I’m 52. I’ve paid attention to politics for at least 3 decades, and probably more like 4 — because the Iran hostage thing and Carter and Reagan were compelling even to teens.

There is a difference between echoing the talking points of others as you express your own ideological stand, or instead standing FOR something compelling.

When you stand FOR something that compels YOU, it gives a different kind of energy. It gives and spreads HOPE.

I do not mean to minimize your anger and frustration, because they are real and deserve your attention. But your efforts to address them would be more effective as part of a coalition that isn’t perfect than as a lone voice complaining against all available options.

Real change takes time, unfortunately. But the same time could be used to reinforce a painful and unjust status quo: are you part of the change or part of the resistance?

The Bernie campaign can be an important wave that helps bring his vision as quickly as possible, not despite his defeat but rather helped by the emotions of supporters like you as they acknowledge their frustration and anger. May it be so.