I love music. One of the great things about songs is their amazing ability to convey powerful, meaningful and emotional thoughts in just a few words. There's Sir Mixalot's I Like Big Butts, Sisqo's Thong Song. Then of particular significance today, for the militant, die hard Bernie supporters is I Won't Grow Up from the musical Peter Pan. Back to that in a bit.
In my view there's never been a more dangerous candidate running for president of the United States than Donald Trump. We all know why. I don't have go into the very, very long list of the racist, misogynistic, and just plain insane positions he espouses. I'm pretty sure Bernie supporters feel the same way.
I also know that politics is a bloodsport of horrific proportion. You probably do, too. So while the DNC document leaks give us a good look at how the sausage is made, it's not surprising.
What I do find surprising is the willingness of some Bernie supporters to go to Trump-like lengths to fuck up Hillary's chances of winning the presidency. Brilliant political strategies like echoing the GOP chant of "Lock Her Up!" and putting together anti-Hillary Fart-Ins. Fart-Ins? That brings me back to the Peter Pan song, I Won't Grow Up.
I was watching some post-convention day interviews with some Bern-atics. One young woman told the reporter that because she was disappointed in Hillary and that Bernie didn't get the nod, she wasn't voting. Her tone of voice was exactly that of a 5-year-old stamping her feet while shrieking, "I don't wanna go to Aunt Martha's. I don't wanna!" Who would then drop to the floor and roll around having a full blown tantrum. I Won't Grow Up.
Another Bern-ite, a guy, told a different reporter something about exercising his Constitutional right to not vote for Hillary and to vote third party because he was angry about Bernie. I Won't Grow Up.
And there was the young woman who ranted about the injustice of the electoral system. So she's protesting by staying home on Election Day. I Won't Grow Up.
Actor Rosario Dawson, introduced Bernie Sanders in speech in which she said Hillary is "... not a leader." I Won't Grow Up.
Listen -- it's time to grow up. Now. Seriously. You can fall on your sword of principles and support Bernie by not voting for Hillary. But remember this: everyone who doesn't vote for Clinton is in effect casting a vote for Trump. That's simple math. Is your tantrum worth that price? If Trump gets elected your foot stomping and Fart-ins won't be worth a can of beans.
So focus. Big picture. The long view. Grow up. Do you want a presidency of tyranny or intelligence? Do you want a presidency rooted in hatred or in humanity? Do you want a presidency where everyone except the president is a loser or do you want one where we can all work together for the betterment of all?
We do not have the luxury of not growing up. We do not have the luxury of holding petty grievances in a death grip. Which brings some other songs to mind. Join Together by the Who. Get Together by the Youngbloods. One Love by Bob Marley.
It's what Bernie gave a great speech about. And most important it's what this country needs.