Discuss politics. Keep an open mind. Dream Big. David Kanegis on the US Presidential Election.
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“Hillary Clinton defeated Bernie Sanders by about 500 votes and now moves on to the South Carolina Primary.” In true Vegas tradition that’s all we should hear — but this is primary season not private, primal practices. Though judging by some candidates behaviors we can’t be sure.
Instead, we are bombarded by opinions, interpretations and conversation that obfuscates and influences voters. “Hillary has momentum.” “This is what she needed.” “Hillary hits the jackpot at casinos.” Never mind that not long ago she led by over 30 points.
CNN, MSNBC and Fox News Channel with all their polls, pundits, prognostications and one might even say perfidy are leading voters as if we’ve got a ring through our noses. Intentionally or not, they are doing far more than the candidates to influence our vote.
Bernie Sanders has ignited a political revolution that harkens back to 1968.
Young people are supporting Bernie Sanders in record numbers. This septuagenarian not known for his sartorial splendor has struck a chord with Millennials across the nation.
Just like Martin Luther King Jr., he has a dream. And yes, it’s a big one. And yes, if elected he’ll have a tough time getting all his goals realized. Martin Luther King Jr. had no cake walk, yet our nation is far better for all his dreams, hard work and victories.
Think about this — If Hillary Clinton is elected, the Republican party will fight every positive initiative she has with equal if not greater vigor than Sanders. They’ve had a vendetta against her and former President Bill Clinton for years. It may not seem civil or fair, but it’s their right. Perhaps that’s their definition of civil rights!
Here’s the Sanders difference and it’s critically important whether you agree with him or not.
In politics you have to dream big to create change. Little ones don’t work. They don’t ignite passion and are fought just as hard by the opposition as are great, novel and exciting ideas.
As parents and grandparents we tell our kids to dream. “You can do anything.” Yet many Baby Boomers are forgetting the 1960’s, the sit-ins, protests and fervor with which we went after our ideals.
Our parents remember Hubert Humphrey dreaming big in 1948 as he demanded civil rights be included in the Democrat party platform. Politically impossible it was thought at the time. But then there wasn’t 24 hour cable filling their heads with polls that said it was an impossible dream.
Of course I’m simplifying the election and electoral process for this article. I’m purposely not bringing up salient points about the reality of the demographics of the upcoming Democrat primaries. But there’s a reason for this.
I believe in dreams. I’m convinced broadcast media is squelching ours. Voters are influenced by polls and constant interpretations and predictions. How about letting the people decide?
Don’t squash Millennial’s dreams by saying things aren’t possible.
Don’t paint the current crop of young voters with the canvas that says they don’t traditionally come out to vote. Negativity breeds inactivity. Positivity creates change.
What a great opportunity for Democrat parents to open up channels of communication with their kids.
I challenge you to discuss politics with your children and grandchildren. Be open to what they have to say. Listen and hear them. You don’t have to agree, but you might find you do.
Remember The Beatles and their long hair? Gee they changed the rock scene radically. Maybe you’ll improve family interaction and at the same time find an older Democrat Socialist actually represents the views you held 40 or more years ago!
PS: If you’re a Republican the same applies to you. Don’t let the media influence you. Don’t let them tell you who is or isn’t electable. Don’t vote based upon flawed polls.Follow your heart and vote for the candidate in whom you believe! Your Vegas caucus is on the way!
** Fair Disclosure ** As of this writing the author is voting Democrat. I welcome comments from members of all parties. Open discussion is what makes this country great.
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Slot Photo Credit: John Takai – 123rfm
