Bernie Sanders Campaign

[Alexander]

Republicans control a majority of states in the US

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ll1QlkBorkA

This makes me concerned about worsening inequality moving forward; it's already bad but if it's ever going to get better, it will get worse first. And, it's the stupid voters' fault for voting for the right wing, who will keep giving tax cuts to the wealthiest.

[Cal]

I honestly believe it more corruption and bribery than actual honest to good voters.

[Alexander]

Two more weeks till the New Hampshire/Iowa primaries and Bernie Sanders keeps rising in national polls

http://elections.huffingtonpost.com/pollster/2016-national-democratic-primary

Comparing the contributions of Sanders and Clinton is interesting

http://i.imgur.com/j6soixX.png

http://i.imgur.com/4iS9Ln3.jpg

[Jhanananda]

I have little hope for any progress in this nation, but I plan to vote for Bernie if that means anything to anyone.

[Alexander]

I agree, Jhanananda, the political system is utterly corrupt; we exist in a nation of legalized bribery, through campaign contributions and lobbying; every day we reap the results of this corrupt system, with our contemptible healthcare system, wealth inequality, lack of quality jobs, outsourced jobs, et al; however, it at least shows that many Americans are aware of the problem, and unhappy with it, that they decide to support Bernie Sanders, even if the man by himself cannot change the corrupt system.

[Cal]

I do hope he will win the election. He is the underdog for sure and a small miracle would be needed for him to win. He has my vote.

[Jhanananda]

Here, here to both of you.

[Michel]

Great article explaining the difference between "democratic socialism"and "social democracy" and where Sanders fits in:

Why America’s Next President Will Not Be a Socialist: http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/01/15/why-americas-next-president-will-not-be-a-socialist/print/

[Alexander]

Great article Michel, thanks for sharing it!

[Jhanananda]

Thanks, Michel, I found the article Why America’s Next President Will Not Be a Socialist: had an excellent description of a social democrat verses a democratic socialist.

[Michel]

You are welcome both of you. I'm glad that you enjoyed the article.

[stugandolf]

All,  Although I have sort of vowed not to vote in any more elections,  there is still a lot of time before the 2016 election.  I voted for years in elections beginning with the 1964 and with the exception of McGovern and Barry Commoner it was always for the lesser of 2 evils.  Democracy, at least according to Winston Churchill  has its faults but is the best system until something better comes along.  I wonder what Winston would say about democracy currently!  Obama and the drone question as well as his continued support for globalization led me to vowing not to vote any more - I voted for him twice.  I agree with Jeffrey socialism is the only way to go, but I do not think there is any chance in the USA.  Our democracy has been bought forever.  Stu

[Michel]

Ralph Nader is more optimistic about the state of America than most people I've read.

In a recent interview he said:

"I would assess that my only support were the American people, and they took all these wins we got for granted and sat by while corporations beefed up their lobbyists, beefed up their campaign money, beefed up their media, and took over Washington. Washington is corporate occupied territory. It didn't have to be. My main message to people is, don't get discouraged because American history shows one percent or less active people in Congressional districts representing you; majority opinion can turn around the Congress and defeat these corporations again and again and again. And there's no time to go into all the details, but we did it; our predecessors have done it throughout American history. But it does take two and a half million people who are as serious about their civic duties as birdwatchers are [laughs] watching and counting the number of different birds that they collect. And if they want to get my column free, just go to Nader.org and they'll get a weekly column free; seven minutes of agitation, if you're a moderate reader, every week, that often tells you what can be done. And so we can overcome this demoralization of so many good people in this country."

Full interview here (includes interesting comments about Bernie Sanders, as well):

Ralph Nader, the Voice Against Corporate Power: http://www.truthdig.com/avbooth/print/audio_robert_scheer_interviews_ralph_nader_consumer_advocate_20160122

[Jhanananda]

After reading the article Why America’s Next President Will Not Be a Socialist I realized that I had to redefine myself as a social democrat verses a democratic socialist.

On the other hand, as an anthropologist, I am convinced that the human ecological niche is hunter-gatherer, not techno-industrial.  I am certain people will simply be happier living in small bands on the landscape fishing, hunting and gathering.

[Michel]

Chris Hedges' latest article is a scathing attack on Bernie Sanders and American politics.

In the opening paragraph, he writes: "Bernie Sanders, who has attracted numerous young, white, college-educated supporters in his bid for the presidency, says he is creating a movement and promises a political revolution. This rhetoric is an updated version of the “change” promised by the 2008 campaign of Barack Obama and by Jesse Jackson’s earlier National Rainbow Coalition. Such Democratic electoral campaigns, at best, raise political consciousness. But they do not become movements or engender revolutions. They exist as long as election campaigns endure and then they vanish. Sanders’ campaign will be no different."

Full article:

Bernie Sanders’ Phantom Movement: http://www.truthdig.com/report/print/bernie_sanders_phantom_movement_20160214