Page1 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Monday, November 7, 2016 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine the Unheard herald SERVING DEMOCRACY AND THE HEART OF DURANGO COLORADO | TheUnheardHerald.com | Monday, November 7, 2016 | SHARE FREELY ¢

2016 — Open Letter to President Barack Obama

To: From: President Barack Obama Root Routledge, PhD The White House PO Box 830 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Durango, CO 81302-0830 Washington, DC 20500 [email protected]

Dear President Obama, plish three objectives: First, I want to express my sincere gratitude and I am moved to write this heart- respect to you Barack, on a person- felt letter to you, Mr President, as al level if I may, for running and I am deeply troubled about what serving as our first black president. is happening to my beloved coun- I am proud that, after several earli- President Barack Obama try, the of America. er attempts America finally passed and undermined by deceit, con, di- My thoughts will unfold here from that political and cultural thresh- vision and the cynical exploitation more than one perspective, as they old. Second, I wish to share my con- of ignorance, hatred and fear. emerge not only from sober, lev- tinued and growing concern about We are both witness and partici- el-headed and rational reflection; our country and the deterioration pant in an unprecedented presiden- but, from a seeming cauldron of of our democracy — in fact, the ac- tial election cycle that, via a system mixed emotions that have been tual disintegration of democracy, if of corporatized oligarchic “man- brewing for some time — excite- that means fracturing to the point aged democracy”, has produced ment, enthusiasm, and hope; be- of impairment in quality, function- two of the most damaged, disliked coming swamped with heartbreak, ing, and condition; indeed, now and distrusted major party candi- disappointment, loss, insult, frus- manifesting as an apparent farci- dates in anyone’s memory, if not tration and bewilderment; inter- cal failure, a ridiculous and empty our country’s history — explicitly mixed with justified outrage and show of personal attacks lacking placing our country and our future righteous anger, fierceness and pertinence and substance. And fi- at risk of devastating consequenc- more. nally in the midst of all this, I want es. Never before have I viewed a With this letter1 I wish to accom- to fan the flames of inspirational presidential election as such an hope for healing in this bizarre era existential threat to our country as 1 This is not a short “presidential of polarized confusion over core we now know it. The candidacy of briefing”, but the sharing of a story—my story. values, which have been muddled the loser con-artist the Republicans So without apology, I don’t know at the outset have produced should not even rise how long it will be; nor do I have any illusion it write something about my experience with above the level of absurdity. Yet, will even reach your desk, let alone that you’ll this election and as a National Delegate, I have find the time to read it. Nonetheless, I’ve prom- chosen this path and time to communicate my the loser has attracted a following ised so many people that I would eventually thoughts broadly. of validly disgruntled Americans; © 2016 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Page 2 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Monday, November 7, 2016 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine but whose gullibility, anger and al will not save our democracy or ignorance he has easily exploited planet? with a continual stream of negative Yet, as an active participant I have memes that go to the heart of their seen that even this system, even as most base emotions, duping and it is, had the potential to deliver suckering this ill-informed group to us the valued qualities of dig- into believing the con of his impe- nity, honesty, integrity and moral rial prowess, while lacking even a strength by surfacing more than shred of substance. Whereas, the one inspiring candidate with such Democrats have produced and se- exemplary character—namely Ber- lected a candidate who, through nie Sanders and Jill Stein—instead her own actions, decisions and be- of the two that have exacerbated Root was an elected Democratic havior, seems to be in a precarious the polarization of . But struggle to even hold a majority of it failed to do that. It failed due to National Delegate pledged to Ber- the electorate over the Republican fraud, disempowerment of the elec- nie Sanders, from Colorado Con- loser candidate. How can it happen torate, groundless ideological ab- gressional District 3, (West Slope that such a candidate can be so de- surdity, and cynical subterfuge that and SW Colorado), to the Demo- spised by both the rightwing/alt- undermined the democratic process cratic National Convention, Phil- right and the progressive left, who itself within the parties. Hence, that adelphia, July 25-28, 2016. understand that business as usu- has further exacerbated disillusion- ment, apathy and disengagement of the American electorate. And it the “Corporate Political Complex”. the Unheard herald has precipitated an angry response It represents monopoly control of The Unheard Herald™ is a trademarked for change, any change, regard- our corrupted politics, which is (TM) and copyrighted © trade name, less of how inept and disastrous subservient to moneyed interests of created on April 7, 2012 with the first the capitalist billionaire class, push- published edition “Keep Durango it might be. The right in particular Local”; the trade name is owned by the has abandoned all factual reality ing the single paradigm of capital- publisher Root Routledge. because they don’t care about that; ism as the principal if not only rul- This eNewspaper and website are pub- what they want is “something else” ing construct for society — a failed lished and distributed ad hoc as facts and and to dominate by dictate from a ideology that displaces true market circumstances warrant an exposé or the morally and intellectually vacuous economies and focuses entirely on advocating for a particular democratic growing and concentrating more cause on behalf of the people affected. con-artist, a charlatan megaloma- and faster money for those who Publisher/Editor: Root Routledge niac with a delusional mental dis- hold the most money; harvesting Website: www.TheUnheardHerald.com order marked by infantile feelings Contact the Publisher at: and expressions of personal omnip- the wealth of our socioeconomic Phone: 970-382-0711 Fax: 970-403-1171 otence and grandeur. He becomes system, while delivering devasta- [email protected] their IED simply to wreck the sys- tion to our culture, society and envi- Mail: PO Box 830, Durango, CO 81302 tem status quo. ronment. It has even devolved from one focused on productive private Herald (n): A messenger that conveys The two-party system is corrupt- news, proclaims, announces or warns; investment, to say nothing about its one that supports or advocates, esp. for ed, perhaps beyond recovery. Civic inability to meet the needs of pub- notable events or major change, often liberty is all about fair participation lic investment, into an unhinged presaging what is to come. (Webster) in political power; which our cur- convoluted epi-device generating rent system, in the end, continues “We have it in our power to begin the phantom wealth for a small few, world over again...” to be unable to deliver under the extracted from real tangible wealth “It is error only, and not truth, that oligarchic control of the democratic and built on an ever enlarging debt shrinks from inquiry... The most formi- process by what I call the two-head- dable weapon against errors of every pyramid that is bound to collapse. kind is reason... Reason obeys itself; ed “Corporate R&D Party” serving This system is not designed to pro- and ignorance submits to whatever is only the concentration of wealth mote what’s good for people or life; dictated to it.” — and power accumulation goals of Thomas Paine in fact, history teaches us if we will

© 2016 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Monday, November 7, 2016 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Page 3 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine only observe, it is sucking the life who made the difficult moral - de I’ve actively voted ever since that out of society, civilization and the cision to move to Canada to avoid first election, where in 1968 you still planet, continually increasing the fighting in Vietnam. But, as it might had to be 21 years old in order to risk of irreversible catastrophic col- be with many of the Dreamers who vote. Most millennials today, I dare lapse. have been here since childhood, say, scarcely know that it took mas- Before I address the three objec- even though our parents arrived sive student protests to demand a tives noted above in some detail, under different circumstances, I constitutional amendment allow- I want to share a bit of my back- grew up identifying as an Amer- ing those 18-to-20 year-olds being ground because it is important ican, not as a Canadian. I didn’t drafted to fight a war to participate to understand where I’m coming want to leave America; by then I re- in selecting politicians for or against th from. So let me begin with some ally didn’t feel like a Canadian and the war — culminating in the 26 brief personal history regarding I grew up to love my country, the Amendment to the Constitution, on who I am; and bring it to the pres- United States, as I know so many 7/1/1971; making the amendment ent with my active involvement in immigrants do who adopt Ameri- the quickest to be ratified by the this election cycle. ca as their own country and desire states. Voting and ongoing partici- citizenship. So, I obtained my citi- pation in our democracy is part of zenship in February of 1968 in or- taking responsibility for our coun- Personal Background der to become an officer and fly in try; which is why I’m so passionate – Root Routledge the United States Air Force, where about what is happening to it. Until I served proudly with honor. My this election, I’ve been an actively I come to this as a patriotic immi- 22nd birthday, my first presidential engaged lifetime independent and grant, Vietnam Veteran, and first vote, and my commissioning as a not a party member; it took Bernie time Democratic National Delegate 2nd Lt, all occurred within a day of Sanders, also a lifetime indepen- who turns 70 years old, November each other. Less than a year later I dent, to bring me into the Demo- 7th, the day before the election. My received my wings as a navigator, cratic Party when he chose to run parents moved from British Colum- top security clearance, and over the for president as a Democrat. bia, Canada, to Chicago just prior to next four years flew a total of 2360 my seventh birthday in 1953, where hours, 630 combat flight hours and I entered the second grade. They 170 combat missions in Vietnam, never applied for their American earning the DFC and several Air citizenship, so I remained a Canadi- Medals and Service Medals, as an an citizen as a “permanent resident officer in the th8 MAS of the Military alien” throughout all my schooling Airlift Command and the 360th Tac- and four years of university. Fif- tical Electronic Warfare Squadron teen years later, in June of 1968, ev- in Vietnam. ery male who was graduating from college that year was immediately faced with an almost certain future of being drafted to go fight in Viet- Senator nam; including me, even as a per- manent resident Canadian citizen. Although I’ve written lots of pub- However, I could not be an officer lic letters, essays and op-ed piec- without being an American citizen. es over the years, I never actually Without any disgrace or embar- engaged the inside nitty-gritty of rassment, I could have morally and the democratic process until this legally returned to my country of election. Only because I had to be origin to avoid the fate of the Viet- a Democrat in order to vote in the nam War. In fact, even though I primary election for Bernie Sanders ended up serving in the military, I Captain Root Routledge, did I join the Democratic Party, of have respect for those Americans USAF, 1968-1972 which I’m still a member. My intent

© 2016 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Page 4 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Monday, November 7, 2016 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine was merely to vote in the primary you’ve remained throughout your positive contribution to America caucus; but true to my nature I had presidency, at least from outward as our president and First Family. to speak out on behalf of Bernie, so appearances, even though you’ve Disagreements aside, I really like been viciously you Barack; I like your energy and attacked and vil- the friendly way you interact with ified by Repub- other people at all levels of life. You licans the entire have a great sense of humor, which time, who even I’ll bet you drew on lots for sanity. made it their pri- mary goal to tor- pedo your presi- dency and make you a “one-term” president with no significant accom- plishments, rath- er than focusing on the good of the country. It must Over half of our 46 Colorado Bernie Delegates and alternates have been very attended our 2-day planning retreat at delegate Dave Levy and difficult working his wife Diane’s farm in Berthoud, Colorado with most of these backward and ir- got elected by my precinct to be a rational politicians, many of whom County delegate; then to the Colo- could scarcely hide their hatred rado State Democratic Convention and vitriol toward you. I hold you as a State Delegate; and finally, I in high regard for your ability to do worked to get all the way to Phil- that; especially as a black man. adelphia as a pledged National You have a lovely family, with Delegate for Bernie Sanders. All the The Obama family – Malia, Michelle, your wife and First Lady Michelle Barack, and Sasha with pets Sunny and Bo effort to get there, our pre-conven- Obama, and your two lovely chil- tion Bernie delegate retreat, lots of dren, Malia and Sasha. Although Facebook posting, as well as the ex- It would be an honor to meet you perience being there, of course, was and your family in person some- an incredible lifetime experience, day. for which I’m grateful and will nev- As an aside, I have a 21-year er forget or regret. old mixed race African American grandson, Kinjah; who like you has Barack Obama a black father and white mother, my stepdaughter Molly, and he was — First Black President raised primarily by her alone; al- of the United States of though they lived with me and my wife Suzanne as a family for most America of the first five years of Kinjah’s life, Barack, you deserve immense re- First Lady Michelle Obama where as his grandfather I was the spect and credit for becoming and primary male in his life as “Poppy serving America as our first African I disagree on many areas of pol- Root”. Even though Molly’s mom American president for a full two icy and staffing decisions you’ve and I divorced, we are all still good terms. It amazes me how positive made, I think overall you and your friends and Molly and Kinjah will family have made a significant and always be part of my life.

© 2016 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Monday, November 7, 2016 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Page 5 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

Later on I married a young of that first day was watch- Oromo Ethiopian woman ing Bernie Sanders give his from western Ethiopia, in speech that evening. It was Addis Ababa on May 27th such a bright moment in of 2001, and brought her American politics, but re- to America where Tikdem plete with mixed emotions earned her nursing degree since Bernie, who earned and American Citizenship. 46% of pledged delegates We had a wonderful sever- from 13 million votes, was al years together until she edged out in a process the found a nursing home job Democratic Party should she really wanted in Den- be ashamed of; but which ver; but I wished to remain Hillary’s team and the in Durango, so we did a DNC and its leadership difficult but amicable path- actually colluded to un- split, but remain each oth- dermine. This is NOT what er’s best friend to this day. democracy should look As time went on she met like! Nonetheless, the po- a very nice Ugandan man litical fix was in and even in Denver, who runs his though I was bound and own business there. They Root - Day 1, Monday, Democratic Party Convention Center determined never to sup- have two lovely little girls, port Hillary, I remained 5 and 2 years old. With both time convention participant it was open to how the convention sets of genetic grandparents in East an amazing lifetime experience. I unfolded and learned a great deal Africa, I have become their “Ameri- attended the Black Caucus, my first from perspectives I had not really can Grandfather” as “Poppy Root”, paid attention to previously. who they adore, and I love them Bernie had thrown his support to dearly. Hillary and by the end of the third Barack, I wish you, Michelle and your children a wonderful, healthy and safe new life as you “retire” from the highest office in our land. May life’s path bestow many more blessing upon you all. I look for- ward to seeing how you all engage your lives as time moves on.

Democratic National Convention Senator Cory Booker speaking Monday at Jesse Jackson speaking at the Black Caucus — Personal reflections on the Black Caucus Bernie, Barack, Hillary and family convention meeting that Monday day I found myself moved by what morning, where I got to hear from I had observed and heard, and what Let me say a few words here about many of our national black leaders, had transpired; including what was my experience and what I wit- including Jesse Jackson, Ben Jeal- said and presented by many party nessed at the Democratic National ous, Keith Ellison, Donna Brazile stalwarts and dignitaries, as well as Convention in Philadelphia. These and others to famous actors like invited ordinary Americans. I was conventions may be old-hat to Danny Glover, and meet several moved by the excellent speeches of many party stalwarts, but as a first attendees. Of course the highlight Joe Biden, Cory Booker, the Black © 2016 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Page 6 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Monday, November 7, 2016 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

Congressional Caucus, Congressio- vention, as well nal Women’s Caucus and Women as the enthusi- Senators, Gold Star families, Black astic embrace she gave to the despised former DNC chair and now her cam- paign head, who was fired just be- fore the conven- tion due to her biased under- mining of Ber- nie’s campaign, Vice President Joe Biden I struggled to set all this aside. In Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders speaking Lives Matter mothers, Police Chiefs, the midst of the Monday evening, Day 1, at the Democratic National Convention Veterans and so many others. I was steady stream particularly moved by Michelle’s many of our Bernie delegates con- of political and speech and that of yours, Barack. tinuing to protest the convention personal negativity from all sides By the morning of the last day that results, and after a heart-felt plea of this campaign, however, I was by Bernie delegate and highly re- again moved by learning more spected Colorado State Legislator about Hillary’s life story and by Joe Salazar to now support Hillary as Bernie had asked us, I made a brief statement in a private gather- ing of our 41 Colorado Bernie del- egates. While expressing my em- pathy for the feelings in the room, especially by the younger delegates since as an avid McGovern sup- porter I shed the same tears when I was their age, I said: “Okay, let me admit I’ve been moved by what I’ve witnessed over the past three Bernie delegates Sarah Moore and Giselle days [giving some details]. So, at Herzfeld protesting at the Convention this point, perhaps we can vote for Hillary and then HOLD HER FEET TO THE FIRE in order to manifest all the progressive improvements we’ve managed to get into the plat- form; and thus kill the fraudulent candidacy of the con-artist.” Although the Clinton camp, in an amazing lack of sensitivity, re- spect and strategic thinking, made it difficult to throw our support behind her with enthusiasm, given Colorado State Legislator and Bernie dele- Thursday, amidst the continuing the negative treatment Bernie dele- gate Joe Salazar talking to fellow delegates sadness, anger and resentment of gates received throughout the con- Kona Morris and Giselle Herzfeld © 2016 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Monday, November 7, 2016 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Page 7 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine her acceptance speech. It was in- sonal stories, like that of Chelsea deed a treat to learn more about and Bill made this all more real and how Hillary’s personal, profession- genuine, which I like very much. Since I’m about the same age as Bill and Hillary, Bill’s personal sharing of their first meeting in the library and their mutual courting took me back to that time when my first wife, Darlene, and I had met in late August of 1970, when I was in the Air Force and we were later in col- lege together in 1972 after I got out.

al and political life developed; and to hear Hillary’s family tell about how proud they are of her and how Root and Darlene, December 18, 1970

fore they tied up and ran up to the house, telling Darlene, “Hey Dar- lene; there’s a guy here who wants to meet you.” Of course, neither of Bill and Hillary, Yale Law us knew what was going on; but School, early 1970s Darlene’s dad Frank, a beer sales- man, welcomed me putting a can of This brings to mind another little Olympia beer in my hand. Less than personal aside, if I may share this as 4 months later, Darlene and I were well Barack. Although Darlene was married on December 18, 1970; and a young 20-year old college student 2½ months after that I was shipped much they love her. Chelsea was and I a 23-year old 1st lieutenant in to a new assignment in Saigon for warm and sincere, telling us about the Air Force, we did not meet in a year, a difficult interruption for what a great mom she had even liv- college. In fact, we were magically newlyweds. introduced with the angelic inter- is a very accom- vention of four little matchmaking plished professional woman and girls, ranging in age from about 6 politician and I believe her heart is to 11 years old. Barely old enough in the right place on many issues, to drive a boat it would seem, they if not her priorities. I’m impressed pulled up in a motor boat to my dock where I was sunning, 3 beers into a six-pack, and said, “Hey! There’s a girl across the lake who wants to meet you. Come on; get in!” They clearly had this planned out on their own, because when ing in a political cauldron, and even they arrived with me on board at though her mom was despised and Darlene’s family cabin dock in the constantly under political and per- midst of their private gathering, sonal attack by Republicans. Per- the youngest hopped out even be-

© 2016 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Page 8 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Monday, November 7, 2016 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine about her lifetime focus on women, participation in our election so vot- about the disaster this agreement children and families, and all the ers can know who they get to vote would be not only for us, but sov- good she has accomplished there. for. ereign nations and governments rd Although I did not vote for Bill (3 But, as time went on, I found Hil- everywhere. You’re a brilliant pol- party candidates Perot in 1992, and lary’s actions speaking louder than itician with a law degree, so I know Nader in 1996 instead), I support- her words, especially regarding you are well aware of this; why no ed Hillary’s active involvement in staffing of her transition team with comment when only seven or so Bill’s administration and her effort chapters out of a couple of dozen to take on the health insurance in- actually relate to trade? Is this what dustry with a plan for universal you really want for the world—per- coverage. It was the right thing to manent corporate oligarchic domi- do; although she sure had to learn nance over governments of, by and how to go about it differently and for the people? Why? Even the U.S. how fierce and embittered the cor- has recently been sued for $17 bil- porate-backed opposition was. Hil- lon under Chapter 11 of NAFTA lary has made some bad decisions over the XL pipeline, because you as her political career progressed, Massive No TPP protest at Convention, correctly stopped in its tracks due which she has learned from in my Colorado upper left, PBS photo to environmental and climate con- opinion, and has some character cerns. TPP is NAFTA on steroids. flaws like we all do; but she is cer- the chief person, former Senator and Salazar would, it seems to most tainly a strong, qualified and com- Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar, an of us, fill the administration with petent woman to be president and avid resource extractor, believer in corporate political executives rep- Commander in Chief; whereas the fracking, and corporate supporter resenting the antithesis of what is Republican loser candidate is any- of TPP and other disastrous trade needed for a viable future. Then thing but that, presenting himself agreements. Regardless of any more and more damaging revela- as a blithering bag of offensive hot trade wording, these agreements tions keep coming out, including a air with no substance whatsoever. aren’t really trade agreements, per long and cynical DNC and Clinton There’s no comparison, of course; se, but corporate empowerment camp campaign to undermine Ber- which is why it’s so appalling that structures that forever enshrine the nie Sanders primary campaign and the race between them seems to be sovereignty of corporations over insult his supporters, as well as Jill so close. Stein and the Green Party. After Philadelphia and staying Man, does that make it hard to that weekend in Washington, DC, continue to support Hillary! The with Tikdem’s sister and her hus- attitude seems to have been, “We band, Baby and Melaku, I returned don’t need you… until we need home with this bag of mixed feel- you. Then we expect you to give us ings, but a sense that I could yet the votes we think should already vote for Hillary. However, I still be ours.” Wow! What insensitive felt democracy was being ill served political arrogance! You know by the fraudulent freeze out of val- what? My vote is mine, until you id third party candidates from the earn it! presidential debates. So, while not Colorado Bernie delegates joining the mas- publicly committing after Bernie to sive NO TPP protest any one particular candidate, I post- ed lots of articles and my comments national, regional and local govern- America and the about opening up the debates to the ments on global economic affairs Deterioration of Our Green Party’s Jill Stein and Liber- across the planet, regardless of im- tarian’s Gary Johnson, regardless of pact. Incidentally, this is something Democracy who you support for president. That’s you never speak of, Barack, of which simply calling for a fair democratic your silence on this says volumes

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Republican Party supposed to be where people can had to coopt the two other legs for participate in the management and their voting blocks in order to even It is amazing to me that so many policy choices affecting our society. keep the stool upright. One of those people don’t see through the Re- But, “small government” doesn’t other legs represents a conglomera- publican Party. The party speaks as mean more “freedom” for people; tion of authoritarian alt-right, older if they support people and democ- it means less power for the people, white male “tea party” types, who racy, but works hard to actively and more control of society by large have until now drank the establish- undermine both through voter sup- multinational mega-corporations— ment cool aid waiting for better re- pression and disenfranchisement, inherently undemocratic institutions. sults. The third leg consists of the blocking voter registration, limiting It’s not about small versus big gov- ultra-rightwing religious groups, voting polls, and outright election ernment. It’s highly concentrated who basically want to control soci- fraud. They do everything they can corporate aggregation of resources ety and mold people into their own to make it harder to vote, because and control over the economy, so- belief system, exercising their own they know their ideas and pro- ciety and our culture, supported “supreme authority” of dominion grams can’t bring in the majority of by a corporate media propaganda over all others. The only thing these thinking people since they are an- system playing tunes in harmony; three factions really have in com- tithetical to the interest and needs all of which undermines the proper mon is an authoritarian sense of of ordinary people. That is why functioning of a true market econ- domination and control. Anything these politicians want to “pick their omy (“free market” is a code word that upsets this precarious assem- own voters” through gerryman- for evermore corporate consolida- bly, like fossil fuels and anthropo- dering in order to obtain and hold tion, concentration and control; the genic climate disruption, is rejected unrepresentative seats in congress; opposite of Adam Smith’s notion of outright. and they love the “pay to play” bil- market competition in local econ- They’ve all been told for decades lionaires and “corporate persons” omies run by the owners of small what to believe and how to pledge enshrined by a politically bigoted businesses). This fraudulent ideol- their allegiance to the establishment Supreme Court with the disastrous ogy is juxtaposed against a viable creed; in turn, the oligarch elite pre- Citizens United pronouncements. future notion of a resilient local tend to care about their social and The policies and legislation they and dispersed “Main Street” econo- religious issues. And they stretch support are written by and for the my and democratic engagement of a meaningless label over these dis- oligarch lobbyists in support of people in their socioeconomic lives junctive factions called “conserva- their overarching goal of growing through more local ownership and tism”. But these folks, who have more and more money for those local stakeholder involvement. Of legitimate complaints about the who already hold the most money; course, the paradigm of capitalism establishment system that is not while eliminating their responsibil- is founded on the notion of unlim- working for them, yet no clue about ity to society and any means of soci- ited growth and it is becoming ever viable solutions, have finally woken etal oversite and regulatory control; more clear that it has had to create up to realize they’ve been left hold- and undercutting public goods and a massive debt pyramid to keep the ing an empty bag after supporting service, to add insult to injury. extraction machine running in that the establishment’s dogma all these To accomplish that they run a direction. years. What’s in it for them? strategy of “sustainable ignorance” The Republican Party and their For these reasons, there is no in- and have, until recently, gotten their notion of conservatism has always ternally consistent definition of gullible followers to simply memo- been made up of an inherently un- “right wing” or “conservatism”. rize and regurgitate, with the fer- stable three-legged stool, requiring And irony of all ironies; the Re- vor of religious belief but without a bailing wire strategy of sustain- publican Party itself has produced conscious reflection, their creed of able ignorance to hold it together. this Frankenstein-ish monstrosity “privatization, small government, One leg represents the rich business that has helped to literally obliter- less regulation, tax breaks for the oligarchs and the establishment ate any sense of a coherent “right rich, and less services for ordinary elite; the one-percenters who have wing” notion of “conservatism”; Americans (austerity to reduce the all the money but essentially no it’s gone. deficit).” Of course, government is votes on their own. So, they have

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The remnants of the fractured ness failures he has caused, is the ing but an historical footnote to the amalgam that was the Republican antithesis of success. It’s the mark disaster perpetrated by the Greatest Party will never get glued back to- of a lying scoundrel. Loser of All Time. That’s the name gether now that their voting base Even if the big loser happens by that will stick, given the horror has woken up holding an empty some fluke of fate, karma or their show he would engender. How is bag sold to them by establishment perpetration of election fraud, to it we’ve come this close to catastro- oligarchs—the oligarchs get every- become our next president, the phe? thing while regular people get little Republican Party is finished as a to nothing; and the people have to pseudo-coherent viable party. Once Democratic Party pay for the largess the establish- awakened, the crony-capitalist elite ment bestows on itself. The people will never be able to pull the wool Barack, the Democratic National are fucking pissed; and rightfully over the glazed eyes of these fol- Convention was a great produc- so! Bernie offered a viable alterna- lowers again and will lose its grip tion! And so many of the words tive to that model; whereas Hillary on the levers of power it has main- presented were beautiful, even offers only more “business as usu- tained through a compliant “right- poetic at times, and forceful and al” establishment ideas, keeping wing” voter base, perhaps while fierce at other times. Given that the corporate and financial power in society descends into chaos. In the great loser had arrogantly claimed 2 the driver’s seat. That is why these long run, if this psychotic egoma- he knew more than all the generals low-information voters have grav- niacal con-artist, ever out of touch about ISIS, most of whom he would itated to a charlatan who, while with reality, takes control of our fire since that’s the lens through actually belonging to the oligarch country and remakes it in his own which a little man with little hands establishment class and reaping its image, endeavoring to make him- sees as his most important little le- private benefits, has bamboozled self great again and be dictator to ver of power, I loved it when about them into believing he will deliver the world, he will become known 40 or 50 retired senior officers who something different. With their au- as the “Greatest Loser Ever” by have actually served our country in thoritarian view of the world, these generations of civilization out over uniform stood on stage with Gener- two factions—the alt-right and time into the fu- al Allen when he delivered such a morally challenged religious do- ture. A “Greatest minionists—simply see the oppor- Loser Ever” who tunity to “throw out the old system will be despised and take over” by gathering around and hated for this phony loser candidate. Even all time. That is the vacuity of his intellect—indeed because he will lacking any pretense of intellectual make our coun- curiosity, vocabulary or attention try a loser coun- span—fits perfectly with their own try, our future a alienation and lack of any in-depth loser as oppor- understanding. They are suckered tunity for its via- by the illusion of the “successful bility slips away, businessman” meme. Let’s be clear; and the planet anyone who’s supposed “success” a loser of finali- comes from screwing his lenders, ty. All the igno- suppliers and workers, let alone the rance will come General Allen with several dozen retired senior military officers American public by not paying any home to roost on taxes, and running away from busi- supporting Hillary Clinton as a strong, solid and steady the Republican Commander in Chief 2 Well of course this is the same model Party of Stupid of the “center-right” Democratic Party as well. and the narcissistic loser they have See Nomi Prins’s insightful analysis in her themselves created and gathered stirring speech. Allen gave a force- recent article: “Waking Up in Hillary Clinton’s around. His “thwimpie” family ful indictment of the loser candi- United States: Wall Street in the Saddle,” Truth- date’s foreign policy and his igno- Out, October 27, 2016. name will be lost in time, becom- © 2016 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Monday, November 7, 2016 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Page 11 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine rance of anything military, while posed the question directly to super Platform and not give Bernie a cold proudly supporting Hillary Clinton delegates on my National Delegate shoulder. That’s where a break- who would be, he proclaimed, a business card: “Will you stand with down in trust erodes support. We competent Commander In Chief. I an inspired generation’s future know what Hillary says; but we even stood up and saluted the gen- (Millennials favor Bernie 4-to-1 vs don’t know how strong her convic- erals and admirals on stage at the HRC); or risk losing the greatest tions are and what she’ll actually end of Allen’s speech. But of course political enthusiasm in ages?” do once elected.3 it leaves open the policy questions It begs the question why Demo- For example, regarding pipelines of militarism and open-ended wars, cratic Party and DNC operatives and alternative energy, she’s really which were the valid concerns of not only failed convention delegates who protest- to court this new ed the general’s speech. crop of young To be honest, I don’t know where voters; but why to go with the Democratic Party. they so arro- Had the primary election fracas gantly tried to been fully legitimate, open to inde- dis them (and all pendents across the board, and so Bernie delegates, many millennials not been mysteri- including me). ously removed from the voter regis- And now Hillary tration lists, Bernie would have won is scrambling to by a wide margin. We would indeed reach and hold on be wiping the mat with the Repub- to the millenni- lican loser with maybe a 90-to-10 als. Regardless of showing, instead of a neck-n-neck how inner party Standing Rock - Massive armed militarized response to peaceful race; and we would have brought operatives actual- unarmed protesters/water protectors attempting to stop DAPL tens of millions of new wildly en- ly feel about Ber- Photo credit: Redhawk of Standing Rock Rising thusiastic young voters into the nie supporters and party, because in Bernie they saw the younger voters, it seems the a late convert and still a fracking hope for a viable future that they height of strategic stupidity to act supporter. What about DAPL? In didn’t see in Hillary. We Berners and speak that way toward them. fact, where are you on DAPL when wanted so much for progressives to I don’t understand it. This all takes we need you, Barack? We have an take over the Democratic Party and away from the strength Hillary army of heavily armed private secu- rejuvenate it as the party of the fu- could have; in fact, in the face of rity and militarized police, not pro- ture. But that’s not what happened; an onslaught of disgusting insults tecting peaceful Native Americans and now it is just hanging on, due in during the debates, Hillary was on their own tribal treaty lands, but part to how much of a loser the Re- remarkable in her poise, steadi- actively attacking them with dogs, publican candidate is. But, there’s ness and professionalism. She took clubs, rubber bullets and pepper a non-trivial risk the loser could the hardest he could throw at her, spray in order to force acquiescence beat Hillary simply because of the smiled, and countered with a solid to this corporate rape of their lands, enthusiasm of his followers and the and forceful focus on what we need sacred sites and water resources, deflated spirits of the Bernie crowd. to do for our country, spiced with and will exacerbate global warm- Much of my public postings during some excellent zingers in response. ing (while a militia group gets off the primary focused on this fact, She was believable; the loser was scott-free for doing an armed insur- encouraging super delegates to not. rection and takeover of federal land ponder the question of electability So to me on the one hand, Ber- facilities while the FBI lackadaisi- in a time of low Democratic voter nie could be a real political pow- cally allowed them to stay, get their turnout during a broad-scale pop- erhouse with a Clinton adminis- water, electricity and even mail for ulist uprising and the rightwing tration in charge; assuming they 3 See the article, “Few (If Any) Progres- exploitation of raw, base emotions would be true to the Democratic sives on Clinton’s Transition Team” (Bill Black, of fear, bigotry, hatred and racism. I The Real News Network, 8-17-2016) © 2016 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Page 12 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Monday, November 7, 2016 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine over 40 days!). This is a horrendous dates who are trying to win simply by in- how we got to where we were then, déjà vu of our nation’s historically creasing the hate, disgust and fear of the which seems close to where we are hypocritical racist treatment of First other. Will my vote swing altogether to- right now; only the names have Nation people; while appeasing ward something much more positive for changed. armed militias actually threatening a viable future—something to vote FOR, violence to get their way. I recently as opposed to AGAINST? We Americans posted a piece in our “Elected Na- deserve so much better than what the tional Sanders Delegates” group closed establishment “Corporate R&D stating: Party” monopoly has managed to pres- ent us—without any REAL debate involv- “The Hillary tribe can’t even come out ing at least the two other perspectives against DAPL; and her staff wouldn’t even from Greens and Libs. The loser is a hor- take a hand delivered letter from indige- ror show unfolding and would destroy Ralph Nader, 2000 Election nous people asking for her involvement. our country and future, to say nothing Finally, just a single staff press release in of the entire planet, should he seize our effect only saying in the most patronizing nation’s top office. Regardless of her pol- I felt corporations and financial way, “Now, now, children; let’s just have icy positions, Hillary is at least qualified, institutions would overwhelm and everyone be heard and then we’ll do the whereas the loser is not. Where to turn? consume you, which they did; and right thing for the greatest good for most Got just a few more days to decide.” I’ve given you and “F” in Staffing of the people and corporations involved”, for that. If we face another eco- as if they are the “only mature adults” nomic collapse like we did in 2008, in the house — literally nothing about Green Party, knowledgeable experts like Nomi DAPL, as Bill McKibben pointed out. This Ralph Nader is a major arrogant FU to all of us. They Prins point out that we are no bet- think they can have it all: continuing to and Jill Stein ter prepared to handle that than we slide right to become the new home for were then, perhaps worse off with the disgusted Republican establishment Let me be perfectly frank, Barack; the big banks even bigger and hard- (keeping corporations and financial in- I did not vote for you in 2008—but er to control. We’ve had eight more stitutions happy), while keeping Berners I did in 2012 and saw Michelle here years of Middle East wars and the in tow. The karma for this strategy might in Durango. In fact, not only did I situation seems only to get worse. be enormous; and they will have no one, vote for Ralph Nader in 2008, as I Climate disruption is increasing not Jill Stein, Johnson, or anyone else to did in 2000, I wrote a 17-page essay and global warming occurring at blame but themselves. I’m sick of it…” a much faster rate than even the “But actually in the bigger picture worst scientific scenarios thought that one can read in their ‘say-nothing’ possible. Business as usual spells statement, it says volumes; guess what doom for our planet and most of that statement portrays about her even- the species on it.4 tual response as president not only to Having lost Bernie, it is not Hil- oil pipelines, but to fracking and fossil lary who has picked up the pro- fuel in general—for international sales gressive torch of the future; it is Jill and profit taking by the oil giants—let Stein. Whether or not one votes for alone when her transition and staffing her, or whether or not she wins, we “extractor in chief” Ken Salazar loads up Ralph Nader, 2008 Election need to look that direction for a vi- her administration with pro-TPP, TTIP, able strategic vision for the future, etc executives. Even Al Gore, ‘whose ad- supporting him and this same fight backed up by well-grounded pol- vice I will follow,’ she says, has come out to fix our democracy as I am right icies with funding sources that fo- against DAPL.” now. It was titled: “ Fury at the Polls cus on people, peace and the planet , dat- “I [Root] too am yet undecided; …but — for Democracy’s Sake in 2008” over corporate profits. In fact, the it may be the continual unfolding repug- ed 8 years ago, October 31st, 2008. nance of her campaign’s behavior that I wrote of the peril our democra- 4 See the latest article by Dar Jamal: finally swings my vote away from both cy faces, the Corporate R&D Party, “Climate Disruption’s Legacy: Megadraughts, of these two massively disliked candi- Extinctions, Obituaries for Reefs”, TruthOut, the Corporate Political Complex, and November 6, 2016. © 2016 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Monday, November 7, 2016 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Page 13 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

angrily barked at ident. So I posted a clarification on me: “You’re the June 14th to make it perfectly clear reason we got that I was not supporting or cam- George Bush!” paigning for Jill Stein and that “my How dare any loyalty as a bona fide Democratic one party claim National Delegate was only sup- they have a right porting a Democratic candidate to not have com- for president, and that Democratic petition from the candidate is Bernie Sanders.” Tak- left, as if they ing a strong stance and owning my own all of it; or Democratic Party membership, I that they have further pointed out that I shared a right to votes the link and comments about the where the voter interview “because it’s important decided to exer- we Democrats have our heads out- cise their choice side of our own sandbox in order Latest Global Temperature Graph by James Hansen, 9/26/2016 for a third party to know what others are thinking candidate?! First and faithfully rise to the challenge major milestone for the Green Par- of all, this per- it presents to the core substance, ty is to reach 5% of the vote, which ceived problem could be eliminated principles and values of the Demo- gives them automatic ballot access entirely at the stroke of a pen with cratic Party. If that causes the DNC for many states in the next elec- ranked choice voting, where if your fear and trepidation, I have no con- tion as well as millions of dollars of first choice does not win outright, trol over that and certainly have public funding, both of which are you don’t lose your vote; it simply no intention of censoring my own a real game changer for the future. goes to your second or third choice. free speech rights or surrendering We need a viable third party in the Then we could eliminate this “fear my rights as an elected Democratic political mix to break down the bar- voting” for the “lessor of two evils” National Delegate in order to as- riers of oligarchy. where we still end up with some suage DNC anxieties about Bernie level of “evil”. Sanders; which is something they Now where is all this going to go have to deal with in the democratic regarding the candidacies of Jill process, flawed as it is.” I went on, Stein (especially as a progressive) pointing out the obvious: and Gary Johnson (who is anything “POLITICS OF FEAR: Fear voting has but a progressive) if by some fluke been a bane for the Democratic Party Hillary ends up losing to the Re- over multiple election cycles, causing the publican loser? Let me say it again, party to continually shift to the right and loud and clear: If this happens, the abandon its progressive base and poli- Democrats will have nobody to cies (and people); and hence its integrity. blame but themselves! I’ve been Examples are legion. Further, there has making this point throughout the been so much election fraud and voter Jill Stein, Green Party disenfranchisement in the Democratic Another woman for president primary season as well. Primary process at all levels, with the 2016 Election th On June 9 I posted excerpts and DNC from the start trying to ‘stack the a link to an interview that Amy decks’ and impose its favored establish- Of course this brings up charges Goodman did on Democracy Now! ment candidate on everyone, Bernie has of “being the spoiler,” which I with Jill Stein about her reflections had to struggle not just to get his mes- find a repugnant politically bigot- regarding voting and this primary sage out; but against well-documented ed claim. I was even insulted by election process. After that I got systemic corruption all the way. Our pri- a local Democratic former elected asked if I was now supporting Jill mary election process has been disgrace- official who, when in discussion I Stein and her Green Party for pres- ful, if one expected a democratic process told him I voted for Nader in 2000, that reflects the involvement and will of © 2016 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Page 14 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Monday, November 7, 2016 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine the people. ment. Our democracy has been hijacked of the New Deal… I think, for our mod- “It is important we do not succumb to by corporate and financial interests— ern-day Democratic Party, Bernie Sand- Party-manufactured fear (or our own and these are in control of both party’s ers represents this [FDR] past that they fears), and simply allow ourselves to ‘presumed candidates’… think they have put behind them, that be persuaded to vote against what we “We’ve never had a better candidate they don’t think they should need to deal fear—like a ‘scary’ Republican candi- than BERNIE SANDERS to take on the po- with anymore. I mean, there’s something date, who is nothing but a foolish buf- litical challenges of our times and lead about their reaction to him that was just foon—because the Party Elite tells us to us into a transformative, prosperous and so strange. It’s like—you know, like he’s vote for their establishment candidate in promising future FOR ALL OF US—with the bad conscience, the guilty conscience order ‘to be safe’. That kind of thinking visionary wisdom, integrity, dignity, and that they want to put behind them. They has a high risk of backfiring and losing trust. That’s why I became a registered never want to have to hear that stuff the newly inspired enthusiasm of millions Democrat and National Delegate.” again.” of independent and new voters; with po- On June 22nd, as part of my post I added these comments: tentially severe political blow-back in the regarding an interview Amy Good- “But the Democratic Party must deal November election. The core principle man did with Thomas Frank (au- with it; because BERNIE SANDERS is not we need to hold is to stand strong and going away and neither is the massive vote for what we believe in. thor of Listen Liberal: Or, Whatever Happened to the Party of the People) movement that supports him. ‘Winning “SO MUCH AT STAKE: There is so much on Democracy Now! Frank stated: over the voters’ is not merely a challenge at stake, including the future of the Dem- that political operatives might perceive ocratic Party; while the Republican Party “The problem with establishment as simply wooing a frivolous ‘youthful self-immolates. We have the opportunity Democrats is not that they have been culture’ (who ‘didn’t do their own re- with BERNIE SANDERS to transform and bribed by Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stan- search’) to their side; but of core demo- expand the party and bring on these new ley and others; but that long ago they cratic values and policies that undergird millions; or we can risk leaving it bro- determined to supplant the GOP as the them—and today’s millennials are au- ken and embittered with a candidate so party of Wall Street.” Frank explains thentically wise to this. The DEMOCRAT- despised she rivals the Republican can- in the interview that it goes back to at IC PARTY under a BERNIE SANDERS AD- didate for the highest negative ratings least the 1970s; “[The Democrats] didn’t MINISTRATION would grow and flourish, of any major candidate for president— want to be the party of the working class with the opportunity to permanently ever—six out of ten; facing an election any longer. They didn’t want to really be transform and heal our country. Under pitting a candidate under possible in- the party of the middle class... And by Business As Usual (BAU-HRC-DNC) poli- dictment against a candidate being sued the 1990s, that had really come into full tics, at best the Party will languish and for fraud. That’s what was brought out flower with the Bill Clinton administra- lose the enthusiastic support of millions in this interview and why I am a strong tion, and they became—you know, they and millions of millennials and indepen- Democratic Delegate for Bernie Sand- actively courted Wall Street... There was dents, putting the November election this sort of natural alliance between the ers. The DNC and its Superdelegates are (and our country) at risk. This is the pro- Democrats and Wall Street… And the facing a high potential of seizing defeat foundly moral dilemma facing Superdel- Clintons and Barack Obama all had a from the jaws of victory; and they will egates and their voting decisions at the hand in this transformation of the - par have no one to blame but themselves. Convention in Philadelphia.” ty… Look; for a lot of people, the promise “OUTSIDE POLITICAL PARTIES: Outside of American life is over. It’s gone. And this If the Democratic Party really political parties, like the Green and Lib- is only going to get worse under a Hillary wants to renew itself and hold onto, ertarian Parties in interviews like this Clinton presidency. And, well, it would if not increase, its membership, the one, are pressing the Democratic Party get much, much worse under a Republi- last of the old guard now in charge about who it really is and what it really can presidency; but what I’m getting at needs to go through a serious represents and stands for, if not a viable here is that this phenomenon, inequality, self-reflection and heal what ails future for ALL of the American people. is going to get worse. All the problems it. Even assuming that got started And, they are calling out the hypocrisies that we’re looking at today, our econom- with Bernie’s influence, especially of the Party, as are so many Democrats ic problems, are going to get worse.” for a more progressive platform, themselves, in terms of funding from that won’t come by following the corporate billionaires; privileged access Frank goes on, “…When you think to power and control; election fraud and about it, what Sanders is saying is very Republican paradigm of “trash and voter suppression and disenfranchise- deep in the Democratic tradition. It’s not blame the other,” including Bernie, radical. It’s not strange. It’s straight out Bernie delegates and progressive © 2016 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Monday, November 7, 2016 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Page 15 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine

3rd party candidates like Jill Stein. was ordered the previous day by and those vote had gone to Gore, he I seriously want to slay this false the Florida Supreme Court. They would have won too. For instance, allegation that Democrats lose be- did this at the request of Bush’s le- Monica Moorehead, the Worker’s cause some third party candidate gal team. Incredibly, Antonin Scalia World Party candidate, got 1,804 shouldn’t have “taken their votes wrote that the counting threatened votes; David McReynolds of the away”; whether it’s Ralph Nader irreparable harm to Bush “by cast- Socialist Party, collected 622 votes; before or Jill Stein now.5 So, let’s ing a cloud upon what he claims to and James E. Harris, of the Socialist dig into this blame game a bit fur- be the legitimacy of his election.” Workers Party collected 562 votes. ther. Although it’s part of our po- So, the Republican point is not to Further, almost half the Democrat- litical lore of blame repeated over take accurate measure of what the and over, including by a current people actually want by their vote crop of party media hacks already and implement it; but to sustain sharpening their knives to attack the claim of their own candidate’s Jill Stein, the general message has legitimacy, to hell with an accurate been echoed by legions of Demo- tally of whatever the voting results cratic partisans who never think it’s from a valid election say. Does this time for a progressive third-party resonate with some of what we’ve presidential candidate to run be- heard from the Republican loser cause the Republican candidates candidate? You yourself explicitly are always worse. Do Democrats noted in a recent speech, Barack, want to be progressives or neoliber- that people would lose their faith al corporatists. Let’s be clear; Ralph that the election system is valid and Nader did not cause Al Gore to lose fair if candidates were to charge that the 2000 election! is was rigged and therefore didn’t Shared on Facebook by Fort Lewis Stu- For one thing, Al Gore could have accept the results. Indeed, I point dents for Bernie Sanders had the backbone to continue to you to the Democratic Party and demand a full recount. The U.S. its own well documented “rigging” Supreme Court violated the 10th of the primary election against Ber- ic Party voters stayed at home. Not Amendment by intervening and nie Sanders. Why do you think it’s only that; polling numbers showed overriding the Florida State Su- so difficult to get all those - “some that more registered Democrats preme Court to stop a full count; times self-righteous ideologues of voted for Bush than voted for Na- they had no business sticking their Bernie’s to feel that they have won der (more than 300,000 registered nose into the Florida election pro- something and go home happy Democratic voters in Florida voted cess, except that the Republican and enthusiastic in working their for Bush)! candidate George Bush asked them asses off for Hillary” (paraphrased CNN’s exit polling showed Nad- to. Right out of the anti-democratic from one of the many leaked DNC er taking the same amount of votes Republican playbook (suppressing, emails)? It’s hypocritical to make a from both Republicans and Dem- ignoring, or preventing votes and statement like that Barack, and not ocrats: 1 percent. Nader also took an accurate tally of them), the five look at your own political party’s 4 percent of the independent vote. rightwing members of the Court or- misdeeds. Had Nader not run, Bush would dered a halt to the recount that was To continue, Bush was declared have won by more in Florida. In ac- proceeding smoothly, and which the winner even though thousands tual votes, Gore lost 191,000 self-de- of valid votes had not been count- scribed liberals to Bush, compared 5 Quotes and facts identified here to less than 34,000 who voted for come from these articles and their references: ed. Not only that, only 537 votes “Debunked: The Myth That Ralph Nader Cost separated George Bush from Al Nader; the assumption that Nad- Al Gore the 2000 Election” (Disinfo.com, No- Gore. Every 3rd party candidate got er’s votes would simply go to Gore vember, 2010); “The Ralph Nader Myth” (Daily over 537 votes, which means that if if Nader hadn’t run is wrong (just KOS, 12/6/2013); “Ralph Nader: I was not a rd like the exit polls said). In fact, ‘spoiler’ in 2000. Jill Stein doesn’t deserve that any one of those 3 party candi- insulting label, either.” (Ralph Nader, 9/2/2016, dates had potentially dropped out Gore lost seven-and-a-half times ) more Democrats to Bush, than he © 2016 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Page 16 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Monday, November 7, 2016 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine lost Democrats and Independents lot than the United States. Democrats feelings are widely mixed, judging combined to Nader; and about and Republicans built this exclusionary from comments I see in the many 76% of Nader voters in 2000 were duopoly… Without a competitive democ- Bernie Group pages I’ve been a not Democrats. They were large- racy, our political system cannot attract member throughout. ly independents. Not only that(!); better candidates. A political monocul- ture with safe, gerrymandered incum- My ideal ticket would be Bernie it was discovered that the Diebold and Jill—leading the Democratic Par- voting machines produced tally er- bents serving myopic commercial inter- ests is systematically undemocratic. It ty. Since that’s just a fantasy muse, rors on the order of a 24,000 vote I may just end up voting for the change in favor of George Bush, in- helps explain why the Democratic Party has been unable to defend this country candidate who I think at the time cluding a mysterious negative tally from the worst Republican Party in histo- is best focused on fixing democracy for Gore in one county of 16,022 ry at the congressional and state levels. for the future of the people. That is votes; which, although caught and the candidate who deserves to win. changed, places the entire tally “Scapegoating, besides debilitating its practitioners, has a grotesque and vin- Can we depend on the Democratic mechanism in question. To go on, Party to do that? It could, but it’s a thousands of voters were fraudu- dictive tail, harassing lawful competitors while ignoring self-renewal and external tall order. First, they have to accept lently removed from Florida’s reg- they have a problem; and then quit istration lists when Gov Jeb Bush reforms. Ms. Stein will not abandon the Green Party’s resistance to Wall Street’s trying to “slide right” to appease unlawfully purged thousands of disastrous attack on our economy, the and gather in more Wall Street Re- Democratic voters from the state’s bipartisan expansion of the war-making publicans, while ignoring or belit- rolls. Gore could have won his own empire and the bipartisan backing for tling the progressive wing of the state, and on. This of course doesn’t bloated military and corporate welfare party. Democratic Party operatives even address the absurdity that the budgets that starve monies for public have only themselves to blame if Electoral College threw the election works and services. She opposes both this election turns into a nightmare. where Gore won the popular vote parties, indentured to the craven- de handily with more than a 540,000 mands of moneyed interests. Let’s stop vote margin. Let’s fix out election the chronic censorious whining and work Let’s Fan the Flames of system, America! to secure fair, competitive elections for Inspirational Hope! And yet Nader, and people like all candidates.” Although I actually took out my me who voted for him, get blamed It is this arrogance of the Demo- citizenship and joined the military by Democrats for George Bush win- cratic Party that makes it hard for to go to war as an officer for my ad- ning by a few hundred votes. No- me to wade through all the Bernie opted country of America 48 years tably, Al Gore has not scapegoat- and Jill insults and stick with Hil- ago; since I have dual Canadian/ ed the Green Party for his loss. Al lary, because, “If she doesn’t win American citizenship, I’ve been Gore himself and the Democratic we’ll have a nightmare on our actively musing about moving to Party are to blame for Gore losing hands.” I resent being told to vote Canada and living my retirement Florida. If Hillary Clinton loses, it for Hillary as a protest vote against years back in B.C. should the great- will be Clinton, the DNC, and the the great loser. Democratic Party who are to blame. est of all losers actually seize control However, all that stated; I am yet of our country. But then, would I I categorically reject the myth that undecided how I will vote. Hillary will progressive 3rd party candidates not be abandoning my country just probably win and I will support her when it would suffer most severe- are responsible for Democratic loss- as my president if she does… while es. Nader states: ly? Maybe; maybe not. Who is aban- HOLDING HER FEET TO THE doning our country to the greatest “Such discrimination counters a candi- PROGRESSIVE FIRE! In that sce- electoral hazard it’s faced in mod- date’s civil liberties… Shamefully, the de- nario, presuming Democratic con- ern times? The Democratic Party, caying Democratic Party works to block trol of the senate, Senator Bernie for all the reason I’ve noted above, millions of voters from having a choice Sanders better have a major role! But has brought us to this precarious of progressive third-party candidates. the vitriol on the progressive left precipice when they didn’t have to. No country in the Western world places has not settled down and is fiercely I’ve seen some Berners even argue more obstacles to third-party and inde- against her among many, although pendent candidates getting on the bal- that, as disgusting as the loser can-

© 2016 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Monday, November 7, 2016 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Page 17 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine didate is and as much as they don’t Party come out of this election as want him to win, nothing would the viable 3rd party of the future; bring the Democratic Party to its which means Jill needs to exceed knees more quickly and thoroughly 5% of the total vote, which is very than losing to the great loser. That achievable. Everyone in a “safe would surely devastate the party state” should vote for her for that and do great damage to our coun- reason, if no other. Only with a vi- try and our future as well. It might able progressive 3rd party will the shift the composition of the par- Wall Street Democrats finally feel ty power brokers in a much more the pressure they need to feel from progressive direction; but it could the progressive left and go through be 20 years before it would recov- a serious values assessment and Guess who’s with who in 1972? er, if at all. The backlash would be decide whether they want to truly Darlene were; but that wasn’t stat- immense; but too late. That’s also a be the party of the people, or the ed in the special, so I’m not sure if nightmare scenario. party of corporations, financial in- it’s true or not. The focus of most of our Colorado stitutions and crony capitalism of Hillary has demonstrated the rug- Bernie delegates has moved away the billionaire class. It would be gedness and inner fortitude to with- from the contentiousness of the top very healthy for democracy to have stand decades of relentless person- of the ticket to down-ballot can- Democrats and Greens as the two al attack and an onslaught of severe didates and issues. I know many major parties who gain in strength, criticism from people who have of them are working very hard on as the Republican Party disinte- been out to destroy her by turning those items that could become the grates beyond recognition. We over every stone they could find, progressive basis of our future would then have the potential for even making lots of stuff up. Yet democracy, and I surely support real democracy. there she stands; she did not with- that. Bernie is of course crisscross- But it is unlikely that the Green er away and recede into the shad- ing the country not only fighting Party at this point, without having ows of political life. Who can say for Hillary, but for many of those gotten the exposure they should they could withstand that? And yet progressive candidates and initia- have gotten from participation in still, she now stands proudly, com- tives. There are several progressive the presidential debates, will man- petently and joyfully at the door of organizations, including Bernie’s age to pull off a majority win. The being our first woman president in “” and “Brand New electorate needs to take away con- history. Throughout her life, she Congress”, waking up to the fact trol of the presidential election de- has faced challenges, insults and that no one is going to do this for us bates from the self-serving monop- doors slammed in her face; but, I and we need a movement. I want to oly control of the Corporate R&D believe she has demonstrated the see the awoken millennials engage Party—that corporation known as capacity to learn from difficulties, their future with vigor and action. the “Commission on Presidential as well as her own mistakes; and Debates.” Inspirational hope must stay pres- that weighs heavily for me. Emails, ent in the face of the adversity be- Let me reframe my thoughts Benghazi, Clinton Foundation; fore us. It’s a matter of deciding on Hillary Clinton. As with you that’s basically all the Republicans which path you’re going to walk, Barack, although I disagree with have had to dig through a thousand regardless. It would easily be there Hillary’s stance on lots of issues, I times over, without really turning were Bernie our candidate. But like Hillary; especially after having up much. Let’s not lose perspective that’s not who we have; so we need learned so much more about her, here; these things pale before the to make the best of this situation to including from the recent Front- enormous problems we face for the keep the path open to a progressive line special that chronicled in par- future; and that seems to be where future. allel her life’s path and that of the Hillary is properly focused. rich pampered loser. Somewhere Here’s how I understand it at this I like strong powerful women. I even read that she and Bill were late moment before the election. And in Hillary I see the potential for McGovernites in 1972, like me and I definitely want to see the Green her to be a uniquely powerful lead-

© 2016 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment Page 18 « THE UNHEARD HERALD « Monday, November 7, 2016 Such is the irresistible nature of truth, that all it asks and all it wants is the liberty of appearing — Thomas Paine er; one who will be moved to do a lot of good as president, not only on her own accord, but by responding to the pressure we will continue to keep up starting November 9th. She will be a leader who will command the respect of other world leaders, private sector leaders, public lead- ers, religious leaders, education leaders; and most importantly, or- dinary American people… if—she has learned to listen and respond positively from being challenged by the most remarkable politician of integrity in our country—Ber- nie Sanders. She must be open; she must be caring; she must be strong, steady and stable. None of these things can the Republican loser candidate muster. The future will not abide our country going down the dark path of the great loser. Our precious America deserves to be protected, preserved, cared for, and looked after so it can flourish. Hillary Clin- ton can and will do that. Our moral imperative is to ensure we survive this election so the opportunity to flourish into the future does not irrecoverably dissipate before our very eyes. Vote! Sincerely,

Root Routledge, PhD Democratic National Delegate for Bernie Sanders

© 2016 Root Routledge — Permission granted to copy and freely distribute A Democracy Activism publication under the First Amendment