Ends and Means

The means matter. Growing up, I learned that. So did you.

That's why we go to work every day instead of stealing money out of mom's purse. That's why we have rules and laws. That's why there is justice. That's why there are repercussions.

There is so much frustration out there right now aimed across a political divide, and it might not be the one you'd first think. I'm not talking about Republicans and Democrats, but rather two subsets of the Democratic party.

On one side, there are those in favor of Barack Obama as president - both long time supporters and more recent converts. Then, diametrically opposite lie the PUMAS. These are long time Clintonistas, some activist women and young people, and those who are really really pissed off.

But why are they so frustrated with each other, and what's wrong with that? Is the big tent party only accepting of those who drink some sacred kool-aid? Is 'unity' more important than inclusion? Is unity more important than the democratic process?!

Obviously, Obamamaniacs are shocked and appalled that PUMAs don't "see the light" that's supposed to lead them to Barack. They can't understand what force would lead people to stand up against their leader, the usurper of "hope" and "change" and the perpetrator of the great myth - that if we all just really really desire for life to get better, it magically will - without any concrete plan or proposal. Think in terms of The Secret on steroids. YIKES! So these people see Clinton holdouts as a dark force that must be overcome at all costs. That's why at Camp Obama, they were taught to 'be ruthless' and to use 'any means necessary' to ensure victory for Obama. Examples of these methods obviously include caucus fraud, electioneering, strong-arming voters and delegates, and paying off superdelegates... just to name a few.

Then, looking down the barrel of the shotguns (and aiming some of their own) are the PUMAs. This coalition, representing the other 51% majority of primary voters, are standing together arm in arm with a clearly drawn line in the sand (if you'll pardon the obvious plug for the drawnlines blog). These people from all different backgrounds and experiences have banded together with slightly different plans, but one clear message: "No Deal!"

Not one delegate has yet cast his or her vote. Yet already, there is a branding out there in the media which says that only one subset of people are still behind Hillary. These, of course, are old, bitter white ladies (presumably with ten cats and a gay grandson, all living in Boca). So, if you aren't behind Barack, you're one of these people. You're evil, you're trying to destroy the party, and you must be silenced at all cost. Is this reasonable?

We aren't just standing up because we wanted a fight. Many of us are angry because we had our voices taken away completely, like us in Florida. Then, there are those of us who saw caucus fraud happening before our very eyes. Many of us couldn't stay quiet anymore about obvious media bias, and subtle sexism both on tv and on the campaign trail. Most of us are lifelong Democrats, and we're hurt and angry that our own party has bypassed our own rules to elect the guy they wanted. Obama was selected, not elected - and he was selected in spite of the will of Democratic voters, not by their will. Is that not worth speaking up about?

Wanting to achieve a dream is great. There is nothing wrong with a desire to live in a better world, and a strong drive to reach that goal. But the means matter. You can't just drive the bus over people that don't happen to idolize your icon. You can't bully people while at the same time crying foul. Your mom taught you that. Your pastor taught you that. And now, with a loud roar, the PUMAs are set to drive that point home in Denver.

Don't miss the show.