In 2016, I was a Bernie Sanders supporter, volunteer and delegate to the state Democratic Convention. It seemed, for a brief moment, that the Democratic Party could be the agent of positive change toward a more equitable and just society. This was an illusion.
During the past two years, the Democratic Party has proven itself to be committed as ever to the principles of elitism and plutocracy on which it was founded. Just as they did in the Jim Crow South, Democratic politicians continue to shamelessly use identity politics of every variety as a method to gain power for themselves and their corporate sponsors.
While allegedly “progressive” Democrats talk about their desire for Medicare for All to their supporters, most of those same politicians receive hefty handouts from the medical industry they claim to oppose.
Democrats are eager to infringe on gun rights, but have no difficulty supporting increasingly militarized and repressive domestic policing, not to mention endless foreign wars and “regime change.”
Far from being “A Better Deal,” as their typically pithless slogan proclaims, Democrats only offer more destruction.
Vote as you please, but don’t vote for Democrats out of fear: that’s what they’re counting on. Personally, while not a fan of any politician, I’ll be filling in the circles mostly for Republicans this time around. The reason?
Unlike the Democrats, Republicans still have some modicum of respect for the rights of individuals to live at least somewhat the way they please. The Democrats still stand for slavery.
Lukas Lerner
Durango
