Welcome to Buster's Blog

Irregular commentary on whatever's on my mind -- politics, sports, current events, and life in general. After twenty years of writing business and community newsletters, fifteen years of fantasy baseball newsletters, and two years of email "columns", this is, I suppose, the inevitable result: the awful conceit that someone might actually care to read what I have to say. Posts may be added often, rarely, or never again. As always, my mood and motivation are unpredictable.

Buster Gammons















Saturday, April 30, 2016

Mr. Sulu, Plot A Course For Planet Earth And Prepare To Share Your Message


"Mr. Sulu, plot a course for Earth."
I'm George Takei. As many of you probably know, I'm a Democrat. And as you may have seen, I've also been a fan of Bernie Sanders. Much of what he stood for and helped bring to the forefront in this primary are things I too have fought for. I stood with the protesters at Occupy Wall Street and have spoken out often for campaign finance reform. I crowd-funded to defeat entrenched corporate interests in Congress. So I like Bernie. A lot of folks like Bernie. Even God, Himself, sent Bernie a tweet. But having been through many bruising primaries in my life, I'm also a realist. From where I sit, the math is clear. Hillary will likely win, and she will be our nominee. But that doesn't mean Bernie didn't also win. He won in a myriad of ways, none more so than energizing the Democratic base in a way no one expected. Young people in particular have become so passionate about this election. Because they recognize the historic importance at stake is nothing less than the very soul of our nation. So I'm asking Democrats out there to take a pledge, along with me.
#Vote Blue No Matter Who

While this primary, at times, has felt damaging, with 
many a harsh word leveled by both sides —  ultimately, we Democrats know that a bit of a tussle isn't a bad thing. It makes us stronger, keeps us sharp. And really, it's like a family squabble. For only family, those very close to us, can truly get under our skin, but remember this too: it's precisely because we respect and like each other that the words and criticism sting as much as they do.

But here's the other thing about family — we come together 
when threatened and come together we will in November. In case you need a bit more convincing, there are many fundamental things both Bernie and Hillary agree on and would both work towards once in the White House.

Expand 
medicare and the Affordable Care Act
Raise the minimum wage
Protect a woman's right to choose
Fund Planned Parenthood
Make college much more affordable
Keep the church and state separate
Protect Social Security
Fight for LGBT 
rights and equality
Lead the world in combating climate change
Pass 
immigration reform with a path to citizenship
Raise taxes on the top earners

A
nd importantly, both would appoint justices to the Supreme Court who share compassionate progressive values to stop the Conservatives from undoing decades of gains. Bernie himself has said, “On her worst day Hillary Clinton will be an infinitely better candidate and president than the Republican candidate on his best day.” If he believes that, his supporters can too. If your state has yet to vote, please do make your voice heard for the candidate you prefer.  But remember, come November, Vote Blue No Matter Who.


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