Bernie's brand of socialism in his own words... I'll take it!

[ram2008]

I know many people on here are desperate to change the subject and want to show Bernie as some sort of dictator who would take all over all private companies, but that couldn't be further from the truth. No matter how many statements are taken out of context and no matter how many transparent attempts there are to mischaracterize his beliefs his stance has always clear.

Bernie has explained countless times what socialism means to him, and what his brand of it would mean for our country, and it is something that most people could, should and probably believe in as well. This is not an unpopular opinion, nor is it something that makes someone unelectable, these ideas are what America wants and what America needs:

AMY GOODMAN: And if people ask, "What do you mean, 'socialist'?" what would you say?

REP. BERNIE SANDERS: Well, I think it means the government has got to play a very important role in making sure that as a right of citizenship, all of our people have healthcare; that as a right, all of our kids, regardless of income, have quality childcare, are able to go to college without going deeply into debt; that it means we do not allow large corporations and moneyed interests to destroy our environment; that we create a government in which it is not dominated by big money interest. I mean, to me, it means democracy, frankly. That’s all it means. And we are living in an increasingly undemocratic society in which decisions are made by people who have huge sums of money. And that’s the goal that we have to achieve.

http://www.newrepublic.com/article/121680/bernie-sanders-democratic-socialist-not-just-socialist

So whenever someone yells "socialist!" and "unelectable!!" perhaps we can educate them on what the word "Socialism" actually means to Bernie and what it would mean for our country. For me, I'll take it!

[RobertEarl]

1. Thank you

We may end having to ram this into some really thick skulls the next 14 months, but let's hope they can just read and understand this simple statement all on their own.

[Skwmom]

2. Thanks for the post. n/t

[sabrina 1]

3. I'll take it also. Look at what we have now, do people seriously want to continue

down the road we are on, or become more like Norther European nations where the people are the first concern of their governments, NOT the MIC and Wall St at the COST of the people?

We have a child poverty rate that should have Americans out on the streets demanding what Bernie is talking about. And of course we can get it by voting for him and for candidates for Congress who agree with him and are not bought and paid for by Wall St.

[DanTex]

4. Apparently he's evolved from wanting the government to own the major means of production.

Which is a good thing, evolution. Live and learn.

Still, being a socialist isn't going to fly with the electorate.

[ram2008]

5. Just like Hillary evolved form being a Goldwater Girl

Still hasn't evolved from being a neocon though, unfortunately.

[DanTex]

6. Yes when she was a teenager. Bernie was 46 and governor of Vermont in 1987.

On edit: I meant mayor of Burlington, not gov of Vermont.

[ram2008]

8. Bernie was governor of vermont?

Fact checking isn't your strength is it?

[beam me up scottie]

10. LMAO!!!

BUSTED!

Just pulling their facts out of ... somewhere!

[DanTex]

12. Sorry mayor of Burlington, my mistake. 46 I'm pretty sure was his age, born in 41.

[slipslidingaway]

11. Governor of Vermont, post a link to that fact please ...

[DanTex]

13. Mayor of Burlington, my mistake.

[slipslidingaway]

16. No problem, we all make mistakes ...

it just reminds us to check the facts.



Must say though that I would love to have Bernie's energy and steadfast conviction for certain issues.

[Armstead]

14. Yes When he was Governor he nationalized the Maple Syrup Industry

He was going for the Cheese Industry, but the cows revolted

[DanTex]

15. Yes, haha, I mistook governor of VT for mayor of Burlington.

Who knew I could make so many people happy with one simple little error!

[brooklynite]

7. Now all you have to do is convince 100 million voters who don't hang out on political blogs...

[ram2008]

9. We're working on it

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[Juicy_Bellows]

17. Love it!

[LWolf]

18. His own words. Thanks.

I don't think too many of the 99% disagree with this.