I hope that folks coming to the Democratic precinct caucuses on March 26 will support Bernie Sanders for president! I’m inspired and encouraged by Bernie’s vision and history of working for the 99 percent

Many young people support Bernie. They understand major change is needed in our country if they are to have an economically and environmentally sustainable future. Bernie has been a champion of progressive values throughout his career. That reaches me at a practical level and a heart level. He believes if you work hard, you should have security in your life. You shouldn’t lose your job because it’s shipped overseas to maximize corporate profits, or lose your healthcare coverage because it was connected to that job. And you shouldn’t have to choose between a job and a healthy environment.

Bernie marched with Dr. King during the Civil Rights movement. He has the most progressive position on education and has voted against the international trade deals that hurt working people and the environment supporting our lives and health.

I was among the thousands trying to prevent a U.S. invasion of Iraq. Bernie Sanders voted against giving George Bush the power to invade Iraq. He showed foresight and good judgment. I care about many issues, from climate change to equal pay for equal work. But the Iraq invasion has cost us so much: the lives of our soldiers and innocent civilians, our country’s economic priorities, our civil rights, our country’s standing in the world, and, I believe, our national psyche. And it’s increased terrorism.

I encourage people to consider not only what the candidates say they want to do, but what they’ve done in the past. See if that matches up with what they’re saying now.

Bernie Sanders doesn’t take money from big corporations. As a result, he will not be beholden to big corporate interests once in office. And he’s proven he can work across the political aisle to get things done.

I hope voters will consider these points, and that on March 26, Democratic voters will participate in the caucuses and support Bernie Sanders for president.

Sharon Abreu

Orcas Island