Puzzle

[Oixi1993]

Dear fellow Progressives. YES, I am a proud progressive who is a reformed republican turned progressive. Here is my question; As a newbie to this forum and a newbie to the progressive cause, I am perplexed. The Progressive solutions and positions seem so damn logical. I have been doing my home work. (test me if you wish) During my research I keep finding that the progressives have been way out in front and leaders on many important issues. I guess I was naive when I was an R to think that Democrats and Progressives were all about the same. I mean Dems have been talking all the points, fairness, income inequality, racial equality, care for the poor, health-care, etc etc... The progressive solutions seem to be an all in approach. It is a let's really fix all this shit for real approach. So what really gives with Democrats not supporting Sanders? This is an honest to goodness real question. I just do not get it.

I am actually truly thankful for Senator Sanders. His logical common sense approach to issues started me on a journey to think, question, think some more, and conclude he/progressives are right. Maybe this is a rhetorical question or maybe there are some insights I can glean from you guys. I just do not get it.

[Oixi1993]

1. One more thing

I want to add one more thing. Sanders would destroy Trump in any debate and in the general. The polls show this. So seriously, what gives?

[mooseprime]

2. i'm with you

it's like the mystery of the pyramids or something.

clinton stands against the majority of traditional values of the democratic party i've belonged to for decades. and when you mention it or any aspect of it you get shouted down.

[RoccoR5955]

3. It often baffles my mind too

They constantly vote against their best interests, then complain about it.
I just do not know what is with some folks.

[Ino]

4. Many voters don't pay close attention.

They're busy with their lives. Politics is boring. I used to be one of them. I never investigated the primary candidates. Although I always voted, most times I didn't know who I voted for or why. I saw a familiar name and chose it.

So they see Hillary's name, remember that times were pretty good during the Clinton administration. They don't know who Sanders is. Maybe they've heard about his huge rallies, but she's winning -- right?? They heard he's not even a "real" Democrat. His name isn't familiar, so they figure he can't be up to the job.

Uninformed people feel safe voting for the name they know, and/or they would like to see a female president in their lifetime.

But if you meant "why doesn't the Democratic Party support Sanders?"... I think most Dem politicians just give lip service to the masses. They are beholden to corporate donors just like Hillary. Many (most?) are stinking rich; many look forward to becoming lobbyists/consultants (Howard Dean!). The only difference between the rank-and-file Dems and Repugs is that Dems are better on social issues (as long as it doesn't cost much).

You have to look to Progressives if you want meaningful change, if you want someone who really cares about us, someone who will fight.

[Oixi1993]

5. Which is why

I am now a progressive. Progressives have principles. Progressives are leaders. I admire progressives. The more I study I embrace this. I have had to. My old conservative friends have really tried me on for size. They have challenged me each step of my journey so I had to challenge myself as well. This has been great because now I kick their ass in debates because I am informed and do not repeat talking points. There is no person more enthusiastic than someone who has changed their views based on facts, logic, reason, and research. I have even converted some of them. Bring it on!!!! lol. My big weakness and lack of real knowledge is climate change. I am not just signing on. I want these opinions to be mine based on research. I dd research Fracking. OMG.. That is an easy one. Fracking poisons people and the environment. Climate change.....not so easy.

[TexasBushwhacker]

6. Here's the thing about climate change

People can argue about whether or not it's caused by human activity, burning fossil fuels etc. They will even argue there's no global warming because they got a foot of snow in January. Of course that's weather, not climate. But saying there's no global warming because of cold weather is like saying "I had lunch today. There's no such thing as world hunger.

But here's the thing. We know that the supply of oil is finite. It WILL run out. It's just a matter of when. We know that burning oil causes air pollution. We know that coal mining and burning it is devastating to the land, air and water. And you already know about cracking.

So what's the worst that could happen if we made a real effort to use more renewables. It might be more expensive, but as someone who has asthma, I really appreciate clean air. I think most people do. And while I feel for the coal miners who have lost there jobs but if we gear up manufacturing wind turbines and solar panels hear, perhaps we could build some of those plants in Appalachia.

I look at dealing with climate change aggressively as insurance. If we do it and it makes no difference in global warming, we it cost us a lot of money. But if we DON'T deal with climate change aggressively and it's real, we are doomed. I hope I never total my car, but I wouldn't think about driving without insurance.

[Oixi1993]

7. OMG

Seriously. This is the most logical position I have heard ever on this issue. I think it is as simple as you say. OK...I am in. I just gotta say this is kind of fun. When you start to think with reason and logic versus labels and ideology we take advantage of our free will. This is what my conservative friends don't understand about my journey. Thank you for this super logical way of looking at this.

[TexasBushwhacker]

8. And another thing

The millions that think the Rapture is going to happen any day really don't give a shit about taking care of the planet because Armageddon will destroy everything. They will have been raptured up to Heaven, sitting up there with Jesus, eating popcorn and watching all those "Left Behind" in agony.

And you're welcome.

[Oixi1993]

9. So true I cringe

Yikes. I know these people. I was one sort of....

[TexasBushwhacker]

10. I'm sure glad you're here

Oh, and one more thing. I don't know about you, but I'd really like to quit doing business with countries that sponsor terrorism.

[Oixi1993]

11. Stop it...

Logic overload.

[Oixi1993]

12. Too new

to send an email. You are someone I would like to friend and follow. How is that done on here?

[senz]

13. If TexasBushwhacker didn't PM (email) you

and you want to contact him/her, just click on the envelope icon next to their name and that will take you to the DU email (PM) screen with him/her as the recipient of your email. When you've finished your message, click on "send email" (iirc).

[senz]

14. For me it's a sequence of moral priorities

starting with the fundamental premise that life is good, the physical order of the universe is good, and all human beings matter. Everything else follows from that.

[Oixi1993]

15. Wisdom

Lots of good wisdom on this board. I am getting a lot out of being on this forum.

[senz]

16. Well that's nice to know.

I think you should feel free to question and debate if you encounter ideas that don't make sense to you. If you do so politely, there shouldn't be a problem (although I can't guarantee it, as people are unpredictable).

Enjoy your explorations.