Letter to the editor: Sanders has courage, character

As I write this day, my concern and focus is on Bernie Sanders. I feel that Bernie’s avid intelligence and open-heartedness are much to be admired. His ability to withstand continuous criticism, and in my opinion, the unwarranted unkindness of the mainstream Republican and Democratic establishments, is amazingly brave.
We, without pause, proclaim our gratitude, respect and admiration for Martin Luther King. He was, without doubt, a Democratic Socialist.
In the last few years, we recite praises for the character and political philosophy of Jimmy Carter. Jimmy Carter endured the ridicule of the corporate media and the Democratic establishment.  President Carter was constantly beaten down by the conservative population of the U.S. government. 
These public servants, (Eleanor Roosevelt, and many others), have been enlightened, open-minded, perceptive, and unbelievably courageous. Their willingness to be autonomous and to step away from the comfort of the mainstream makes a profound difference in the lives of all people in the U.S. as well as in the world.
I openly admit that I do not get it.  I ask who we are as citizens of one of the wealthiest countries in the world. In October Bernie asked while campaigning, “If you are willing to fight for other people as much as you are willing to fight for yourself…”
Mary Benton
Lincoln