From an evolution perspective, "We are all Africans". I use to have this T-shirt (https://centerforinquiry.org/store/product/we-are-all-africans-short-sleeved-t-shirt/). And, on the back, it had this: “The Bible says modern people are the result of incestuous relations Cain and his brothers had with their sisters. Science says we are all descendants of Africans. I believe science.”
I'm also Bernie-skeptical, especially after asking my class yesterday if anyone was paying attention to the election. Not a single one... And after Bernie tried to pivot without answering a question last night, even my less Bernie skeptical son groaned and said, "Oh COME ON."
This analysis is dead on. I of course can't speak for other African-Americans, but I am confident that many black people are leery of gambling this election on a fantasy turnout of young voters and non-voters which never materializes. If young people couldn't turn out in 1972 in the face of being drafted for an unpopular war AND having recently won the right to vote, then almost nothing is likely to change that pattern.
Primaries attract partisans and the politically aware which is not the majority of the electorate. I believe that those us who constantly monitor what is happening politically forget this essential fact. For a variety of reasons, large percentages of younger people require even more political maturation before voting in greater numbers....at which point they are no longer young voters.
My biggest frustration is that the social and political capital that many white liberals and progressives can squander on fantasy campaigns would leave them relatively unscathed if Sanders were to lose the general election. Meanwhile, people like me without that type of capital will confront an entrenched white nationalist regime if the oval office occupier is re-elected. My parents instilled in me the necessary of not just voting but voting smart aka pragmatically. I just hope more people would do the same.
Thanks for the concise read. You put words "Bernie-skeptical" to my thoughts.
Hall on Wheels
Sheesh, John! 'Likes' three days in a row! ;-)
🙏🏾
From an evolution perspective, "We are all Africans". I use to have this T-shirt (https://centerforinquiry.org/store/product/we-are-all-africans-short-sleeved-t-shirt/). And, on the back, it had this: “The Bible says modern people are the result of incestuous relations Cain and his brothers had with their sisters. Science says we are all descendants of Africans. I believe science.”
Bravo
I'm also Bernie-skeptical, especially after asking my class yesterday if anyone was paying attention to the election. Not a single one... And after Bernie tried to pivot without answering a question last night, even my less Bernie skeptical son groaned and said, "Oh COME ON."
This analysis is dead on. I of course can't speak for other African-Americans, but I am confident that many black people are leery of gambling this election on a fantasy turnout of young voters and non-voters which never materializes. If young people couldn't turn out in 1972 in the face of being drafted for an unpopular war AND having recently won the right to vote, then almost nothing is likely to change that pattern.
Primaries attract partisans and the politically aware which is not the majority of the electorate. I believe that those us who constantly monitor what is happening politically forget this essential fact. For a variety of reasons, large percentages of younger people require even more political maturation before voting in greater numbers....at which point they are no longer young voters.
My biggest frustration is that the social and political capital that many white liberals and progressives can squander on fantasy campaigns would leave them relatively unscathed if Sanders were to lose the general election. Meanwhile, people like me without that type of capital will confront an entrenched white nationalist regime if the oval office occupier is re-elected. My parents instilled in me the necessary of not just voting but voting smart aka pragmatically. I just hope more people would do the same.
Nominating Bernie will result in an utter disaster. I really hope we don't do it.
I'll be voting for Biden Tuesday.