Bernie: lefty who does nothing but pull political stunts and fail legislatively. Except this:

[cali]

One example- and there are more. Yes, he introduces legislation that fails, but he's dogged and has his successes, such as this and getting a big pile of money into the ACA for CHCs (Community Health Centers that charge on a sliding scale as well as taking insurance and that provide much needed care) The Veterans bill fight was not easy going as the WaPo and other contemporaneous accounts make clear

Bernie has an excellent record of negotiating successfully on Veterans issues, and Veterans organizations have honored him for his work and dedication, more than once.

Veterans' bill tested Sanders' leadership

WASHINGTON – Sen. Bernie Sanders had his doubts that he'd reach a compromise with Republicans on a reform bill for veterans' health care.

Congressional support for action was high, fueled by national outrage involving lengthy patient wait times that might have led to the deaths of some veterans. But Sanders, an independent from Vermont who chairs the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, said he rode a "roller coaster" of challenges leading up to final passage of the bill, which President Barack Obama signed early Thursday afternoon.

From the beginning, Sanders said, he found himself fending off Republican "piecemeal" approaches to the legislation. Some Republicans also demanded new spending in the bill be offset with cuts to other programs, an idea Sanders also fought.

<snip>

Passage of the legislation — the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 — means the "do-nothing Congress" legitimately can claim to have risen above the partisan rancor and done something.

Norm Ornstein, a congressional scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, called it "the first encouraging sign that the last stages of the 113th Congress will not be a total, embarrassing failure."

<snip>

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2014/08/07/veterans-legislation-tested-sanders/13724839/

Bernie Sanders on frontline for veterans

As an antiwar activist who never served in the military and the first self-proclaimed socialist in the U.S. Senate, Bernard Sanders is at initial glance an unusual choice to chair the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

But Sanders, the tousled-haired 71-year-old Vermont independent who took over the committee in January, has embraced the role with a populist gusto that has won him staunch backing from veterans groups.

“That is odd,” said Peter Gaytan, executive director of the American Legion, whose members gave Sanders a warm reception at the organization’s Washington conference in February. “If you look at his leanings, you wouldn’t think he could care so much about veterans, but he does.

<snip>

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/bernie-sanders-on-frontline-for-veterans/2013/04/14/d97c9830-9e04-11e2-a941-a19bce7af755_story.html

<snip>

Stroud is scheduled to present the VFW’s legislative positions at 10 a.m., Wednesday, in testimony before a joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. That evening he will also present Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) with the VFW’s 2015 Congressional Award, which since 1964 has been presented annually to one sitting member of the House or Senate for significant legislative contributions on behalf of those who have worn the uniform.

“With eight years on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee — two of them as chairman — it is no understatement to say that Senator Sanders has taken care of wounded, ill and injured veterans and their surviving family members,” said Stroud. “He has been a commanding voice against changing the COLA calculations for disabled veterans, for the proper care and treatment of women veterans, homeless veterans, for better employment opportunities and improved access to mental health programs, as well as increased congressional oversight of the VA claims processing transformation,” he said.

“And when the VA imploded last year, he was the lead negotiator for the Veterans Access, Choice and accountability Act, which the president signed into law last summer,” said the VFW national commander. “The VA still has an uphill climb to fix what’s broken, to hold employees appropriately accountable, and to restore the faith of veterans in their VA, but veterans everywhere should be proud and comforted to know that this United States senator has their back in Congress.”

<snip>

http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2015-Articles/Ending-Sequestration-Again-Tops-VFW-Legislative-Agenda/

[Autumn]

1. Recommended for Bernie. This is what he does.

I'm content knowing that he will always do what needs to be done.

[SusanaMontana41]

16. Absolutely!

Bernie puts We the (little) People first. He always has.

Candidates with SuperPACs are listening, all right, but not to us.

Want change? VOTE CHANGE! Go Bernie!

[NCTraveler]

2. Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014

Wasn't Rubio a cosponsor? I thought that had wide support in the senate.

[cali]

6. as with most pieces of large legislation

the agreement that something needed to be done swiftly unraveled over the specifics. Republicans as obstructionists, who woulda thunk?

After Blocking Veterans' Health Bill, Republicans Offer Private Sector Alternative

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/03/republicans-veterans-health-bill_n_5440864.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/28/bernie-sanders-veterans-republicans_n_5405608.html

U.S. Senate Republicans block veterans' health bill on budget worry

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/27/us-usa-veterans-congress-idUSBREA1Q26O20140227

A lot of Senators were co-sponsors.

[NCTraveler]

10. Correct.

27 Democrats and 18 republicans cosponsored it in the Senate alone. I remember the debate at the time. For the most part, it was supported by the house, senate, and executive branch. They all wanted to work very quickly after the media storm. Obama worked very hard on it. Of course republicans made a failed attempt at privatization. It's what they do.

Excellent legislation.

https://www.congress.gov/bill/113th-congress/senate-bill/2450

Do you know what the senate vote on it was?

[KG]

3. but what's his plan for gloooobalisssmmm????

[rbnyc]

75. Lmao nt

[kenfrequed]

4. Sanders stands for progressive values!

I plan on backing him all the way!

[stillwaiting]

5. Since the Senate is owned by Wall Street I think the sensible thing to do would be only offer

legislation that is Wall Street approved. We don't need Senators actually offering legislation that serves the average person's interests since there is no chance of that passing, now do we?! What good could come from that?! No, it's better that they don't even try. That'll be much better to encourage and motivate a more and more disenfranchised and apathetic public.

[jwirr]

33. And since they do nothing that is not Wall Street approved the needs of the people will just fall

by the wayside - forgotten forever.

Just adding to your thoughts.

[KG]

9. heh!

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

11. .

.

[NCTraveler]

12. What is this suppose to be? nt.

[daleanime]

14. A little tongue in cheek.....

joshing.

[F4lconF16]

15. Bull.

This is bullying, pure and simple.

[NCTraveler]

19. Now I know what I originally thought to be true.

I have no clue how administrators would leave that member here in good standing. That is major league bullying. If this is what they are like as an adult, I would hate to see what they have left in their wake in life. All while laughing.

[F4lconF16]

27. This site has a nasty history

Of ignoring the bullying of members here, and in particular of women and minorities. And I've only seen the last 3 years or so of it.

And yeah. Scary when you realize all these posters are real people.

[NCTraveler]

30. Once a year for the past four years I have talked to a group of scouts about bullying.

I talk to them about what it does to others and the damage it can cause. In addition, about why it is done and other ways to direct that energy in positive ways. I have a separate meeting with the scout leaders on the same day talking to them about what to look out for and how damaging it truly is. It amazes me how many adults participate in bullying in a blatant and childish manner. From that one post, I can promise there are a line of victims left in that persons wake.

[F4lconF16]

34. Thanks for doing that with the scouts.

To this day, I have never participated in such an intolerant organization. Racism and sexism abounded, and religious bigotry and homophobia were actively encouraged both by scouts and leaders. I spoke up at times, but I wish I had done more. I didn't have the confidence to speak up against them. The adults intimidated and bullied the scouts in that troop who did not agree with them.

I'd like to say it was just my troop, but I found it to be widespread. Having an adult speak on bullying makes an enormous difference in the kids' behavior. When I was a patrol leader, the primary thing I focused on was always cooperation and respect between members. A challenge, but well worth the results. The problem was never the kids, but the adults.

I agree that post says a lot more than it intends to.

[polly7]

50. Yes, it does at times.

The bullying of one particular woman made her physically and emotionally ill. Yet it went on and on and on - to many other women as well. Be careful who you accuse of being the bully - you might be surprised.

[F4lconF16]

51. I only know what I have seen.

And the only person I accused here just posted one of the most downright mean things I have seen on this site, so i'd say it's dead-on accurate.

[polly7]

52. I agree it was mean, but you haven't even come close to seeing the meanest of the mean. nt.

[R B Garr]

56. Me too, I only know what I've seen, BUT some of the biggest stalkers

here of seabeyond have provided links to some these so-called atrocities and they only incriminate themselves. One thread I learned of from the horse's mouth at a related site and it showed what I suspected, as well. You are wise to trust your intuition.

[stonecutter357]

88. wasn't it the DUers you where pming

Being bulled

[polly7]

97. It sure was!!

Just replying exactly in kind to a call-out/bullying thread I hadn't even posted on. You fuck around with me with dishonest, chicken-shit 'bullying' and you're going to get it back, one way or the other.

Not even close to the 'bullying' of a real-life human being for weeks on end making her very ill, then stealing private medical info from a protected group to pm and pass around to get her booted from a host position - then hiding when it was brought out into the open while everyone was trying to figure out what an ignorant fuck would do something like that, actually telling that bullied target her illness wasn't even 'real' - and two and a half years later having the gall to demand an apology from that poster. That's the sort of shit that you're defending, as well a many, many call-outs of others with nothing but LIES and bullying to 'educate' lmfao posters who dared disagree - good for you!!! I just keep it real, myself.

[NaturalHigh]

117. I wasn't in those threads, but I've been told about it...

by several DUers whom I trust. Anyone who would bully someone with their private medical information should be kicked off this board. That goes way beyond just an internet grudge.

[polly7]

120. I thought so.

It was disgusting.

[NaturalHigh]

121. Was it reported to the admins?

[polly7]

122. I believe the pm being sent around was also sent to admins in hopes of persuading

them that the poster was unfit to lead a group. I could be wrong, but that is what I was told.

[NaturalHigh]

123. Do you still have the PM?

[polly7]

124. Oh no... I never had it. I was told of it by the person they were targeting.

First I guess though from the poster (now gone ) who posted a thread for all of us to try to understand why it was so harmful.

[NaturalHigh]

125. I would be very interested in seeing that.

I've been on the end of some pretty nasty attacks but nothing like that.

[hifiguy]

128. There are a few here who are quite literally above the law

including those creeps.

One such creep was even allowed to return to DU after being discovered red-handed using sock puppets. That used to be a tombstoned forever offense. But some animals are more equal than others here.

[hifiguy]

127. I have yet to puzzle through whether that one's viciousness/nastiness

exceeds her petulance and genuinely Palinesque incoherence or vice-versa. It's a lose-lose situation.

[KMOD]

25. +

[NaturalHigh]

26. What? Seriously?

[Comrade Grumpy]

42. Ridiculing incoherence does not equal bullying.

[Dragonfli]

59. It was a good impersonation, but for English as a second language posters patience might be better

I can barely understand that poster, and sometimes not at all, but it is hard to speak in a different language, If I tried my Spanish I doubt I'd make much sense to to those that speak it fluently.

I thought the hide and the pearl clutching was way over the top, especially the pearl clutching drama, but for foreign posters one should try to be patient, even if they are incoherent at times like this one is most of the time.

[cali]

72. that poster's native language is English

[Dragonfli]

73. You know Cali, I give up, I tried to be understanding about

a poster that appears incoherent to me, I tried a few times to communicate with the poster and got nasty replies or was ignored, I tried to understand, thinking it was a language problem and got my head chewed off by a poster implying there may be a different reason, such as a disability, I tried to be supportive of that and got my head chewed off again.

Fuck understanding, fuck the benefit of the doubt, at least you post facts and can be understood without taking 3 tabs of acid.

I don't always agree with you, but you do know how to communicate your ideas and make cogent arguments.

I don't get why I am supposed to bend over backwards pretending word salad is lucid insightful discussion only to be insulted no matter how I respond.

Good luck with your stalker, I don't do unreasonable posters with dedicated supporters that enable nasty vague bullshit.

I am just going to ignore that one, it makes no sense to continue trying to make sense of the nonsensical.



I actually thought the only possible answer was I was dealing with ESL translation problems with a singular poster and find instead a really weird and committed group that can not function outside of a pack that refuse to admit that gibberish does not impart pearls of wisdom.

[Puglover]

90. As I said in another thread.

I have a great deal of respect for anyone that can make it through the word salads. Really. I cannot and so I don't engage.

[Dragonfli]

61. I realize patience is in order with the foreign posters that have difficulty writing english

but I don't think Ivan is a bully, I think he just doesn't realize the poster is obviously ESL.

I usually ask ESL posters politely to try to rephrase so that I can understand them, that has worked well with Mylee when her writing was difficult to understand. I have tried it with sea a couple of times but she just ignores my requests, the author as an ESL poster should also understand and try to rephrase when the English attempts are not as clear as they had hoped, it is a two way street.

[F4lconF16]

62. Maybe she is ESL, maybe not.

I don't know. But it doesn't matter. Why would it be okay to mock someone for how they write?

First, I think Seabeyond's writing is perfectly understandable. Most posters don't have any problems understanding her--even the ones who complain. Those who don't are purposefully misunderstanding. I know this because they have no problem responding to her when they're attacking her.

Second, I don't really care whether she is ESL or not. I don't know, and it's none of my business. Either way, it is inappropriate and nasty to mock someone for their speech or writing, period.

Some people never learned how--our education system is screwed up as hell, who can blame them? By attacking their writing, you are doing just that.

Many people have speech impediments and learning disabilities--going to mock them for it? You could be, for all you know on the internet. And that really hurts people--believe me, I've seen people in tears for it.

Some people have had brain injuries or mental disabilities that leave them barely able to concentrate and focus on things. Are they appropriate targets?

It isn't right to attack someone for their writing. There is a big difference between asking for clarification and the juvenile and nasty comments posted in this thread.

[Dragonfli]

64. I didn't know she had a learning disability, I apologoize

I have asked politely for clarification a few times and been ignored, I also really and truly without embellishment can say I barely understand the longer posts (just some parts of them), but I feel bad, at least she tries, she may not communicate well, but to do so at all with such impediments is actually rather impressive to me, I honestly thought it was just a second language thing.

I will rec her from now on even when I don't understand what is trying to be communicated in order to encourage the high achievement in the face of such odds.

It is not as important to understand what someone is posting OPs about as it is to recognize and encourage the effort just to post.

Having only a 10th grade education and having to go the self education via reading route, I get the effort, it was hard for me when I was younger trying to talk to college educated folks and it took me a few years to catch up, but I did because I tried! They understand me now even if at times we disagree and that took a lot of work and embarrassment on my part along the way..

[F4lconF16]

66. Reading is your friend.

I never said she has a disability. Actually, I specifically said I had no clue, and didn't really care. If it's nothing more than how she likes to write, that's fine with me. Another poster here uses a different font that makes it significantly less readable to me than different writing styles, but I don't expect them to change that (though they were nice enough to offer).

but to do so at all with such impediments is actually rather impressive to me, I honestly thought it was just a second language thing.

I will rec her from now on even when I don't understand what is trying to be communicated in order to encourage the high achievement in the face of such odds.

How condescending of you. She doesn't need your praise to encourage her. Actually, cool story, most people with disabilities don't need your "help", either--they'd rather you just respect them.

And here's one other thing: if you think she needs encouragement to write well, you haven't read many of her posts. I learned more from Seabeyond than almost anyone else when I first joined this site, and it was her words as well as others here (including ones bullied off this site) that helped me to understand my bisexuality. She sees our society in many exceptionally insightful ways, and I will continue to enjoy her writing here as long as I can. She is one heck of a smart, intelligent woman, and it's pretty sad that you aren't recognizing that.

I realize you're probably trying to be nice about all this. But what you're saying and defending is kinda messed up.

Last thing: props on teaching yourself to read and write better. That is a heck of a hard thing to do.

(Oh, and Seabeyond, if you read this, my apologies. I don't mean to speak for you, if it's coming off that way).

[eloydude]

80. Dicloctian comes to mind..

She is Norwegian. English isn't her first language.

[City Lights]

17. It's making fun of another DUer.

I'm glad it was hidden.

[NCTraveler]

20. That is what I originall thought.

Excellent hide. Some hides are simple.

[sufrommich]

43. That may by the meanest post I've ever seen on DU.

At least by someone who didn't get a pizza delivered for it. Those of you applauding it should know that I know 14 year olds that have more empathy and common sense than you've displayed.

[NaturalHigh]

118. If that's the meanest post you've ever seen here...

well, I don't even know what I could say that you wouldn't consider "mean."

[tkmorris]

13. Nailed it!

I am entertained.

[cali]

18. what a bullshit hide.

but it sure says something that that garble was identified for what it was- though it actually took me a couple of minutes.

[seabeyond]

29. though you can throw up a bullshit title to attack me? right.

[stevenleser]

40. You're kidding me right? Seabeyond and I have had knockdown dragouts galore but I never did

something like that. Mimicking her prose like that is something the admins should look at as tombstone-worthy.

That is absolute bullshit.

[F4lconF16]

49. +1

This should be sent to the admins. How does one do so?

[R B Garr]

55. Totally right! It is absolute bullshit and just sick. n/t

[City Lights]

58. I couldn't agree more...

Mimicking her prose like that is something the admins should look at as tombstone-worthy.

[Bobbie Jo]

67. +1

5th grade lunchroom level.

Glad it was hidden. Someone else pulled the same stunt the other day, a jury allowed it to stand. This place gets more mean-spirited by the day.

Pitiful.

[Dragonfli]

48. It is comically tragic that BrotehrIvan is being called a racist bully.

Since the brother is a brother, just goes to show how over used that tactic is in targeting those that don't tow the corporate line.

[JaneyVee]

77. Who said racist?

[Dragonfli]

81. The lynch mob has been implying exactly that

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1002&pid=6672486

[JaneyVee]

82. Your link didn't imply racism on the part of poster.

[Dragonfli]

84. bull, they were talking about how horrible he was when it just "came up"

I get sick of these games, people want a posters head on a platter? Fine, it's much easier than debating that poster, but don't play coy about it. If y'all want my head added to the menu? fine as well, but I don't have to be a part of the baiting game, I could just not pay attention to the headhunters, coy or not.

[stevenleser]

92. No they didn't. That post said people are mean to women and minorities. You can't pretend you

don't see the women part of that.

[Dragonfli]

93. Yes I forgot the other part of the smear. not as ironic but just as typical /nt

[stevenleser]

94. So you are acknowledging you falsely accused folks of accusing that poster of being racist or not?

Or are you hoping we forget that?

[Dragonfli]

95. by acknowledging I only mentioned half the smear tactic? You learn a lot at FOX eh?

I was remiss, I should have mentioned you guys are going after Ivan with both barrels of slander that you , quite frankly, overuse so much it has become less effective. Paint Ivan as a horrid caricature, but don't ever debate him, that might not work to your advantage, I get it.

[stevenleser]

99. So you continue not to acknowledge your mistake and add an ad-hominem to your wriggling? nt

[AgingAmerican]

83. I think it is bullying

I don't really get along with the target of that post, but I don't think she deserves to be taunted and made fun of for her writing style. Not everyone is eloquent or types well. I think it's cruel to do that to anyone.

I saw a girl cruelly taunted for a year in Jr High school, and it still nauseates me when I think about it.

[TDale313]

85. It was a well deserved hide

For a rude personal attack. Which are not allowed or acceptable even if you really, really disagree with someone. It truly shocks me how some people treat her. I don't agree with her (or anyone) on every issue, but wouldn't dream of saying to *anyone* some of the abuse I've seen hurled at her.

[Sunlei]

21. He has always been a great Senator, wish we could clone him!

[m-lekktor]

22. k & r !

[Jack Rabbit]

23. In a gilded age characterized by bought-and-paid-for politicians, this is a good thing

K/R

[kentuck]

24. Bernie is a strong supporter of our veterans.

Like all good "socialists".

[seabeyond]

28. "lefty who does nothing but pull political stunts" is that what was said or storytelling?

[cali]

35. why yes, seab; it most certainly has been said- repeatedly

I'm not allowed to name names alas. I'd be delighted to do so. And gee, seab, YOU yourself just wrote an op accusing him of pulling a political stunt. memory problems or.....

I don't do the storytelling thing. that's your little schtick.

[seabeyond]

36. are you allowed to call clinton out when she does a political stunt? does that mean you are saying

ALL she does is political stunts?

that is really how you process any reasonable conversation?

[cali]

45. Anyone can call out or criticize any candidate. And I sure as hell don't

have a problem with that. I think I've been clear. I have a problem with passive aggressive, less than honest word salad.

And I don't believe it's possible to have a reasonable conversation with people who don't communicate clearly.

[seabeyond]

46. except you seem to understand me clearly, replying to my posts, fabricating an argument

YET.... continue with

passive aggressive, less than honest word salad.

amazing, that

[cali]

47. I'm good at guessing and you are pretty transparent.

[Number23]

63. Exactly. And the fevered "explanations" of Bernie's actions-which are just one example of principled

and decisive action after another, of course -- all while shitting on and screaming at anyone who tries to do the same for the president is just too stupid and hypocritical to be for real.

[Dont call me Shirley]

31. Bernie, always thinking about and doing for the underserved.

[Kalidurga]

32. It looks like you are rattling some cages today

[L0oniX]

60. Not even a pic of Hillary with Kissinger or a Goldman Sachs ref.

It's not like the op had links like this:
http://www.businessinsider.com/hillary-clinton-goldman-sachs-speeches-2013-10?op=1
Hillary Clinton Raked In Around $400,000 Speaking At Goldman Sachs

...or pictures like this:

[Kalidurga]

65. Why use an elephant gun when a pea shooter will do?

[sabrina 1]

37. Bernie is a fighter. He doesn't quit when a bill that SHOULD have wide support and pass easily,

is left to either languish, which happens to so many bills that are good for the people, or blocked, he goes back and tries it again.

[d_legendary1]

44. One of the reasons I support the guy!

He's one of the only members of congress who puts forth meaningful legislation to help the middle class. In other words a Senator who does his job like he's supposed to.

[marym625]

38. K&R!

And all without sleeping with the banks

[Ichingcarpenter]

39. Geez........ complete sentences and a coherent OP

plus references?................. i thought. when. i wrote. things. i actually expect information. respectfully.

[Comrade Grumpy]

41. Careful, you big bully, you.

[hifiguy]

54. That really deserves a DUzy

[Bobbie Jo]

68. No it doesn't.

Besides, the only one who did the DU'zys worth a darn has left this site because of the mean-spirited clique who runs roughshod over anyone they deem unworthy.

So, no, it doesn't. Really.

[hifiguy]

69. We will just have to agree to disagree then.

I have been on the receiving end of that passive-aggressive Palinisque horseshit too many times to keep letting it pass. and I am nly one of many who have.

[Bobbie Jo]

70. And

The DU'zys were NEVER about what was "funny" about ridiculing another DU'er.

Never.

There's no agree to disagree here, you're just flat out wrong.

[polly7]

100. As have I, and many other posters who did nothing to deserve it.

Karma can sometimes be a bit mean ......... but stomp all over people and accuse them of the most horrendous things - complete fabricated lies, do it for years on end - and eventually it will come right back around to you. Most people seem to learn from it, some will claim the right to continue on, as they see absolutely nothing wrong whatsoever with their actions, no matter how hurtful and dishonest.

[hifiguy]

101. You and Warren De M were in my mind

as I wrote that, and some others as well.

[opiate69]

126. ...

[F4lconF16]

57. And the double down.

Of course.

You guys are a real hoot, ya know that?

[questionseverything]

53. sanders got a one time audit of the fed accomplished

http://www.sanders.senate.gov/newsroom/press-releases/the-fed-audit

Home> Newsroom> Press Releases> Press Release

The Fed Audit
Thursday, July 21, 2011

The first top-to-bottom audit of the Federal Reserve uncovered eye-popping new details about how the U.S. provided a whopping $16 trillion in secret loans to bail out American and foreign banks and businesses during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. An amendment by Sen. Bernie Sanders to the Wall Street reform law passed one year ago this week directed the Government Accountability Office to conduct the study. "As a result of this audit, we now know that the Federal Reserve provided more than $16 trillion in total financial assistance to some of the largest financial institutions and corporations in the United States and throughout the world," said Sanders. "This is a clear case of socialism for the rich and rugged, you're-on-your-own individualism for everyone else."

Among the investigation's key findings is that the Fed unilaterally provided trillions of dollars in financial assistance to foreign banks and corporations from South Korea to Scotland, according to the GAO report. "No agency of the United States government should be allowed to bailout a foreign bank or corporation without the direct approval of Congress and the president," Sanders said.

The non-partisan, investigative arm of Congress also determined that the Fed lacks a comprehensive system to deal with conflicts of interest, despite the serious potential for abuse. In fact, according to the report, the Fed provided conflict of interest waivers to employees and private contractors so they could keep investments in the same financial institutions and corporations that were given emergency loans.

[840high]

71. Kick for Bernie.

[rbnyc]

74. I would rather someone try to do what is right 100 times...

...and succeed once, than someone try to do only what they think will succeed regardless of whether it is right.

[arcane1]

76. Exactly! n/t

[rbnyc]

79. I've been coming here a lot lately..

...after long absence. Some of the conversations are really driving me nuts. But it's very good to see some old friends.

[JEB]

78. K&R Bernie is a worker and a fighter for what is best for our country.

[cantbeserious]

86. I Will No Longer Settle For The Lesser Of Two Evils - Go Bernie Go

eom

[stonecutter357]

87. the NRA likes him to

[cali]

89. nope. they bestow an F on him

I happen to think that's political bullshit, by it's a fact

[Babel_17]

91. Sanders has the amazing ability to recognize what's right, and then support it

Yes, what's amazing is that it's not common.

[seabeyond]

96. you started a thread, to diss me. my mra pals came in to bathe in the stink with you. not the first

time, by a long shot.

you really are not getting away with much, creating an OP to diss me, cali. i am pretty sure you get that, too. i imagine you are comfortable with a thread ridiculing, mocking, insulting me. i am probably the only one here on du, that can be dissed to this extent and nothing is done. repeatedly. OP's of dissing. ATA.

hosts wont lock these threads but man did they lock one quick that was saying something nice about me. you know, my patience with this juvenile shit. juries wont hide it. further, jurors will diss me in their 'explanation' comment. calling me a bitch and more. all kinds of stuff. a violent, vulgar, rape porn fantasy from at least one. personal threats thru pms.

one OP about a shriveled old uterus that cant 'bare no fruit'.

i was told the poster was drunk and having a bad night. give him a break. leave him alone. why cant you be sympathetic to his needs....

i had an x wife sign up to pm me, and tell me to watch out for a poster. in real life.

i challenge anyone to show, where i have 'earned, deserved' that. i challenge anyone, to show me where i have been nasty to a single one of you.

i cannot tell you the number of times a poster in this thread has called me out in threads and subthreads that were purely about insulting me, mouthing off about me, saying nasty shit. taunting, insulting, ridiculing threads. when this poster is called out on it? he says i deserve it because i have done so much worse to him. he has said it a number of times. he gets to be nasty to me because i have been much worse in the past. i have yet to reply or challenge any of these posts. i have stayed quiet and allow the insult. i do not reply to most of these people that are allowed to be as nasty to me as they want to be, and du is ok with it. as are administrators. and hosts.

this poster, in this very thread, cannot even find one post i have been mean to him. disagree? ya. and often. mean? never. not one. but he is allowed to continually say how mean i am. that i deserve an op like yours. and posters thru out your op saying nasty shit to me.

not one person can find history where i was mean. focused, aggressive, blunt in conversation? ya. yup. and that is what pisses you and others off, so. but, i am allowed to civilly be blunt, focused, aggressive. that, is not against the rules. be smarter than me, and you have my ass. it is really simple. you do not need insult, if you beat me in debate. you won. oh.... or, start a thread to diss me.

now, how many times have you called me a liar in the last couple three weeks?

and it stands.

you do not have to prove it. as a matter of fact, you have my words. you say i am lying. cause you just know better. you have no evidence. further, what i post does show absolute support of sanders campaign. yet you say you can call me a liar because it is so obvious to you and you just know better. so, you create an OP to diss me. and have my mra pals help you out here. quite a high road for you.

how many times have you called me a liar?

when i have yours or others agenda's ass, and you and others cannot fuckin wiggle out, you start with the insults. the same ole, predictable, .... try to get me locked or hidden to shut me up. insult me. ridicule me. tell me what i type does not matter, cause you 'know' better. and it is allowed.

it does not matter if it is sanders, clinton, politics or gender issues (and for most? it is the feminism that pisses them off. these are the people you align yourself with).

we have this message board, that i have contributed to, worked for, participated on, for over a decade.

i stand by what i post. and i stand by my integrity, too. prove me wrong. other than hyperbole, fabricated accusations, or you just know, or just slinging shit to see what sticks....

you have a thread to be as nasty as you all choose, here on du. and yet, ... i am the one that deserves it. i am the meanie. i am the one picking on you all.

this has happened for three years. it is pretty damn clear.

what part of this post are you not understanding, cali? cause all you have to do is ask, and i will clarify it for you. (see what a meanie i am?) seeing how you and most of these other people are reading my words well, ... knowing damn well what i am saying, then start your word salad shit to insult me, what do you not understand? where are you confused? you are predictable in that you often address me merely with insults. gasp, like this OP. it is a tool used, here on du, for the last couple years. same people. too many du members are able to understand what i say, especially if they are following the conversation. we talk about it often enough. generally when the guys start their attacks in this manner. different du'ers thru pms. people that are not participating may be clueless. those of us in the same threads, clearly know what each of us are saying.

like the poster above playing at the feigned ignorance. playing a damn game. is this seabeyonds second language? she is coming from a second language! mental deficit.... oh that is it. well. she has learning disabilities. (see, now someone who does not understand the conversation will not get my comment. word salad to them. the poster that said i had learning disabilities totally gets what i am saying). no mystery. and we know it.

that poster saying i must have learning disabilities is toying with another poster that thinks he is speaking to someone who is sincere. just a nice guy that chats wit me often, who steps on no ones toes. saying, gosh, you guys are being mean. you know, a sincere poster.

ya, whoever you are above, it is the learning disabilities. along with being emotionally damaged (mens group insult) and so much more. telling me who i am. giggle giggle, right cali? cause i deserve it.

prove it. prove i deserve OPs dissing me. and posters allowed to diss me. and jurors able to diss me. host, actively working against, and ATA threads dissing me.

out of all the posters on du. i am the one. that is that mean.

i deserve it.

how seriously do you think i should really take this, cali?

[NaturalHigh]

112. The OP is about Bernie Sanders. You were never even mentioned.

Just sayin...

[cyberswede]

115. In public this time: she didn't start the thread to diss you

She started the thread to refute the idea that Sanders pulled a stunt.

Hosts didn't lock this thread because:
A - it wasn't alerted
B - it isn't against the SoP for GD (not meta or any other reason)

------------
Did other people come into the thread and act like assholes toward you? Yes.

Is that cali's fault? No.

------------
I know some DUers are horrible to you. I see many in this thread acting like assholes. That's really too bad, and I'm sorry that happens to you; you don't deserve it. But cali isn't the culprit here.

[NaturalHigh]

119. "mra pals"

Where do you even come up with this stuff?

[polly7]

98. K&R. Good thread - lots of info in your OP.

I wish we had a Bernie up here.

[woo me with science]

102. kick

[seabeyond]

103. says a lot about kicking an OP that is about insulting me, and a thread of MRA pals

ridiculing, mocking, and insulting me.

[woo me with science]

106. Here is the entire text of the OP.

Actually, it's a substantive rebuttal post with lots of links to important information about Bernie's actual record. Not an insult in the entire thing.

We need more OP's like this, countering the disinformation and smear that passes for political discourse from the corporate messengers. This OP offers valuable, concrete information about Bernie's record, in contrast to the empty smear that prompted it. And it earned 152 recs.

Bernie: lefty who does nothing but pull political stunts and fail legislatively. Except this:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026671818

One example- and there are more. Yes, he introduces legislation that fails, but he's dogged and has his successes, such as this and getting a big pile of money into the ACA for CHCs (Community Health Centers that charge on a sliding scale as well as taking insurance and that provide much needed care) The Veterans bill fight was not easy going as the WaPo and other contemporaneous accounts make clear

Bernie has an excellent record of negotiating successfully on Veterans issues, and Veterans organizations have honored him for his work and dedication, more than once.

Veterans' bill tested Sanders' leadership

WASHINGTON – Sen. Bernie Sanders had his doubts that he'd reach a compromise with Republicans on a reform bill for veterans' health care.

Congressional support for action was high, fueled by national outrage involving lengthy patient wait times that might have led to the deaths of some veterans. But Sanders, an independent from Vermont who chairs the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, said he rode a "roller coaster" of challenges leading up to final passage of the bill, which President Barack Obama signed early Thursday afternoon.

From the beginning, Sanders said, he found himself fending off Republican "piecemeal" approaches to the legislation. Some Republicans also demanded new spending in the bill be offset with cuts to other programs, an idea Sanders also fought.

<snip>

Passage of the legislation — the Veterans' Access to Care through Choice, accountability, and Transparency Act of 2014 — means the "do-nothing Congress" legitimately can claim to have risen above the partisan rancor and done something.

Norm Ornstein, a congressional scholar at the American Enterprise Institute, called it "the first encouraging sign that the last stages of the 113th Congress will not be a total, embarrassing failure."

<snip>

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/story/news/politics/2014/08/07/veterans-legislation-tested-sanders/13724839/

Bernie Sanders on frontline for veterans

As an antiwar activist who never served in the military and the first self-proclaimed socialist in the U.S. Senate, Bernard Sanders is at initial glance an unusual choice to chair the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee.

But Sanders, the tousled-haired 71-year-old Vermont independent who took over the committee in January, has embraced the role with a populist gusto that has won him staunch backing from veterans groups.

“That is odd,” said Peter Gaytan, executive director of the American Legion, whose members gave Sanders a warm reception at the organization’s Washington conference in February. “If you look at his leanings, you wouldn’t think he could care so much about veterans, but he does.

<snip>

http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/bernie-sanders-on-frontline-for-veterans/2013/04/14/d97c9830-9e04-11e2-a941-a19bce7af755_story.html

<snip>

Stroud is scheduled to present the VFW’s legislative positions at 10 a.m., Wednesday, in testimony before a joint hearing of the Senate and House Veterans Affairs Committees in the Dirksen Senate Office Building. That evening he will also present Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) with the VFW’s 2015 Congressional Award, which since 1964 has been presented annually to one sitting member of the House or Senate for significant legislative contributions on behalf of those who have worn the uniform.

“With eight years on the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee — two of them as chairman — it is no understatement to say that Senator Sanders has taken care of wounded, ill and injured veterans and their surviving family members,” said Stroud. “He has been a commanding voice against changing the COLA calculations for disabled veterans, for the proper care and treatment of women veterans, homeless veterans, for better employment opportunities and improved access to mental health programs, as well as increased congressional oversight of the VA claims processing transformation,” he said.

“And when the VA imploded last year, he was the lead negotiator for the Veterans Access, Choice and accountability Act, which the president signed into law last summer,” said the VFW national commander. “The VA still has an uphill climb to fix what’s broken, to hold employees appropriately accountable, and to restore the faith of veterans in their VA, but veterans everywhere should be proud and comforted to know that this United States senator has their back in Congress.”

<snip>

http://www.vfw.org/News-and-Events/Articles/2015-Articles/Ending-Sequestration-Again-Tops-VFW-Legislative-Agenda/

[NaturalHigh]

113. Again...please point out ONE insult in the OP.

Point out ONE single place you are even mentioned. Not everything is about you.

[pintobean]

114. Once too often

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026711107#post3

[NaturalHigh]

116. Didn't see that.

[R B Garr]

104. Nice stunt.

[pintobean]

105. Thanks. I had missed it. /nt

[darkangel218]

107. K&R!

[pintobean]

109. Hey.

Haven't seen you around for a while.

[pintobean]

108. kicking for exposure

[woo me with science]

110. kick

[NaturalHigh]

111. I'm a veteran, and I do appreciate a lot of what Bernie has done.

I'm sticking with Hillary Clinton, though.