An Open Letter From A 70 Year Old Bernie Supporter

I am utterly convinced that with perseverance on our part that Bernie Sanders can become the next president of the United States. However, I believe that we need to deepen our understanding of the struggle that he and we face - so that we can be victorious.

First - We must understand and accept that there is very little "fairness" in our efforts for Bernie to win the Democratic nomination. The Democratic party structure (with very few exceptions) is not only pro-Clinton; they are and will continue to be determined to block and divert every effort the Sander's campaign makes to win votes and primaries. In other words, the Democratic party is against us. This is part of what Bernie means by "Establishment Politics".

Therefore, we must expect cheating and manipulations in the various states whether with a caucus or a primary. Don't be surprised when it occurs again. And, don't be surprised when the mainstream media don't mention it or distort or manipulate it. Don't be disheartened - maintain your courage!

Second - The mainstream media (including those we have previously identified as liberal, such as MSNBC) are owned by corporations who will do everything in their power to defeat Senator Sanders. Bernie's message has been clear for decades; if he wins, the corporate owners of the vast majority of the media will lose power and money. We must understand and accept that in every way, large and small, the news and the presentation of the news (even from sources which we previously trusted) will be slanted and manipulated to favor Clinton and to weaken Sanders. This is part of what Bernie means by "Establishment Media".

Therefore, during debates and town halls, we must expect that the audience will continue to be filled with Clinton supporters, that the questions to Bernie will be argumentative and designed to trick and that the questions to Clinton will be softball and set up to support her campaign's current talking points.

And, of course, all newspaper and online articles from the mainstream media will be inflammatory, slanted, deceptive and manipulative - all in Clinton's favor. Don't be disheartened - maintain your courage!

Third - Based on the foregoing, we must understand and accept that the battle for the nomination is going to long and hard. We are involved in 50 separate and unique battles. We are going to win some and we are going to lose some. This is the nature of politics generally and with such odds against Bernie, it must be expected. We don't have to win every battle in order to win the war.

Fourth - What Bernie Sanders has undertaken can only be described as massively courageous. From the very beginning he has been aware of the huge odds against him. He knows that through out this campaign he will be the underdog. We must fully understand the implications of this. By every measurable standard; there is more money, power, access to media and recognition in the minds of the average voter against him than for him.

Yet, because of Bernie's principles, desire to help others and commitment to this country - and to you and I - he has whole-heartedly undertaken this strenuous battle. We must be Bernie's greatest allies and maintain our Commitment!

Fifth - So, with such over-whelming odds against us, what can we do to succeed? Bernie has one thing that Clinton can not manufacture or buy: Us!

In every state, Clinton's organization will be stronger that Bernie's. She might have more money; she'll have the DNC helping on every level. But, there is no fire in her campaign. There is no passion in her campaign. There is no inspired movement behind her campaign.

You are Bernie's secret weapon. Bernie's campaign ads are excellent and they will bring voters. Bernie's rallys are magical and will feed the souls of those who attend. All the televised debates and town halls will help shift opinion and awareness. But, You are what will finally make the difference and lead us to victory.

Of course, you must donate what you are able. You must make phone calls and if you can, travel to nearby states to help on the ground. These are essential elements of our commitment to Bernie and must be performed with enthusiasm and joy. All respect and praise to those who have and will serve in this way!

However, there is more: If you are infused with the huge historical significance of this campaign. If you realize in the core of your being that our country is teetering on a knife-edge; between a glorious new hope for our country and the world - or a deepening dissolution of the core principles of our democracy - then, your voice must become an actualization of Bernie's voice.

In addition, to all the other forms of service and support - consider trying to utterly convince at least one person every day to be as passionate a Bernie supporter as you are. Talk with your friends, your parents, your brothers and sisters, your fellow students, those you meet - on the street, the store, at work, the gas station, on the bus or train, waiting in every line. Miss no opportunity.

Nothing is more important or powerful than an idea. Nothing is more important than an idea whose time has come. Bernie Sanders is the physical embodiment of the highest ideas that have been politically expounded since FDR. Become an expression of those ideas! Be like Bernie, not spouting robotic slogans - but instead be caring and authentic, listen to the person you are talking with, understand their views and needs and apply Bernie's programs to those needs. Make Bernie's truth their truth!

Sixth - Finally, a word about Bernie. It is so easy to see Bernie on TV or your computer screen - to see him at a rally or hear others talk about him and to put him on a pedestal and see him as something different than ourselves. Bernie Sanders is a human being. He has feelings and hopes. He has a family that he loves and cares about. He has a body that gets exhausted.

We can't let our ideal of "Bernie" blind us to the man who is vigorously working 12 to 15 hours a day, 7 days a week, month after month - giving every ounce of blood, sweat and tears to save this nation. He is a genuine hero, selflessly giving everything that he has to serve us and save this country. Can we respect him and ourselves and give less?