It took some time for me to realize my bigger ideas were more realistic to accomplish when I joined a coalition and didn't shit on the people most closely aligned with me.

it's hard to have a coalition if the otehr side has its fingers in its ears going "NYAH NYAH, I won. Go away and shut up."

I would be willing to bet I'm more educated on his platform than yourself and a majority of his supporters. The exact opposite of fingers in ears. But that phrase of yours is such a simple way to dismiss people. It requires no thought.

I realize you are making an effort. But that is not the overall tone here on DU or in the media or political establishments.

(yes I used the word establishment.)

I do believe the Sanders campaign has bastardized the word and its true meaning. I personally have serious issues with "establishment" politics. I also have great respect for the "establishment" and how it in turn benefits us all greatly. I am currently truly proud to be a part of the Democratic Party establishment.

My main problem with it is the combination of "establishment" politics and the influence corporate America currently holds over it. I know you have very similar and real concerns. I take issue when Sanders defines PP as part of the "establishment", and similar "establishment" comments from him, knowing full well his supporters are anti-"establishment." That is simply bullshit and side steps the real concerns we face. I feel he has turned his opposition to the "establishment" into nothing more than a fundraising tool and there is nothing he won't define as "establishment" outside of his own campaign.

But I agree with what he said about it.

The rank and file of PP is very diverse and grassroots. But they include people who supported both candidates. PP should have respected that instead of putting their money and muscle behind Clinton...It would be a different matter if Sanders were anti-abortion or had a terrible record on women's health issues-- , but that was not the case...That is not fair to the many members who have supported PP on the issues -- not to advance the fortunes of a candidate who is close to the organization's leadership.

The problem...and yes it is part of the establishment thing...is the top rung of such organizations often get too cozy with the elites or are elirtes themselves. That environmental organization that endorsed Clinton is headed by a longtime ally of hers...That is not fair to its members who support the organization for environmental reasons but may support Sanders too.

It ain't over 'til it's over--on the last day of the Philadelphia Convention...

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