Bernie Sanders championed government policies that would benefit ordinary citizens. This was a refreshing and inspiring “revolution” after 40 years in which we’ve had to choose between the rabidly pro-big business Republican Party and the reluctantly pro-big business Democratic Party, both of which were quite willing to sell government policy in return for campaign cash. Google “1971 Powell memo” to see how big business accomplished this.

Although he did not win the nomination, Bernie has won the much more important battle to resurrect the idea that government could actually serve the majority of its citizens rather than a powerful clique of corporations and insanely wealthy individuals. He reminded us that government is the only way ordinary people can stand up to these forces. Now Hillary Clinton and the Democratic Party have had to adopt most of Bernie’s ideas in order to have any chance of being elected.

Although I am a Bernie supporter, I’m not saddened by Hillary’s nomination. Barack Obama’s election made it very clear that this country will not be saved by electing a well-intended messiah. It requires the election of someone who knows how to work the system (e.g. the Clintons) and who has clearly stated, reluctantly, sincerely or not, the populist positions that Hillary has now adopted. Then, most important of all, that person must be forced by relentless scrutiny and civic action on the part of rank and file citizens, to deliver on their campaign promises. That’s our next task.

Ken Dammand

Tulalip