When discussing the importance of moderation with our emotions and activity, Greek philosopher Aristotle made the following assessment:

“Anybody can become angry, that is easy; but to be angry with the right person, and to the right degree, and at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way, that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy.”

Aristotle wasn’t discounting the importance of expressing emotion. Nor was he saying people don’t have the right to act or react according to moral principles. His point was, “let the response be reasonable.”

After the virtual dead heat at the Iowa Caucus between Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton, I’m more confident than ever that Sanders can find a way to win. Still, it has been very disappointing to see so many Blacks still supporting Clinton despite her legacy and present attitude that shows a disregard for Black America. But before unpacking the differences between the remaining Democratic candidates, let’s briefly explore an issue that’s surfaced in recent weeks.

There are those—including The Atlantic writer Ta-Nehisi Coates—who have chosen to highlight Bernie Sanders’ opposition to reparations as proof that he isn’t “radical enough.” For a moment let’s excuse the fact that no other candidate supports reparations. Marinating on the four centuries of disenfranchisement Blacks have endured in this country courtesy of white supremacist social policies and structural oppression, it’s incredibly difficult to argue against judicious forms of land or fiduciary (or both) reparation.

Nevertheless, an explicit reparations initiative will never happen. At least, not in the foreseeable future.

We must have reasonable expectations moderated by an informed understanding of prevailing beliefs that permeate today’s society. Our culture is incredibly white-centered. The national discussion concerning race and racism is impoverished. Most whites don’t make the connection between race-based social, economic, and political inequalities that were baked into the social DNA of this country from chattel slavery that continues to present day. As a result, any talk of overt reparation programs would be met with ideological recoil and unimaginable strife.

At this point in the presidential race, discussion of reparations could be viewed as a red herring. That may not be the intention of those bringing up this subject, but it can easily be construed that way. When we consider those running for office, we should investigate the content of their track record and strategy for head of state, not whether they support an economic remuneration that—though just and warranted—is a pipedream of the marginalized and political self-sabotage for those who would back it.

But if Bernie isn’t politically “down with the brown” regarding reparations, why should Blacks vote for him?

I offer a two-part response. First: For those preoccupied with Sanders ostensibly rejecting reparations in an explicit sense, acquaint yourselves with what he’s trying to accomplish. What he offers would be a racial justice and economic justice game-changer. It isn’t flawless but it’s satisfactory in many ways.

Political science professor Adolph Reed considers the criticism about Sanders and reparations “so utterly empty and beside the point, I can’t even characterize it.” Reed recognizes the potential in Bernie’s programs, saying:

“You can go down Sanders’s platform issue by issue and ask, ‘So how is this not a black issue?’ How is a $15 minimum wage not a black issue? How is massive public work employment not a black issue? How is free public college higher education not a black issue? The criminal justice stuff and all the rest of it. So one head scratching aspect of this is what do people like Coates imagine is to be gained by calling the redistribution program racial and calling it ‘reparations?’”

In my interview with Noam Chomsky about presidential candidates, the distinguished intellectual referred to Sanders as “a decent New Dealer” and “a breath of fresh air.” Chomsky identifies Sanders as someone pushing for policies that will promote economic recovery and social reform. Bernie’s class-based solutions would provide relief for the poor and working class. This would produce reparation-like effects insofar as it will disproportionately aid Black communities because we’re disproportionately impoverished.

That isn’t to say this strategy would “fix” racism or racial injustice. This should go without saying. That’s a feat no politician or political agenda could accomplish.

Second, and equally as important: Consider the alternatives.

I won’t waste time unpacking my qualms with the ring-wing candidates. I’ll only highlight the fact that they, as is the custom of Republicans, revere social inequalities that affect not only Blacks but also women and the LGBTQIA communities.

Leading these bunch of political troglodytes is Donald Trump, the demagogue who personifies white supremacy and gives white nationalists something to write home about. When it comes to the Black vote, unless we’re committed to voting against social progress that would be advantageous to the Black community, none of these choices are on our radar.

The only other candidate that presents a challenge to Sanders is Hillary Clinton. Like Jay-Z said, “Men lie, women lie, numbers don’t.” Check out flip-flop Clinton’s track record. Really look at it. Now compare that with the established consistency of Sanders.

We’re also tasked with reviewing the substance of their respective campaigns. In doing this, it’s important to determine which campaigns would provide maximum benefit to the people.

Clinton is a centrist who offers a left-wing patina that comes with the same corporate-backed obligations that will ensure stagnation on social disparities. Contrast that with Sanders, who has captured the liberal imagination precisely due to the authentic nature of his progressive campaign.

I know Clinton’s a household name, but we must break with this illusion that the Clinton name is one Blacks can trust. And let’s be honest, Bill wasn’t the saint we mythologize him to be. I’m not referring to infidelity, I’m talking about the adverse effects his policies had on the Black community that still haunt us today. A prime example would be how mass incarceration was exacerbated by the Clinton administration, a fact Bill himself admits.

And who championed these “tough on crime” policies that continue to inequitably devastate Black America? That’s right, Hillary Clinton.

Michelle Alexander, author of The New Jim Crow, has long tried to make the Black community aware of Clinton’s inclinations. More recently she said,

Black people, please wake up: Hillary doesn’t care about you.

The way she profoundly mishandles Blacks who call her out reflects this. It’s like people forgot the distinctly racist undertones of her 2008 bid for the presidency.

Her newfound “I, too, care about the Black people—vote for me!” rhetoric won’t save us from her opportunistic tendencies. Recognize Clinton is only interested in fleecing our people for the extra votes necessary to secure power. As we see by her history of waffling, there is no position Clinton currently holds that she isn’t willing to compromise later on down the line to better serve her agenda.

In response to supporters of Hillary Clinton, writer Ijeoma Oluo remarked,

“The Clintons fucking destroyed countless black lives. Their policies destroyed the social safety nets that people of color relied upon desperately. Their “tough on crime” policies that acted as little more than new slavery removed an entire generation of black men from our society. And yes, her husband’s legacy that she fought for and supported every step of the way is hers as well…I’d love a female president too, but a boot on your neck is a boot on your neck, even when that boot is actually a high heel. It’s all white supremacy to me.”

Real talk: Hillary wasn’t vocally down with Black Lives Matter until she realized Black Votes Matter in this election race.

What about Bernie? Ask Symone Sanders, his press secretary who’s also a Black Lives Matter activist. Sanders hasn’t been without blemish in handling the critique of BLM. The difference is, Sanders has worked to better adjust and incorporate the input of Black voices concerned with racial justice.

Unfortunately, we can’t neglect the influence corporate America has with clandestine pacts with certain campaigns. Bernie Sanders has called out Clinton on her ties to Wall Street and special interest groups, for which she’s never able to give an adequate rebuttal. And how could she with all that corporate-sponsored money subduing the wag of her tongue?

The choice is simple: Our social institutions are inherently racist, including our political, law enforcement, and criminal justice systems. If Black voters want to have any chance of confronting systematic anti-black cultures within these institutions, logic dictates we back the one who’s anti-establishment and has shown some level of genuine concern for these issues. And that’s Bernie Sanders.

This isn’t me saying Sanders is the perfect candidate. I don’t think such a thing exists. My endorsement of Sanders comes with the knowledge that I don’t agree with all of his stances. Still, measuring his decision-making record and campaign objectives with the rest jockeying for the presidency leads me to conclude he is the most appropriate choice for those desiring a forward-thinking administration that treats social issues that directly relates to Black America.

Recall Aristotle’s thoughts about well-placed passion. Voting is an act of conviction that must be guided by research and reason. Don’t not vote because you’re disgruntled with the current state of affairs—get proactive in choosing a leader that will best meet the needs of our people. Don’t vote for Clinton just because of name recognition—a major decision like selecting our next commander in chief ought to consider the scope of the plans offered and the reliability of the candidate who plans to enforce them.

The millennials are already hip. Young voters are supporting Sanders in droves because they know what the U.S. needs is substantive change, not tinkering around the edges without serious progression. When united, the Black community wields great power. This is evident by the voting numbers that got President Obama elected. Let’s do it again and ensure this entire nation feels the Bern.

Related — Why Hillary Clinton Doesn’t Deserve the Black Vote, by Michelle Alexander (legal scholar, human rights advocate)