Where's Bernie? Memes show Sanders all over
There is a series of puzzles that features a character named Waldo who is strategically and very effectively hidden somewhere in the puzzle by others, dressed and positioned in a similar fashion. The challenge of the game is to locate Waldo.
In the days following the inauguration of President Joe Biden, an amusing version of the game has sprung up featuring former presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, instead of Waldo. Memes of Sanders in various notable places have popped up everywhere.
In Butler, he has been found in various local bars and restaurants as well as in the Diamond Park fountain wearing the “grandpa-wear” he was wearing for the ceremony and sitting very much alone in COVID-19 isolation protocol.
His overcoat, mittens and pale blue mask cast a very elderly appearance, which is natural for a man of his 79 years. We can view his attire as casual and cozy. His not-so-manly mittens are functional and age appropriate.
Best of all, he and his staff have appeared to take his new fame in stride and tried to capitalize on it to benefit a charity. There is more than one clear statement in this event.
First, it is time to call it a career when the masses see you as a kindly elderly gentleman to be laughed with (not at), instead of anyone uttering a word about how close you came to winning his party’s nomination.
It also shows that he is coming to terms, as others should, that politics is a young person’s game and the country — including his own base — is waking up to the realization that it is time for new blood, new ideas and new leadership at all levels of government.
The selfish position of elected officials won’t let them admit that term limits not only make sense, but are desperately needed. The ones who feel entitled to stay in elected offices for 20-plus years will make the stale old argument that we already have term limits called elections, which allow for incumbents to be voted out.
But they never are honest and admit how big the challenge is to unseat an incumbent that has a well-greased election committee and storage houses of donated dollars geared to keep them in office. It is hardly a fair fight and very seldom works the way they try to outline it.
The inner workings of government also make it difficult for change because newly elected representatives start with the weakest of committee positions and leverage, which means they can’t supposedly do as much for their constituents.
But most have lost touch so badly with the communities where they grew up, it makes no difference.
Where in the world is Bernie? He and others who have been around forever like him should be sitting comfortably with the next generation of people who are hoping to gain a chance to serve the country. There is a time and a season for everything. Looking at these memes of Bernie make it clear that the time has come for him and many others.
And thanks Bernie for wearing your mask.
— RV
