A Day in Our Lives [View all]

[H2O Man]

“Some forty years ago, G. K. Chesterton wrote that every time the world was in trouble, the demand went up for a practical man. Unfortunately, he said, each time the demand went up there was a practical man available. As he pointed out then, usually what was needed to deal with an impractical muddle was a theorist or philosopher.”
-- Senator Eugene J. McCarthy


Some older DU community members are remembering the powerful, but strange year of 1968, I dare speculate, as they watch the 2016 primaries -- both Democratic and republican -- unfold. The diversity of the candidates on both sides is fascinating: there has not been this much of difference, I think, since ‘68.

I self-identify as a member of the Democratic Left …..I am a registered member of the Democratic Party, and have been active in “grass roots” social-political issues. Many of these have involved working together with other members of the Democratic Left who are not registered Democrats.

It’s difficult to understand just how important Senator McCathy’s run actually was. Even if, like myself, one went over into RFK’s camp, you had to both admire and respect Eugene McCarthy. And, even though passions ran high, those in each camp were able to talk respectfully to one another. Obviously, there were some bitter fights, and hurt feelings, but people were attempting to direct society to a higher level.

We need to reach that higher ground today.

Not only as a registered member of the Democratic Party, I can honestly say that I can campaign for any of the three candidates, currently running for the nomination. That does not suggest that I view them all as equally capable. But it definitely does mean that I have real concerns with what the republican party is pushing -- along with the pathetic coverage of the national media.

A few important things stand out this year ….at least, I think that they are important. One that stands out to me is that all fur of my children are strongly pro-Bernie Sanders. The younger three are currently attending class at area universities, and a heck of a lot of young folks are actively supporting Bernie Sanders.

This obviously does not represent any type of valid survey. But it is extremely impressive for me to see young adults who are passionate about social-political activism. These are young adults who have decided for themselves that Senator Sanders represents the best way to repair our severely damaged nation. And they are fully aware of the fact that this requires their remaining active.

I also see their parents and grandparents, including a heck of a lot of people who worked for McCarthy andf/or Robert F. Kennedy, in 1968. And these are dedicated, dependable members of the Democratic Party. These are the same people who, year after year, have been the most active at the grass roots level. Every year, they go door-to-door, and make the phone calls, and stuff the envelopes. They write the most rational letters-to-the-editor of their local newspapers, and they show up at most every public hearing. From their personal experiences in 1969, they know the power of participatory democracy. More, they know it’s potential power.

And they are seeing it.

It’s a dream that a large part of a generation has carried with them since the 1960s and ‘70s. It’s similar to what John Lennon sang about in that beautiful song, “Imagine.” But it isn’t a fantasy. Not at all. It’s one reality that we can select.

A curious thing: one of my friends on another internet forum is a former world champion, in the great sport of boxing. He’s a great guy. He’s been in the military, and is sincerely patriotic. He’s a registered republican, but definitely a thinking person. If not for his being black, I’d think the republican party would opt to make him a higher profile spokesperson.

However, two weeks ago, he watched Bernie Sanders present. My friend went into this, fully convinced that Sanders represented “the enemy.” However, he came away totally convinced that republicans can -- and should -- vote for Bernie Sanders for president in the fall election. And, every day since, he’s been campaigning (on the internet) for Sanders.

I find all of this both fascinating and encouraging. It contrasts with the majority of what I read on DU:GDP -- in tone -- and I feel a bit like the odd man out on this forum. I do not dislike, or disrespect, any of the three candidates. Sometimes, in my mind, there is a candidate that really answers the nation’s call. You might not think that she/he would always be your choice, but they are absolutely required at that exact time in history.

I think that we are there, now.

Peace,
H2O Man