me. I don't know you. Don't really need to.
But I will say this. It's not a matter of pride. But I do resent to being told yet again that raising core economic issues is a no-no. And that progressives, liberals whatever you want to call it, should shut up one more time because we don't "understand."
So your little snipe is nothing new. Usually that has come from conservative Democrats with either a vested interest in perpetuating the problems, or who were afraid to "alienate" those swing voters we need to attract.The only difference in what you're saying is there is now an entire ethnic group we have to avoid "alienating" by pointing this stuff out.
I've cared (and taken action as I could) about the issues that Sanders is talking about since the 1970's. I have watched as the economy was systematically distorted and undermined -- to the disadvantage of everyone who is not in the top percentage -- over more than 30 years. This shit DOES matter to EVERYONE who is not wealthy. In real day-to-day terms.
And I have seen the Democrats participating in that process. Either by ignoring the problems or colluding with the GOP.
And for all that time, I have seen those, like Sanders and we small grassroots people, who tried to raise these issues dismissed and marginalized all along the way. And when we tried to warn about the avoidable consequences basically told to "shut the fuck up because voters won't understand or like what you're saying. "
What offends me about your response is that I sincerely tried to have an honest discussion with you, and was told -- yet again -- that we should just shut the fuck up. Also that as "privileged" white person I couldn't possibly understand the real problems.
Well, I know this will sound condescending, but when I was in high school I read the Autobiography of Malcom X, and it was one of the things that shaped my views. (One of the things, there were many others.)
Sure there are things I (we) have to learn about how to frame issues, etc. But I think I'll look to people with a somewhat broader view than the rigid answer you express for that.