By Jason Newell –
UPDATE – (4/2016) – Panama Papers added.
“[After Clinton’s introduction] Introducing second, from the progressive corner, weighing 200 pounds—he hails from Brooklyn, New York, and was rated, by many, as the best vote-for-vote politician in Washington, with one no-vote on Iraq, a prediction of the Great Recession 10 years before it occurred and a 100 percent approval rating from the Human Rights Campaign, the former mayor of Burlington, member of the House, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veteran’s Affairs, and current United States senator from Vermont, Bernie ‘I Support the Middle Class’ Saaaannnnnddderrrrrrrrrrrs! (Ding-ding-ding!)”
Bernie Sanders is a legitimate challenger in the boxing match known as the Democratic primary— landing political jabs and uppercuts. The other participant in the ring, Hillary Rodham Clinton, is taking the blows and countering with establishment haymakers. Remember, Hillary has done it all: she was first lady, a United States senator, ran for the Democratic nomination in 2008, and most recently, was handpicked by Barack Obama to serve as the secretary of state. And moreover, Hillary’s political positions aren’t that far off from what Bernie is propagating. However, there is one key difference: Bernie’s political foresight makes Nostradamus look like a Medieval street prophet.
How so? Bernie has the upper hand on Hillary with regard to a few hot button issues: the War in Iraq, the financial crisis and pro-LGBT positions. Let’s start with the War in Iraq, a conflict that Bernie opposed from the outset.
“I am concerned about the problems of so-called unintended consequences. Who will govern Iraq when Saddam Hussein is removed and what role will the U.S. play in ensuing a civil war that could develop in that country?”
Bernie didn’t vote to authorize the Bush Administration to conduct operations in Iraq. Instead of pandering to the financial elite by supporting false pretexts for war, conjured up by Saruman Cheney (an incredibly nerdy LOTR reference, I know), Bernie had the mental wherewithal to comprehend the difficulties of controlling a post-invasion Iraq, whereby he predicted the creation of a power vacuum that would foster an environment of extremism.
Years later, Iraq has become a breeding ground for radical jihadists seeking to construct a Muslim caliphate. Thanks to George “Dumbya” Bush, and his pro-defense inner circle, the Middle East has reached a dangerous crossroads, one between moderate Muslims, and those who seek to distort the Koran to fit their morally backwards religious objectives, such as, oh, you know, banning the breeding of pigeons, as they fly over head and expose their genitals to unsuspecting civilians. Apparently, Middle Eastern pigeons are as well-endowed as Ron Jeremy. Either that or breeders supplement their diets with Cialis….
But back to my point: Bernie’s astute argument also sheds light on America’s future role in post-invasion Iraq—the underlying inferences being: 1) how long will the conflict last, 2) the level of engagement required, and 3) the role to which the U.S. will play in dictating domestic Iraqi affairs. Factors the Bush Administration, Republicans and duped Democrats refused or naively disregarded. Bernie’s cautious calculations and tamed foreign policy objectives demonstrate his lucid political foresight.
The democratic socialist, from the great state of Ben and Jerry’s, also predicted the 2008 Financial Crisis in a Congressional hearing on financial bailouts, ten years before the financial collapse. In sum, Bernie Sanders calls out trickle-down economics, wealth inequality, hedging, Federal Reserve bailouts and economic cronyism, and has hinted at these policies culminating in an unsustainable system that would contribute to financial turmoil. Bear in mind, the economy at the tail-end of the previous century was booming, so Bernie’s statement may have fallen upon deaf ears. Nonetheless, Bernie’s refusal to mollycoddle the financial elite was a political standpoint that has become mainstream ever since the financial collapse. And while one can’t tie Hillary to these policies—as she was the first lady at the time—her husband, with the benefit of hindsight, was perhaps a bit too comfortable with the now faded icon, Alan Greenspan, who created an economic paradigm that justified massive wealth accumulation by financial giants, shady derivatives schemes and white collar gambling on Wall Street. The untouchable Greenspan Ayn Randian unfettered capitalism dream that was fated once again to lead to economic Armageddon. Once again, Bernie’s political foresight brings credibility to his consistent moral convictions.
I will concede, h
owever, that a few individuals on the Right, like Ron Paul, predicted the financial meltdown, but Paul’s solutions to the problem would have exacerbated the crisis. For one, Paul has consistently advocated for the radical roll back of the government regulatory scheme, but what he fails to realize is that deregulation and a lack of oversight were a couple of the primary factors behind the economic collapse. To be more specific, certain regulations were weakly enforced and sufficient safeguards were not instituted, despite warnings signs of an impending financial collapse starting in 2007. So, while Ron Paul’s prediction is accurate, his economic proposals, assuming they had been adopted, would have only deepened the crisis.
Incidentally, Bernie, in 1979, wrote about the potential issues associated with the privatization of television networks. One excerpt that stands out is his reference to the TV industry’s objective—due to it being mostly owned by private corporations—of intentionally stupefying American television viewers in order to drive advertising profits. Essentially, according to Bernie, television content that lacked intellectual subject matter would become commonplace: a prediction that has panned out. I mean, have you watched Fox News lately? Viewers of this jingoistic propaganda machine are less informed than individuals who don’t watch news at all. Bernie’s prognosticating is surely eerie, especially when one considers that 90 percent of the American media is owned by six corporations.
A few weeks ago, the Panama Papers were leaked, which only bolstered Bernie’s assertions in regards to the international financial elite. The Papers include 40 years of data that reveals massive collusion between government officials and big business to hide assets in overseas tax havens. What’s important to note is Bernie’s stance on trade, which relates to this leak: the 2011 Trade Deal – a deal that Clinton outright supported – only provided more protection for this unscrupulous tax dodgers. In stark contrast, Bernie vociferously attacked the legislation on the Senate floor. Once again, Bernie highlighted the problems with the trade deal, especially as it relates the limited or zero liability for the shady players involved in this international scandal.
Even before the Edward Snowden revelations, Bernie foresaw the ever-encroaching nature of the Patriot Act on the 4th Amendment. After the 9/11 attacks, in an environment rife with insecurity and paranoia, Sanders understood the dangers of granting the federal government Orwellian-esque police powers. That’s why he voted against the bill in 2001. In times of crisis, citizens—especially following events that expose a nation’s security apparatus—are more willing to concede their freedom in exchange for protection. While the Patriot Act may have been well intentioned, the Bush administration ended up employing extra-judicious tactics in implementing it, such as the warrantless wiretapping of American phones. But Bernie highlighted the potential for government overreach and issues with the lack of oversight of government intelligence agencies, and therefore knew that this wasn’t necessarily the best approach. He stuck to this conviction when he voted against the reauthorization of the Patriot Act in both 2006 and 2011. In contrast, Clinton voted to implement the Patriot Act in 2001 and for reauthorization in 2006; but, to her credit, she voted against extending the wiretapping provision in 2005. There’s no doubt that Sanders’s stances on government surveillance exemplifies his adherence to the liberty-centric tenets of progressivism.
In my opinion, Bernie’s unwavering backing of LGBT rights draws another distinction between the two Democratic frontrunners. Remember, Hillary Clinton, in the 2008 Democratic Primary, ran on an anti-gay marriage platform, a possible consequence of public sentiment regarding same-sex marriage not hovering at, or over 50 percent — a position made out of political convenience, rather than doing what’s right. My criticism isn’t only confined to Hillary Clinton: Barack Obama played the same “my opinion evolved” card when he announced his support for same-sex marriage, acting as if they had never favored it in the first place. And while a presidential candidate’s opinions typically reflect party preferences, Democrats, as a coalition, have supported same-sex marriage by a majority since 2006—so why the wait?
On the other hand, Bernie Sanders was in favor of same-sex marriage when it was largely unpopular: he voted against numerous anti-gay marriage measures and received a 100 percent rating from the Human Rights Campaign—he never had to “evolve” his opinion. Bernie unquestionably recognized marriage as a right that should be granted to all American citizens, regardless of sexual orientation. Public opinion is peripheral to Bernie’s support of human rights: Understanding the immorality of legally suppressive measures, even if they are supported by a majority, is key to becoming a morally upstanding leader. Bernie’s acceptance of same-sex marriage is, to some degree, analogous to Civil Rights leaders such as Martin Luther King, as they were able to differentiate between just and unjust laws regardless of restrictive social mores.
Political foresight is a skill limited to a few intuitive politicians—Bernie being one of them. The Bernie surge, whether or not it dethrones Clinton, forces Clinton to accept more left-leaning positions, especially in regards to foreign policy, financial markets and civil rights. Moreover, Clinton is substantially benefiting from a strong primary challenge as it’s preparing her for the grueling and hyper-scrutinized general election. Thankfully, the Democratic nominee will be running against circus clowns, who tend to have the mental capacity of domestic turkeys (Donald Trump is an apt synonymy for this mentally slow animal)—an animal known to get frightened and, in a state of panic, continuously run into a corner until a turkey mountain is created, which suffocates those stuck on the bottom.
In the end, Bernie’s heightened political foresight and adherence to moral convictions can set the standard for what Americans expect from their elected leaders: an ability to think critically, and a strong, stable, moral character.
Isn’t that what politicians of all persuasions did before Fox News?
You forget to include the practicalities that Bernie does not cover. Also how does a true revolutionary never contribute to Charity. He seems awful selfish.
A true revolutionary is absent in a system that prevents radical change – he’s a reasonable revolutionary working within the confines of the American system. And he’s the amendment king: Sanders has added a plethora of amendments to the budget and other bills in order to assist the middle and lower class, and military personnel as well. Do your research prior to invoking such a scathing critique.
I agree; selfish, hypocritical, driven by a maniacal ego…can’t stand losing to a woman. Also not paying (paid) staffers well, $12 max, but then there’s that $80K consulting fee to Jane monthly, and Devine’s high pay…$810K in March. Just an extreme hypocrit with ideas that couldn’t get passed, and math doesn’t work. Now where the hell are all those tax returns, Jane?
Excuse me, Alison. With all respect, you don’t have a clue, based on you citing incorrect info. Hope you one are not supporter #HRC just because she has a vagina. Apologies for my digression. Have you researched the candidates? Do you understand the issues & what each candidate stands for? If so, I sincerely believe you would not be saying what you said above. If not, and especially if you are not thoroughly reading all aspects of where they stand, I sure hope you are a member of the 1% for your own survival sake. If you are in the 99%, your only hope and ours is for Senator Sanders to be our next POTUS. Once you read up, you will understand why Bernie is the only choice. Good luck, & thanks.
Bernie is not the only choice http://stupidpartyland.com/1/post/2016/04/challenge-seven-point-plan-bernies-devout-suicidal-fns.html
Bernie Sanders would have been a great vice president or even president. He know what he is doing because of his political experience. Being an independent for most of his political life, it just shows what kind of a man he is.
I love so many things about Bernie Sanders, I won’t bother to enumerate. The most current, and most wonderfully surprising thing that I’m loving the most is all of the intelligent, well written and entertaining articles written about him. People are coming Alive with inspiration, indignation, and hope. What a great thing to be alive for.
Absolutely! Bernie Sanders has elicited some hope that the whole system is really about INDIVIDUALS. Not about PACS, influence peddlers, connected and/or bible humping deniers of rights and freedom.
Bernie Sanders: “The People’s Champion.”
Bernie is a thinker, not a panderer–rare these days.
He refuses to cater to the selfish interests of the financial elite: a rarity in this day and age.
Yep Bernie is so selfish, Never contributed to any charity.
Bernie Sanders has a net worth of $528,014. That is 59 times smaller than Hillary Clinton’s net worth. 3 million in charity. all but 22,000 went to the Clinton Foundation. Why the Clinton Foundation is so controversial http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2016/02/economist-explains-4 Have fun justifying that.
So having read your “red hot” (not!) link -this is the take way quote “The problem is that a foundation, which is led by an ex-president and someone who hopes to be elected president by the end of the year, can appear vulnerable to conflicts of interest.”
Really? Is that your case? Grow up!!!
Bernie Sanders is what we all thought leaders were, and should be. He is willing to take a stand, appears to have ethical and moral principals. After the ‘noise’ he is the compelling choice.
His entrance into the race is definitely inspiring many people–in particular, those disappointed with the virtually nonfunctional political system–to vote again.
Bernie can help restore our democracy.
If there is one criteria that is essential for a president, it is his or her judgment. It looks like Sanders fulfills that criteria.
He undoubtedly has exceptional judgment.
Excellent post. I LOVE Bernie! But my concern is my doubt that the wider American electorate is ready to elect anyone with “socialist” attached to his/her name. I don’t want to go down in flames when the Stupidparty is self destructing.
Why thank you Matthieu! And I agree: he’s going to have tough time with his philosophical label as it’s often conflated with outright communism.
USA Revolutionaries rose to “change the world”, “to vindicate the moral justice of God against the evils of the Bible” and “to dissolve the Political Bands which have connected them with another [evil king wed to Corporations and demented Christians]”, and “to assume among the Powers of the Earth, the separate and equal Station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them.” Obviously, USA citizens are “Egalitarians” not socialists, not monarchists, not any political economic system that “capitalism” stands for. Abraham Lincoln got it right: “Labor is prior to and independent of capital. Capital is only the fruit of labor, and could never have existed if labor had not first existed. Labor is the superior of capital, and deserves much the higher consideration.” Bernie Sanders stands in the shadow of USA/American Revolutionaries. No politician of today can stand beside him.
Those who believe and promote fear also use the word socialist. Those who believe in democracy, the rule of law and fairness, know the difference. What is missed in the Republican campaign is they ultimately embrace the form of government that is an oligarchy. This directly opposite of what the country wants, and that is why Mr. Sanders needs to win soundly and completely.
The concept of a socialist government is an uninformed spin of words to raise fear. Look up the various descriptions on Wikipedia and compare them to Mr. Sanders statements. Take the time to research and think for yourself and about the best way forward for the country. The problems this country and world have will require decades to repair. The Republicans have proven they only want power and nothing more for the rest of us.
That’s precisely the problem: Republicans look to Fox News for guidance and information, rather than self-research. What’s more, they believe that the U.S. economy, from a historical perspective, as being mostly capitalist; but, in actuality, the economy is mixed and has been for a long time. Thank you for the insightful response – I hope that you enjoyed the blog.
Bernie Sander’s integrity, transparency and sincerity are such rare traits these days that it is truly “disarming.”
I had resigned myself….the world and certainly politics had succeeded in rendering me powerless and invisible. And I was okay with that.
Until I heard this man speak and speak again until I could simply not ignore and tune it out anymore. Sigh….now that I have woken up and am obligated to do my part and have some mixed feelings -including some anger and distrust- about my hope arousal! Having no sense of community or social responsibility to humanity was easy and hard earned by years of hopeful thinking.
But once you’ve heard it–It’s impossible to unhear the truth. Dang it, the indomitable spirit of the human spirit and Bernie Sanders.
Thanks for the very interesting and insightful reply – it’s amazing how his campaign is reinvigorating the generally cynical American electorate.
the force awakens 😉
Forcing people to pay for things that they don’t want is socialist. All politicians, and those who vote for them, are socialists.
You are a moron
Bernie was pro LGBT rights even before 1996: http://www.sevendaysvt.com/OffMessage/archives/2015/06/30/32-years-before-scotus-decision-sanders-backed-gay-pride-march
Good. Not bad, i like it.
Thomas Paine created a Revolution in the collective mind of the American Colony via “Common Sense.” The Great Paine to WED Kingcrafters, Corporatecrafters and Christiancrafters closed his argument for Revolution via Four Letters On Interesting Subjects:
“As to Corporations, themselves, they are without exception so many badges of kingly tyranny, and tend, like every other species of useless pomp, to the oppression and impoverishment of the place, without one single advantage arising from them. They keep up a perpetual spirit of distinction and faction, engross emoluments and advantages to themselves, which ought to be employed to better purposes, and generally get into quarrels and lawsuits with the other part of the inhabitants. They diminish the freedom of every place where they exist….But of all Corporations that of Philadelphia is the most obnoxious, its power resembling that of an hermaphrodite, or is at least a kind of aristocratical Corporation made hereditary by adoption.” Close of Letter III of Four Letters written between May 22 to July2, 1776, just two days from USA Declaration of Independence on July 4. Thomas Paine, the most influential Founder on all others from all walks of life (as is Senator Bernie Sanders today, was the voice for “WeThePeople.”
A bunch of lazy brain dead communist pig retards think they know something about politics.
I know this I know Sanders is a socialist like Adolf Hitler.
What I do not know is what he is going to do about the muzzies coming here.
They hate Jews. So if Sanders supports them being her that is the second thing that
makes him like Hitler.
And when he TRIES to take guns or limit ownership even more there is going to be a war. Oh Yeah Hitler took guns.
Sanders may get elected but I would not bet ten dollars he will live out his term.
it is always nice when a stupidparty disciple reveals them self in all their ignorant glory – it makes our endeavors so much more meaningful – as in you, we have the living breathing proof that 67% of Stupidparty disciples are incapable of critical thinking. So please, let me introduce you to your peer group… http://stupidpartyland.com/the-67