Sunday, July 1, 2018

LOVE YA, NANCY, BUT...

... it's time to step aside. (I'm speaking, of course, of/to Nancy Pelosi!) I admire all that you have managed to achieve. I admire your gutsy defense of your own abilities and your dismissal of age as a disqualifying factor. I admire the powerful model you have created for women in politics.

That being said, for the sake of our candidate in California's 48th district, Harley Rouda, and dozens of other Democratic candidates for your beloved Congress, it really is time to step aside.

This would be your greatest act of service and sacrifice in 2018.

First, fair or not, your name is a potent weapon in the Republican arsenal. Their voters love to hate you and your continued presence riles these people up. I fear that your insistence on holding on to the Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives will serve only to inspire a greater-than-ever Republican turnout at the polls in November. Call it the misogynist, hate-Nancy vote. I despise it, but I'd be a fool not to recognize that it's there.

Quite apart from this, you represent a Democratic party that has been consistently losing, not only in the elections but in our current battle for democracy with a small "d". The recent spectacular wins by young Democratic Socialist women stands in vibrant, hopeful contrast to what appears to be stuck-in-the-mud Democratic politics as usual. Bernie Sanders, the godfather of this movement, for all his impassioned rhetoric, was unable to eke out a win. Take a look at these incredible, resourceful and challenging young women who show themselves to be ready and capable for the win.

You know about mentorship. I'm sure you practice it. But this should be your principal role right now. You (and I!) are of an age where we can teach the young, model leadership, encourage and inspire! I say, step aside. Nurture our country's future in the form of these young Democrats. Be the mentor that we need, not the old leader, clinging desperately to power.

I'm asking you, as I'm sure others will, to release our candidate from the burden of having to fight your disparagers as well as his own battles. Do the party, your country and indeed the world a favor. Cast vanity aside and take the step into the role of sagacious eldership. We need your wisdom, your experience, and your good heart there.

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