Whatever happened to the will of the people? The results of the Rhode Island primary are pretty clear. Rhode Islanders prefer Sanders to Clinton 55% to 43%.

That seems a pretty clear message.

But that’s not the way the system is designed to work. It’s designed to insure continuity of control. It’s designed to insulate the party from the rabble that do not understand government and those who manipulate it for their own gain.

Fair play at the least would say apportion the super delegates the same as the vote. 6 for Sanders and 3 for Clinton.

That seems fair. But that’s not what is happening. All 9 super delegates have pledged to support Clinton.

The results of other primaries throughout the country should mean something. There is a great deal of dissatisfaction with Clinton.

Not that Sanders is perfect but it seems the will of the people supporting him is growing.

So why do you unilaterally support her?

Is it out of party loyalty? You committed to this support long before the primary as a matter of party solidarity.

Is it out of a practical consideration? You see her as the clear winner in the numbers game and want to be part of that.

Is it because she’s a woman? The goal of seeking equality is to eliminate such considerations, not endorse them.

Is it out of fear of retaliation from a Clinton White house if you vote your conscience and support someone else?

If so, the fact that you believe a candidate capable of retaliation against a delegate voting with the will of the people is reason enough not to vote for her.

Politics are an ugly thing. It seems to strip away all the good intentions in pursuit of victory, or a job in the administration.

The growing dissatisfaction is this country is underscored by two things:

The rising tide of support for Sanders and the Trump phenomenon.

One has the potential to fundamentally alter politics for the good, one raises the specter of a national calamity.

It is time for someone in this state to do what is right because it is right and not continue down the path of ignoring the very people you represent.

Just in case you don’t know who they are:

Gov. Gina Raimondo

U.S. Sens. Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse

Congressmen Jim Langevin and David Cicilline.

R.I. Democratic Party Chair Joseph McNamara

Democratic Party Vice-Chair Grace Diaz

National Committeeman Frank Montanaro

National Committeewoman Edna O’Neill Mattson

Why not drop them a line and let them know who they are supposed to represent.