Vickie Kepling

Exciting. Metropolis. Steamy. Heartbreaking. Attending the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia July 25-28 as a pledged delegate for Bernie Sanders was like attending a four-day funeral for someone I had fallen in love with while tens of thousands of people cheered at the death in the midst of injustice and deceit.

A year of volunteer work went into this trip. Bernie enthused me and renewed my belief in an ethical government of, by and for the people. This kind, outspoken old man, a socialist Jew, embodied a dream for millions. He fought for civil rights in the 1960s and spent the last 40-plus years working for the good of the people — all the people. He addressed wealth inequality, corruption in government and the need to save our planet for future generations. I envisioned American jobs (no TPP and harmful trade agreements), an improved environment with protection of our natural resources, Medicare for all, campaign finance reform and a public understanding that the game we are playing has to change in order for us to survive. This one honest man seemed to have the answers and worked tirelessly in his campaign. He ignited my passion and inspired me to take his message to the national convention.

This was my first time in Philadelphia, and the atmosphere inside the convention hall varied greatly from what was happening outside in the streets. Bernie supporters, environmentalists and activists traveled from all over the country to participate in the marches, rallies and actions. The inside of the convention represented a broken system ruled of, by and for the elite; the outside represented real America — people uniting for democracy.

The trip was an emotional roller coaster. Sunday, I marched with environmentalists and attended a Josh Fox film screening with Sarandon, Jealous, Nahko, Goodman and other champions. Monday, the hell began as speakers at the convention all referred to Hillary Clinton as our “next president of the United States” before delegates even voted. Bernie came on last and received a three-minute standing ovation from supporters before his speech. The experience was heart-wrenching, and fans cried with realization that Bernie was bending to unknown forces. His words were carefully chosen as he addressed us. The responses to his surrendering speeches varied from sadness, anger and acceptance. Tuesday was roll call, and many supporters questioned the need for our presence at the convention.

Somewhere through the haze, I had an epiphany. I knew that many of us had come to love this man. What began as simple support for a politician had evolved to all-encompassing devotion to a hero. What I realized, though, is that he loved us first, and we had responded to him with our hearts. That is what made him different from the others, and for that, we will always be grateful.

Now we are left to heal and move forward in the fearful, undemocratic oligarchy of our current political environment with a feeling of defeat and embarrassment. We could have had Bernie.

Vickie Kepling lives in Springfield.