Democratic Primaries

It was begun by white males, and it was white males who promoted it. That has not changed.

I remember my time in the anti-war organizing circles in the DC area. All white guys in all leadership positions. Women were not part of leadership, almost universally. It was a white man's movement.

I also remember standing at the back of the crowd in Montgomery, Alabama on a day in 1965, listening to Dr. King give his "How Long? Not Long." speech. I was 19 years old, a white kid from California, who came to Selma in a 1953 Chrysler that was on its last legs. I came because I knew history was being made and I wanted to be part of that. I was moved by that speech, and asked an older black man near me, "What can I do to help?" That man, whose name I do not know, said, "Listen, son. Just listen and learn."

I learned that day that I did not understand things very well. I couldn't help, really, but I could listen. So, I did. I still am. But I will never be anything but a white guy, with a white guy's poor understanding, even if I listen and learn. Neither can Bernie Sanders. Both he and I are blocked from fully understanding because of our privilege. I admit it. Bernie does not.