Sunday Night With John: Bernie Sanders is the Man

When I grow up I want to be Bernie Sanders

I did not think at age 34 I would find a role model I would aspire to be like. At this age, it seems a little odd to think, man, when I’m older, I want to be that guy. But, it has happened. Bernie Sanders inspires me to a be a better human being every day. The Bernie curve ball that has been thrown into my life has nothing to do with the political landscape. I agree with some of his policy proposals and disagree with numerous other ideas he pushes forward. My placing Bernie into the mantle of role model has to do with how this man conducts himself day in and day out and taking measurements of his actions. 

“The true measure of a man is not what he dreams, but what he aspires to be; a dream is nothing without action. Whether one fails or succeeds is irrelevant; all that matters is that there was motion in his life. That alone affects the world.” ― Mike Norton.

When Bernie announced his candidacy to become the nominee of the Democratic Party, it did not seem to me like it a was a move to cement his legacy, a self promotion of “I am man, hear me roar.” It came across as a man saying, we as a country can do better, be better. We can aspire to include more people, spread our resources out. And, we must take action to change our country. From the beginning, when  this messy-haired grandpa wearing an ill-fitting suit entered my life, he displayed an aura that we must aspire to push to create a more equal world.

“If you want to see the true measure of a man, watch how he treats his inferiors, not his equals.”-- J. K. Rowling.  

There was Bernie at a campaign stop, stepping aside to let two members of the Black Lives Matter movement express their frustration. He did not speak down to them. He did not cut them off. He showed respect for other's emotions. Next, he traveled to Liberty University to talk with a group of people who disagree with him on numerous issues. He did not talk down or attempt to make them appear to be less than him because they differed on views.  

“The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.” --Samuel Johnson.

During the 2016 Democratic primary debates, Sanders was asked about Hillary Clinton's emails. He refused to discuss them. There he was again telling his party and the world he didn’t want to continue to have emails be a topic of conversation. He allowed his political opponent to slide on an issue that could have helped his cause, something that did him absolutely no good. He did it because he felt it was the right thing to do. What a sign of strength--doing what you feel is right even if that decision might hurt you in the long run!

“The measure of a man is the way he bears up under misfortune.” --Peter Nivio Zarlenga.

There was Bernie at the DNC after news broke that the party had possibly attempted to illegally halt his momentum. He didn't clamor for a recount.  He didn't make wild accusations.  He didn't throw a fit. The behavior of and leaks by the DNC would give anyone the grounds to complain, rant, and display some of the poorer parts of their character. Bernie Sanders did not give into urges. He bore a misfortune and  defeat but still found a way to conduct himself with dignity.

“The measure of a man is not how great his faith is, but how great his love is.”  J. C. Watts.

Bernie did not stop pushing for what he believed in. He did not stop standing up for this ideas. And, he did not allow his defeat or the Republicans winning the election change his approach. He has continued to lead with compassion, sometimes delivered through fiery speeches. But his foundation remains: this country should work for all, not just the few. If that is not love, I think we have given love the wrong definition.

“The measure of a man is what he does with power.” Plato.

Bernie has a platform now, a voice in the country, and as the kids said, Bernie has swag. He has power to talk down people, put down those who disagree with him, but he doesn't take that road. Again, there he was doing a CNN debate about health care with Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican. He could have just given a 30 second sound bite and put down the republican point of view. Even though he has power now and continues to chose to work with those he agrees with and more importantly have debates with those he disagrees with. Bernie has new found fame, new found power and the man still has messy crazy hair, ill-fitting suits, and hasn’t changed who he is.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”  Martin Luther King, Jr.

My new found role model, marched in the Civil Rights Struggle in the 60s, was arrested along with other protesters standing up for what they believed in. I ask myself the question all the time, if it really came down to being arrested for what I believe in, to be physically assaulted for my convictions, would I stand strong? Well, my new hero has already answered that question with resounding, yes, and many men throughout history have failed that test.

We are in a moment of challenge and controversy in our country. We are split on numerous issues. The hate talk grows. The use of fear tactics and lies increases.  Leaders attempt to carve out certain populations as better than others. We squabble, yell, and post hurtful attacks. We refuse to see the other side of the debate, and fall further toward the worst part of humanity. Yet, there are glimmers of hope, courage, and honesty lighting the dark path we are on. Bernie Sanders is one of those men, consistently, confidently, and passionately beating the drum attempting to wake up the beast that can actually overcome these difficult times. He is reminding us every day, that it is “We The People” who can change this.  And that is a measured man I have no problem admitting I want emulate when I grow up.