Unite the Democratic Party05-12-2008
It is most disheartening to be facing the prospect of seeing crucial time ticking away and precious energy being diverted into channels that have nothing to do with fundamental issues facing our country and the world — all this to placate one woman's ambition to be the first female president and reside, once more, in the White House.
I cannot trust her sincerity when she claims that further pursuit of her candidacy is in the best interest of the country. If that were so, she would have to acknowledge that her chances of winning are too small to justify putting the country through the mill of divisiveness, bickering and a three-ring political circus. If that were so, she would accept the satisfaction of knowing that she played a vital role in the process and find the inner strength to consider the many ways that she could help strengthen the party and avoid the risk of going down in history as a "spoiler" rather than a woman capable of great statesmanship.
She, herself, conceded that her rival has merit enough to become the president, their platforms are so similar that she cannot honestly claim broad policy advantage, his popularity is indisputable — so what is she fighting for? There are enormous challenges ahead, challenges that will shape the future, both politically and morally, at home and globally.
As one of the constituencies that she boasts to have won over (older women), I am keenly aware that the country needs young blood, needs to change the course from the old and the familiar. In addressing the rampant social injustices, the very constituency that provided the base of her support will automatically benefit. It is vital for us to look to the future and we need the talents and dedication of all our citizens, especially the young who need to be encouraged to act on behalf of our children and grandchildren.
The candidacy of Barack Obama has moved the young to vote in greater numbers than ever. It shook up the hitherto complacent voters to take interest and come out and vote. The polarization, in spite of the negative aspects, has energized the people to take great interest in the process — why not chalk up all the positive elements and let them work for us, rather than risk all that has been gained thus far by continuing to drag us into a destructive battle benefiting no one and least of all the group that Hillary Clinton has marshaled to support her in greatest numbers?
We need the support of all - the young as well as the more mature, the less well educated along with the college and university graduates and the women and men of whatever class or ethnic background. It is time to roll up our sleeves and face the hard work ahead, together, for a common purpose. We must change the face of politics where the money and power rule over justice and decency, where those vested interests are standing in the way of progress to a better future and where pandering lulls the very people whose belief in a short-lived band-aid leads them to vote against their best interest in the long run.
Barbara Winters
Becket
05-12-2008 |
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