6 Reasons I Just Became “Bernie or Bust”

[babylonsister]

http://modernliberals.com/5-reasons-just-became-bernie-bust/


6 Reasons I Just Became “Bernie or Bust”

April 16, 2016
James Schlarmann
Commentary


I’m Bernie or Bust now. It’s been a long, thoughtful journey to this point, but I have decided — based on a number of factors — that should Sanders not win the nomination of the Democratic Party I will either write his name in, or I will vote for Jill Stein. Should Hillary win, I’m not someone who thinks that’s the worst possible outcome. I just think it’s not the best possible outcome.

Being prepared for the onslaught of insults and pejoratives, I decided after writing an “opinion” piece on it, that I’d also do one of these lists to give more of my entire rationale for this decision, so that no one got the impression I made this call on one singular issue.

#6. I watched our government’s checks and balances stymie Obama. It would do the same to Trump.
I will not be emotionally blackmailed into team sport politics. We have three wholly distinct branches of government, and the checks and balances the legislative body holds over the executive can and do stymie presidential agendas. Anyone watching how the Republicans have blocked nearly everything Obama has tried for the last eight years shouldn’t feel rushed to vote for anyone, just because Trump could be our next president. Sure, that would be horrible on so many levels, but to act as if he’ll come into power and by executive fiat bring the entire nation down is fucking ludicrous to the point of not even being worthy of addressing. Much to the chagrin of liberal Americans, the GOP has proven over the last few years that indeed, our checks and balances work. They may not work when we want them to, but they sure as hell work.

#5. I don’t live in a swing state.
I’m utterly sick of hearing about how if you don’t vote for Hillary in the General, it’s voting for the Republicans. Bullshit. Why do people in this country act as if we aren’t a nation made up of smaller states? I live in California. If this state goes for the GOP by one vote, you are more than welcome to light the pitchforks, grab the torches, and come get me. But for this state to go red at all would take some kind of Democratic voter rapture where all the Dems in the state suddenly ascended to Heaven. That’s not going to happen. I could write in “my balls” on the ballot — and since I’m 35, a natural born citizen, and have lived here for 14 years, they are eligible — and it wouldn’t make a damn bit of difference in my state.

#4. Politics is not a team sport for me. No one gets to tell me how I should vote.
I care about ideas. That’s why when Republicans crow about how it was Democrats that started the KKK, and Southern Democrats who were pushing for Jim Crow laws I can laugh in their stupid, ignorant faces. The ideas that Bernie represents more closely align with mine, and as I think on it more and more, I want to make a stand for my principles. You won’t win me over by saying I’m a traitor to the Democrats because I will hold no allegiance to any group I don’t believe is heading in a direction I want to go. In this country we’re all free to do that.

#3. I’m tired of the status quo
If Hillary wins, that means that one of two families will have controlled this nation’s executive branch for at least 28 years from 1988-2020. It’s not written in the Constitution you can’t do that. But political dynasties bug the shit out of me. The great thing about this country is that it was founded on the idea that we like change. We created a new system of government because we love change and wanted to break away from the British Empire’s way of going about its business. So fuck me, I guess, for thinking that trading control of the nation between two powerful families isn’t in the nation’s best interest.

#2. Hillary’s horrid defense of Israel’s 2014 airstrikes on Palestinians
This was, as I wrote about in another piece, really the straw that broke the camel’s back for me on Hillary. I can’t put my support behind someone who won’t — on some level — condemn the over zealous way in which Benji Netanyahu retaliated against Hamas in 2014. 2,100 or more civilians were killed in his airstrikes. The 9/11 attack killed just 800 more. We started two wars because of those civilian casualties. I’m not saying we need to go to war with our ally. I’m saying we need to curb our Middle Eastern attack dog. Whatever happened to, oh, I don’t know, not fucking playing into their hands by bombing buildings you know they put in a place to maximize civilian casualties?

#1. I vote with my conscience. I’m not a “Bernie Bro” or Bernie Bot. Or a fucking Tea Partier
Perhaps the most infuriating part of being a Sanders supporter is being lumped in with “Bernie Bros” being called a “Bernie Bot.” Understand that up until very recently I had no problem voting for Hillary if Bernie didn’t take the nomination. But the last time I checked, having a change of heart isn’t illegal, nor is it anti-intellectual. I am at a point in my life where I have to think about the future I am leading my children into. My oldest son would be of draft age by the time Clinton’s second term ended. I cannot in good conscience vote for someone who will perpetuate the same frame of mind that has gotten us into the wars of choice that have taken so many lives.

But I tell you what — if you want to make me feel even better about my choice, call me a Tea Bagger. Because nothing makes you look like a team party politicking motherfucker more than throwing out all concern for context and subtext and labeling me an anti-intellectual who aligns with the Tea Party. What an utterly baseless claim. We agree on so much, except who to vote for. So how the fuck dare someone compare those of us who have decided to take a principled stand to people who favor outright dismantling our government and handing over as much power as possible to the oligarchic interests that already dominate so much of our lives?

[djean111]

1. Good and thoughtful post. I am with you.

Being a "team player" and vote for a Third Way, fracking-loving hawk? Cannot do it.

[ismnotwasm]

2. Um. Okey dokey then.

Vote away. Or don't vote, or whatever makes this person happy.

[Zorra]

3. It's time to stand together against the greed, and the *chaotic violent insanity

by design* of all of it. Fuck them all, this is the beginning of their end.

Thank you, babylonsister.

[geek tragedy]

4. Naderite narcissism is so passé.

[Lizzie Poppet]

13. So is carrying water for oligarchs.

[rachacha]

18. But..but..the oligarchs are protecting us from the other oligarchs!

[dchill]

53. Not as passé as greed and subterfuge.

[onecaliberal]

5. Thank you for the articulate thoughtful reasoning in this op.

You're in good company. I cannot vote for anyone who will continue to ignore climate change and corruption at every level in this country. I'm just done going along.

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

6. Well said. The "hold your nose", "lesser of two evils", days are over.

[CorkySt.Clair]

7. Do you think others here should be BOB as well?

[99Forever]

9. How is that any of your fucking concern?

MYOB

[merrily]

31. Don't take the bait.

[merrily]

30. Trying to bait someone into a ban. Nice.

[Goblinmonger]

40. Want more names on your purge list?

Obvious things are obvious.

[restorefreedom]

51. no one is going to answer this question. nt

[Mike__M]

57. Heeere fishy fishy fishy!

Heeere fishy!

[Jitter65]

8. That's your call and good for you. Except one thing, don't worry about a draft..there won't be one.

[99Forever]

10. It's a choice many more are making each and every day.

Some might be willing to hold their nose and settle for "not quite as shitty."

Many won't. Others will fight "not quite as shitty" tooth and nail.

[smiley]

11. #4 hits it home for me.

Thanks for the thread!

[Fuddnik]

12. I've been threatening for years never to cast another vote for a "New Dem" or DLC'er.

If you're Third Way, you're gonna fuck me anyway, and I'm not going to help you.

It's my vote. You have to earn it. Otherwise, from now on, you ain't getting it.

[Silver_Witch]

25. This!

I feel exactly the same. It is MY vote and NO politician gets it simply because there is a D beside their name. Work for me or I give my vote to someone who will.

[VulgarPoet]

29. The Third Way has been selling our asses to the corporations with a wink and a smile.

And they expect us to continue apathetically accepting not only the financial sodomy of the people, but the literal sodomy of Mother Nature via drill and chemical?

Fuck. That.

[Cobalt Violet]

43. I'm doing the same thing.

I don't live in a swing state and I'm not going show support to the Third Way. I hope to vote for the dem nominee but not if it's a 3rd way one.

[sister_rosa_refried]

14. That's nice, dear.

I hope your arm isn't too sore from patting yourself on the back. Ice pack, dear. Ice pack.

[Silver_Witch]

27. That is your response to a well thought out post?

Shows us that you are the one that does not care.

[sister_rosa_refried]

82. Why yes it is ...

thank you. Define "us" dear? Do you speak for everyone else in this forum. If so, I didn't get the memo of your selection to the post.

Best wishes to you and your new assignment.

[Yurovsky]

84. And you people are going to be scratching your heads ...

and wondering how Her Majesty lost the general election.

Maybe you should embrace the progressive wing of the Democratic Party (you know, the one representing the FUTURE) instead of dismissing us. At least Hillary will have her millions to dab away her tears. You'll just have to use your shirtsleeve or maybe one of the surplus "Ready for Hillary" t-shirts you pulled out of the dumpster behind the local party office.

[blm]

37. babylonsis is a great Dem. She merely posted the article written by a Buster.

It's important not to assume. I'm a Sanders voting Dem who will say FU to the "Bust" crowd, not to my fellow DU Dems posting articles about it.

The article, though, reads like those the Rand2016 operatives working here at DU would post.

babylonsister is definitely NOT the author of this article. She's a longtime DU member - one of the greats, imo.

[Maedhros]

59. You can go straight to the Ignore list.

Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200.

/bye

[sister_rosa_refried]

81. Good bye dear

[Lizzie Poppet]

15. Principles > cynical pragmatism.

Compromise and centralization on the part of the Democratic Party have brought the country to this horrible state, with no major left-wing party. No more.

Not Hillary...not now, not in November, not ever.

[Sky Masterson]

16. I am looking deeply in to what you wrote to find where I disagree.

So far, i can't find any place where I feel the author is being absurd or wrong.
I live in Kansas so my vote ain't shit anyways.

[Octafish]

19. While you may be temporarily outnumbered, your voice counts.

Let 'em know from Liberal to Manhattan why you support Bernie.

PS: I'm in Detroit. My nephew went to KSU and I saw the Wildcats beat Missouri a few years back, sitting on the 50 yard line nose bleeds. Guy behind me wore out his voice yelling: "Throw the ball, Coach Bill!" (His hoarse cry still resonates, tinged with a sadness I still can't identify.) I love Kansas, Kansas State, and the people -- even the conservatives were nice to the strangers.

[Sky Masterson]

20. I will vote out of spite at the least.

Just to cancel out a republicans vote with mine.

[blm]

35. The author is INSANE if he truly thinks there will BE "same checks and balances" on

Trump as there were on Obama.

He is claiming that a GOP congress, senate and Supreme Court will block Trump's radical right extremism BECAUSE he has watched them block Obama's agenda? WHO HERE IS THAT STUPID to believe that?

Sorry, but anyone who believes that crock of shit is a dumbed down voter at this point.

I'm a Sanders voter who sees this 'Bust' attitude is going to put a SERIOUS DENT in down ticket races for Dems, too.

Stupid.

And as a Dem GOTV activist who will be stuck working our asses even harder this fall thanks to this attitude, I say to the Busters: FVCK YOU!

[pinebox]

17. There's a follow up to that article

Well maybe it predates it by a day but here

http://modernliberals.com/wasnt-bernie-bust-new-york-debate-one-exchange-sealed/

[cui bono]

21. Going along with whatever they shove at us is what got us into this mess.

I will not be part of the problem any more so I will not vote for someone who is the problem. If that's the only way the Dem Party can learn that they've lost their way than so be it. But what is the point of continuously voting for a party that no longer represents you? Just because the other one does it less? Not good enough.

I finally have someone to vote FOR and that's what I will do. However I have to do it, I will only vote for someone who is actually fighting for me and Hillary is not that person. Not by a long shot.

.

[Orangepeel]

22. 6 and 5 paraphrased: it doesn't matter who is president or who I vote for

[Tarc]

23. It is refreshing to think that these sort of DU posts will soon have an expiration date

[seaglass]

24. And hopefully the BOBers will also have a DU expiration date. n/t

[La Lioness Priyanka]

50. +1

[Goblinmonger]

42. And then you can pretend these attitudes don't exist

and you can be SHOCKED when the GE doesn't go well. And then blame it on Sanders and not the party that continues to think that "hold your nose and vote for the lesser of two evils" is a valid campaign strategy.

I could write the shocked outrage right now.

[Tarc]

47. Then you will get the Trump that you deserve

[restorefreedom]

52. dws and the dem elite will own that loss

for rigging and propping up such a weak candidate who can't win a ge.

you can send her the thank you card when the dems lose in nov.

[Tarc]

71. I'm glad you feel comfortable enough with your white privilege to allow that to happen

[restorefreedom]

79. i am glad you have the ability to psychically determine

someones racial and ethnic background online.

you should market that.

[timmymoff]

83. Yes it will be a great big happy bubble

with everyone commenting on how great of democrats they are. Look at what we accomplished, we voted for regime change, secrecy, fracking, continuation of citizen's united, bad trade deals, keystone, chained CPI, etc. but hey we voted blue no matter what. "Aren't we good dems?", you will praise each other for voting D, regardless of issue. And you along with the other dems who vote corporatist can continue us down the same shitty path you took us the last thirty years with your republican-lite hogwash you call a platform.

[Codeine]

26. K.

[gollygee]

28. I am not convinced at all that hte checks and balances would stymie Trump.

Obama was held back because Republicans hold the house and senate.

Trump will be very happy to go along with them. It would be more like the horrible reign of GWB.

[blm]

32. There'd BE no 'checks & balances' on Trump - he'd have Congress, Senate AND Supreme Court.

And THIS Sanders voter thinks that is the ULTIMATE STUPIDITY from the Bust crowd. You hurt EVERYONE with this extremely selfish, AynRandian view.

[Protalker]

33. A single vote does count ask Spoiler Nader

In 2000 many folks exercised their right and voted for Ralph Nader. It was before you voted. He gave the nation George W Bush. A proud moment for the Nader people. Know your history or repeat it.

[restorefreedom]

54. nope. not naders fault

scotus gave that to w. and if gore had been more inspiring a candidate, he would have won on his own.

its not the fault of nader or those who voted for him.

[Maedhros]

60. Anybody who thinks Nader is responsible for the outcome of the 2000 election

has demonstrated that any further commentary they may post in the future will be utterly devoid of meaningful content.

Therefore, you can go to the ignore list.

/bye.

[IamMab]

34. The correct term is "Sandbagger," not "Tea Bagger." nt

[bbgrunt]

36. I'm really tired of the DNC and third-wayers trying to

disparage the grassroots and progressives in their party. They do the hippy-punching every chance they get. If they want our vote they damn well better start acting like it.

[NobodyHere]

38. Enjoy President Trump or Cruz

[restorefreedom]

55. you can thank dws and the dem elites

for rigging this and shoving a weak candidate down our throats who is so weak she needs the dnc, superdelegstes and the m$m all propping her to even have a shot at winning.

[farleftlib]

69. You said it perfectly

She was ballot box poison in 08 and she's poison now.

[restorefreedom]

78. yes, poison. thats it. completely toxic to democracy. nt

[Maedhros]

61. Thank you for posting an example of the shallowest, least informed, and least meaningful

comment ever parroted by legions of uncritical thinkers.

/bye.

[840high]

77. Tell that to Debbie.

[arely staircase]

39. Feel free to marginalize yourself all you want. nt

[berni_mccoy]

41. Love you babylon!

[workinclasszero]

44. Herr Trump welcomes your help in electing him fuehrer of Amerika!

[jillan]

45. What has been remarkable this election cycle is watching the media be so incompetent

They refuse to open their eyes and see what is staring at them right in front of their face. They don't even bother to cover what is really going on.

Americans have had enough. More than Enough.

Excellent post Babylonsister

[PCPrincess]

46. Agreed, And Let Me Add

that, if, for some reason, Trump were elected, it is a given that Democrats would put someone up against him. On the other hand, if Hillary were elected, the Democrats would never put someone up against an incumbent. Four years is a heck of a lot better than eight for a President I don't like.

Bernie or Bust!

[SFnomad]

48. Trump thanks you for your support n/t

[Kalidurga]

49. If the DNC really wanted to make sure people voted for the Democrat

They wouldn't push one that most people don't trust. So, what ever happens is on them.

[ScreamingMeemie]

56. ^This... so very, very much THIS. They don't give a shit.

And it IS on them. The "enjoy President *whoever is leading the GOP race*" is tired, and it doesn't play well with newer Democrats. It pushes them further into their convictions, IMO.

[think]

63. DWS helped Alison Tant become the Dem chair in FLA. Tant was the lobbyist that sold the purge softwa

software that was used to illegally purge Democrats in 2000 and help Bush win the presidency.

Tant's husband was on the legal team for Bush in Florida.

Bill Nelson, DWS pick to lead FL Dems lobbied for firm tied to notorious 2000 voter purge

This could be a bombshell from The Political Hurricane blog:

Allison Tant, the insider's pick to be Democratic Party chair, was a lobbyist in 2000 for ChoicePoint, the parent company of a database firm hired by the state of Florida to purge its voter rolls of felons, many of whom happened to be Democrats and minorities.

Reached by phone, Tant tells us she didn't actually lobby for the subsidiary involved in the felon-purge work, called DBT. Instead, she said, she lobbied for ChoicePoint, a data-mining company. The company sought to ensure that the financial-services industry had adequate identity-theft protections in place so that the personal data was misused, she said.

Even though she didn't work for DBT (another lobbyist handled that line of work, she said) the mere association with the company can be politically toxic in some liberal circles.

Thousands, if not tens of thousands, of lawful voters might have been unfairly removed and blocked from voting in an election that George W. Bush won by just 537 votes. The voter purge has been part of Democratic lore ever since.

~Snip~

One of Bush's lawyers: Barry Richard, a Democrat and longtime Obama supporter, who's married to Tant....

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/nakedpolitics/2012/12/bill-nelson-dws-pick-to-lead-fl-dems-lobbied-for-firm-tied-to-notorious-2000-voter-purge.html

https://thepoliticalhurricane.com/2012/12/19/breaking-news-allison-tant-was-lobbyist-for-firm-that-purged-african-americans-from-voter-rolls-in-2000/

Critics attacked Tant's old lobbyist clients and noted that her husband, Tallahassee lawyer and lifelong Democrat Barry Richard, led the Bush-Cheney Florida legal team during the 2000 presidential recount.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/elections/allison-tant-elected-chairwoman-of-florida-democratic-party/1272419

[Kalidurga]

65. Gack

Just when you think they can't go any lower they dig deeper. Geebus that is horrible. It's like Democrats don't care how many people flee and become Independents.

[think]

66. I really hope Tim Canova can win in August and send Debbie Schultz packing. She's been a mess. /nt

[Kalidurga]

74. Yes Derpy Whata Schmuck

Has been a disaster. She hangs out with the same kind of slime the Clintons do. That kind of thing should be enough to disqualify a person who says they are a Democrat from holding any leadership role. I hope that you share that information far and wide.

[Kalidurga]

75. PS I shared that story on Twitter

[CharlotteVale]

67. Exactly. And they wouldn't send out surrogates to insult young/female

Bernie supporters. And Bill who insulted all Bernie supporters.

[2banon]

70. This!^^^^^^100,000,000,000!

Trotting out HRC as the party fave was the most colossal mistake ever.. and the thing of it is...

It was always, always, always as obvious and apparent as a Sun Rise..

And they keep trotting out Nader as responsible for Bush, despite the facts laid before them time and time and time again.

They never seem to learn. Not ever.

Long past time for a Political Revolution!

[SidDithers]

58. ...

Sid

[JTFrog]

62. + infinity. n/t

[nolabels]

64. Her biggest problem is she wants obedience and adulation in that order.

That will score about a zero for finding followers in a trench. Good luck and good day

[Joe the Revelator]

68. Number 4 ALL DAY

[ScreamingMeemie]

72. I hate to call myself this, but they are gambling on "sheep" like me, and they

are facing losing odds. I've posted it elsewhere today, but my generation is a "hold your nose and vote" generation. I do not believe my daughter's generation is. In many ways, I'm jealous of her for her convictions.

[Uncle Joe]

73. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, babylonsister.

[MFM008]

76. I wouldnt vote for Sanders

If it would save my life in a 9.5 earthquake.

[Jefferson23]

80. Hey, you have to do what is right for you and no way are you any of those horrid things they have

called you.

[jcgoldie]

85. Good lord what self absorbed bullshit

Vote for the best damned candidate as you see it. If your guy or gal loses then do the same thing in November. Posting stupid shit about Bernie or bust when he's getting his ass kicked in April is just silly. Get over yourself he's a damn politician even if bird's land on his head or something.