Don’t complain — be the change

Every time a Sanders supporter shares content from The Observer or gripes about last year’s primaries, a pair of Republican operatives clink mugs somewhere.

I was a proud national delegate for Bernie in 2016. But it’s 2017 now. We’re facing a new reality, and we can’t effectively respond by whining. Whining is simply not one of the habits of effective Democrats.

Complaining is like sitting in a rocking chair: it gives you something to do, but doesn’t get you anywhere.

Ask yourself this: What am I doing now to work for a better future in this country? Posting comments on Facebook doesn’t count.

Are you running for office?

Volunteering for progressive candidates who are?

Organizing your neighborhood by canvassing?

Building progressive media?

Sustaining efforts to develop thought leadership for the left?

Registering people to vote?

Contacting your elected officials?

Participating in litigation to hold the Trump regime accountable?

There are lots of ways to make a difference. Griping just isn’t one of them.

Be the change and take action if you don’t like what happened last year.