We are now forced to make a decision in the Presidential Primary. Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders have waged an outstanding battle for the hearts of the Democratic primary voter. Bernie’s success in New Hampshire has been balanced with Hillary’s narrow victories in Iowa and Nevada and success in South Carolina. Should we feel the “Bern” or continue the political evolution by electing the first female President?
Our choices are made more
difficult as Bernie’s promises to do what Barack Obama been unable to do as
President. Single payer health insurance for all, holding Wall Street
accountable, making the rich pay their fair share, free public college for all,
increasing the minimum wage to $15 are things many want to see accomplished. But
do we believe they can? And why would Senator Sanders be able to accomplish
these things when Barack Obama has not? Does he have greater political skills?
Is he a better negotiator? Is there power in the Presidency that Obama has not
used?
Hillary offers a brand of
gradualism. We have made progress under President Obama but there is much work
yet to be done. We should build on those successes, according to Secretary
Clinton, and continue to make progress toward equity and justice for all that
was begun under President Obama. Coming in with the economy in trouble, the war
taking all our resources, unemployment very high, and a large number of
Americans uninsured or underinsured presented quite a few challenges for the
new President. He has done well, says Secretary Clinton, under the
circumstances, and we would do well to continue these efforts.
The Republicans offer a more
convoluted view of the future. Under “making America great again” they place
our current ills at the feet of those who come to the country illegally, those
whose religions do not respect “the American way”, or bad deals that have cost
us in economic might and restricted the growth of American industry through
needless regulation, government interference, or over taxation. They believe our
increased vulnerability is because we have become soft on our enemies, are
unable to stand strong for our beliefs, and lack leadership in Washington
(particularly the pinpointing President). A change would make things better.
It seems like we have choice. Can
we return to those thrilling days of yesteryear? Can we expect the country to
live up NOW to those principles promised in our constitution and its
amendments? Should we continue on a path that has demonstrated progress but has
fallen short of the ideal? Should we ask for more?
No matter your point of view,
this is an important election, both in the primary and the general, and your
vote is important. We must get it right and the outcome will determine
the kind of future we and those Americans who might follow us might have.
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