SCNCmod
Sr. Member
Posts: 2,271
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« on: February 22, 2017, 10:35:04 AM » |
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*I had not read this yet... and I thought others may be interested in reading it... if for no other reason to see what a high school students take on Bernie Sanders was 17 years ago!
2000 Winner of the John F. Kennedy
Profile in Courage Essay Contest for High School Students
Bernie Sanders
By Peter Buttigieg
St. Joseph’s High School
South Bend, Indiana
In this new century, there are a daunting number of important issues which are to be confronted
if we are to progress as a nation. Each must be addressed thoroughly and energetically. But in
order to accomplish the collective goals of our society, we must first address how we deal with
issues. We must re-examine the psychological and political climate of American politics. As it
stands, our future is at risk due to a troubling tendency towards cynicism among voters and
elected officials. The successful resolution of every issue before us depends on the fundamental
question of public integrity.
A new attitude has swept American politics. Candidates have discovered that is easier to be
elected by not offending anyone rather than by impressing the voters. Politicians are rushing for
the center, careful not to stick their necks out on issues. Most Democrats shy away from the
word “liberal” like a horrid accusation. Republican presidential hopeful George W. Bush uses
the centrist rhetoric of “compassionate conservatism” while Pat Buchanan, once considered a
mainstream Republican, has been driven off the ideological edge of the G.O.P. Just as film
producers shoot different endings and let test audiences select the most pleasing, some
candidates run “test platforms” through sample groups to see which is most likely to win before
they speak out on major issue. This disturbing trend reveals cynicism, a double-sided problem,
which is perhaps, the greatest threat to the continued success of the American political system.
Cynical candidates have developed an ability to outgrow their convictions in order to win power.
Cynical citizens have given up on the election process, going to the polls at one of the lowest
rates in the democratic world. Such an atmosphere inevitably distances our society from its
leadership and is thus a fundamental threat to the principles of democracy. It also calls into
question what motivates a run for office – in many cases, apparently, only the desire to occupy it.
Fortunately for the political process, there remain a number of committed individuals who are
steadfast enough in their beliefs to run for office to benefit their fellow Americans. Such people
are willing to eschew political and personal comfort and convenience because they believe they
can make a difference. One outstanding and inspiring example of such integrity is the country’s
only Independent Congressman, Vermont’s Bernie Sanders.
Sanders’ courage is evident in the first word he uses to describe himself: “Socialist”. In a
country where Communism is still the dirtiest of ideological dirty words, in a climate where even
liberalism is considered radical, and Socialism is immediately and perhaps willfully confused
with Communism, a politician dares to call himself a socialist? He does indeed. Here is
someone who has “looked into his own soul” and expressed an ideology, the endorsement of
which, in today’s political atmosphere, is analogous to a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Even
though he has lived through a time in which an admitted socialist could not act in a film, let
alone hold a Congressional seat, Sanders is not afraid to be candid about his political persuasion.
After numerous political defeats in his traditionally Republican state, Sanders won the office of
mayor of Burlington by ten votes. A successful and popular mayor, he went on to win
Vermont’s one Congressional seat in 1990. Since then, he has taken many courageous and
politically risky stands on issues facing the nation. He has come under fire from various
conservative religious groups because of his support for same-sex marriages. His stance on gun
control led to NRA-organized media campaigns against him. Sanders has also shown creativity
in organizing drug-shopping trips to Canada for senior citizens to call attention to inflated drug
prices in the United States.
While impressive, Sanders’ candor does not itself represent political courage. The nation is
teeming with outspoken radicals in one form or another. Most are sooner called crazy than
courageous. It is the second half of Sanders’ political role that puts the first half into perspective:
he is a powerful force for conciliation and bi-partisanship on Capitol Hill. In Profiles in
Courage, John F. Kennedy wrote that “we should not be too hasty in condemning all
compromise as bad morals. For politics and legislation are not matters for inflexible principles
or unattainable ideals.” It may seem strange that someone so steadfast in his principles has a
reputation as a peacemaker between divided forces in Washington, but this is what makes
Sanders truly remarkable. He represents President Kennedy’s ideal of “compromises of issues,
not of principles.”
Sanders has used his unique position as the lone Independent Congressman to help Democrats
and Republicans force hearings on the internal structure of the International Monetary Fund,
which he sees as excessively powerful and unaccountable. He also succeeded in quietly
persuading reluctant Republicans and President Clinton to ban the import of products made by
under-age workers. Sanders drew some criticism from the far left when he chose to grudgingly
endorse President Clinton’s bids for election and re-election as President. Sanders explained that
while he disagreed with many of Clinton’s centrist policies, he felt that he was the best option for
America’s working class.
Sanders’ positions on many difficult issues are commendable, but his real impact has been as a
reaction to the cynical climate which threatens the effectiveness of the democratic system. His
energy, candor, conviction, and ability to bring people together stand against the current of
opportunism, moral compromise, and partisanship which runs rampant on the American political
scene. He and few others like him have the power to restore principle and leadership in
Congress and to win back the faith of a voting public weary and wary of political opportunism.
Above all, I commend Bernie Sanders for giving me an answer to those who say American
young people see politics as a cesspool of corruption, beyond redemption. I have heard that no
sensible young person today would want to give his or her life to public service. I can personally
assure you this is untrue.
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