Efforts to deter Sanders supporters

I was surprised to find myself opposing Leonard Pitts, a man who I admire and whose columns I wait for each week, but after his “Bernie Nation sacrificing ideals” piece (May 2), I felt compelled to respond.

It’s been fascinating watching the efforts to deter Sanders supporters. First by ignoring and discounting his candidacy, then ridiculing supporters for believing in what others view as hopeless, then by spreading fear that support for Sanders would cause a Trump presidency.

But darn those Sanders supporters acting all democratic, they just won’t throw in the towel like they’re supposed to, so the tactic has now shifted to shame. Calling them naïve, uninformed, unrealistic, immature, selfish, even anti-woman.

Well, I am none of that. What I am is deeply disappointed in a party that even Leonard Pitts admitted has seemed ashamed of its progressive values. I was headed out of the party door, but I have stayed to support Senator Sanders, despite him being a Democrat, not because of it, and I will not gift my support to any candidate who does not embody my ideals and long-held positions simply because of their party affiliation, and efforts at shaming or fear-mongering will not change that.

Sandra Williams

Spokane Valley