Bernie Sanders Campaign

[Alexander]

After some delay I've decided to support the vile socialist Bernie Sanders as the Democratic presidential candidate: https://berniesanders.com/

It is unlikely he will win, but I've given him a small donation, and I'll vote for him in the primary, which I think Massachusetts has declared as March 1st. Given how the human realm works, one of the buffoonish other candidates will win, but I'm encouraged at least someone like him, who is not completely out of his mind, is attempting to run for president. That at least shows me that the principles that are supposed to be behind America are not entirely dead.

[Cal]

As much as I've tried to stray away from political opinion, I have to agree with you. If only we lived in a world where an idealist like this could become popular opinion. He is right though, from a cultural standpoint. I watched about an hour worth of interview and commentary, and was quite moved by his enthusiasm while addressing the president at a congressional hearing. He said that we are at war. Big money vs everyone else. He's right. But history shows this type of idealism cannot prevail. I've never voted, but if I were to, i think id vote for him.

[Jhanananda]

While I am convinced that all civilizations were utterly and completely corrupt, as is this one; and I am also convinced that no one becomes president without being bought; nonetheless, Bernie Sanders seems like a good choice, and I plan to vote for him, when it comes time to do so.

I happen to be a socialist, Alexander, because socialism is government by the people for the people; whereas, the two party system of the USA has always been about government by the elite few, for the elite few, at the expense of the many.

[Alexander]

Bernie Sanders on the Papal visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNmub3YKH54

[Cal]

Call me a pessimist, but those same families funding the campaign, are the same that are in bed with the congressional comity. It would take a revolution to change it. I am surprised, or un-surprised, that the Pope is making such bold statements, without action necessary to see them to fruition. Oddly enough, it brings me to my thoughts as of late. That evil must exist for there to be good. I won't entertain this much, as its been rather dark.

[Alexander]

True, Cal, but the Pope's comments are unprecedented compared to former ones; he is actually acting like the representative of Christ on earth, which explains how he has become so popular. And, any social movement begins with ideas spreading, and he is at least telling it like it is, while his predecessors couldn't even do that.

[Cal]

Perhaps he can make a change. I hope he does.

[Jhanananda]

I too have become a pessimist; however, the quotes of this current pope suggests that he truly speaks for the poor and the homeless; and by Bernie Sanders quoting, and expanding upon, these statements of the pope that support the issues of the poor and the homeless, strongly suggests that Bernie Sanders also speaks for and supports the poor and the homeless.

Here is another video on his subject with Senator Sanders and Michael Moore

[Alexander]

CNN takes down a poll that shows Bernie won the debate https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bkln6bEwQjs

The speaker here mentions the Overton window, which I had never heard about https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overton_window

It is clear the powers that be consider "socialism" outside the window of the acceptable here

[Jhanananda]

It is clear the powers that be consider "socialism" outside the window of the acceptable here

You make interesting points, Alexander.  I believe the only reason why socialism falls outside of the Overton window is because there has been just so much negative rhetoric related to it for decades by the .1% who do not want to pay their fair share of taxes.

[Alexander]

http://www.newsweek.com/president-bernie-dont-hold-your-breath-385995

Some interesting quotes

What does it mean for the country when politicians are raising so much money from wealthy supporters rather than the grassroots?
It’s a bad trend for the country.

How did the party establishment react when the Dean campaign raised so much money from small-dollar donors online in 2004?
We scared the daylights out of the establishment, but that was about all we were able to do. Both party establishments are pretty good at making sure that a candidate who isn’t of the establishment doesn’t make it.

What about Barack Obama?
You could argue that Obama beat the establishment in 2008, or was able to co-opt enough of them after he got enough small-dollar donations online. But—if you count him—he’s the rare exception.

In 2008, it’s 3 million people giving Barack Obama half a billion dollars and he wins. But after that, the Republicans did not run out and say, “Wow, we’ve got to create a network of 3 million people to compete with that $500 million machine.” Instead, they make the super PAC thing happen.

And in 2012, the Democrats cave and say, “Yeah, us too,” to super PACs. Barack Obama, who had been against super PACs and saying you can do this with people—he finally breaks down and says, "I was wrong," that to fight super PACs, you need to give to super PACs.

What do you think would happen if Bernie Sanders beats Hillary Clinton in Iowa?
The entire Democratic establishment would come out of the woodwork to stop Bernie Sanders from being the nominee. The establishment fervently believes that a socialist cannot be president of the United States.

[Sam Lim]

Media Edits Out Key Bernie Sanders Rant

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbO-Emwj2J4

[Alexander]

Thanks, Sam, I am watching it now.

[Sam Lim]

Did Media Declaring Hillary Won Debate Influence Polls?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STeqtJLakQQ

[Cal]

Hes authentic, I like him. I may actually vote this year.