I fit the perfect demographic of a Hillary supporter — white, female, over 65; but let me say up front that I am passionate about Bernie, having followed his career for a long time. He is a fighter for social and economic justice, has integrity, and is authentic. He is a once in a lifetime politician, and he is a straight shooter. He’s not perfect; and I am really tired of all the hogwash about “St. Bernie”, etc.
Have I experienced sexism in my lifetime? You betcha! I graduated college with a degree in accounting. There were four women in my class — at a large, private university which I could not afford to attend in today’s world. I graduated with no student debt as my father, a middle-income sole breadwinner, could finance my education along with my modest merit scholarship.
My first job out of college was as an accountant for a large national media company. I replaced a male and was paid less although I had the same qualifications. How do I know I was underpaid? He told me so.
In another job interview, I was asked when I intended to get pregnant? I worked at a Fortune 500 technology company for most of my career and had my share of male superiors, some sexist, some not. I never worked directly for a woman. Some of these guys helped me advance; some discouraged me. I was turned down for management positions because I was not “aggressive” enough. When I finally bagged a management position, it was because a conservative Mormon thought I was smart and qualified.
So, I believe I know a thing or two about sexism. To accuse Bernie Sanders of being sexist is absurd and outlandish. He has stood with women his entire career and is even more pro-choice than Hillary. Sanders supports a woman’s right to choose unequivocally; Clinton hedges on late-term abortion. In reviewing her statements over the years, PolitiFact concluded "Clinton does not believe that all abortion should be legal. Instead, she's said she supports restrictions on late-term abortions except in cases of rape, incest and when the mother's life and health are in danger."
As for his “finger wagging”, he is just trying to get his fair share of time and make sure that he is able to respond. If you find this annoying, fine. I find it annoying that she continuously runs over her alloted time and feels that she can interrupt whenever she wants. She ignored the moderators who were calling time and jumped in with her responses when she had not been called on.
But it’s not just the “sexist” charge. We have the diaries throwing mud on Bernie’s trip to Rome. It was an extreme privilege to be invited by the Vatican to speak on economic and social justice, core issues of his campaign. No other Presidential candidate in history has received this honor. But instead of celebrating and paying tribute to a respected figure, let’s denigrate this achievement by questioning who made the invite and whether he will have an audience with the Pope. Pettiness in all its glory!
If you don’t like Bernie, fine. Don’t vote for him. But quit degrading a fine and honorable man who has made his life’s work one for justice and equality. And stop with the ridiculous smears that just don’t hold water. If the Vatican appreciates his principles and values enough to invite him to Rome, that speaks volumes!
x YouTube VideoAnd she wonders why some people find her untrustworthy?