Tomorrow my state holds the Democratic caucus. Although I am an Independent, I registered as a Democrat because I wanted to participate in the event.

About a year ago I had planned to support Hillary Clinton. She was not a perfect choice, but I agreed with most of her platform, and I was certain that she could defeat any of the sad offerings from the Republican Party.

Although Bernie Sanders was beginning to draw huge crowds, I didn’t believe that he was electable. Sadly, I was denying my own philosophy of voting for the person who was the best candidate. In addition, I was straying from my own beliefs which Bernie professed from the first time I listened to him speak. I realized that every single idea he declared matched my own. In addition, he is only one of two true Independents in the Senate.

I remained concerned because he is a self-proclaimed Democratic Socialist; a term I clearly understood, but was afraid many less-informed Americans would not. Eventually I restored my morals, gathered my principles, and decided that I would caucus for Senator Sanders.

I became increasingly confident that he could win. I immediately endorsed him in my blogs.

Today I read an article in the Huffington Post; (the link is attached). H.A. Goodman is a journalist who writes for multiple publications. His article is titled: “Bernie Sanders Is the Only Democratic Candidate Capable of Winning the White House.”

His reasons for that statement as stated in the article are impressive, and I agree with him.

The difference between Senator Sanders, and all of the other candidates, is that he actually wants to restore our nation’s values and principles.

The United States of America was created for all of the new nation’s people. It was to be the land of opportunity for everyone, not just a few. Our founding fathers expected businessmen to share their good fortune with those who labored for them. They would cheer Senator Sanders today for his belief in America’s future; our young men and women. Education would be a top priority.

Thomas Jefferson feared large banks, believing that they could destroy the economic freedom of our new nation. “I sincerely believe… that banking establishments are more dangerous than standing armies.”

James Madison stressed religious freedom and spoke in favor of complete separation of Church and State.

Benjamin Franklin spoke of true happiness and greed: “Money has never made man happy, nor will it, there is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. The more of it one has the more one wants.”

John Adams feared that our democracy would not last.

George Washington believed in being prepared for war, but to seek other alternatives prior to hasty action. “Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all.”

Bernie Sanders is a patriot with true American ideals. His philosophy is the philosophy of our founding fathers.

Our nation has become an oligarchy, and if the right wing reactionaries have their way it will become a plutocracy. It is time for a revolution, and it need not be bloody, but it needs to get done.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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