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Forum Post: Bernie, We Need You. The Time For A Third Party Is Now!

Posted 7 years ago on April 22, 2016, 11:05 a.m. EST by Viking (417)
This content is user submitted and not an official statement

Barring a miracle in Sander's quest for the Democratic nomination, I see no better time than now to build on the momentum that Sanders propagated from the Occupy movement. Being sheepdogged back into the corrupt Democratic Party is not an option!

The (un)Democratic Primary: Why We Need a New Party of the 99%..... Kshama Sawant

http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/04/21/the-undemocratic-primary-why-we-need-a-new-party-of-the-99/

187 Comments

187 Comments


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[-] 5 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Agreed. Third party time is now.

[-] 2 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

It has become widely understood that Hillary has embarked on a strategy to "disqualify," and ignore Sanders to defeat him, and run solely against Trump. Perhaps it's time for Bernie to rile her feathers, and pick out an early running mate..... say, Jill Stein or Kshama Sawant? Pissing off someone who is tied to an undemocratic, conniving, corrupt party seems most apropos to me. I think that most of his supporters would go along with having either of these intelligent, thoughtful women as his running mate too. Just a thought... ;-)

[-] 2 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

I think those are both great choices. He should choose one of them, or possible Tulsi Gabbard, and either declare he's going Green or declare the new name of his new third party as well!

It's onward and upward. The movement doesn't stop with Bernie though we really prefer him in it!

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

It's a Bernie Sanders victory tonight, June 7, 2016, no matter what happens. Millions of Americans have been woken up by this 74 year old Senator from Vermont. Thank you, Bernie. Thank you for not forgetting the needs of the 99%. We won't be going back to sleep anytime soon. Long Live the Political Revolution!

[-] 2 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

It's difficult not to feel despondent from the events that have, and still are taking place, especially when Sanders says he plans to actively support Hillary. But like you have pointed out, "Millions [more] Americans have been [a]woken," and I agree, "we won't be going back to sleep any time soon."

[-] 4 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

I got a questionnaire from the Democratic Party in the mail asking my opinion about various policy platform items. It was just a bunch of bait and switch Donald Trump fear mongering and wimpy wording such as should we "level the playing field for the middle class?" WTF does that even mean? What middle class!?! Should we raise the minimum wage? Should we protect medicare? No twits, you should create a living wage and EXPAND medicare to all people. Such morons.

In the end, in the comment section I told them that I will be changing my party affiliation to Green or Independent. I voted Green in the last election anyway, and if Bernie is not the Democratic nominee, which we now know he won't be bar Hillary getting indicted, I'm out. I told them that they better start moving away from the neoliberal policies that are literally killling people and stop the bait and switch routine of fear mongering about Trump so that we all get in line behind their weak platform. Democrats. They left behind the working class and the poor a long time ago.

[-] 3 points by gsw (3406) from Woodbridge Township, NJ 7 years ago

Damn good reasoning. I'm with you, too many wars without cause, too much neoliberal trade wars against the people, too much sucked away by Wall Street, to the offshore stashes, too long without a boost to the bottom line of Main Street. (Sounds almost a Trump line, so far here, ) so I'll add Trump can go Fuck a Wall

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Exactly. Buh-bye. We need to start supporting candidates we can BELIEVE in and quit voting for the lesser of two evils. It is the only way our children and grandchildren will see a better world (maybe more beautiful too.)

Jill Stein for President! Bernie, you should get yourself on the ballot, goddamnit!!

[-] 3 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Getting greener is the only rational way forward as far as our posterity is concerned. Jill Stein seems to be the only reasonable choice.

We have such a huge slowly creeping-to-a-catastrophe environmental problem that we need a conscientious leader who gets it and works assiduously towards heading it off. I'd like to vote for Stein/Sanders 2016. Due to his experience, Bernie can be very helpful in negotiating with Congress and he may be more powerful in that role because he will not be encumbered by possessing the final authority (which limits flexibility).

Jill Stein/Bernie Sanders 2016!

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Jill Stein is still extending a hand to Bernie. Disappointing if he doesn't take it but she is worth supporting all the way with or without him.

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Jill Stein or Bust!

I used to like Mx. Cheese's experience in the handling of international diplomacy, cobbling together various sanctions by disparate countries to rein in rogue countries.

However, if that activity had been tainted by shadowy foundational donations, it would be a deal breaker for me. Her deliberately having private servers set up seems rather suspicious. Her cavalier attitude in handling various classified information disqualifies her being Commander-In-Chief. I can imagine that an intelligence agent harmed by leaked classified information may decide to take revenge and assassinate her. It's just too much for me to take should any of these be true.

[-] 1 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

I'm disgusted with Sander's support of Hillary. Although he hasn't done anything that he said he wouldn't do if he lost, I feel betrayed by both Bernie and Elizabeth Warren.

Sander's is fooling himself in thinking that the Democrats, especially with Hillary at the helm, will bring about systemic change. She will never get my vote!

Bernie had the perfect chance to join, or start a third party, and he blew it.

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Agreed. It is beyond disappointing. But, as we know, revolutionaries often aren't revolutionary enough and they turn and they get bought out, etc. Not sure what was going through his mind but in the end, for me personally, my allegiance is to the 99%. Always. Period. So, I turn my support to Jill Stein who is actually getting herself on the ballot in November, and who, frankly, I agree with even more than I agreed with Bernie. So, we forge on!

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Bernie deserves the harsh words, sorry to say. In fact, he owes it to the people who donated more money than they could afford, and who went out and campaigned for him, to take back his endorsement of Hillary Clinton when he speaks at the convention, especially in light of the recent wikileaks evidence.

[-] 2 points by TIOUAISE (2526) 7 years ago

More wikileaks evidence! What now?

P.S. I just checked the new wikileaks revelations. It really makes you want to throw up!

Attacking Bernie's religious beliefs - or unbeliefs - is as low as you can get. And as ignorant, if I may add. The Founding Fathers were NOT all Christians, far from it: in fact, many of them were openly critical of Christianity, which they considered a BETRAYAL of the true teachings of Jesus.

During his years in the White House, Thomas Jefferson went so far as to REWRITE the Bible so as to expurgate it from the many layers of nonsense, mistranslations, etc. that had accumulated over the years. The new version remains a best-seller to this day, under the title "The Jefferson Bible".

Is Bernie Sanders an atheist? Frankly, I don't give a s___t! His VALUES, especially on social justice issues, are far closer to those of Jesus than the values of those religious hypocrites associated with the Christian Right. And by the way, a great many atheists express deep admiration for Jesus - the REAL Jesus, not the caricature that the Church tried to ram down our throats. Nobel-prize winner Albert Camus, for instance, called Jesus "le meilleur d'entre nous", the best among us.

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

The U.S. now needs WikiLeaks to be its free press. Hurray! WikiLeaks, defender of the U.S. Constitution's 1st Amendment Rights worldwide, safeguarding the transparency of the most transparent party in U.S. history. Was Mx. Cheese wearing fishnet underwear to turn back Slick commando dragon's hunt for fresh venison?

Guccifer 2.0, purportedly a Russian hacker, allies with WikiLeaks in the endeavor. Russia is afraid of Mx. Cheese, having experienced her diplomatic dealings and her positions on international interventions.

Things are really pathetic with U.S. press because WikiLeaks and Guccifer 2.0 had to step in to assure a free press.

[-] 1 points by TIOUAISE (2526) 7 years ago

For the benefit of the ignoramuses at the DNC:

Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and George Washington were "deists", i.e. they believed in a Supreme Being but NOT in Christianity.

James Madison's beliefs are not absolutely clear: deist or Episcopalian. John Adams was a Unitarian. As for Thomas Paine, he was most definitely an ATHEIST.

So don't believe the right-wing propaganda about all of the Founding Fathers being "good Christians". It just ain't so.

For details, check out the second answer on this link: https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20110403124716AAqVAPz

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

"DNC treatment of Sanders at issue in emails leaked to Wikileaks"

http://www.cnn.com/2016/07/22/politics/dnc-wikileaks-emails/

[-] 1 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

"Harsh," maybe---mostly true though.

[-] 1 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

You were right! Now where U at?!! Hope all well with U & yrs & do try make some noise occasionally!!!

fiat lux ...

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

You wanted Sanders to continue his campaign at least through the convention. That's what he's doing. I suspect that he still believes that the platform means something, aber glaube ich das gar nicht.

Mx. Cheese will keep peace and ferment, as inertia dictates. The pay-for-play, throw-under-the-bus, and labia servicing flip-flopping has worked well so it will be continued.

Elizabeth Warren holds grudges against Wall Street because Obummer would not let her hold her "baby." Fortunately for her, Massachusetts recycled her to the national scene. She has never wanted to support Sanders because of her insecurity being a freshman Senator. On this count, I trust Chris Christie a lot more - he was gutsy enough to endorse Trump when Tera eRex was clearly the outsider and underdog at the time. I'm not saying that I like how he or his aura made New Jersey into a pay-up-or-get-into-trouble state.

Mx. Cheese will NEVER make systemic change. Trump will (at least try, but our system is not a parliamentary one that can turn on a dime), for both better and worse. I support Jill Stein. I'd love to have Bernie join the Green Party ticket but it may just be too far-fetched for Sanders. Melania seems to be a rather good choice for our First Lady because she seems principled, at least in matters of the heart.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 7 years ago

washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2016/06/28/bernie-sanders-just-gave-an-amazingly-condescending-interview-about-hillary-clinton/

A condescending interview @washingtonpost ?

I call BULLSH** ! U wealthy establishment RAG !!!

[-] 1 points by TIOUAISE (2526) 7 years ago

A G R E E !

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Oh, yeah. We need that type of caliber to barge through the bamboo wall.

Trump did know something great when he said that he would get the most knowledgeable experts into a room and not let them out until they had agreed to a policy for dealing with the Middle East and "radical Islamic terrorism." He knew that he himself needed to step back from an area of his ignorance.

Great leaders do NOT have to micro-manage but must know when to overrule the stupidities of advices given. The C.I.A. can be rather poor in judgment sometimes.

Overruling C.I.A.'s judgment, Reagan believed in the greatness of the U.S.A. relative to Communism because he had dealt with some in his own experience. He took to heart that the whole point is NOT to bomb the Soviet Union to oblivion despite the catharsis that it would bring to him. The survival of the U.S.A. comes first. The Soviet Union could actually be far scarier than his secret desire to bomb it to oblivion because it seemed incapable of commanding its troops which had shot first in dealing with uncertainty. Yeah, the nuclear first strike could have been launched before the Soviet leader had even rolled out of bed. Mutual survival is the better choice.

However, the French having suffered through tyranny, came up with the correct idea because the nuts do not back down so it's time for atonement through sanguine baptism.

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Tera eRex knows when to bite his tongue when he knows that saying what his limits are will undermine the strength of his negotiating positions. This may have come from his business experience.

It's not so with Bernie who had said at the outset that he would never become a spoiler like Ralph Nader in the year-2000 election which was really an untrue urban legend. That statement told everyone, especially the demonkrapts, that all of their shenanigans would be tolerated by him, no matter what. That's what happened. His tone regarding the e-mails of Mx. Cheese let her off easy. Without the threat of a third-party run or helping Tera eRex, the demonkrapts simply machined him out.

It's okay. There'll be a next time. Things must worsen more before the pain reaches the consciousness of the less informed. Let the Pearl Harbor and the 9/11 events happen again and the populace will be galvanized to fix the system. "The squeaky wheel gets oiled. The silent wheel breaks down. The junk will be replaced." Sanders/Stein 2016, Sanders/Trump 2016, Trump v. Chelsea 2020!

[-] 2 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

"Struggle Continues" Bernie Sanders Cali. Primary Night Speech in Santa Monica - CA (6-7-16):

ThankYouBernie & TY bw + ditto: "Thank you for not forgetting the needs of the 99%. We won't be going back to sleep anytime soon. Long Live the Political Revolution!" The "Struggle" is Very FAR From Over!!

per ardua ad astra ...

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

I'm grateful to Bernie Sanders however I think he has made the biggest blunder in modern American political history by not going third party. The most opportune time was directly after the New York primary.

He'd be surging in the polls now instead of running after the Democratic platform which would have been rendered meaningless when Clinton came in third place behind Sanders and Trump. Ho hum. It's going to take me a long time to get over that lost opportunity. I think I need a vacation, :).

[-] 3 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

I can't help but think that Sanders might lose the chance to become the Democratic nominee if he were to concede the race, and then Hillary were indicted, or couldn't serve for some reason. And he would most likely lose a prime speaking spot at the convention.

How cool would it be if Sanders launched his candidacy for a third party run for the Presidency at the Democratic convention?

[-] 4 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Jill Stein is now our best option and she's a very excellent option. I actually agree with her platform more than I even did Bernie's, lol, so it's not hard to go with her. She's also extremely smart, articulate and tough as nails, as you already know.

[-] 2 points by windyacres (1197) 7 years ago

I agree Jill Stein is our best option, which imo is the reason Gary Johnson gets more MSM coverage. The best we can hope for is for voters to show up and vote for any 3rd party candidate, and Bernie would have been the best by far.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Nice to see you, windy. Great point re: Gary Johnson. Yeah, suddenly there is a third party option according to the establishment and MSM and lo and behold it's a libertarian, privatizing, capitalist promoting, free wheeling market pusher.

But, we the people have woken up and we know the real third party option, for us, is the Green Party. And, if we can get Jill Stein to poll at 15% she gets to participate in the debates. She is one smart, articulate lady and I believe she would cream both Trump and Clinton, and that idiot Johnson too, lol.

Hope all is well with you. :)

[-] 2 points by windyacres (1197) 7 years ago

Libertarians seem, less loving, to me. A lack of care for others. Maybe they will take votes away from Trump but I am hoping Jill can get on the debate stage. For me. it's Bernie or Jill. All is well and I enjoy reading your posts and others here.

[-] 2 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Libertarians are all about me, me, me. Socialists are all about society, all of us working together and sharing. It's a huge difference especially in terms of economics and I urge anyone thinking of voting for Gary Johnson to really explore the definitions of "Libertarianism" vs. "Libertarian Socialism." Both look to cure the same problems but do so in very opposing ways.

Glad you are well. It's Jill for me unless Bernie wakes up from his slumber. Not sure what is going on with him. With the wikileaks evidence out, he's ridiculous if he continues to endorse Clinton. Jill Stein or Bust!

[-] 1 points by Shule (2638) 7 years ago

Bernie is not out to win. He is out to herd. Just watch.

[-] 1 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

I hope you are wrong. Still we cannot ignore the fact that our movement has gained much ground because of him. It's our job to see that it continues, and that it doesn't get put to sleep within the Democratic Party..

[-] 1 points by ImNotMe (1488) 6 years ago

USA ''stands at a crossroads. In the words of Bernie Sanders, “We have won the battle of ideas,” and there is an awakening sense of purpose and possibility. A new generation is taking up the struggle for revolutionary change. Yet Trump and the Republicans are in power, and represent a profound threat to ordinary people and the environment.

''This September, people from around the country will gather in the nation’s capitol to discuss the great questions facing our movement. What will it take to defeat the right wing and build a powerful alternative? How do we achieve the policies that the majority of Americans seek and Bernie campaigned for, like Medicare for All, a $15 minimum wage, and free public college education? Should progressives continue the fight to reform the Democratic Party or should we launch a new people’s party, free from corporate money and influence.

''Now that our struggle turns to achieving power, a dilemma has emerged. The more progressive that working people become, the more disenchanted they grow with the Democratic Party, a dynamic that propels Republicans to power with disasterous consequences.

''Americans are fed up with the policies of the billionaire class, and nearly 70 percent believe the two parties don’t represent them. On September 9, Dr. Cornel West, Kshama Sawant and Nick Brana will host a conversation about the way forward for our movement at the Draft Bernie Town Hall. Thousands of working people who supported Bernie during the campaign are united once more in extending a hand of invitation to Bernie to join this discussion about the future of our movement and our country.

''Join us at The People’s Convergence Conference and let’s make history!''

respice, adspice, prospice ...

[-] 1 points by TIOUAISE (2526) 7 years ago

V E R Y wise words.

[-] 0 points by Shule (2638) 7 years ago

Hee, Hee, told you so. ' Saw it coming. Bernie the rat recently endorsed the Hag. So there it is in fact; the "Bernie Revolution" is fake; You all been had.

Wise up. Trump is the only game in town.

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Trump is not necessarily the only game in town. Dr. Jill Stein is an emergent option, now that Tera eRex and Mx. Cheese poll nearly equally with the highest levels of disgust ever.

[-] 1 points by Shule (2638) 7 years ago

Well, I must admit; actually there is no game in town for us little folk. Trump in all likelihood will screw us too. Dr. Stein would be nice to vote for if all one wants to do is send a message; and that is all we can possibly do. Reality is She won't get in. The appeal with Trump is if he gets in that will be some egg-in-the-face for some Wall Street oligarchs who will be pissed not seeing their darling Hag get in. That would be a message too. Err, so whatever mesage one wants to send. Probably our best bet, is to take the political options for what they are, not worry about it too much, and focus our efforts in establishing change outside the political arena.

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

The train is coming. All aboard or douche its cheesy smell (of Angina clintoris?) in the River Kwai?

Bernie supporters built the bridge to Nowhere. It's not even in Al-ass-ka but there are more Islamo-Nippono mosqu-ito-es on the train than on the plate-glass windows of the Al-ass-kan airport of Beau Bankster. Banzai!

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

You sound like a politically burnt-out millennial (which you are not one but you are an older New Yorker; yeah, New York is somewhat hard to understand by folks elsewhere due to its apparent contradictions that are not real and yet all too real; "3" on the globalized helpline has been pressed and Tera eRex is out of Jurassic Park; has anyone seen the cowpie in the sky for all yet?) with your emphasis on change outside the political arena. You may well be correct that there is no real option for us little folk but you do know that even little monkeys can throw a wrench at the timing belt of our royal carnival clown car, no?

All systems have critical points. The art of steering is to discover, understand, and use them well. Greatest inventions all have this quality of using very little to control a lot.

[-] 3 points by Shule (2638) 7 years ago

Yes, you have a point. Little bits of sand can grime up a set of gears. It really doesn't take much. What ever it is we should all be doing what the Establishment does not expect, and what it doesn't want.

[-] 2 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

''Wise Up''?!!! WTF has ''Wise'' - got to do with anything to do with tRUMP?!! How about U - Wise Up?!

Get this: Donald Drumf is a fool (lost more money than he made) & a soon to be tool of US Oligarchy!

ad iudicium ...

[-] 1 points by Shule (2638) 7 years ago

The old saying goes, if you cant change a screwed up system, then really screw it up. At least I don't see Trump out starting WWIII. Now if the Hag gets in, that lizard is going to press the red button sending missiles everywhere faster than it can hide its tail back under that skirt.

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

The U.S.A. is the land of the strong freaks and the home of the "exceptionally precious" brave fools. China is the land of the ancient wisdoms from Sun Tsu, for example, and the home of the forgotten (or maybe banned?) lessons. What do the Great Leap Forward, Cultural Revolution, and TianAnMen Square Massacre of June 4th, 1989 really mean for the people being "liberated"?

If the Coalition Provisional Authority(CPA) governing Iraq after toppling Saddam Hussein had followed Sun Tsu's teachings (I remember that it was revered and used to spectacular effect by our military at one time so it must have been forgotten by the CPA or it has never learnt Sun Tsu's teachings [not too surprising given that mega-Wiener's administration was presiding over this fiasco in addition to forgetting about or dismissing al Qaeda as a junior-wiener golf team]; China, we have come to join you, for amnesiac fools we have become!), perhaps the grave disasters in Iraq and Syria would not have occurred. There is the deep shadow of a bloody red flag cast over the Levant and it bleeds out to elsewhere.

[-] 1 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

Despite my previous grumpy reply to you - to which you reply with grace as opposed to invective .. you are right to say that there is far less of a chance of WWIII with tRUMP - because "The Hag" is The War Machines's Pin-Up Gal!!! Frankly - tho' a tRUMPresidency would not be peaches and cream for The US 99% .. it could be safer for The Global 99%!! It's ironic & I can NOT advocate voting for him .. but Hitlary Rotten Clinton is The 0.01%, Bankers and Oligarchy choice - so as you say elsewhere I think .. Dr. Jill Stein is now The Only Valid & Moral choice for Revolutionary / Left / Progressives & Authentic Liberals!

fiat lux ...

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

The old saying is correct because there is usually static friction or hysteresis to be overcome. Big pain gets attention and perhaps a real fix. Sometimes a "fool" is exactly what one needs for a grand champion because "fools" have turned out to be extremely creative sometimes. Yes, only a "fool" would do "that" so the wiser ones never tried and that was exactly why they had never succeeded. One prominent example was the blue LED breakthrough.

[-] 2 points by Shule (2638) 7 years ago

Yes a Chinese wise man (Sun Tsu) once said one needs everyone. One needs the Wise, one needs the Strong, and one needs the fools. The fools are exceptionally precious, 'cause they'll do all the things the Wise and Strong would not dare do.

[-] 1 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

You're were right, obviously. Many of us knew that we were taking a chance thinking that Sander's was different and not just another sheepdogger.

It is neither cynical, or stupid of them, and there is no sin in people that are desperate for a sea change getting involved... and in hoping that Sanders was different, and for them working to make things better.

Thinking of yourself as a wise soothsayer, is both pompous and ....??... People who prefer the safety of doing little or nothing make far fewer or no mistakes. Instead they derive their satisfaction in gleefully criticizing others who do something, as life passes them by. Anyhow that's another story.

I repeat, our struggle is much further ahead today than it was a year ago. It's where we go from here that counts.

[-] 1 points by Shule (2638) 7 years ago

Ok, so some folks rode a bow wave. I'll buy that. But let us all be smart enough to not follow the piper into the river.
Time to get off the Bernie-now Hillary train, and onto something else.

BTW; who said I never did anything? You don't know who I am, and what I do.

[-] 1 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

You're right that we should not "follow the piper into the river," It's time that we move "onto something else," lesson learned for many of us, including me.

And my apologies for insinuating that you never did anything to progress our struggle. Very few of us have done this before, and the important thing is that we do not get mired down into a futile situation, namely the "..Hillary train." The current and past history of the Democratic Party's sheep dogging is proof of that

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Bernie staying in the legislative branch can still be a very important future ally for the Stein Presidency. Although Bernie will not secure the party nomination himself, he's gained much political capital and can assume an all-important committee's chairmanship. Power correlates with the closeness to the action and the remoteness from the constraints of having apparent authority.

Maybe it's good that Bernie stays in the Senate. I believe in the Jesus doctrine, "Everyone who is not against us is for us." I wished that mega-Wiener had read his Bible before coming up with, "Everyone who is not with us is against us." and dragged us swimming with him in a cesspool of the Spirits. "Mission Accomplished" was really a tailhook 3€ Greek frat-house tragedy.

[-] 2 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

''It has been an astonishing year for the US left. Issues that mainstream politicians would have declared "off the table" just 12 months ago -- free public higher education, universal health care, the $15 minimum wage, a national ban on fracking -- are now acceptable topics for public discussion. A US politician who declared himself a socialist won more than 12 million votes, and even dared to advocate equitable treatment for Palestinians.

''Bernie Sanders' campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination has accomplished more than most of us could have imagined a year ago. But what happens now that Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump are almost certain to be our "choices" in the fall?'' - from ...

I can't disagree with a word that you say but a near pathological ''Glass Half Full'' public political p-o-v, necessitates my replying - with this very interesting article above. Bernie ''Trojan Horsed'' The DNC but perhaps he fell asleep in The Belly of The Beast & so forget to let the troops out for the assault on The Dem Summit! Or does he have a plan up his sleeve?!! I fear you're right, but desperately hope that you are not!!! In any case, hope you had a nice vacation. Solidarity to you & yours.The Struggle Continues.

multum in parvo ...

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Some important surrogates for Bernie Sanders have switched over to Jill Stein such as Cornell West, Rosario Dawson and Susan Sarandon. I'm not sure about Nina Turner but I think Ms. Turner would be a fantastic pick for VP of the Green Party along with Jill Stein.

The Struggle continues....

[-] 2 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

''At Occupy Wall Street rallies in New York's Zuccotti Park back in September 2011, Akshat Tewary noticed that many protesters were calling for the reinstatement of the Glass-Steagall Act, the Depression-era law that separated investment and commercial banking. As an administrative lawyer, Tewary knew that financial regulators are required to consider input from the public. To make sure these regulators heard the views of Wall Street critics -- not just financial industry boosters -- he helped organize a loose group of protestors under the name "Occupy the SEC."

''Since 2011, this group has generated a steady stream of letters to regulators, amicus briefs to the U.S. Supreme Court, and petitions to Congress on Glass-Steagall and other aspects of Wall Street reform. Today, five years after the birth of Occupy, both the Democratic and Republican Party platforms now call for the reinstatement of Glass-Steagall.'' - from ...

Indeed ''The Struggle Continues'' & Dr. Jill Stein is now The Only Pro-99% Hope left - but we persevere!

respice; adspice; prospice ...

[-] 4 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Jill Stein has managed to get herself on the ballot in November and she has managed to hold on to a platform that Occupy can easily stand with, so I'm with Jill Stein, all the way.

Bernie Sanders still has his chance to join up with her. She offered. He ignored her. I'm not impressed. I'll be even less impressed if he continues to endorse Hillary Clinton in light of the wikileaks evidence that shows how the DNC was trying to take him down. Undemocratic, unjust, tyranny. If he stands with her. He stands with all of that. I don't see how he can.

[-] 1 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

Voting for Dr. Jil Stein is now really the only course of action for anyone not wedded to the delusions of Oligarchy's Corporate Duopoly & who wants to help the seeding for a 99% Third Party in 2020! I concur with your calculus for JS .. ''all the way''!! The full story of Bernie's co-option, is yet to come out and tho' deeply disappointed - I haven't the energy for recriminations, yet!!! Finally, per your final sentence above:

e tenebris ...

[-] 1 points by TIOUAISE (2526) 7 years ago

I totally understand your disappointment and frustration with Bernie and agree with your assessment of the DNC's dirty, low-down tactics. I'm so glad wikileaks exposed them.

That being said, are you sure that you are fully taking into account the danger - to the U.S. and to the world - of a Trump presidency? Do you really want to give this man the power to press the red button?

I think there may be an important lesson to be learned from the recent federal election in Canada:

http://occupywallst.org/forum/for-years-adolf-was-dismissed-as-a-buffoon-yep-jus/#comment-1071407

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

If I live in any kind of democracy I need to be free to vote for a platform that I believe in. I think Clinton and Trump are very close in their platforms, though the Dems do cleverly dissemble that they are different.

They are not very different at all. So, I will vote for what I can actually believe in, not vote for something I am against. I will vote for love and generosity, not fear and greed. I'm with Jill Stein and the future, however long it takes to make it brighter.

[-] 0 points by TIOUAISE (2526) 7 years ago

Again, bw, I understand your disappointment and your contention that Bernie made a HUGE political blunder. But his thinking may be that going third party would have risked giving the election to Trump:

"Some delegates had tears in their eyes as Sanders signaled that he felt the pain of those who had committed everything to his upstart political movement that at one point threatened to upend Clinton and the Democratic establishment.

"I understand that many people here in this convention hall and around the country are disappointed about the final results of the nominating process," Sanders said. "I think it's fair to say that no one is more disappointed than I am."

But he said his supporters had no choice but to swallow their dismay and take part in the election, given the alternative.

"If you don't believe this election is important, if you think you can sit it out, take a moment to think about the Supreme Court justices that Donald Trump would nominate and what that would mean to civil liberties, equal rights and the future of our country," he said.

By all means, let's all think about the Supreme Court nominees…. and all of the other potentially tragic consequences of a Trump Presidency. I too like Jill Stein and her platform, I just think it's HIGHLY risky at this point to divide the vote and hand over the presidency to a fascist on a silver platter.

Bernie is not a sellout. He is biding his time and may very well have a chance to serve in an unexpected way before the game is over. God forbid that this country should ever erupt into civil war, but if it did, I think Bernie would have the CREDIBILITY to help out like few others.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Honestly, the people who voted for Hillary Clinton and those who connived in order to get her to victory as the Dem nominee are the ones who should be worrying about Donald Trump becoming President. They are the ones who I will blame.

[-] 3 points by Shule (2638) 7 years ago

Bernie is a fraud. If Trump is not palettable (he's not,) then go with Dr. Stein.

[-] 3 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

It's clear to me now that Sanders allegiance to the corrupt Democratic Party, and his career in the Senate are more important than the welfare of the people.

Jill Stein, it is for me!

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

5 years ago when Occupy Wall Street started I remember being here on this forum and being treated here and in the general world as if I was bat shit crazy for supporting the Occupy platform which called for things like a living wage, universal healthcare, the reinstatement of Glass Steagall, limiting CEO pay, ending Citizens United, protecting the environment, etc. I'm sure you remember too as you were here getting called every name under the sun as well. I even restrained myself from telling most people that I was ever here on this forum, lol.

Today, what we were laughed at and derided for are now mainstream beliefs in the minds of many, possibly even a majority, of Americans. Most believe in "socialist" policies and in the need for checks and balances on capitalism.

So, I guess what I'm saying is, it is most definitely Jill Stein for me as well. And, you were right about everything. But, Bernie's work to educate the masses during the past year was not in vain. It had great value as it added to the work we and many other activists have been doing for years.

So, now we forge on and we must throw our full support behind Jill Stein who has picked up the torch for the 99% (she actually always had it) that Bernie dropped.

Peace and solidarity. America is in a watershed period of change. It won't happen overnight but it may be happening faster than I ever thought it could.

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Ein Stein kann zwei Vögel töten.

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 7 years ago

Agree.

Really sad to see Bernie allowing himself to be used as a Judas Goat for wealthy establishment government.

He should withdraw his endorsement and continue the needed revolution 3rd party where ever needed. He also has other sources he could check-out and promote as well.

go.brandnewcongress.org/

berniecrats.net

[-] 3 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

After Sanders' shameful praise and strong endorsement of Hillary, the war-hawk, I would not sign on to any of his proposals. Sadly, I simply do not trust him anymore.

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

During her official function sitting on the toilette behind the bamboo wall, Mx. Cheese ensured the survival of the U.S. by spiriting the Red Reset Button out of the country and presenting it to Sergey Lavrov. Don't worry about President Trump pressing the Red Button because the Russians know that fireworks are only meant for grown-ups.

I think Raygun(strong proponent of Star Wars) got that through to them. It was bad that he had actually said that the bombing of Russia would begin in five minutes. We are all children of God, including Trump and the Russians, aren't we? -- so no fireworks.

New York where Trump's family is will be incinerated should the Russians press the Red Button. I don't worry about it because I'll be treated as well as his family members still in New York, at the bull's eye. See the purplish molten-copper face of God, the Father, with free cremation.

"The birds flew off with a fallout shelter, Eight miles high and falling fast"

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Yes, indeed, he should have gotten the message loud and clear in New York when the dirty tricks were used and revealed.

Even after much hard work, stumbling is still possible but we can restart the phonograph, can't we? It can take multiple persons to succeed, even in a movie.

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Bernie could have walked away with head held high, gone third party, and sailed into the Presidency. Not sure I'll ever get over that lost opportunity, however, Jill Stein is a great option and we're lucky to have her and she will do better than she ever has before now that so many Americans have a clearer view of their own beliefs and aren't afraid to stand up and say "I'm a Democratic Socialist." Good grief, it took long enough.

[-] 1 points by factsrfun (8310) from Phoenix, AZ 7 years ago

You would put Trump in the White house, I don't like it either, but we could start the revolution just as Micah said in his "Dallas" piece we can use our votes to create change. The question is, how will we change it? Will we do what the Greens did in 2000 to tip the election to the GOP or will we use this opportunity to kill it? and by doing so bring the whole thing down, Trump has delivered the GOP to us now all we have to do is cut its head off, but will we?

[-] 4 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

No, the Democrats will have put Trump in the White House. They could see the polls, that Bernie was beating Trump by much more than Clinton. But, the question you have to ask yourself is who do status quo Democrats prefer, Trump or Sanders?

They prefer Trump. Why? Because they are closer to Trump in their platform than they are to Sanders. This is the dark reality that must be faced.

Why Sanders has endorsed the Dark Lady I have no idea, but no one, not you or anyone is going to convince me that she is so much better than Trump or that I, I, will be responsible for his presidency should he win. No way.

I'm going to vote for a platform I believe in. I'm gonna stand my ground with hopefully millions of others and vote Green, and the true progressive movement will continue to grow until it can finally overtake the bull shit that has been going on for the past 40 years.

[-] -2 points by factsrfun (8310) from Phoenix, AZ 7 years ago

First off Stein would be an awful President did you see her in the debates in 2012? There is nothing noble about voting for the political hack ego driven Greens, I will never vote for the Greens under any circumstances because they put W Bush in the WH and gave us the Iraq War but most of all they failed to endorse Al Gore proving they were just power hungry like all politicians. Because of the Greens we lost a generation fighting climate change. I'm not happy with the outcome either but it doesn't change the fact that Trump provides an opportunity to kill the GOP and by doing so change everything, but of course we won't do that, we will split apart and let the 1% win like always because we didn't get what we wanted, our egos will keep the 1% in power.

[-] 2 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

You sound like a broken record, bringing up Al Gore & the Greens yet AGAIN! The 1% will win with either Trump or Hillary as President. We have little to lose supporting Jill Stein, the Greens and a third party. We will have a lot to gain by doing so.

[-] 1 points by factsrfun (8310) from Phoenix, AZ 7 years ago

It is you bringing up the Greens I am simply reminding you the last time the Greens did well was in 2000 which led to W Bush and CU and the Iraq War, if you want to go down that road again I remind you of those that keep doing the same thing and expect different results, there is no "growth" for the Greens, where was the growth after 2000 when they got nearly 5% of the vote? There is a path for radical change it involves killing one of the major political parties and we have a great opportunity to do it, but I expect we will fall for the 1% bullcrap and and bunch of people will vote third party and keep things safe for the 1% instead of creating real unbalance by killing the GOP.

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

We currently have two dominant parties vying against each other. They have used negative ad's for gaining votes for decades. Being all caked up with their Alzheimer's plaques, they'll do it again. Taking down our system without a replacement support is unethical and irresponsible to my people. We only need to look at our "democracy-spring" efforts in the Greater Middle East to understand why.

Jill Stein's Green Party has an infrastructure readily available in many states so it can become a viable replacement support should the two dominant parties be taken down.

Let me show you the arithmetic of how this may work. GOOP has electoral votes of 5. Demonkrapts have electoral votes of 5. Green Party has electoral votes of 2. Due to negative ad's, GOOP changes to 4 and Demonkrapts change to 4. Green Party captures their losses to reach 4. It will become a toss-up election. Should it unwind from there, we can still honestly say that it is democracy at work and there WILL still be a viable governance infrastructure left.

In the general election, Blues and Reds can vote for the Greens. Without the massive defection of party registrations to alert the party apparatchiks, they'll be surprised only after it has become too late. Trump shouldn't be where he is but he reads and understands, duh! - unlike the clueless scions of Dallas or Dynasty. "They'll shower us with flowers." OMG, those are bullets, 3€ dude! "eMission Accomplished." Hubris is spent. Coffins have been sent home before Finally being showered with Flowers and tears, and buried.

If we succeed in taking down GOOP without the Green Party ready to capture the disaffected votes, we'll be left with the Demonkrapts in charge. That has been tried before with Obomber, Oblah-blah, Obummer's administration. The Demonkrapts had majority control of the White House, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. They did very very little of significance(under Wall Street banksters' spell and Indonesian genocide's lesson to Oblah-blah). One-party countries have shown how retarded their economies can get over time. North Korea, Cuba, Zimbabwe, and Venezuela come into mind. Do you like living there? Not I! If you're bound by fear of losing to GOOP, that's exactly what the Demonkrapts want again.

I want someone who truly loves this country (with fervor like this) and with a vision to be in charge, no matter what party. A stable three-party system can exist (Canada next door has one and I like it much better than one-party Venezuela). The smooth transitioning into and out of it is what I care about.

[-] 1 points by factsrfun (8310) from Phoenix, AZ 7 years ago

The people stayed home in 2010 and gave it all to the GOP, the problem is we have always chased unicorns and let the 1% win when we could move effectively and kill the GOP, the Dems would split apart as the corporate money rushed in to take the Party over, we are seeing that already with DWS, the way forward that works is to fight in primaries for the best we can get then behind the Dems to kill the GOP everywhere, now while they are tainted with Trump, as the GOP dies the Dems will break apart. Any votes thrown into the Green trash can just empowers the 1% and elects the GOP.

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Assume that for argument's sake that GOOP dies, what makes you think that the demonkrapts will break apart? There are many one-party so-called dictatorships of the proletariat which have endured for many decades without breaking apart.

Most tyrants-to-be strive to reach the one-party state. It's called the consolidation of power, achieved through purges.

I know these states and I pity anyone unfortunate enough to have to live in them. Count me out from a dictatorship of (in reality, to) the dispossessed exploited proletariat. I'm not stupid.

[-] 1 points by factsrfun (8310) from Phoenix, AZ 7 years ago

The beginnings of the break up are already apparent look at the Tim Canvoa and DWS race.

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

I agree. T. Rex is also being machined. Third party is the way to barge through the bamboo wall of China.

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Bernie Sanders supporters are passionate about the Political Revolution and they understand that having success with it will be very difficult in the duopoly status quo system as is. I think he'd have a huge following to a third party. The organization for it is created at this point and his people feel an allegiance to him, but also very much to his ideas and his platform, and they really don't give a shit about allegiance to a "party" especially one that has let them down for so many years.

Also, there is an argument to be made that a "third party" President would have a much easier time working with the Congress and the Senate than one that is partisan in the gridlocked duopoly.

[-] 3 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

I agree, "Sanders supporters are passionate about the Polictical Revolution." And to my bad, I didn't entirely understand what that term encompassed. I just passed it off as campaign rhetoric, although I think I have always advocated for it. Already, not only the MSM, but even some of the alternative media are writing a faux script that adheres to the beliefs of the PTB want us to have. To a big degree, people have become much more astute, so it is being ignored.... Errr, I guess I'm not the only one to be eating dark chocalate to boost my cognitive powers....lol

The one mistake that I can see that I have made is in being too hasty advocating for Sanders, to move away from his Democratic run for nomination. At this point, on second thought, I would not want him to give up the soapbox that it provides. And although, I don't see the FBI indicting Clinton, mostly because I believe them to be a joke who save their energies for busting whistleblowers like Elliot Spitzer instead ........ who knows what could come up, and Sanders become the beneficiary of.... as long as he doesn't pull out. Alternative, important preparations could be made simultaneously to the the convention.... though..

The Push to Make Sanders the Green Party Candidate...... I like this link

knohttp://www.counterpunch.org/2016/04/29/the-push-to-make-sanders-the-green-partys-candidate/s

[-] 2 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

How about, let's all of us Occupy people encourage Bernie to go Third Party.

Free yourself, Bernie, from the chains of the party that has let us all down for decades and that has treated you unfairly from the get go! You have every right. Let the Democratic Party down, but don't let the 99% down (their forgotten constituents). Please, Bernie.

Life is a journey and we've all been on one big long ride on this forum but I'll say this, each and every one of us here has made a difference in getting out this message for the past almost 5 years. And, we all have so much more in common than where we differ. So, SOLIDARITY always to you and yours and to the 99% not just in America but all over this earth.

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Going Third Party even if unsuccessful in capturing the Presidency will blaze a new trail that will be long remembered and followed again. If I had viewed myself as being alone, I would have dropped out from here years ago. By viewing oneself as being a part of a far greater process allows perseverance.

It's really about leaving a legacy for posterity that we can be proud of while lifting up our eyes and seeing that others are there.

[-] 2 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Nicely said, grapes. And a recent poll shows that 47% of Americans would vote for a third party candidate!

In my mind, Bernie Sanders is the best person to run third party. He could actually beat Clinton and Trump. Not sure why this is not being discussed by his camp, but we'll have to wait and see how it all plays out.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/onpolitics/2016/05/23/record-45-trump-45-clinton-47-we-hate-you-both/84765286/

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

6:30 of the € spaghetti western(The Good The Bad and the Ugly)'s finale: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=sXldafIl5DQ has a particular outcome of a three-way shootout. I hope Bernie loves horses and westerns as I do (aha, aha, horsie's comin' to talk to me).

7:46 has "You see in this world, there's two kinds of people my friend: those who loaded guns, and those who dig. You dig." Will the gold be shared?

[-] 0 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Yes, to run third party, Bernie is the best!

I speculate that his camp does not want to lose the focus on securing the party's nomination. I think that California is particularly important because it has a very diverse population and its economic strength is more powerful than at least 190 countries in the world! And it's just one state of ours! Additionally, Cali has allies and none too shabby, either.

Should Bernie win Cali, the Left Coast proving ground, with a large margin, it will make a very strong case that he will win the general election as well. That can change the minds of the super-delegates holding the veto power to machine him out.

[-] 1 points by factsrfun (8310) from Phoenix, AZ 7 years ago

Just like it did in 2000?

[-] 0 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Do you actually grasp how the close election of 2000 was settled? It went peacefully because Jim Baker negotiated with Al Gore. In the interest of the governance of the U.S.A., Al Gore agreed to stop the contest. He behaved patriotically, in my opinion. Otherwise, there could have been a prolonged period of uncertainty of governance.

Of course, hindsight showed that the incoming mega-Wiener/Dicky chaining administration had squandered this by not even having staffed up its departments for months. Slick commando dragon's administration's leaving with rancor and sabotage had also contributed to the disarray in governance. Al Qaeda was top priority but mega-Wiener didn't get it. Then 9/11 came.

The handoff from mega-Wiener to geoduck administration was much smoother because 9/11 had taught an extremely painful lesson that I think we are in risk of forgetting.

Remember that however much we squirm due to the others, they are still fellow Americans. Governance needs to be continuous. Divided we get killed.

[-] 0 points by factsrfun (8310) from Phoenix, AZ 7 years ago

Al Gore took it to the Supreme Court, the idiots that put W in the WH were Greens, the guy who went on the make An Inconvenient Truth didn't get the "Green" endorsement WTF?? showed their colors then to be political hacks that only care about power like all of them.

[-] 0 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Al Gore had zero chance of doing much about the "inconvenient truth" with the neoliberal serial rapist in charge at Casa Blanca.

Slick commando dragon had too much goo secreted while playing golf in the shower that it slipped in the bathtub so it couldn't possibly campaign for Al Gore. It's not the Greens. It was the semen.

[-] 1 points by factsrfun (8310) from Phoenix, AZ 7 years ago

What's a matter grapes, the truth bomb got you twisted up?

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

No, the Olympic gymnastics in ancient Greek (a)mensa style did.

[-] 0 points by flip (7101) 7 years ago

was joe lieberman a republican in 2000

[-] 1 points by factsrfun (8310) from Phoenix, AZ 7 years ago

As far as I could tell, it's not like Gore didn't make mistakes, but the the f'in Greens showed themselves to political pigs by not endorsing him. I watched the debates in 2012 and Stein was an idiot but she still won the Green nomination by a landslide because it was rigged by insiders, then you want me to be upset about the DNC? The Greens are the worst of the scum of the Earth.

[-] 1 points by flip (7101) 7 years ago

and which countries have they bombed? how many dead in their body count - any idea? i will give you a harder one - how many dead in the clinton/gore body count - and don't leave out maddy halfbright

[-] 1 points by ImNotMe (1488) 6 years ago

This 3rd Party Forum-Post is particularly pertinent and poignant, right now. Don't mind frf .. he's sometimes stuck in a Bush/Gore 2000 Time-Warp, lol! He gets http://michael-hudson.com/ tho'!

Re. ''maddy halfbright'' ... she is a Neocon pinup & Blowjob Bill & Al Bore weren't too far behind!

fiat lux ...

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Mx. Cheese has far too much of a cavalier attitude toward secret intelligence matters. She may despise the pesky intelligence agencies but she absolutely has to work well with them if she were to succceed. Donald Rumsfeld had friction with the Pentagon so we got the very awful fiasco in Iraq. I don't want foundering in distrust and incompetence.

Joining forces with likeminded allies such as the Green Party makes sense but pivoting takes time and that's running out. I suspect that Bernie still has a stunning showstopper coming in California to trounce Mx. Cheese if he stays on the demonkrapts' track (which I presume he will). However, the machine will probably cut him out ultimately. Unless he goes third party, GOOP Pump is probably coming for real!

Wein nicht, meine kleine Geliebte.

Your link should have been: http://www.counterpunch.org/2016/04/29/the-push-to-make-sanders-the-green-partys-candidate/

[-] 1 points by turbocharger (1756) 7 years ago

The people feel the allegiance to Bernie, for sure. So if he tells them that the most important thing is to keep a Republican out of the whitehouse- something he is already repeatedly saying- then everyone falls in line with Clinton.

The organization that Bernie built is all owned by the Dems. The emails, the registrations, the tracking and the information.

[-] 2 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

Solidarity for Mayday, 2016 BUT come on now turbo .. Bernie ''tells them'' a shit lot more than ''keep a Republican out of the whitehouse''! Holy Shit man - wtf should we call Hitlary Rotten Clinton - A Liberal pro-99% Progressive?!! NO - HRC is a fkn RWNJ .. with some b-s liberal wash who isn't a full on crazy racist ... just a more subtle Beast For Oligarchy!!! Now with embedded links referring to Gar Alperovitz:

So what's your evidence for .. ''The organization that Bernie built is all owned by the Dems. The emails, the registrations, the tracking and the information''? I've got to scoot but I will reply later and remember:

at spes non fracta ...

[-] 1 points by turbocharger (1756) 7 years ago

Because thats who the parties operate. They haen't been around for 100 years by accident, they are very good at maintaining control. I worked pretty deep in that 08 campaign, and was really more interested in how they manage the race, as opposed to all the exterior fluff.

[-] 1 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

Bernie's 99% Crowd-Funded Campaign - is like nothing seen before in US Polytricks and .. unless the databases are hacked & stolen (not an impossible concept for sure), then I don't see him just handing over data to the Corporate Corrupted DNC and that DWS nutjob. The Democrap Establishmwent want Sanders out & maybe they once thought that he'd ''sheepdog'' for them & SHillary Rotten Clinton - but Bernie & all the hundreds of thousands who volunteer for him & the millions who #FeelTheBern .. have ''Trojan Horsed'' and all but co-opted The Democratic Party & exposed many foibles therein - including Voter Suppression; Voter Registration Shenanigans and, a crooked to the core electoral process with Super-fkn-Delegates! Shit is far from over turbohc and I end by repeating a link & appending 2 others..

respice; adspice; prospice ...

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Actually I think a lot of the people that are on Bernie's official team, while they certainly feel an allegiance to Bernie, feel a bigger allegiance the 99% and the platform that is being pushed to make their lives better. This movement didn't begin with Bernie and it will not end with Bernie, no matter how much we love him. He wouldn't want that anyway.

Yesterday, 5/4/16, he said he's going all the way to a contested convention. That doesn't sound like handing it over to Clinton. He also keeps reminding of the fact that he beats Trump more handily than Clinton. So, we'll just have to wait and see.

I think he should go Third Party and free himself of the Democratic Party chains. Go Green with Jill Stein or create a new party. And, I think he should do it soon.

[-] 1 points by turbocharger (1756) 7 years ago

I was actually very surprised at that, along with his statement that the system is rigged.

I was always a Bernie fan. He pissed me the fuck off when he sided with the Dems. Im hoping they piss him off to the point where he really has it out with them. Im starting to like him again lol.

[-] 2 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

I think the time is right now. I think the convention will not go his way as it is rigged as you and others here have always pointed out. So, we'll see. I'm not sure. It's certainly good of him to say he's gonna push to the end but who holds all the cards? The DNC does. He wrote a letter to Debbie Wasserman Schultz a few days ago outlining all the things that are wrong with the rules at the convention and how it is stacked in Clinton's favor but I've heard nothing since. Did she get back to him with a satisfactory reply. If not, then why tf stay with the Democratic Party? He could break free right now and, I think, do really well, with a great chance of winning the Presidency.

[-] 3 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

I've given this some more thought, and I think the Democratic Convention might be the time for Sanders to make his final move into running as an Independent, a write-in, or a Green Party candidate.... if he doesn't win the Democratic nomination, that is. The convention and the streets of Philadelphia will be wild, and it would serve to be a great place to expose the corrupt primary system even more, as well as make a very exciting launching pad. ..;-) Hopefully Sanders sees this as a once in a lifetime opportunity and does the right thing. If sheepdogging us back into the Democratic Party is truly his aim, I'm done with him!

Two more things, 1. I met two elderly lovely ladies today who would have been termed 'radicals' not long ago. My point, their awareness at how screwed up the system is, is heartening.. 2. I did go to Atlantic City Monday (about 50 miles south) to hear Sanders. He is a strong speaker.

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

There is a movement now for a march on the Democratic Convention in Philly in July. And, huge numbers of people in support out on the streets will be necessary if he is to have any chance of beating the Clinton machine and the DNC rigged system.

I still think he should get out now, but it's just a feeling I have. I think the system would be beat more easily from the outside than from within. But, what you say is very powerful and I hope you are right. I also hope you are right that if he loses at the convention he can then swing to the Greens or go Independent. I just don't know what the rules are and the dates involved and all of that. And, I'll be just as done as you if he tells me to vote for Clinton and show allegiance to the Democratic Party that has let me down for my entire life. It is hard to imagine him doing that but I am prepared for it, lol.

And, great you went to Atlantic City. I've been there many times and it is just the kind of place where Bernie's policies could make such a difference in so many lives.

[-] 3 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

This link was co-written by Kevin Zeese, one of the bright founders of the Popular Resistance web site, and I think it is a super path for our revolution to take.

Why Bernie Should Stay in The Race--and How He Can Win

http://m.truthdig.com/report/item/why_bernie_sanders_should_stay_in_the_race_--_and_how_he_can_win_20160513

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

"If Sanders does not remain in the race until the end, he will very likely be helping the Republican candidate. Why? Because nearly half of his voters in West Virginia said they would switch their vote to Trump in November. In fact, we will explain why the best way to prevent Trump from taking the Oval Office would be for Sanders to run on a ticket with Jill Stein, the Green Party candidate."

"Jill Stein of the Green Party has indicated that she is open to discussing how she can work with Sanders. By choosing her as his vice presidential running mate and becoming the Green Party nominee, Sanders could get on enough ballots to pose a solid independent challenge to two of the most unpopular major-party candidates in recent memory. It is a historic opportunity that should not be missed."

I agree with Zeese 100%. This will be the absolute biggest blunder in modern American political history, imho.

[-] 1 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

I agree.

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

The demonkrapts are pressuring Bernie to halt the primary process to allow Mx. Cheese sitting on the toilette to scratch hair backward to face up to Tera eRex which had escaped from "New Netherland."

They want to deprive Bernie of his potential showing of strength on the "Left Coast"

as implied by this news article: "Fearing Trump, some Democrats up pressure on Sanders to exit."

[-] 4 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

''What came to be called The Battle of New York ... has served only to further expose what millions of people in the U.S. are becoming painfully aware of – the Democratic Party primary is rigged in favor of the establishment.

''The power of the New York media establishment - was on full display during the primary as it declared open war on Sanders. Even “progressive” papers like the New York Daily News went all out, repeatedly running sensationalized, libelous front-page attacks on him.

''Perhaps the most important result of the New York primary was not the vote ... but the political impact of Sanders’ campaign on the tens of thousands actively involved or closely watching over the past days and weeks.

''Beginning his campaign with no name recognition, polling 3%, and without any elected figures of national significance backing him, Bernie has won more votes, more state primaries, raised more money, and mobilized more volunteers than any comparable left challenge in the Democratic Party’s history.

''He has done all that with a genuinely left-wing platform, refusing corporate donations, embracing the socialist label, and making the call for “A Political Revolution against the billionaire class” his central slogan.

''Just a year ago, every self-respecting mainstream pundit was still peddling the myth that no candidate refusing corporate contributions could be electorally viable, much less a candidate calling themselves a socialist! That idea is now dead.

''The stakes are simply too high to let this moment slip through our fingers. Capitalism - is plunging humanity into a social and ecological catastrophe. Bernie’s campaign - shows a viable fightback is possible. What’s missing is a strategy to sustain and grow our movement. Now is the time for bold action to build a fighting, working class political alternative -- a party for the millions, not the millionaires.''


The above is excerpted from the fantastic article by the excellent Kshama Sawant & so in compliment:

respice; adspice; prospice ...

[-] 1 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

It's sad to think that our country has devolved so far. However, it is heartwarming and liberating that the corrupt stranglehold that the people have endured has been broken! The establishment is aghast as nothing sems to work for them, as it has in the past.... in their attempt to controll the will of the people.

[-] 3 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

''Stein, Green for President - invites Sanders to cooperate on political revolution and real democracy'':

at spes non fracta ...

[-] 4 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

Like I have implied in other posts, we are nearing the best time to break the duopoly. A super delegate that saw there was little chance of Hillary to win the general election because of a vibrant "Bernie or Bust" campaign would be less likely to support her. And if I'm wrong, it would be third party, all the way! It seems like a win/win to me!

https://citizensagainstplutocracy.wordpress.com/

[-] 2 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

One idea is for everyone who has registered as a Democrat in order to vote for Bernie in the primaries turn right around and re-register as an Independent to send the message that it isn't the party that we support.

This article outlines that option/idea:

https://theindependentthinker2016.wordpress.com/author/theindependentthinker2016/

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Those people who were machined out of the elections can register as independent. There were rather unsavory dirty tricks played by the 'Establishment'.

[-] 1 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

In New Jersey, you can vote for anyone in the general election, no matter what party you are registered with. The primaries are technically 'closed primaries,' but if you registered as 'unaffiliated', you can vote for anyone. However as soon as you vote, you automatically become a registrant of that party. After you vote in the primaries, you can reregister as an 'unaffiliate' again, and do so as many times as you like after subsequent primaries. I have the little form to do so which I will be sending in probably later in the year. The main reason for me doing so is because I don't like being a registered Democrat. And unlike NY where you have do this 6 mos. prior (which is bs), in NJ it only has to be done 55 days (April 13) in advance of the primary (which is still bullshit) Just for your info, only the D's and R's have primaries. I guess that's everywhere.

[-] 2 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

All these voting rules really are such a load of crap. Good that you know what you need to do. I think there will be a real movement of people away from the Democratic Party if Bernie doesn't make it. And, he does still have a narrow and possible path to victory at the Dem Convention.

This is long, but some guy outlined Bernie's chances in detail. It's interesting.

https://johnlaurits.com/2016/04/28/this-is-what-will-happen-at-the-democratic-convention/

[-] 1 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

Indianna .. YAY Hoosiers! Let's celebrate this victory, and shoot some rings ;-)..tomorrow and contemplate our strategy going forward. I'll replace one of the worn-out nets on the town basketball court, my chosen community service job. They're overdue....

[-] 2 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Sweet victory and June 7th is right around the corner. Could be a big embarrassing day for Hillary Clinton though I surmise, as you do, that she'll know with assurance that she'll be passed through at the convention as the Democratic nominee.

47% of Americans say they would vote for a third party candidate. As well as Bernie has done and as well as we know he could have done had all the primaries been open and fair, it is very hard to understand why he is sticking with the DNC.

I totally think it was a brilliant move to go with them at first, but sticking with them now after he has garnered all the support he needs makes no sense to me. For one thing: Do millennials have any kind of allegiance to the Democratic Party? Do many many older people who have felt let down by the Democratic Party for the past 40 years have any kind of allegiance to them? No. Bernie could wipe the floor with Trump and Clinton if he went third party. Ho hum. We'll just have to wait and see.

[-] 1 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

''Hillary: Wall Street’s Golden Girl'', by Pepe Escobar:

Hitlary Rotten Clinton's connections to Wall Street in general & Goldman Sucks in particular ... are even closer than we think!!! And that's really saying something!! That bitch has got to go! Also see bw's link in reply above, and finally consider ...

fiat lux ...

[-] 1 points by turbocharger (1756) 7 years ago

Yup. At some point the people will get hungry enough that they refuse to support the status quo.

I don't think we are close at this point, but it will come eventually.

[-] 2 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

We have to vote "for" something, not "against" something, or at least I do, lol. So, if Bernie isn't on the ballot in November, I will vote for Jill Stein. My first choice is he is there as a third party candidate of his own third party making. My second choice is that he's there with Jill Stein as a Green. My third choice is he makes it through the Democratic convention. But, I think he should tell the Dems where to go right now, this very minute. The time is now!

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Bernie can really create his own reality by declaring independent now. I want him to be brave! 'Dorothy' doesn't have to mean Mx. Cheese because the laboratory mice can finish it up.

[-] 2 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Agreed. Well put. It's time to be bold. He's come this far, we must encourage Bernie to go all the way. Let's make this happen. He can do it if we are all behind him. Third party! Break free of the duopoly and their stinking rules!

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

"It's all over by April," but it's not! We are no April fools.

Now is the month of Maying.

"Time is imaginary," but it's not, really. Time is a bivector on my side, "Time after Time."

 tempus fugit
 carpe diem
 e pluribus unum
[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Time is of the essence.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/h-a-goodman/its-time-for-hillary-clin_b_9555422.html

http://www.thenation.com/article/its-time-for-a-tea-party-of-the-left/

Great episode on Social Justice from Crosstalk. Richard Wolf discusses how the time is now, he says, "This is a moment of opportunity.":

https://www.rt.com/shows/crosstalk/342583-us-elections-insurrection-voters/

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

I agree with both you and Viking that if Bernie tries to sheepdog us into the demonkrapts' fold without him leading us out of the rigged tyranny, I'll just stampede out of it.

I have been around long enough to know that even with total control of the Cesspool and the Leach Field, the demonkrapts still sat broken-hearted, just farted, and did jack.

I'll probably go with T. eRex because the 1776'-tall robotic TV schlong IS the tallest in the western hemisphere, a fitting second-generation (Italy got the first-generation epiphany) towering phallic symbol paying tribute to Lady Freedom and Broadcasting Prowess. The name is eRex, Tera eRex.

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

It's not just the so-called colored minority population which should be helped to escape persistent poverty. We must help the poverty-stricken white (according to science, white is a mixture of a broad spectrum of colors, and black is truly the one-and-only non-color) majority, too.

As we move away from fossil fuels, we need to substitute new jobs for the vanished ones. Coal is used much for electricity generation so coal-producing countrysides are probably equipped with transmission lines. They can move electricity from renewable energy such as wind and solar. Helpline jobs can also be created there because I'm pretty sure that it's easier to understand people who speak the same language and grew up in the same culture.

Globalization has rendered central banks' quantitative easing programs rather impotent. It's a bit like trying to get a car's engine started with the engine cylinders leaking. Yes, each cylinder can huff and puff but it just leaks and fizzles out shortly thereafter and will not start. The proper way is to seal the leakages first before trying to start with both fiscal stimulus and monetary easing. It seems that globalization and the refusal of the eelites to back away from it has baked into our future an inevitable Global Panic. If we cannot jumpstart separately, we cannot jumpstart globally.

We have new data showing that although Earth-like planets are fairly common, intelligent communicating extraterrestrial civilizations are very rare. It may be that most intelligent communicating extraterrestrial civilizations NEVER survive long. Count us into this eelite group. Perhaps there is a Moore's Law of Mounting Stupidity for all intelligent civilizations as their capabilities grow.

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

There's also the option of voters writing in Bernie Sanders.

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

I have mixed feelings about writing in anyone's name. I would really prefer to vote FOR someone who managed to get themselves on the ballot in November. That will likely be Jill Stein for me.

I love Bernie Sanders and all that he has done, but my allegiance is to the 99% and the 99% only. I feel what is right is to vote for the candidate with the best platform for the 99% even if they lose. No nose holding. No writing in for me unless there is an organized movement of millions of people doing so. :) Harsh, I know, but we have to stand bold and strong for what we believe in.

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Okay, I prefer Bernie/Jill Stein ticket over Tera eRex but that means Bernie has to go third party, of which I have doubts because it did not even seem to have occurred to him. A Jill Stein Green Party ticket can scare away Greater Appalachia's voters who are definitely 99%. I also think that your state of Arizona also has significant coal interests and 99%.

I'm of Yankeedom/Nieuw Nederland so I know that coal can be gradually replaced because it's just another form of energy to me but for Greater Appalachia, extracting coal is an age-old way of life as well as livelihoods for many there. The transitional approach and rates are therefore important.

From President Lincoln's Gettysburg Address: "It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced." That is to ban slavery and preserve the Union.

We pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands - one Nation, under God - indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

[-] 1 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

What does the "all" in that sentence mean and how does anyone have "liberty" without economic fairness?

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

"All" means everyone who swears and subscribes to the same in the various jurisdictions of the U.S.A. as well as the U.S. national citizens overseas.

 Caveats: Under Obomber, innocent U.S. national citizens overseas can be terminated
 without trial as collateral damage. Oh, bomb, bomb.

 Under Oblah-blah, high kill rates of suspected terrorists, their families, relatives, 
 and first responders can be achieved via double-tap strikes (as learnt from the
 Israelis so Tera eRex's allegation of Oblah-blah not attacking "radical Islamic
 terrorism" with extreme prejudice is just Baloney - as I am lying, blah blah blah!)
 which do not officially exist - guess why ...

 Under Obummer, economic fairness is wasis because "fairness" is a prejudicial word
 meaning "the quality of being light-skinned." Oh, it's a bummer alright, for the
 dark-skinned folk. "Don't ask. Don't tell." It sucks (eventually). Now get me a Cuban
 cigar or a few moas.

"Damn the stain on the blue original. Orange is the new white."

Everyone gets the "Liberty" to be and stay poor, and to fail, as well as the "Justice" to be exterminated without trial, and protected from creditors, perhaps, on a good domestic, non-suspect (darkies are always suspect, so darkies beware) day. Skynet kommt. Mindesgeschwindigkeit. Wir sehen alles, schön und sauber.

"Why are the stars so bright? Why is the sky so blue?" After the longest day, the black night answers, "R2-D2. Then love died. Now the rainbow is gone."

[-] 1 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

''We Need to Consciously Spark, Amplify and Harness Mass Protest'' :

''Please suspend your skepticism for a couple of minutes to consider that Bernie Sanders' campaign for the Democratic Party's presidential nomination has managed to create, intentionally or not, the very real possibility of achieving the holy grail of progressive US politics .. a third political party independent of the Democrats and Republicans.''

per aspera ad astra ...

[-] 1 points by turbocharger (1756) 7 years ago

See, I don;t think that we need that. I think we simply need the political leaders of the communities to actually put a plan into action that leads to real change.

Too many of them are still loyal to the D/R scam, and the threat of "helping the other" by attempting to build something else is very real.

We basically have to stop being so weak and just do it. Its not difficult, but it does take some leadership. Currently everyone wants to bitch and then leave the leadership to the D/R circus.

Well, we see how that worked out lol.

[-] 2 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

Consider that new ... ''models -- for alternative financing of elections and media; for creating a democratic and decentralized energy industry; for reducing our economic reliance on multinational corporations by supporting worker- and community-owned cooperatives through public procurement -- can be the institutional program of a new political party, independent of big money interests, that fights for political and economic democracy.

''The Sanders campaign can learn from movements and cede real control to them over the campaign. It can build a new political party committed to political and economic democracy that becomes the vehicle for the "political revolution" that Sanders calls for on the stump. All the Sanders campaign needs to do is seize the opportunity it has already made possible.'' [From 2nd link above]

From the 1st link ... ''Many different kinds of activity are needed for citizens to provoke, secure, and sustain social progress. The point of momentum-driven organizing is not to deny the contributions of other approaches. But it is to suggest a simple and urgent idea: that uprising can be a craft, and that this craft can change our world.

''Those who practice it tell us that outbreaks of widespread disruption, although commonly misunderstood, are neither flukes nor fleeting failures. Rather, they are forces that can be guided with the exercise of conscious and careful effort. Indeed, if the growing legion of these practitioners is right, few forces will have as significant a role in shaping the contours of public life in the years to come.''

So turbo - Raising political consciousness - especially amongst the young (below 35) is essential and Bernie has done that like I could not have imagined - even 6 months ago & - we'll see how it works out.

dum spiro, spero ...

[-] 1 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

So you think we should trust the trough swilling "..political leaders of the communities to actually put a plan into action that leads to real to real change"? That might work in other places, but not in New Jersey. The only thing that will bring "real change" here is when politicians are made to feel the heat.

[-] 1 points by turbocharger (1756) 7 years ago

Replace the politicians with real people might be a good start.

[-] 2 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

Time to start; ''Thinking and Voting Outside the Two-Party Box: An Interview With Jill Stein''

fiat lux ...

[-] 1 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

I'm convinced, that will only happen if we are outside the duopoly. As in Roosevelt's time, they will only go for the sea change we need when they are faced with losing much of their ill-gotten gains.

[-] 1 points by ImNotMe (1488) 6 years ago

''DRAFT BERNIE" - is about the only option left to those who want to fuse his passion and commitment for The USA's 99% - with the love and respect that The Left, Liberal & Progressives of USA have for him!

dum spiro, spero ...

[-] 2 points by gsw (3406) from Woodbridge Township, NJ 7 years ago
[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 7 years ago

Liked that article so much - I had to tweet it again:

HillarySoQualified 2 ensuring a Trump presidency: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/seth-abramson/5-things-weve-learned-abo_b_9772408.html

U r aware of this #DNC rn't U ?

People?

https://twitter.com/DKAtoday/status/724819124594053121

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 7 years ago

Good one = had to tweet it along

5 Tings We've Learned bout Hillary Clinton Since She Won t NY Primary http://www.huffingtonpost.com/seth-abramson/5-things-weve-learned-abo_b_9772408.html … via @HuffPostPol True Colors Shining thru...ur

https://twitter.com/DKAtoday/status/724805752154652674


will likely use elsewhere as well - to post on sHillary support propaganda posts.

[-] 2 points by gsw (3406) from Woodbridge Township, NJ 7 years ago

Could the left behind unite behind a third party, if they had a strong candidate, could Sanders as a leader of a justice or green or independent party, triumph over the Dem republican duopoly? Yes or no? In this year, could sanders win as an independent?

Would it better to be have a new party, vs established 3rd party? How about New Deal social democracy party

[-] 1 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 7 years ago

Could the left unite behind a third party

On that note:

@SenSanders @elizabethforma #DNC

Naderneverhad!(cont)

Ask Bernie 2 continue his run thru November! https://www.change.org/p/bernie-sanders-dear-bernie-please-run-through-nov-8th-democrat-or-3rd-party-win-or-lose-this-is-why

Time 4 Change!

https://twitter.com/DKAtoday/status/724368963472351237

[-] 2 points by gsw (3406) from Woodbridge Township, NJ 7 years ago

Retweeted and had signed. Good one.

[-] 2 points by DKAtoday (33802) from Coon Rapids, MN 7 years ago

Thanks for enlarging the number of people who can see this and join in (and hopefully share it out further as well). This may be the point in history when the DNC/GOP monopoly on the white house can be broken!

Wealthy few catering to the wealthy few government has got to END.

[-] 2 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

''Something Amazing Is Happening in This Country" - Seymour Hersh Weighs In on Sanders vs. Clinton (Video):

dum spiro, spero ...

[-] 1 points by Alternatives2WallSt (62) 6 years ago
  1. It is infinitely easier to change or take over an existing major party than to start a new party. Firstly, look how Trump won the Republican nomination, even with the entire establishment against him. Secondly, look how many voters went for Trump, just because he was the Republican nominee, in spite of being the most unfit candidate in history. Thirdly, as proven time and again--a liberal third party basically ensures that republicans win--a conservative third party ensures that democrats win--due to splitting of votes. Perhaps the US Constitution should be amended to have run-off elections to eliminate this phenomenon. But until then, the US 2-party system is a main reason that the US is far more stable than countries which have numerous parties--resulting in never having a president with more than a small minority of support.

  2. It is also mistaken to say that Bernie lost because Hillary attacked him. The more that Hillary praised Bernie, the more votes she would have won. It was one of the major errors of her campaign that she took an aggressive stand against Bernie.

  3. Bernie could not have won the presidency because he voted against the GM bailout. Hillary was clumsy in the way she brought this up. Nonetheless she was correct and Trump would not have been so clumsy.

  4. Anyone in favor of a third party is arguing against Bernie Sanders. He did not run as a third party. He almost won the Democratic nomination. In spite of losing, he had a strong influence on the Hillary agenda, including low-cost colleges and a government option for health insurance.

  5. If you want the Democrats to be as undemocratic as possible, and if you want the Republicans to win as often as possible--then that is the main reason to give up on reforming the Democrats and to start a third party.

[-] 1 points by Alternatives2WallSt (62) 6 years ago

P.S. I forgot to add that Bernie blew his one big chance to win the election.

During the primary, Trump announced that he would reinstate waterboarding "and worse." A few days later, Trump semi-retracted this statement.

Bernie should have immediately posted coast-to-coast TV advertising denouncing the Republican front-runner as promising to violate US law and to be a potential war criminal. Also, to remind the Republican opposition to Trump that they were not obliged to obey their pledge to support the nominee if the nominee was promising illegal acts. This would have made a national sensation. This also would have forced Trump into a corner, doubling-down on his stupid statements forever--or else seeming to be cowed by Bernie.

Trump's Republican opponents could not do this, because of Trump's strength with the Republican base. Hillary also could not do this, because as the likely winner, she should not take risks. For Hillary, attacking Trump as a potential war criminal was a high risk strategy which might backfire if Trump came up with a clever response. Meanwhile, Bernie, running against potentially the first woman president, could not appear strongly to attack Hillary. However, as the underdog, Bernie had to look for a calculated risk. Attacking Trump instead of Hillary would have been a win-win for Bernie. Also, he had the money to blanket the USA with this attack.

However, Bernie just did not have the gumption or political savvy. Say what you will about Trump--he was a risk-taker. As the underdog, he had to be. And it paid off. You cannot beat someone like that by playing patty-cake.

More fundamentally, Bernie should have said years ago that he retained his socialists ideals of justice--but does believe in capitalism and has outgrown calling himself "socialist."

Otherwise, Bernie has done more by losing the nomination than he could have by winning. Thanks to Bernie's failed run, perhaps someday America will be ready for a socialist leader. Currently however, the Republicans took over both houses by denouncing Obama as a "socialist." Imagine if we had a president who actually declared himself a "socialist." There would be total gridlock and divisiveness.

Incidentally, Ronald Reagan was the oldest president in history, and consequently had full-blown Alzheimer's through his second term. In 2016, all three major candidates were older than Reagan during his candidacy. This is ridiculous. There is no reason for a president to be old. He or she can have old people as close advisers. Obama and the Democrats failed to give prominent positions to younger people. In addition, income tax returns, drug testing, full medical reports and an MRI brain scan should be required before entering any presidential primary.

Meanwhile, Fox News is the main reason that the Republicans control both houses of congress. If you don't believe me, google "The Fox Effect." https://www.google.com/search?q=the+fox+effect

In the final analysis, no president is able to change the country. Nobody can change things politically with a 51% majority. It is first necessary to find initiatives outside of politics to change hearts and minds. The most obvious and most powerful way to do this would be to develop a progressive nonprofit alternative to Facebook. No progressive seems to have learned from the success of Fox News. Everyone just seems to want to join a little clique where the goal is to impress those who already agree with them.

(I am currently trying to make a "Facebook alternative." But with very limited time, contacts or money, I am not getting very far. Anyone who is interested, feel free to click on my name and send a "private message.")

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 6 years ago

I had pre-warned beautifulworld that throwing her heart in to helping Bernie win the party nomination in the dead-end two parties could break her heart before the demonkrapts' foul play blocked Bernie. I am probably older than she is because I had already been singing this song in 1972: The birds flew off with a fallout shelter, Eight miles high and falling fast.

Regardless of politics(my life experience was "circumstances make greatness" so I believe that I am more paternalistic regarding what a government can and should do to create good and supportive circumstances for its people than Steve Bannon), Steve Bannon was correct in that the Establishment would not relinquish its death grip on democracy without a deconstruction first. Things have to get much much worse to wake up the people. There is logic to the madness in: "Kill It to Save It" because it had worked before when capitalism killed democracy. It will be the incensed mob that will kill capitalism and much else.

Trump is a (potentially) Chimerica transitional stage of the descent into the sub-blackhole(perhaps it's just a wormhole or a solar eclipse). "You must become as a child again."

[-] 1 points by gsw (3406) from Woodbridge Township, NJ 7 years ago
[-] 1 points by Shule (2638) 7 years ago

The Hag is in a heap of trouble. Not only is she about to be indicted by the FBI on espionge charges for putting government material on her private server which was hacked by somebody who then put the info in Russian hands, now she got caught taking some $100mil from the Saudis for what ever dubious purpose. It only a matter of time before they lock her up. It is time for Larry Fink and the rest of the Wall Street cronies to come to their senses and ditch the bitch if they really don't want Trump in the White House who will surely upset the political apple cart in America. To the 1% who may be reading this, Bearnie and a little socialism ain't that bad. At least you'll still keep your comfy homes in the Hamptons. If Trump gets in nothing is for sure.

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago
  1. The trusty and sturdy, and possibly rickety by now, Feral Burro of Incompetence does not indict. It can recommend.
  2. The late Hugo Chavez knew things but had a Big mouth.
  3. Saudi Arabia is THE most important ally of the U.S. in THE most troubled region in the world. Embarrassments are unwelcomed.
  4. Tera eRex escaped from New Netherland both kills and builds (with flexibility, finesse, and dexterity of the tiny YUGE hands -- do stay away from the jabberwocky mouth that stabs and the Komodo-Dragonly drool) a Premium Brand (U.S.A. had quite an excellent reputation worldwide before, still remember?). That'll be CH-CH-CH-CH-CHANGE newly understood, as called for by vox populi. Remember: the name is eRex, Tera eRex. Senatus Populusque Americanus
[-] 1 points by Shule (2638) 7 years ago

Trump makes the establishment nervous. That is enough for me.

Ok, here is the threat; Ditch the Hag, and get Bernie in, or I'm voting for Trump.

[-] 1 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

Sarah Palin as tRMUP's VP?!!! Will she "Refudiate" that?!! #FeelTheBern of Acid Reflux at that news?!

''Trump makes the establishment nervous.''? Really?! So, which ... "Establishment" is this?!! Repugnant Party Politicians - past & present ... OR The 0.01% Oligachy?!!! I will bet you Any Amount of lucre - that Bernie makes them Much More "nervous"!!!! Truth is Oligarchy has factions & tRUMP & Hitlary are NOT unacceptable to any of them, tho they have preferences BUT Bernie Sanders is Totally Unacceptable!!!!!

  • Read https://berniesanders.com/issues/ & don't kid yourself that tRUMP is anti-"establishment" because that's just how he is being sold to U$A - but Maverick does NOT equal - Revolutionary!

ad iudicium ...

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

"Nothing is for sure" is "flexibility" in disguise. Everyone should be nervous. Isn't that the open secret for achieving active citizen participation?

I aspire to serve my people. If they choose Tera eRex over riding the Dumb Ass, to go to the land of cowpie in the sky for all, so be it and I shall follow with glee. We are not building a 600-ship navy, staging intermediate-range nuclear missiles in Poland/Germany or South Korea/Japan, or dispersing surface-to-air missile launchers to impose de facto no-fly zone over Syria yet so these are still halcyon days. "6" on the global helpline for going postal hasn't been pressed.

I concur that Tera eRex is just fine as a less-than-ideal choice if Bernie is indeed machined to a dead end. If Revolution is not achievable, we can certainly learn from Russia and go for oligarchic Rotation instead. Go Slavic.

[-] 1 points by Shule (2638) 7 years ago

"Oligarch Rotation", good term. That is all it ever is. Hopefully, we'll get some benevolant ones that are not so psycho on the next round.

[-] 2 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

The Premium Brand of the U.S.A. can follow Ecclesiates 3: There is a time for everything, ..., a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, ...

For our Kryptonite oligarchic Rotation, there is a time for everything, a time to steal and a time to deal, a time to seal and a time for veal. R U FOREEL <3

[-] 1 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

People, like the Hag, Jamie Dimon, Chris Christie and Lloyd Blankfein seem impervious to prosecution. Haven't you noticed? So, I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for Hillary to be indicted. The two tier justice system is far more likely to prosecute, or make the lives miserable of whistle blowers like Elliot Spitzer (for trying to clean up Wall St), Chelsea Manning, Edward Snowden, or young pot smokers, etc., especially if their skin color is a bit darker than mine, yours' too maybe...

[-] 1 points by Shule (2638) 7 years ago

Depends on whether I've been in the sun and got a tan.

[-] 1 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

Pls consider: The ''Occupy Wall Street movement. - From personal stories to analysis of the big picture issues, supporters, participants and critics shed light on why and how this movement took off with such explosive force, and what it means. Made in a unique and unprecedented collaboration of 99 filmmakers across the country .. the production process of this feature film offers a uniquely diverse way of bringing meaning and context to the movement that has swept up America and much of the world, with its [GR8] story.'' Whole 91m film here (but not sure how long for) ...

The second link above is for another OWS documentary just in case the 1st link gets pulled by UTube.

fiat lux ...

[-] 1 points by Shule (2638) 7 years ago

Ok folks, here is the hard part; Who is going to put up the money ($$$$ millions) to run a viable third party? i.e. which Billionaire are you going to get on your side?

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

I trust my fellow Americans. For a very long time, the GOP has been clamoring for the U.S. to be run like a family, or like a business, to live within its means, or with a balanced budget, and NO counterfeiting of money. Their wish is fast coming true. Herr Drumpf has lifetime business experience with buildings, casinos, and resorts. Rejoice, GOP, for the savior is come!

Jawohl! Kaiser Drumpf. Ich liebe die amerikanishe Staatssicherheit für alles. Das hübsche Mädchen gefällt mir auch. Amerika, Amerika, über alles! Drache, flieg.

[-] 1 points by Shule (2638) 7 years ago

Es ist so wie ein Finger im Hintern.

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Oder im Ring des Nibelungen.

[-] 1 points by grapes (5232) 7 years ago

Ja, ja. Herr Drumpf has been a secret "Green" Party member for many decades. He lives looking out to nearly 800-acres of green lawn and trees in the heart of Manhattan. He has also been rolling in the rolls and rolls of good-old American green ash for decades.

Götterdämmerung!

[-] 1 points by gsw (3406) from Woodbridge Township, NJ 7 years ago

The Dems have run the rules of their system, so that it is not transparent as fair, imo.

They have not behaved as true democracy people's party, in the primary process, in many states.

They behave like republicans.

This is what makes the citizens so,displeased.

The ideas do not diminish for Justice for all

We would like change we can believe in

[-] 3 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

''Jill Stein has reached out to Sanders and offered him the position of president on the Green Party ticket, with she as the VP, but so far Sanders has not taken the bait because it looks like he may be beholden to the Democratic party leadership. If Sanders is a true Progressive populist he only has one option left, and that is to join a third party. Joining with Jill Stein would could very well mean a third party victory, in light of the resentment of the masses towards both duopoly candidates. Sanders and Stein only need 34% to insure victory, and that should not be difficult as most voters are thirsting for an alternative that is sane, rational, reasoned and civil. Will Sanders prove himself to be a true populist progressive, or will he cave to the democratic leadership, fold up his hot air filled progressive tent and go home?'' - from ...

at spes non fracta ...

[-] 3 points by beautifulworld (23767) 7 years ago

Bernie Sanders should pay attention to Jill Stein's offer. It would clear the way to victory for the left with moral authority as their foundation.

And, if Bernie doesn't heed the call, then Jill Stein, imo, should offer the VP position to Nina Turner. They might not win, but they'd do great and they'd pave the way for a more progressive United States in the near future.

[-] 2 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

''The (un)Democratic Party will never be an effective tool to defeat the right wing, either during or after the election. Experience has shown repeatedly that it is, in fact, a longtime enabler of it. In order to defeat the right, we will need to build powerful, united mass movements and a new political party for the 99% – that will work alongside our movements, rather than against them.

''Hillary Clinton has the dubious distinction of being the second most unpopular major party nominee in the history of U.S. presidential polling, second only to Donald Trump. Fear of Trump is the main support propping up Clinton, while fear of Clinton is the main prop for Trump.

''The strategy of lesser evilism has been an utter disaster for the 99%. Effectively unchallenged by the left, the Democratic Party helped the Republican Party to push the agenda steadily to the right over the past decades. As Green Party presidential candidate Jill Stein has aptly put it, “the politics of fear has delivered everything we were afraid of.'' - from ...

IT IS TIME TO START THINKING .. #BEYONDBERNIE NOW & IN THE NEAR FUTURE, WITH AN EYE TO 2020! Kshama Sawant's piece was passed to me by my wiser better half & so I share it here for you and all. The 99% Struggle will NOT be won OR lost - on one man or moment!! We Are All A Movement!!!

respice; adspice; prospice ...

[-] 2 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

Kshama Sawqnt is very politically astute and sincere. I've read both of her articles that you posted, and I agree with her entirely. Thanks...

[-] 2 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

Amnesty International is sending human rights observers to #RNC and #DNC. This is a first!

Kshama Sawant is second to none - not even Dr. Jill Stein for whom I'll be working from now 'til Nov.

Solidarity to you and yours in our struggle for a better, fairer & more sustainable tomorrow for us all.

per ardua ad astra...

[-] 2 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

I agree "Kshama Sawant is second to none," but Jill Stein is a close second. I love Ms Savant's vision, and her mettle. I do appreciate all the contributions that Sander's (no longer is he Bernie to me) has made in educating people, but he's been a huge disappointment with his endorsement of Hillary (the war monger) , and he has totally lost my support. And I would no sooner join one of the progressive organizations that he wants to organize, than I would think about jumping into the Gulf of Alaska in January! It took me quite a while to get on his bandwagon, but now I view him as a sell-out.

I'll start reading your links. It just that my time is very limited being with those cute little hafitas, no complaints though.

The Best to you and your's!

[-] 1 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

Re. Kshama Sawant's "vision & mettle" - we are both in total agreement. I'm still too attached to Bernie & so not objective enough to criticize him too harshly yet ... but give me a few more weeks!!! Right now I'm diverting my energies towards pushing Dr. Jill Stein 'til November!! Don't freeze your family jewels in the ''GofA'' - u were never really a Bernie Bandwagoneer but "sell out" is to strong but misguided works!

Re. the links above - 5/6 are for info really (bar ''Telesur'' link) but I do Strongly Recommend to you AND yours the links here:

Maybe one The Best ''Keiser Report'' {w/Dr.Michael Hudson!} that I have ever seen & that's really saying something!! Solidarity to hafitas, their parents & to yuO! Y'all stay well and warm & healthy and happy!!

pax, amor et lux ...

[-] 1 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

Sanders is too smart to have been "misguided" in his support of Hillary. I believe his intentions were good early on, but in the end , my POV of course, the words capitulating, calculating and spineless would fit him.

We do agree on those ladies who have the integrity and chutzpah that Sanders lacks.

As long as you don't think about climate change, the weather has been great up here, 70's & 89's mostly, still with snow seen on some of the mountain tops.

Wishing you & yours fair winds and a following sea. - Solidarity

[-] 1 points by ImNotMe (1488) 7 years ago

''From Occupy Protests to the Platforms'', by Sarah Anderson:

OUCH re. what you say! I'm still in pain re.Sanders!! It's like sciatica - a proper pain in the arse!!!

spero meliora ...

[-] 2 points by Viking (417) 7 years ago

Just by looking at the way that the Democrats ran their corrupt primary system should make people realize that hoping that they will change is a lesson in futility. To them, their corporate benefactors are much more important than the will of the people.