Today I want to talk about Bernie Sanders. Specifically, a speech he gave on Monday at Liberty University. I won't rehash the details; it's easy enough to Google. And, in fact, you should - and read the next few pieces you find, specifically a piece at Salon, or one at Vox.
After the speech, a lot of digital ink was spilled talking about it. It obviously struck a chord with folks. There's the obvious Man Bites Dog angle: the oddity of a socialist, atheist Jew, speaking at one of the most conservative Christian schools in the country. But it seemed to resonate on a deeper level than that. Over and over, I read words that are not commonly associated with politics, such as "respect", and "compassion". I realized that, for the first time in a long time, we were seeing the values of Non-Violent Communication modeled by an actual sitting politician; not only that, but one who aspires to be President. And that is profound.
I encourage you to watch the entire speech, which I will link at the bottom. But I want to quote a section of it:
I believe from the bottom of my heart that it is vitally important for those of us who hold different views to be able to engage in a civil discourse.
That, my friend, is profound. He continues:
We go out and we talk to people who agree with us.
But it is harder, but not less important, for us to try and communicate with those who do not agree with us on every issue.
And it is important to see where if possible, and I do believe it is possible, we can find common ground.
I happen to agree with Bernie Sanders' message, and his political views. But that almost doesn't matter. What strikes me about him his is honesty and humility. He is not, to be frank, the most eloquent of speakers. He is not necessarily the most attractive, polished or slick. I don't feel the emotional swings and highs that I felt listening to Obama. But what he is, is honest. He is unvarnished. He is unwavering in his beliefs; but one of those beliefs is to not be unwavering in his beliefs. One gets the impression that, were you to catch him in an off moment, unguarded, he would be exactly the same. That alone is worth applauding in this ridiculously packaged world we now face, where each of us has a carefully crafted Facebook page.
I salute you, Bernie Sanders. For doing the right thing, while trying to run for President. Not an easy task, by any means.