Feel the Bern

When the fight for presidential nominations began, it definitely wasn't expected to have one of the most controversial men in the country leading the Republican polls. Out of all the middle-aged white politicians vying for the job, it is more than a little disappointing to see that the one who is notorious for petty insults being the most popular. The options on the Republican side seem to dwindle with each drop out, with the only true minorities on the political spectrum either gone or too far down in the polls to make a difference.

If the elections were to be held today, it would surely be a bloodbath between the endless supply of Republican candidates, which would leave an open way for the two Democrats to grab at victory. Because of the indecisiveness of the GOP, it seems logical to turn to someone who spends more time analyzing political issues than other candidates themselves. While labelled as a radical, it would seem that the only person to accomplish this in great detail would be the longest running Independent congressman, Bernie Sanders.

The Vermont Senator has managed to grab the attention of the young voters, and for good reason. With his social idealism, he has sparked hope in young adults for cheaper college, expanded civil rights, and a better health care system. While he is a self-proclaimed Socialist supporter, the idea of having someone other than the usual group of rich white Christians could be a refreshing change. Aside from the fact that he is the first Jewish person to ever run for this high an office, Sanders seems to have an outlook different from every other candidate running in this election.

His ideas are radical, and his plans would be expensive, but perhaps this is what the nation needs, even if it is only for one term. With the past few decades being full of nothing but bitter political fighting, it may be time for a dark horse candidate to take the spot light. Yes, it will be difficult for Sanders to successfully implement his plans for major economic and social change in a Republican-Dominated congress, but it would ensure that the entire Federal government wouldn't be dominated by one party.

Sanders continuously promotes the need for a political revolution in this country, and with the dramatic show the other candidates have been putting on for the past few months, he may be right. Change is essential to any growing super power, and perhaps he could bring about one that causes the next turning point in American history. Unafraid to call out the wage gap between both women and men and the rich and poor, Sanders could potentially be the answer to the upcoming generations demands for a change in society. If anything, at least he discusses the need for equality for longer than thirty seconds.

While he may not be the first choice, Bernie Sanders could be the best choice. His chances aren't particularly ideal, but he has very noticeably given the other Democrat, Secretary Clinton, a run for her money. If the next president was elected today, he would have the support of a people who want significant social change, not the usual run of the mill possibility of an improvement. While many may not see it, perhaps this social change is what America needs to, in the words of the ever overconfident Donald Trump, "be great again."

Of Art Galleries and Frogs

Nothing is more serene than the quiet class of an art gallery.

Soft French jazz flowing lazily throughout a small studio, the warm Hawaiian breeze gently pushing natural scents of native hibiscus and ohia in through open windows, and a calm, quiet ambiance, much like the feeling of the island itself, envelopes an ordinary looking building. Unlike the modern, sophisticated art galleries of New York or Paris, this shop is small and quaint, and one of many that line the coastal cliffs of the Big Island. Hues of yellow and powder blue on weather worn siding add an odd charm not commonly associated with the usual class of professional exhibits, but the complex glass work in the windows assures any skeptic that the artwork inside is just as beautiful.

It has become a tradition on these family vacations to find the hidden gems in small towns that offer a singular kind of souvenir. A long history of art enthusiasm creates a wide variety of taste between each family member, which leads to at least one day dedicated to walking from shop to shop, looking at pieces that are as simple and elegant as a self-portrait or as complex and edgy as a metal sculpture. Works from each vacation spot fill family homes, acting as constant reminders of breezy summer days and hours spent looking for unique trinkets in the nooks and crannies of world famous locations. This trip is no different, and after hours of looking through traditional Hawaiian galleries, this shop looks particularly promising.

An open door leads the way to polished wooden floors and cream walls filled with paintings and sculptures that are a colorful mix of traditional and modern style. A counter full of smaller trinkets, jewelry, and stationary is off to the side, offering entertainment for younger parties who are rather uninterested in analyzing large abstract portraits of Hawaiian Gods. Behind the counter sits a small old woman who offers a French greeting  before giving an overview of her unique collection, allowing us access to every small room and closet that holds any sort of piece.

Each new turn offers a different theme, from strikingly realistic paintings of wildlife to hanging mobiles of jade, but nothing catches our eyes. That is, until one room in the back finally exhibits a set of work that is distinctly set apart from the rest. Different from all of the work in previous rooms hangs a six piece set of small portraits in sleek black frames, all arranged in a specific story line. Showing several significant historical events, painted in very traditional style, are not humans, but frogs. Coming in all varieties, dressed in both traditional Hawaiian clothing and sophisticated English suits, and performing a variety of different functions from dancing to signing the Treaty of Versailles are a set of amphibians that have an element of brilliant satire that only the keenest of eyes can pick up on.

Both comical and intriguing, the set shoots to the top of the list of pieces to buy, winning everyone's approval, whether they understand the deeper meanings or not. Capturing both a distinct sense of dry humor and bits of Hawaiian culture all in one group, the paintings fit the bill of the long list of family requirements for buying any professional art. The pieces are surprisingly accepted without the normal negotiation and are wrapped in brightly colored paper, with a side of chocolates offered as another thank you from the store owner. The usual calm silence of the gallery is broken for a momentary exclamation of joy from the woman, pleased that her work is appreciated enough to be bought so eagerly. With all the kindness and hospitality that the people on the Big Island embrace, she offers refreshments and information about other hidden treasures that Hawaii has to offer. Her brightness leaves us feeling lighter and rejuvenated, a refreshing change from most other vacation spots. Gliding along on a cloud of her positive energy, we step out into the sunshine, continuing on our way towards the next discovery, with our latest masterpiece in hand.