12 STEPS FOR PETE BUTTIGIEG, FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES

By Vic Gerami

Disclaimer: In accordance with the 11th tradition in the Twelve Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), members need always maintain personal anonymity at the level of press, radio, and films. I will probably get some heat for writing this, but exceptions must be made, especially when a nation’s future is at stake. I am a grateful recovering alcoholic and have been sober for over eleven years.

Someone once told me, ‘if you came to AA just to quit drinking, then you are missing the point.’ AA is so much more than a program for alcoholics to get sober. The steps, principles and even cliche slogans are simple, but not simplistic. They apply to any situation, anywhere and to any person, whether they are sober, need to get sober or neither.

Often when a friend turns to me for advice or perspective, I use AA slogans to convey my message and help them with their problem. Most have never heard them and are amazed at how poignant they are and how they go straight to the heart of the matter.

History is calling for a new direction, new understanding, a new kind of leadership, a new path toward a new enlightened era that can only be captained by one who truly understands and has in their own unique way lived it. Mayor Pete Buttigieg is the one candidate that has walked the walk, has the skills and if given a chance can navigate us in a period to take two giant steps forward, after this period of one giant step backward.

Mayor Pete speaks eight languages (English, Norwegian, Spanish, Italian, Maltese, Arabic, Dari and French), Harvard graduate, pianist, husband, Rhodes Scholar, and a Veteran (US Navy Reserves, 2009-2017, Lieutenant).

Mayor Pete is currently the leading Democratic Presidential Candidate. He has won the hearts of Americans coast to coast, progressive Democrats, moderates, conservatives, and even some Republicans. But what about those who are not sure if they are comfortable with a gay President? A President under 40? And what about progressive and moderate Republicans? How do we get them to see Mayor Pete the same way a lot of us do?

Since the language of AA is so effective in conveying pertinent messages, I will use famous AA slogans to make a case for Pete Buttigieg to be our next President.

FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD
We need to stop thinking that ‘those’ people in DC or in State Capitols will ‘fix’ it. Blind faith means nothing. We must do the required legwork in order to see the desired change. In other words, God helps those who help themselves.

‘Greatness will come by looking forward – untethered from the politics of the past
and anchored by our shared values – and by changing our nation’s future’
Pete Buttigieg

FIRST THINGS FIRST
If you haven’t done so yet, register to vote. In fact, make sure that your friends and family are registered too. If there is any time in history when we must be co-dependent, the time is now.

KEEP AN OPEN MIND
Some of our greatest Presidents were very young and remember how many ‘older’ Presidents have had their chance and did not do a good job. Also, stop fixating on Mayor Pete’s sexual orientation. Electing a Catholic President was unthinkable before John F. Kennedy; so, keep an open mind. Remember that a conservative city in Indiana elected him as Mayor twice. Just to demonstrate that I may talk the talk, but I also walk the walk, I’ll share a personal story. I attempted to interview Mayor Pete twice, but his communications team didn’t come through. Once, I stood next to him but was not even able to shake his hand. However, this is the time to put petty matters like that aside and come through for America.

‘…National Democrats seemed increasingly to write off red states–or red areas within blue
And purple states–completely. The result was that many parts of our country had heard so little from Democrats and progressives that anyone living there who sympathized with our party might assume they were totally alone’
Pete Buttigieg

YOU CAN NOT THINK YOURSELF INTO RIGHT ACTION, YOU CAN ONLY ACT YOURSELF INTO RIGHT THINKING (My Favorite Slogan)
You don’t have to be completely OK with the idea of a gay President. But trust in others and your own thinking will change.

ONE DAY AT A TIME
What can YOU do TODAY to create meaningful change?

HOPE: Hold on, Peace Exists

EASY DOES IT
Don’t over-think it. We must vote out Donald Trump and elect a young, idealistic and brilliant leader to change the trajectory of this country and change its narrative.

KEEP IT SIMPLE, STUPID
Trump=Bad Buttigieg=Good

PROGRESS, NOT PERFECTION
Don’t expect Buttigieg to have all the answers or fix everything right away, but we must give him a chance first.

‘Washington experience is not the only experience that matters, there is more than 100 years of Washington experience on this stage and where are we right now as a country ?’
Pete Buttigieg

BE A PART OF THE SOLUTION, NOT PART OF THE PROBLEM
Defending Trump like a die-hard does nobody any good. Blind loyalty to the GOP is hurting Americans. We must switch gears and be part of the solution.

NOTHING CHANGES, IF NOTHING CHANGES
Politics as usual by Washington establishment has gotten us into this mess. We need an outsider, a fresh perspective to start the change for the better.

‘Even as we shiver, there is joy, are you ready to go in that hall
and leave no question about who has the momentum right now?’
Pete Buttigieg

EXPECT MIRACLES
Indeed, the other side of fear is FAITH: Forsaking All I Trust Him. We must have faith and that a brighter future is ahead and do our part to ensure that the right person will lead us into the next chapter. For me, that person is Mayor Peter Paul Montgomery Buttigieg.

For more information about Mayor Pete Buttigieg, to donate or join the campaign, please visit PeteForAmerica.com