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Day 94

This morning I did some work and then brought my Dad a Father’s Day/birthday corned beef sandwich from Kaufman’s Deli. Just got back home and will spend the afternoon preparing for my interview with Hard Lens Media tonight at 6pm Central — you can watch it live on their YouTube page.

It looks like we will be talking about the 2020 Democratic National Convention, about Illinois for Bernie’s role in organizing our state’s delegation, and what’s next (including movement-based work and the Poor People’s Campaign). I haven’t done an interview like this in a while, so I am a little nervous! But it’s always good to take these opportunities to practice public speaking (something I loathe).

Wish me luck!

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Day 80

Got an email late last night from Mike Madigan (🙄) letting me know I have been elected to serve on the 2020 Democratic National Convention Rules Committee, representing the Bernie Sanders campaign for Illinois.

So I am asking today, “what rules would you like to see the DNC change or make permanent? Please message me your thoughts at: shana@thepeoplesrevolution.org.

 

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Day 53

Today I found out another petty man has prevented me from political advancement. Advancement that I am well due because of years of labor I have put into a particular campaign, practically free of charge (full disclosure: I was a paid employee just for a short 1.5 month stint back in 2016).

It is the same man who prevented me from being appointed to a similar role back in 2016, I assume because I am just a “nobody” who won’t kiss his ring. He’s right: I don’t believe in blind loyalty. I am interested in working hard and doing the right thing to push policies and systems that benefit people. I am interested in expanding democracy so it is more fair and inclusive — not juking the system to promote my friends and cronies.

This mentality I have does not get you far in politics, particularly if you are a woman.

It is pervasive how often a man will keep a female colleague back for this reason or that reason. A reason as small as one semi-powerful man not “liking” you, can prevent you from moving forward for an entire career. And in the “he said/she said” routine, in my experience, those involved almost always defer to what “he said.”

So ready for the patriarchy to end…

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Day 44

I just watched this video, and am realizing that I may be in denial about the culmination of Bernie Sanders’ 2020 presidential campaign.

Where’s Shana? Day one of Bernie’s initial run for president – May 26, 2015 in Burlington, VT

When Bernie announced that he was suspending his campaign, I spent the day talking to fellow supporters I have worked with over the years… and personally felt very little, emotionally speaking. I thought to myself, “this was inevitable.” But watching this video right now, it is finally hitting me that the campaign is over. That something I have worked so hard for and spent so much of my time and energy on is over.

Obviously, “the movement” (or many movements) will continue in some way(s), shape or form… but Bernie really was a special kind of lightning rod that I am afraid I won’t see again. And with all that is happening in the world, it is hard to imagine how we are going to move forward cohesively.