This is part of a series of persuasive essays written by Lancaster Stands Up members in support of their preferred candidates in the lead-up to Lancaster Stands Up’s People’s Caucus (Saturday, February 15 — details and RSVP here) and member endorsement vote. All LSU members are invited to submit a piece advocating for their preferred candidate. Submissions should be no longer than 600 words, should not argue with other members’ essays, and should be respectful. You must be a LSU member. (Become a LSU member here.) Submit your essay to info@lancasterstandsup.org.
We Have to Win
by Eric Kearsley, Lancaster Stands Up member We have to win. I love caucuses: my first one was in 1972 when I caucused for George McGovern in the state of Texas. They are great fun, but they can also be divisive. This year I am completely undecided because I know I will passionately support any of the leading Democratic candidates.
We have to win. Although there is a divide between the progressives and the moderates in the party, it is nothing like the chasm that exists between any of them and Donald Trump. Reelecting the president would embolden him to:
Further compromise constitutional government
Compromise our security by flirting with dictators and pursuing an unethical foreign policy
Divide the country by demonizing non-privileged groups (the poor, immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, the disabled)
Block progress towards universal health care
Do nothing about global warming
Continue to erode a woman’s right to abortion
Undermine labor protections
We have to win. Details in plans for reform outlined by candidates almost never get enacted into law; the real battle for a progressive agenda begins in congress after we win.
We have to win. We can’t afford the divisive and self-defeating battles that split our movement during the 2016 election. Leading candidates were slow to close ranks after the nomination process and some of us even chose to sit out that election.
