I’ve photographed a lot of public figures in the last 10 years. Usually I get to kinda know them quick because we’re not surrounded by a lot of people, and I’m there when they’re rehearsing, or back stage, or telling me what they’re insecure about when they’re filmed. I see how they speak to their staff in private during stressful times. I see them edit their scripts and the comments they make about why they’re taking something out or adding it. I know one in particular who everyone believes is arrogant and made of steel - yet before we roll, they’re nervous and find comfort in a photo of their child they pull up on the phone as they practice their lines. During our meeting with Bernie I also learned a lot.
At his HQ in DC, which is a very impressive word for charming 2-3 bedroom house, I saw a Bernie who was humble. Who spoke without theatrics and with genuine investment for Black Lives Matter, for immigrants and refugees like myself, and with real concern for all American families, Republican, Democrat or other, who are being convinced to vote against their own interests based on labels and not hearing those among them sounding the alarms because our Democracy is drowned with money that is confused for speech, and corporations that are confused for people.
I learned that when my colleagues (Working Families Party) were speaking about movement building in their communities all over this country, he wasn’t just waiting for his turn to speak. He was genuinely listening. He had more questions than statements. Some are saying right now he’s been saying the same thing for decades as mayor, congressperson, senator and soon President. That’s true but that doesn’t mean you’re not changing and evolving. If your premise is right: a society belongs to society, it allows unlimited success for the most successful among us and provides unlimited opportunities to the those pushed aside, all as equals, then you don’t change, you bolster. You reinforce. You grow more leaves. Your roots grows deeper. Because you’re already pointing towards the light.
Come and join me and Bernie’s new posse at#WFP4Bernie http:// workingfamilies.org/wfp4berniethey may have all the money, but we’ve got more people and this is ours if we want to work for it.#feelthebern
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