susantrotter

Like thousands of other followers of Senator Bernie Sanders, from Vermont, my son and I decided to attend one of the 3500 cross-country events given to kickoff Mr Sanders’ presidential bid campaign.
As we approached the front door we were greeted by a sign proudly positioned on the window, it announced we were about to enter the home of a strong Christian family.
First we were greeted by a large lab that let us enter after passing the appropriate sniff test, given to everyone that walked through the door. The house was buzzing with people of all ages, teens to seniors in full bloom. The host, a bright young man of college age, graciously hosted the event. He shook our hands and wore a light blue Bernie Sanders shirt, it seemed to make his blonde hair shine even more in the light of his enthusiasm.
The family room was inviting and we politely passed on the variety of snacks offered. We took our seats in the corner of the room, feeling a little out of place and not knowing anyone there. This gave us the opportunity to listen and learn. I hadn’t been in a room filled with this many devout Christians in a long time.
Of course the group was passionate about our country and what was needed to get it moving in the right direction again. But many thought the GOP was barking up the wrong tree by just focusing on bashing abortions and gay rights. They felt the problems that faced America were much larger than sound bites tossed to the masses. They were proud Christians that believed that Jesus was a socialist and would help everyone not just the corporate elite. Like most Christians, they were passionate and steadfast in their thinking and firm in their convictions. And they all wanted Bernie Sanders to be our next president of the United States.
I was shocked. This isn’t what I had been hearing that Christians wanted in their government. But they continued. We must get out the word. Explain what Mr Sanders wants for America. They were going to spread the Bernie Buzz as far as they could. They thought he was a strong and just man not beholding to anyone but himself and the people he would represent — all of us.
They made me proud to be a Bernie supporter. They knew what they wanted and were going to be faithful in helping the cause. Bernie words were inspiring but the conversations were what really sparked everyone’s fire to get involved.
My brother, a staunch Bernie supporter, had died the night before this event. I knew he would have told me to keep my plans and attend, get involved, make a difference. Mark, this one’s for you.