#BernersAgainstRacism

Lately we’ve all been watching Chris Christie become the laughing stock of American politics. A former loud and brash politician being humiliated by The Donald. We watch his expressions do gymnastics between shame and bewilderment because it gives us a sense of righteousness to witness his public humiliation for what we can only assume is a quest for power in a Trump administration. But the truth is, we should all be sharing his shame.

I know I did when I watched a black woman be assaulted by a known white supremacist at a Trump rally in Louisville, KY. I felt sick to my stomach when I read that a popular white supremacist radio show was given VIP media credentials to live stream a Trump rally in Memphis, TN. The Political Cesspool was further awarded by being granted an interview with Donald Trump Jr. I bring these 2 up in particular not just because they are the most recent but because they are the closest to me. I am within a few hours of driving of both rallies and I didn’t even know they were happening. But even if I had I’m ashamed to admit that it wouldn’t have changed anything. I have to live with the knowledge that I had a chance to “be the change I want to see” and I dropped the ball. But I do not have to be silent about why I believe it is our responsibility to physically put our bodies on the line for our cause.

Journalists, activists, and others have been pointing out the overwhelming evidence that his campaign is running on a ticket of racist fascism. I know I not alone in being troubled by his seemingly successful re-branding of white supremacy as American Nationalism. He uses white working class fears about economic stability and national security to create a foundation where “White Nationalists” feel comfortable enough to use his campaign to recruit members even with his lackluster denial of racism. Donald Trump makes his contempt for the press and protesters clear with language like “opening up libel laws”, “they’re not really human”, and “I wish I could punch him in the face”. Donald Trump is a racist oligarch running a fascist campaign and he is a disturbing backup to some Bernie Sanders supporters. This should shame every single white person in this country. This should compel each and every one of us to direct action in the same way that witnessing segregation drove Bernie Sanders to the direct action of organizing sit-ins and chaining himself to a young black activist. If we want to be the ones who usher in a new era of change and inclusiveness then we should be willing to be that change. Economic reform can no longer be the top priority when we watch a mob chant all lives matter while an American is beaten for expressing his opinions.

Over the last year we have watched groups of Black, Latino, Muslim, and now Veterans all bravely stand up inside the lion’s den to denounce him. We should join them because Bernie says “it’s better to show up than to give up.” We need their votes but they need our bodies. The question is will we join them? Will we launch a revolution of inter-sectional activism and political change? Or will we just go back to nervously laughing about tiny handed Drumpf? If we want to truly create a political revolution against injustice and oligarchy than why are we not physically showing up against Donald Trump? For many of us supporting Bernie Sanders is a natural choice because of his actions for the last 50 years. His consistent actions and devotion has inspired thousands of people to turn out for his rallies. Now it’s up to us to follow in his example. My direct action was to write this. Hopefully it’ll reach at least one of you out there to take some action too.