The Power just lays there on the ground. And no one picks it up

[ProfessorPlum]

The Power that would acknowledge that people are being ground up and thrown away for money.

The Power that would say people deserve to live their lives with just a modicum of security.

The Power that says the rich and powerful don't deserve the ability to make themselves more rich and more powerful by hijacking the way the government makes decisions.

The Power that supports the dignity of human life and and endeavor instead of its debasement.

The Power that says your worth as a human is not tied to the size of your bank account.


This Power, which is derisively called "demagoguery" or "populism", has only been embraced a few times with success in this country, or in any country. FDR did it. Gingerly. Slowly. LBJ did it. Cautiously. Sanders did it in the last cycle. Carefully. Elizabeth Warren did it, for a limited set of policies, before she became a senator. This power is so powerful that without a thoughtful application, it can burn into communism, anarchy, madness.

But applied correctly it gives its wielder immense opportunity to change our country and the way people are treated.

But everyone is afraid of it. The GOP doesn't want it, because right now the real political power is being wielded by their rich donors. Oh sure, they'll pretend to pick it up to give the racists rubes something to excuse their votes. "I'm for the little guy!" shouts their billionaire leader, before sticking the shiv in.

The Democrats don't want it. They know if they pick it up they will be subject to attack by the people with the power and money now. They'll be ridiculed. Called not polite. Called dangerous. And if they ever really start to use that power, they will be fought and possibly executed by the real powers that be.

Meanwhile, the citizens of the country yearn for someone to pick it up, to run with it, even for a little way, because it is the only way that we can hope to improve our country and the living conditions and the health and welfare of people we love. Sanders picked it up for a few months, and had enthusiastic followers from all ages and both parties behind him. We need more like him.

Pick up The Power, Democrats. Don't be afraid to apply it - if you use it carefully you'll have the backing of a grateful populace. Everyone knows that this has to happen eventually. We can't win by asking the system nicely to be allowed to live without fear. Obviously, the system will not give that to us without a fight.

So, who is going to pick it up?

[Zoonart]

1. My sentiments exactly, Prof.

I keep wondering why there is no young blood in the Democratic party that does not recognize this as an opportunity. However, most of the great civil right and grassroots movements have been headed by citizens NOT holding political office. Someone needs to get in front of the parade.

[ProfessorPlum]

2. I've heard other people say that, too. That they are looking to normal citizens

who have just f*ing had enough to rise up with powerful voices and demand dignity and proper treatment.

Maybe the strategy of giving them something to vote for, as if it matters, keeps them in line.