ARE REPUBLICANS, DEMOCRATS AND INDEPENDENTS FINDING COMMON GROUND IN BERNIE SANDERS?
As pipeline opposition has increased, the right and left have come together to find common ground. Eminent domain opposition faced off with renewable energy proponents and ended up meeting in the middle. How did this happen? It didn't start this way.
More than a year ago Republicans, Democrats and Independents approached the pipeline issue from different perspectives and struggled to find their way. One view or another would float to the top or be pushed back under water. Fears of not being heard or of offending and losing support of the other side shaped the wavering message. What has developed over time is commendable on both sides.
Just as one can change the neural pathways in the brain by repeating new thoughts or actions until they become habit, exposure to opposing viewpoints can eventually increase understanding, promote collaboration and ultimately, the rise of bi/tri-partisan support.
During the past year and a half many ruffled feathers have been smoothed. Opposing views have let down some walls a bit to reveal a place where we can come together from different places and stand at the crossroads in peaceful agreement. Is it possible the Presidential election can move in that direction as well?
Politico quoted Ron Paul as hearing his own voice represented in that of Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders.
"Surprisingly, the elder Paul seemed more attracted to the views of Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who is giving Hillary Clinton a run for her money in the Democratic primary.
“On occasion, Bernie comes up with libertarian views when he talks about taking away the cronyism on Wall Street, so in essence he’s right, and occasionally he voted against war,” the former Texas congressman said when asked if there was a candidate who was truly for the free market.
"It's hard to find anybody -- since Rand is out of it -- anybody that would take a libertarian position, hardcore libertarian position on privacy, on the war issue and on economic policy," Paul added."
When I first heard that many undecided voters were vasillating between Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump, I was surprised. Upon consideration, it made perfect sense. The American people desire change, not more of the same. These two candidates are the outliers.
Had Donald Trump not put forth messages of hate, fear, and exclusion, he might have had a different impact. Between the two, it now appears Senator Sanders is the frontrunner. What choices will NH voters make on Tuesday? The suspense is palpable in the Granite State.
It is my hope that the candidates chosen will represent us with class, professionalism, integrity, experience, and with the hearts, minds and needs of Americans in the forefront of the decisions they make. Here's to more NH politics! Read more: Article
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