At almost 50 years of age, I feel that I am shut out of the political process due to Big Money

[wcast]

I don't know who I will vote for in the primary in May. I do know that the America I grew up believing in is at war with me. I am a union member, hopefully will still have a pension when I retire, and a public school teacher. The sad thing is, I don't think things have ever been any different. But it seems to me that I didn't used to feel that I was being Legislated into extinction.

All change in this country has been accomplished when good people stood up and said, "No more!" And I can't help but to be drawn to a candidate who speaks for change. I don't care if what they say is likely to happen as long as they are following core Democratic beliefs. While there may be political realities, as I know there are, capitulating to what is politically expedient in the primary baffles me. I want someone to be excited about, I don't want republican lite.

Sadly it seems that people my age, not to generalize to DU members, become more conservative and afraid the older we get. My father, a 45 year UAW member and Democrat, is afraid of Obama and his "socialism". I see others my age who are afraid to let themselves hope for real change, real fire in a candidate.

I hope that whoever is nominated to be the Democratic candidate has that fire and passion to try for real, meaningful change. I also hope this primary season shows both candidates what Democrats really want, and that candidate does their best to work for our best interests, not Wall Street, Corporations, or the monied elite.

[SheilaT]

1. Just in case you haven't noticed,

but Bernie Sanders isn't beholden to Big Money, and in fact has been raising amazing sums from very small donations.

You could consider donating to him.

[wcast]

9. That is what I like best about Bernie,

along with his fire! I always donate at the state level, though never at the federal level. I think I may donate to Bernie. I saw a graphic just the other day showing how most of his donations have been small amounts.

[hollysmom]

3. OK, I am confused how you can be older than your father but

onto your topic
I worked for that UAW when I wa a kid, my father was a local president. Some people had Jesus on their walls, some had JFK, we had Walter Reuther.
all my parents and their sister and brothers died liberal democrats, I feel weird as I have friends who are very liberal and friends who went FOX tea party, It is like we live in parallel universes, I think it is old confused people who are afraid to lose what little they have, I am afraid of not making better decisions, but hey, that's life. I think the pattern of those who are tea is that they don't have a lot, but are desperately afraid of losing it. while the ones who are more liberal do a lot more charity work and are involved in the community.

[monicaangela]

5. How can this person be older

than their father if they are 50 and their father was a member of a Union for 45 years?

[hollysmom]

6. oh my fault, I swear my reading comprehension is getting worse

I thought she said her father was 45, duh. that makes so much more sense.

[monicaangela]

7. Don't feel bad

I'm at that age where I have to read things more than once to be able to fully understand what I am reading. I remember a time when I could simply peruse and article and come away with a full understanding. Not anymore.

[monicaangela]

4. I am older

but I do agree with you wcast. I believe all we have is hope, and if we are afraid to vote for someone because they are offering what we are hoping for the historical commentary about us will be sad to say the least. I believe in fighting for what I want, and I want whoever is elected to do the same. I too am unable to compete with Wall Street, Corporations, or the millionaires and billionaires who appear to be buying our government representatives, that is why I am not willing to settle for someone who tells me to be satisfied with the status quo, go easy, be pragmatic etc., that is what every obstructionist group has said to every hopeful group since the Revolutionary War of 1765 up to and including the fight for equal rights and justice in the 60's. If we can't hope, if we can't buy lobbyist to better our situation, then what course is left to us?

[wcast]

11. Sadly my first reaction to Bernie was, he is not electable.

I also saw Hillary as a strong candidate. But I have been impressed with the campaign Bernie has run and how he speaks for the people. If I saw the same talk out of Hillary I would seiously consider her. However, I think she has taken another path. As of now I see Bernie as the candidate I will vote for.

[monicaangela]

12. My sentiments exactly wcast

I always try to vote for the person that I believe has my best interest at heart. I will also be voting for Bernie Sanders!

[safeinOhio]

8. 44 year UAW member here

and I never give up. Still fighting like I was in the 60s. I've been a Socialist most all of my life and never afraid to tell it to anyone. However, I have been called a Socialist a few times and told them, hell no I'm a Marxist.
I may win and might not, but still out there fighting. Very happy, lately, to see college age kids out there following my foot steps.
Don't give up
get involved

[libdem4life]

10. The perfect description of Oligarchy. That which Bernie vows to shake up and down. n/t