Bernie Sanders voted for the farm bill which will result in $8.6 billion in food stamp cuts

[Cali_Democrat]

Here's some of Bernie's statement:

<...>

“This was a difficult vote on a bill which has some positive provisions but also some very negative ones.

“This bill will bring greater stability to Vermont dairy farmers by helping them to manage risks and produce products more efficiently. It also is good news that a successful MILC program will stay in place until new insurance provisions for dairy farmers are implemented.

“The bill encourages increased access to healthy, local foods and will build on a growing movement in Vermont which has created agriculture jobs and provided local food for Vermonters. Another provision helps low-income seniors shop at farmers’ markets and roadside stands that are popular across Vermont.

“I am very disappointed that this bill makes $8.6 billion in cuts over the next decade to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. While the final bill steps back from $40 billion in food stamp cuts that House Republicans had demanded, it is both morally and economically wrong to cut assistance to families in a very difficult economy.


http://vtdigger.org/2014/02/05/sanders-statement-farm-bill-2/

Looks like Bernie went with compromise rather than an all or nothing approach which would ultimately hurt even more Americans. Bernie is a good Senator and he knows how government actually works.

The fact that this bill cuts $8.6 billion in food stamps is awful, but compromise is necessary in this case.

Bernie compromised.

[el_bryanto]

1. He also would have taken a hit politically if he didn't compromise

I'm guessing.

Bryant

[cali]

4. No he wouldn't. nothing even remotely significant

[Tarheel_Dem]

2. It's what grownups do. Especially when you have government as divided as ours.

[frazzled]

5. Of course, but ...

I doubt that there will be untold threads accusing him of being a corporate whore or a Third Way demon or wholly subsidized arm of the Dairy Lobby. (That last is true for any senator from Vermont, btw). And there shouldn't be.

But I have a sneaking feeling there will be outrage of the vitriolic sort when the president signs this bill on Friday.

[Jamaal510]

9. The DU double standard:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/110221938

[Cali_Democrat]

13. At first I thought it has nothing to do with race, but nothing else can really explain it.

I think race is really a factor for some folks. How come the person with darker skin is being held accountable for the bills that Bernie and Warren vote for? Yet Bernie and Warren get a pass?

White privilege and racism are still very powerful forces. I also think that many folks here don't care about Bernie or Warren. They just try to use them to bash Obama.

Racism is alive and well on both the left and the right.

[Tarheel_Dem]

29. "White privilege and racism are still very powerful forces".

[dsc]

64. I guess Hillary must be black too

[Cali_Democrat]

83. Hillary isn't in government right now.

She hasn't been attacked for compromise bills she signed or voted for recently. You missed my point completely.

What the hell are you talking about?

[VanillaRhapsody]

14. ^^^^THIS!!!

[Whisp]

26. +++

and there will be a total absence of SDS but ODS will infect even more.

magnificent study in human behaviour tho.

[Tarheel_Dem]

28. It happens here all the time. ODS!!!!

[Armstead]

31. No because it depends on the larger context.

People (like me) recognize the need to compromise. That's not the problem.

We trust politicians like Sanders when they have to compromise, because in the larger context we know where they stand, and we know the values and principles they actively stand for and work for.

It's the ambiguity and track record of often coming down on the side of Big Money by too many centrist Democrats that gets people riled up.

[frazzled]

35. You've failed to convince me

Bernie Sanders had an easy choice to vote against this bill--because it would have passed anyway, without his vote. It's easy, and it's safe (except it puts you in a sticky place with the big-Dairy lobby that helps you get elected; and with the dairy farmers who make up a significant portion of your tiny state. But hey ... your socialist morals tell you these cuts are wrong.)

Now say you're the president: really, you. You have a choice. Congress has passed this bill. It's a massive bill that contains much that is desirable and much that is bad (what else is new in farm bills). You are adamantly opposed to the cuts in food stamp funding. You've said so. But you've got a choice: you can accept the compromise in cuts to this program, or you can veto the entire bill and the food stamp program will be cut by 100%. It will simply not exist: no one will get food stamps. The chances of Congress coming up with something better without some other heinous compromise, that will take months and months, is slim. What do you do?

Bernie Sanders has a choice; the president not so much. And for that you call him "centrist." He opposes the cuts as much as Senator Sanders. This is not a choice like war, that is irreversible. Cuts can be restored, at least theoretically. Moneys for assistance, should it become necessary, might be found in some new funding stream outside the farm bill. When you have to decide what to veto--like war, which can't be changed; and what is probably the best you'll get ... well, finish the sentence. My tea is ready.

[Armstead]

48. Not my job to convince you

You may or may not have valid points about the reasons both politicians acted as they did in this case.

But my previous post was a response to your stereotypes and assumptions about those who are critical of politicians like President Obama and supportive of ones like Sen. Sanders.

[Cha]

75. ...

[Andy823]

82. +100 nt

[cali]

3. and bernie was wrong, wrong, wrong. He's my senator.

I contacted all three of my reps and let them know how I felt that they all supported it.

Btw, the reason Bernie voted for it was that the Farm Bill was packed full of goodies for VT. Same reason Peter and Pat voted for it.

Doesn't excuse their votes.

[Cali_Democrat]

6. Yes...but if all Senators followed your appproach, what happens when the bill fails?

What happens to the folks on SNAP?

[cali]

17. I am on SNAP.

and the dems fall for it every time. Repukes demand something outrageous in order to get the cuts they want. works with depressing regularity.

We haven't had a farm bill in years and SNAP wasn't cut when we didn't.

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

22. Then the bill fails and we head to another showdown...rather than mild capitulation.

The Democrats are supposed to be for the least among us. When they don't fight for that they are no longer Democrats.

[jeff47]

25. Yeah, just like the Unemployment extension.

How'd that work out again?

[ProSense]

7. "Btw, the reason Bernie voted for it was that the Farm Bill was packed full of goodies for VT. "

Obama should veto the bill. Screw the "goodies" for VT. Agree?

[cali]

19. should he? what do YOU think?

[ProSense]

20. You first. n/t

[Whisp]

27. I am looking forward to your posts on Sanders being a caving corporate whore...

you have to do the name calling yu use on the President or it doesn't count.

I'm sure others are waiting as well.

[morningfog]

34. Did cali actually call Obama a "caving corporate whore"?

Link?

[Whisp]

36. lol

actually that was from the tame and mild sections.

go lookie, there are tons around.

[morningfog]

54. Link?

I've seen criticism of policy. If she said it, she said it. I don't remember seeing that. Link?

[Whisp]

59. Criticism of Policy... is that what's it called today?

bwhahahaha!!!!




o.m. g

[JoePhilly]

41. So you are saying that Bernie, like all politicians, can be BOUGHT.

If the right "goodies" are provided.

[Autumn]

8. And Obama will sign the farm bill which will result in $8.6 billion in food stamp cuts

into law. We all know how government works. That don't make it right.

[Cali_Democrat]

10. So Obama should veto the bill that Bernie voted for?

And what happens to the folks on SNAP when there's no funding?

[morningfog]

32. He should veto it. Sanders shouldn't have voted for it.

Put the pressure on for a better bill. Raise the issue, frame the debate.

[Whisp]

37. now it's turned into a 'debate' instead of the general flogging?

please proceed.

[Autumn]

53. I didn't suggest that, now did I?

But that's a good question. What happens to the folks on SNAP who are getting their benefits cut?

[Tierra_y_Libertad]

11. Not to worry, Obama will wield his veto pen....oh, wait.

[VanillaRhapsody]

12. this just proves Bernie is more reality based than some DU'ers.

They would throw Bernie under the bus for this...along with Elizabeth Warren. Yet they think they have the "pulse" of the nation...yet they have no one left to support.

[cali]

21. you don't seem to grasp that one can criticize a vote or policy without throwing

someone under a bus.

pretty basic except for those of you who only do binary "thought" and simplistic good/evil stuff.

[VanillaRhapsody]

23. Right....like I just crawled out from under a rock....

like I have not witnessed this myself...that "pool" of acceptable candidates sure is dwindling...

[TheMathieu]

15. Congress is mostly millionaires.

These compromises come with no consequences to them or their families.

[L0oniX]

72. They should have to display their sponsors logos on their coats.

[Ninga]

16. Sharrod Brown voted "yea". So upset. Nt

[gerogie2]

18. I see, but

If Bernie was a republican Senator DU would have blasted him for hurting the poor.

[VanillaRhapsody]

24. Yep...they will give him a pass.....

and they are running low on "acceptable" politicians...

[DCBob]

30. Bernie's just another lame ass compromiser.

VT needs to vote him out and get a "real progressive" in there!

[Whisp]

38. he's a wall streetin corporate cavin' spineless whore/war monger old folks hatin' turd wayer.

whew.

I need a glass of water now. All that rage makes one thirsty.

[Armstead]

49. Haha..so clever....not

[morningfog]

33. Rarely do I disagree with Senator Sanders. I do on this. Bad bill, bad vote.

[Whisp]

40. but you can't disagree with him in the same kind of flavourful way you do with the President

can you?

LOL.

[JoePhilly]

42. Its OK if Bernie does it.

[Whisp]

43. I can feel the anguish and confusion...

thick as a London fog.

[Armstead]

51. Bernie has earned much respect over the years for consistently fighting for the right stuff

Nobody does everything one agrees with all the time.

We also realize the need for compromise.

But its the percentage and larger context that matters.

Certain politicians eat, sleep and play golf with the elite oligarchs, advance pro-corporate policies, and muddle issues with a pseudo-progressive message to us schmucks out in the larger public. (Fill in the blanks.)

Other politicians like Bernie actually fight the good fight, stand up to the powerful and do the best they can withi9n a corrupt system to advanced the interests of the majority and the disadvantaged.

So, when people like Bernie have to play politics occasionally, he gets a lot more leeway than those who consistently are selling us down the river.

[ProSense]

58. Yes, like voting for health care reform and Wall Street reform.

"Bernie has earned much respect over the years for consistently fighting for the right stuff

Nobody does everything one agrees with all the time. "

Still, keep making excuses for this vote.

Polarized Congress CQ Roll Call ’s annual analysis of voting patterns showed 2013 to be perhaps the most partisan year in both the House and Senate. As for President Barack Obama’s relations with Capitol Hill, Senate Democrats backed his legislative positions more than they ever have any president’s and House Republicans turned their back on him at a record rate. Sen. Sanders voted with the president on 94 percent of all votes on which the White House held a position. Sen. Patrick Leahy sided with the president 97 percent of the time. Sanders and Leahy voted with the majority of the Democratic caucus 98 percent and 99 percent of the time. According to CQ’s attendance tally, Sanders voted on 99 percent of all roll call votes. Leahy’s participation rate was 100 percent. LINK

http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/newswatch/020314

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024435975

[Armstead]

73. Not making excuses because no need to

He votes for most of what is put up by the Democrats and the White House.

Nothing wrong with that. I would think you would love it.

It's not like many of us hate everything President Obama does, despite what you like to think. I get pissed when he does things that I disagree with -- especially on fundamental matters.

Sanders is a politician and a smart one. The difference is that he also has a set of core principles that I agree with, which he has been fighting for since forever.

For example, while all the centrist Democrats were praising Alan Greenspan back in the bubble, Bernie was calling him out in open hearings and telling the truth when it wasn;t very popular. Things like that make a difference.

He also is tactically smart. Knows when to hold 'em and when to fold 'em.

[ProSense]

76. So now

Not making excuses because no need to

He votes for most of what is put up by the Democrats and the White House.

Nothing wrong with that. I would think you would love it.

<...>

For example, while all the centrist Democrats were praising Alan Greenspan back in the bubble, Bernie was calling him out in open hearings and telling the truth when it wasn;t very popular. Things like that make a difference.

...talk is more important than actions? Who was praising Greenspan?

President Obama talks too, but people go out of the way to dismiss what he says as "pretty speeches" or to distort his words to attack him.

Yes, you are making excuses: Yeah he votes with Democrats, but he talks.

[Armstead]

84. I'm very tired of this "who's right and who's wrong" stuff

First of, back in the 90's many Democrats were singing Greenspan's praises. Go look it up if you don't believe me.

And I'm tired of these nitpicking back-and-forth hair splitting over this kind of stuff.

Let me state this clearly so you understand. I basically like and support President Obama. But he also does a fair amount of stuff that really pisses me off, and which goes against my basic principles and beliefs....People like Bernie Sanders much more closely reflect my own beliefs and values, and the agenda and message I think the Democrats ought to be pursuing more clearly.

Feel free to believe otherwise.

Always happy to debate actual ideas. But I don't have to justify myself to you, and you don't have to justify yourself to me.

[ProSense]

85. Well,

"I'm very tired of this "who's right and who's wrong" stuff

First of, back in the 90's many Democrats were singing Greenspan's praises. Go look it up if you don't believe me. "

...this isn't the 90s, and what the hell do the 90s have to do with Obama?

You claim you're tired of this "who's right and who's wrong" stuff, but you're engage in it. That's the gist of your entire comment.

[Whisp]

60. sez you!!!

So, when people like Bernie have to play politics occasionally, he gets a lot more leeway than those who consistently are selling us down the river.

no other possibility but this one! yep, yep.

[Armstead]

70. I must yield to your intelligent and well thought out response on this matter

sez you too

[morningfog]

55. What flavorful way are you talking about?

I think you are confused?

[Whisp]

61. the kind of full bore engorged ragefist flavour.

I think you have the sads. Badday for you?

[morningfog]

62. Great day for me.

Methinks you project. At least you make unfounded accusations. That is the problem with your credibility.

[Whisp]

63. hehe.

okay, I just imagined the full bore engorged raging shitfits against the President here, or maybe I'm just lucid dreaming and mistakenly made my way into FR in those cases...

no wait, FR isn't near full of raging shitfits as here sometimes.

[morningfog]

65. Bye, Whisp.

Nothing constructive from you. Totally predictable. Nothing but personal attacks. I know I won't miss anything with you on ignore.

[Whisp]

66. Bye.

sorry you took that all so personally. Gee, I didn't mean You!

[Egalitarian Thug]

87. You know Bernie got something for it, he's about the shrewdest politician up there. n/t

[Jefferson23]

39. Letter: New farm bill should be vetoed

I hope President Obama will call Congress and tell them he’s preparing his veto pen for the 2014 farm bill. It is only a slight exaggeration to say that this hideous piece of legislation gives to the rich and takes from the poor. -

http://www.agweek.com/event/article/id/22630/

[ProSense]

44. Senator Booker's statement

posted here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/10024449718

[Jefferson23]

47. +1. I hope he is urging Obama to veto it. n/t

[PeteSelman]

45. When does the fascist right EVER compromise in our direction?

Oh that's right, never.

And we move a bit further right.


It's pretty much hopeless.

[Cali_Democrat]

46. GOTV 2014!!!

Then GOTV 2016!!!

[R. Daneel Olivaw]

50. Yay! Elect some blue dogs that will as bad as republicans.

[ananda]

52. I am so disappointed with Sanders, and with Warren.

I thought at least they would stand strong.

This is a bitter pill.

[Pretzel_Warrior]

56. Come on, Bernie! I thought you were fighting for people--not corporations!!

[Fumesucker]

57. If you are trying to make a case that no one is worth voting for you're doing great

I can feel the people dropping politics as a practical concern for them even as we type at each other.

No one really gives a shit, why fucking bother?

[Whisp]

67. but there are so many loud and enraged shit givers and botherers when it is Obama

that doesn't please them every step of the way.

Funny that thing there.

[Fumesucker]

71. Some of us actually take Obama at his own word

Seriously, has Sanders ever said anything remotely like Tricky Dicky was more liberal than he?

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/02/liberal-is-good/283617/?google_editors_picks=true

In the middle of his in-your-face pre-Super Bowl interview, Bill O’Reilly picked up the dreaded “L word” and began wielding it menacingly in the direction of the president of the United States.

“Are you the most liberal president in U.S. history?” O’Reilly asked. Obama quickly initiated evasive maneuvers. “In a lot of ways, Richard Nixon was more—more liberal than I was,” the president replied, before insisting that “I tend not to think about these things in terms of liberal and Democrat—or liberal and conservative”

[Cali_Democrat]

74. Compromise is a necessary part of governing.

The only people that don't understand this are the faux liberals pounding away on their keyboards while they light their hair on fire. I call them the combustible hair club.

They have no idea how government functions. They have no idea that compromise is necessary in order to govern. Bernie understands this. It's the folks that habitually light their hair on fire that are clueless.

They don't want to move forward. If the combustible hair club had their way, we wouldn't be moving forward. Nothing would ever get done and we would actually be moving in the opposite direction.

That's why I never listen to the combustible hair club. They should actually be ridiculed.

[Fumesucker]

77. All of us live in the real world where compromise is necessary

We also know that your starting point to compromise from in the first place effects the course of negotiations, reasonable negotiators don't walk into a car dealer offering to pay the sticker price and then negotiate up from there.

http://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2014/02/liberal-is-good/283617/?google_editors_picks=true

In the middle of his in-your-face pre-Super Bowl interview, Bill O’Reilly picked up the dreaded “L word” and began wielding it menacingly in the direction of the president of the United States.

“Are you the most liberal president in U.S. history?” O’Reilly asked. Obama quickly initiated evasive maneuvers. “In a lot of ways, Richard Nixon was more—more liberal than I was,” the president replied, before insisting that “I tend not to think about these things in terms of liberal and Democrat—or liberal and conservative”

Why do you keep fighting the words of the president you claim to support?

[Cali_Democrat]

79. "All of us live in the real world where compromise is necessary"

[kelliekat44]

68. Should we now throw Bernie under the bus because he didn't vote against this bill?

That's what happens when grown-ups try to get things done...you have to compromise sometimes and live to fight another day., But that is sooo....Obamaish......

[notemason]

69. Had hard time

believing bipartisan support for this and researched well; the most comprehensive information I found is here:

http://www.themainewire.com/2012/03/heat-eat-increasing-food-stamp-benefits-thousands/

I came away with a better understanding of why liberals would support. I have a clearer picture of the compromise, whether I'm in agreement or not..

[Cleita]

78. He spoke about the food stamp cuts, but explained that he thinks

congress won't let them run out because even the sensible republicans know it wouldn't do anything for them to do so. Of course he was also confident that they wouldn't let unemployment benefits run out too. We'll see.

[Jefferson23]

88. Compromise is one thing, I don't see compromise here. Obama will veto it?

Does not look that way, and yet an alternative would be to wait until the next
Congress. Passing such a bill that's sets policy for the next 5 years is
a tragic mistake..which this is. Far too many will pay the price and so may Democrats
politically, in 2014.

[Egalitarian Thug]

86. Just so sadly pathetic.

The Party is in such a state over the fact that people have caught on to who you really work for, that now, in an act of laughable desperation, they're trying to align themselves with Bernie Sanders, a Senator that knows enough about the Democratic Party Bosses that he won't give them any hold over him.
, , or , take your pick.

[luca.barton]

89. You CUT OUT an important part of Senator Sander's quote of why he Voted for the 2014 Farm Bill.

“I am very pleased that Governor Shumlin has assured me that he will work with the Vermont Legislature to prevent cuts in food stamps for Vermont families and seniors receiving home heating assistance.” — http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/senate-passes-farm-bill-

"House Republicans wanted to chop $40 billion from the program, the Senate looked at $4 billion, and the final compromise was $8 billion. SNAP recipients won’t get the heave-ho, they’ll just have less to eat." — http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20140203/OPINION01/140209804

As you said, Bernie went with a compromise and as you can see in the quote above, the Republicans wanted to cut $40 Billion, but ended up with $8.6 Billion —not ideal, but much better than $40 b. What I think is important is that Bernie is trying to get beyond these compromises that are incremental reforms because as he says in his 1st email to supporters after deciding to run for President, these times need full-measured legislation. Bernie is building a movement to create fundamental change like we've already done in the past (FDR, Teddy Roosevelt, etc.) —in the end we will have to do some compromising I'd imagine, but hopefully much, much less (by trying to change this gridlocked "game&quot and much less than starting where Hillary would have us start.

What I think is an important part as to why Bernie Voted for the 2014 Farm Bill is that he states in the quote above that he spoke w / Governor Shumlin to make sure these SNAP cuts would not harm Vermonters, which granted doesn't help other states, but is a good example to other Senators & Congressmen to make sure this Farm Bill doesn't hurt their poorest & most vulnerable constituents.

5 states Vote next Tuesday. We need to put in work to create change this huge. We need YOU. We need Callers + Knockers: http://Bernie.to/Win
Even if it's just 5 mins at a time from home: http://Bernie.to/PB http://Bernie.to/ACT
Soooooo many ways to help: http://Bernie.to/Vol

[uppityperson]

90. Welcome to DU, thanks for the info. I wish bills would be single issue, and you have to look at

what was started at, what was compromised to, what else was included.