I'm undecided, and I have some questions for Bernie Sanders.

[Meldread]

This is the first primary election cycle for President that I have ever been undecided. There are a few reasons that I am undecided (though I'd prefer to support Sanders just from an ideological point of view), but I have some issues and questions that I want addressed. So, let me get right into them.

Issue 1: The Revolution. Bernie Sanders has said that he wants a revolution to change the system. I agree that a revolution is necessary, but I am not sure if Bernie Sanders is the right person to lead it. Furthermore, I am not completely sure of what his idea of revolution entails and whether or not it squares with mine. So, here are my questions regarding the revolution.

Question 1: Is Bernie Sanders calling for a "voting" revolution or a "real" revolution? Asked another way, is Bernie Sanders talking about working inside the system or outside of it?

Question 2: If Bernie Sanders is calling for us to work from within the system, how is this a revolution, and how does it fix the problem? We all agree that the system is corrupt and broken. We all agree that money controls too much of our politics. We all agree that the main stream media is in the bag for the establishment. We all agree that the establishment is opposed to Bernie's campaign platform. So, if he's calling for us to work from within the system, rather than outside of it, how does he suppose that will work and not ultimately fail because the system itself is corrupt and broken?

Question 3: How does Bernie Sanders intend the revolution to deal with the Establishment and recalcitrant Democrats that will not support the agenda? I think this personally goes right to the heart of the type of revolution Bernie is calling for and whether or not it will be enough. Does he intend to go after Democrats that will not get on board by supporting alternative candidates in their primaries? If not, then how does he plan to force Establishment and recalcitrant Democrats to get on board with his agenda? What is his power and leverage over them?

Question 4: How does Bernie Sanders intend to deal with Republicans in Congress? Obviously, to get his agenda through, he is going to have to get a lot of it passed through Congress. It is all but certain that Republicans will remain in control of the House, and that Democrats will not have a Super Majority in the Senate after 2016. How does he plan to navigate that, and still keep his campaign promises?

Question 5: This is a broader question, but it goes to the heart of the tactics and strategy of the revolution. Right now, Republicans control 70 percent of state legislatures, more than 60 percent of governors, and 55 percent of attorneys general and secretaries of state. Redistricting is coming up in 2020. Obviously, districts are gerrymandered in favor of Republicans. We need control of those governorships, state legislatures, attorneys general, and secretaries of state so that we can redistrict things in our favor and get Republican obstructionists out of Congress. In fact, if Bernie Sanders intends to work through the system this is mandatory. What are his plans to accomplish this?

Question 6: We all know the mainstream media favors the Establishment in both parties. How does Bernie Sanders intend to overcome the media problem so that his message is actually heard by the people?

Question 7: We all know the Establishment in the Democratic Party is working against him. How does he plan to deal with the Establishment during this campaign? In particular, how does he intend to deal with Debbie Wasserman Schultz, who we all know (or at least anyone who is honest) is rigging things for Hillary? Does he intend to go after her? If not, then why not?

Question 8: Finally, on this issue of Revolution, does Bernie Sanders intend to seize control of the Democratic National Committee and the state Democratic Parties? This touches on the last question, but part of his success is going to depend on throwing Establishment Democrats out of power, and having his supporters seize control of the reigns of the Democratic Party infrastructure. Does he intend on doing this? If not, then why not?

Issue 2: The Domestic Policy Proposals. I believe this is the heart of Bernie Sanders' campaign. As a liberal, I obviously don't have any objections to his proposals. However, I do have some questions on how they'll be implemented, and some questions on how he intends to handle some of the problems we might face.

Question 9: During the debate Bernie Sanders basically said that he wants policies similar to Denmark. Specifically, he wants Single Payer Healthcare, Free Public College Tuition For All, Increased and Expanded Social Security, Free Childcare For All, and Paid Family Leave. I believe that's all, though there may be more. Obviously, this is going to cost money. Bernie Sanders says more-or-less that he intends to pay for all of this by taxing the rich and Wall Street. Without seeing a firm and exact plan, I can't say if those numbers pan out. However, I do know that is not how Denmark does it, and I highly suspect that even if we taxed the 1% at 100% it wouldn't be enough to cover everything Bernie wants to spend. Denmark accomplishes these things by taxing everyone--including the middle class. Right now in the United States, local, state, and federal taxes combined to roughly 25 percent of our national income. In Denmark their taxes combine to around 50% of their national income. (See statistics here.) This tax income comes from a marginal income tax rate of 56 percent, a 25 percent VAT, and various other taxes (such as carbon tax and a huge tax on cars, just to name a couple). Obviously, the Danes pay a lot in taxes. Is Bernie Sanders opposed to raising similar taxes on the middle class in the United States, if it is required to pay for the programs he is proposing?

Question 10: I am going to assume that Bernie Sanders is committed to his proposals, regardless of the need to raise taxes on the middle class. I am also going to assume that his proposals do require him to raise taxes on more than just the 1% and Wall Street. (See previous question for the reasons I make this assumption.) One of the things Scandinavian countries like Denmark have going for them is that they are culturally and ethnically homogeneous. (See why this is important here.) The United States is more ethnically and culturally diverse than those countries, and this impedes our ability to get people to buy into a strong social welfare system. ("I don't want to pay for those people.&quot How does Bernie Sanders intend to overcome this problem?

Question 11: What are Bernie Sanders views on housing? I am in favor of something similar to the Singapore model. A huge problem we have, especially when it comes to education, is that the poor (and in particular those who are poor and racial minorities) tend to be ghettoized. This in turn exacerbates the problems with policing (as they target entire communities), and has a tendency to keep those who are poor... well... poor. A lot of the problem is situated on housing, and I am curious as to what Bernie Sanders has to say on this, as well as his plans in this regard.

Question 12: What are Bernie Sanders top priorities when it comes to social policies? We know where he stands on economic policies, but what is at the top of his social agenda? Hillary Clinton has said that she intends to make the Equality Act her highest priority if elected President. As a gay man, this is super important to me, and I am curious where Bernie Sander's head is on these issues. I know we can count on him to support queer issues, but I am curious as to what his priorities are and how hard he'll fight. I want him to devote as much energy as he does to economic equality to social equality as well. You can't have one without the other. LGBT people can't enjoy an increase in the minimum wage, for example, if we are getting fired from our jobs.

Question 13: I watched an interview Bernie Sanders had with Bill Maher, and to be honest I didn't really feel he gave a good answer. In fact, throughout most of the interview Bernie didn't seem to do a good job, despite Maher giving him every opportunity to knock it out of the park. However, two issues together bothered me. First, he didn't answer the question about Vermont not adopting single payer healthcare, and the reason being that it cost so much money. He sort of dodged that entirely. Second, and this was the larger point Bill Maher was making (which was in response to Bernie's point), that the way most countries control the cost of healthcare isn't that they simply cut out insurance companies. They control and manipulate both ends. They control how much hospitals can charge for certain things, for example, and in the case of countries like the U.K. the government actually runs the entire healthcare system. So, the question to Bernie Sanders is the following, as part of a single payer system does he intend to have the government exert influence over hospitals and doctors in order to keep the costs down like in other countries? If not, then how does he plan to control costs?

Question 14: How liberal is Bernie Sanders on immigration? I know that he is obviously in favor of comprehensive immigration reform, however is he in favor of a more open borders policy? Where does he stand on the exploitation of guest workers? I literally know next to nothing about Bernie Sanders plans on immigration.

Question 15: Another immigration question. I have a huge concern for my queer brothers and sisters around the world. I want to know if Bernie Sanders would support a type of immigration policy for queer people in countries in which they are persecuted, similar to the pre-1990's Cuban immigration policy. Basically, in short, if you are queer and you have a way to get to the United States, you are welcomed instantly. You will not be deported. One year after arrival you can apply for legal residency status, and some time after that you can become a United States citizen. I am wondering if Bernie Sanders would support such a policy, and further would he apply some funding to help LGBT people in desperate situations around the world (via our embassies) to escape their home countries and come to the United States to escape persecution? Is Bernie Sanders willing to step up here?

Issue 3: The Foreign Policy Proposals. To be honest, I feel Bernie Sanders is fairly sparse here. However, I want to know more.

Question 16: During the debate it is clear that Bernie Sanders is not an isolationist. He believes in intervention in some cases, and he cited Kosovo as an example. Has he expanded on this at all? If intervention in Kosovo is acceptable for humanitarian reasons, why was intervention in Syria not acceptable when we knew Bashar Al-Assad was using chemical weapons on his own people? What is the Bernie doctrine for humanitarian intervention?

Question 17: Bernie Sanders supports keeping some troops in Afghanistan. He basically supports the decision that Obama has just made. I am curious as to what Bernie Sanders intends to do with those troops, and his plans for Afghanistan in general.

Question 18: What is Bernie Sanders stance on dealing with Syrian refugees? What is his stance on dealing with Syria in general and in particular ISIS?

Question 19: What are Bernie Sanders views and feelings on Wahhabi Islam and its contributions to Islamic Terrorism?

Question 20: What are Bernie Sanders views and feelings on Saudi Arabia, their contributions to Islamic Terrorism, and their current actions in Yemen?

Question 21: Who does Bernie Sanders feel is a better long term strategic ally for the United States in the Middle East: Iran or Saudi Arabia?

Question 22: What is Bernie Sanders stance on events playing out in Egypt and the aftermath of the Arab Spring? Does Bernie Sanders feel it is necessary to encourage secularism and liberal reforms, not only here at home, but abroad?

Question 23: What is Bernie Sanders stance on Israel and the peace process? How does he intend to leverage American power over Israel to force them to the table, and deal with the settlements? Does he view the settlements as a problem? What are his views on Israel in general?

Question 24: What is Bernie Sanders stance on China and relations in East Asia? What are his plans in this sphere of the world? He opposes the TPP, obviously, but on what grounds would he negotiate trade agreements with said countries? Does he intend, if President, to be more actively engaged with Asia?

Question 25: What is Bernie Sanders stance on Russia? How does he plan to deal with Russian behavior in Ukraine? What about other Russian activities? What is his stance on those? Is he in favor of a more aggressive stance against Putin, and if so how does he intend for this to work. If not, why not?

Question 26: What is Bernie Sanders stance on South America? Does he plan to increase relationships in that region? If so, how and in what way? A President Bernie Sanders seems like he would be the best situated to do this.

Question 27: What is Bernie Sanders stance on Drones? What is his stance on sending in special forces to capture terrorists rather than to kill them? Which does he prefer, or does he have a different plan or point of view? Regardless of the answer, what is his reasoning behind it?

There are tons more questions that I have that need answered. However, these are some of the ones that I feel are the most important. Answering some (ideally all) of these questions would better help me make my decision.

[bigwillq]

1. 1.

http://www.contactsenators.com/vermont/bernie-sanders

[Meldread]

3. That is for his Senate Office.

While I am sure that they may be able to answer some of those questions, is there a way to ask the campaign office instead?

I don't expect anyone here to be able to answer ALL of those questions. However, I am sure that some people at least have answers to a few of them or links to answers.

[Capt. Obvious]

2. Bernie will be along shortly to answer your questions

[ecstatic]

4. Great questions! K&R. nt

[Le Taz Hot]

5. You're, um, "undecided."

Have you asked the same questions of the other 4 candidates or is Bernie just special?

I like this whole "undecided" thing. I have to give credit where credit is due. Never seen this particular technique on DU before. I think this is the 4th "undecided" now by my count.

[Meldread]

7. Bernie is the Hillary alternative, obviously.

Unless Biden happens to get in the race. None of the other candidates are polling within distance of Clinton, and I am the closest to Bernie Sanders ideologically.

You can doubt my sincerity all you like, but I am serious and my questions are legitimate as well. Fuck, even if I wasn't being sincere there is nothing wrong with asking the questions.

[Le Taz Hot]

8. And yet,

you don't ask any of these questions of any of the other candidates. Yeah, I'm skeptical.

[Meldread]

11. Fine. Be skeptical.

I honestly don't care. Can you answer any of the questions or not?

...and by the way I do intend to ask some of those questions of Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden if he gets into the race. However, at the moment, the reason I am focusing on Sanders, is because he's the person who needs my support. If I don't support Sanders, it doesn't really matter who else I support, as Hillary is going to win regardless. Things might change if Biden gets into the race, but that hasn't happened yet.

However, don't believe for a second that I don't intend to ask some of those questions of them, though obviously adjusted to suit them. (It would be silly to ask Hillary Clinton any of the revolution questions, for example, because she's a creature of the establishment.)

[sabrina 1]

18. The questons are good ones.

Let me try to answer 'what does Bernie mean by revolution'.

No one has been more honest about how impossible it is at this point for a President to change anything WITHOUT the backing of an overwhelming majority of the American people.

Let's face it, you pointed out a lot of things that are wrong, and I could add dozens more.

The Wars, the Militarization of the Police, Tough on Crime, the Drug War, Welfare Reform, the attacks, from Both Parties now on the Social Safety nets set up BY a Democratic President and administration

I'm sure you could add even more to these.

So how did we get here? One in six children going hungry every day?

Wall St corruption and no accountability?

It happened because they WORKED for what they have achieved.

But here's the thing, WE HELPED THEM!

None of this,, Corporate Control of the Media, of our Government, Wall St deregulation if WE the PEOPLE didn't go along with it.

Take Glass Steagal eg.

That was a DEMOCRAT. Republicans had TRIED but couldn't get it done.

What did voters on our side do?

We REWARD our Reps who vote AGAINST our interests.

We do it out of fear of the 'other team'.

We have to stop doing that.

That would be Revolutionary. But it has begun, this political revolution.

See the last two mid terms.

The people finally said 'if you continue to push your 'Concervo Dems' on us, we are just going to say "NO".

They were warned, they didn't listen, and THEY not US, LOST us the House and Senate.

But if you look closer at those elections.

The people put their energies into LOCAL elections AND getting Progressive Issues on the ballot.

And on State elections.

And they won quite a few elections locally AND got their Progressive issues on ballots.

Iow, they REVOLTED against the system that has done so much harm, but didn't do NOTHING.

IF they had put those Conservo Dems BACK in power, what would be different today?

So, Bernie wants the people to do this and do more of it.

Revolting from the inside is revolting.

It's OUR Party. Why shouldn't we RE-INFILTRATE it if that's what it takes to get it back. The Third Way infiltrated it and are now in charge of it.

Revolutions don't have to be on the outside.

But you have to get your foot in the door first.

IF Bernie wins and some Congressional candidates benefit from his coat tails, a FOOT will be just inside the door for the first time in a long time.

And then we go from there, but we can't go home and do nothing even if we win.

[procon]

6. This is the stuff that should be on his website.

But it's not, at least not as a definitive policy that might explain how he goes from making a bold, declarative statement to actually have a realistic plan to actually change anything.

[Armstead]

9. You raise a lot of complicated issues

Too much to reply. But the short answer is the revolution starts with helping people feel like they collectively have the power to change things for the better. We have become a nation of defeatists and cynics. Changing that sense of powerlessness is Step One.

[Meldread]

10. I don't expect someone to answer every question.

I know some of the questions Bernie Sanders might not have even spoken about yet, perhaps ever. However, since you brought up the questions regarding the revolution let's start there.

Okay, so you say step one is basically consciousness raising. How is that going to be accomplished? Then what is step two? We know some of his economic and domestic policy goals, so we have an idea on where we're going, but we don't have a road map on how to get there.

One of the big differences I think I may have with Sanders is that I feel that he is calling for a revolution WITHIN the system. However, I agree with Sanders that the system is corrupt and broken. I am not necessarily persuaded that changes can happen by working in the system, and I feel that we may have to find alternative means of working outside the system. (Basically, finding ways to grind the federal government to a halt, holding it hostage, and demanding certain constitutional reforms take place.)

I am, however, willing to keep an open mind if Sanders actually has a plan to make things work. Calling for a revolution is all well and good, and I am for a revolution, but if you don't have tactics and strategy--if you don't have a plan--then what's the point? That's what I am looking for, I am looking for a plan, or at least some way to believe that anything he has promised is possible.

[Armstead]

12. That remains to be seen

Real change has to hapoen at local levels. And it is. There are many local regional or issue oriented movements to create alternatives....some have become part of the fabric of life. Where I live for exampke there is actually a local currency system to encourage people to buy from local businesses as part of economic decentralism. And local banks actuslly issue it, and many local biznesses accept it as a substitute for dollars.

On the nationsl level, Sanders is trying to shift course by mobilizing people. That is the first step, because we've become dominated by defeatism and cynicism.

I know that sounds simplistic and naive. Its trying to swing back a pendulum thst has been swinging to the right for 35 years. No easy tadk.......But if you'd told me a year ago that a candidate who is as progressive as Sanders would have gotten this far, Id have had a hard time believing it. So who knows what's possible?


But its worth a try, which is why I support him.

[Stanley British]

13. Take your time at this wonderful website

http://www.feelthebern.org

Most of your questions can be answered there.

[DemocraticWing]

14. Bernie is an original cosponsor of the Equality Act

LGBTQ rights is very much on his agenda

[Meldread]

15. Thanks.

I know Bernie is on the right side of LGBT issues, and so I don't doubt his support. Though the thrust of my concern was more about focus and priority. For example, there are a lot of issues that I support, but not all of them can claim equal attention. I am a huge advocate for the queer community, and so that claims a lot of my energy. Bernie Sanders has a huge focus on economic justice, which I obviously also support. However, my concern is whether or not he will have the same attention and focus on issues that impact the community.

My concern there, obviously, is that while talking about economic justice is good in the general sense, we have unique issues that impact us that prevent us from obtaining economic justice. It isn't just unfair wages, for example. Just to take one issue, let's focus on LGBT Homelessness. Roughly half of all homeless youth in the United States are LGBT. They are losing out on educational and job opportunities. They are forced to live in bad conditions, and the reasons they are overwhelmingly homeless is not the same as cis-gender heterosexual youths. Even their access to services is impeded, due to the fact that many services are offered through religious organizations or other hostile environments. You can't tackle youth homelessness in the broad sense, while at the same time not focus on the specific reasons LGBT youth are homeless in such large numbers. You might solve problems for cis-gender and heterosexual homeless youth, but queer youth would be left behind.

The same can be said more broadly. As I said in my original post, Bernie Sanders could, for example, push through a raise in the minimum wage. However, it won't help everyone in our community, as some people will still be getting fired from their jobs. So, we need to push through the equality act.

Likewise, it's awesome that he supports those of us here who happen to be living under the protection of the United States, but what about those living outside of the country? What about those of us who are living daily lives of terror, torment, and are literally at risk of being murdered or executed? Don't they deserve protection as well? No matter how much equality and rights we gain here at home, how can we be content when we know our brothers and sisters abroad still suffer?

So, for me, it's important that I know Bernie Sanders not only understands these things, but is making it a top priority right along side everything else he intends. I want him to fight and push for these things just as hard and as aggressively as he fights against Wall Street. I don't doubt that he supports us, it's more a matter of where we exist on the priority list of his agenda.

[DemocraticWing]

17. We're as high on his priority list as anybody else

Unfortunately we have to fight for all we're going to get with anybody, but he is definitely not going to throw us under the bus. The intersections between LGBTQ status and income inequality are very vital though, so it can't be said that one is not addressing one whilst addressing the other.

All of the other candidates will be talking about other issues more too unfortunately too. Whoever the nominee, we're going to have to hold their feet to the fire.

[artislife]

21. This is what Bernie did

When he was caught off guard by homophobia

He will not let the LGBT community down

[Uncle Joe]

16. Answer to #1 Bernie is talking about a voting and movement revolution, a dramatic change in our

government's decades old policy of kowtowing to the oligarchs and mega-corporations at the expense of the people.

Answer to #2 That's in large part is up to us, Bernie will do his part but he needs our help as well, should Bernie win the election, the political dynamic will change, his coattails will be long and strong for newbies elected and existing politicians will see the writing on the wall as Bernie has condemned and is not accepting super-pacs, money alone won't get the job done of keeping them in power anymore.

Answer to #3 A victory by Bernie against the odds coupled with his clear and unambiguous message will establish a rock solid mandate, my answer to your number 2 question also comes in to play here.

Answer to #4 Bernie has a long track record in the Congress, he knows how it works and has accomplished more than any other candidate against Republican controlled Congresses.

https://www.rawstory.com/2015/10/bernie-sanders-record-of-pushing-through-major-reforms-will-surprise-you/

Answer to #5 Bernie won't hesitate to use the Bully Pulpit for moral and just purposes, his convictions are strong and he's not afraid to walk in to the Lion's Den to carry his message and to good effect.

Answer to #6 Again this is where his supporters come in to play, the Internet has dramatically turned toward Bernie and we're not only spreading the word via political sites, blogs and social media but sending him competitive dollars (mostly in small donations) to further his campaign.

Answer to #7 Bernie won't go after Schultz other than criticize the debate manipulation but the people will most definitely go after her, she will be primaried and should Bernie win the election, Schultz will not be head of the DNC anymore.

Answer to #8 The DNC will evolve with a Bernie victory, I don't believe it will happen overnight but the leadership of the Democratic Party will definitely have to start living up to actually branding the Democratic Party as the party of the people.

Answer to #9 Your figures for U.S. taxes are incorrect, we pay much more than that but it's in a different form, high insurance costs, high pharmacy costs, day care, college tuition and a host of other invisible taxes to private enterprise. Bernie has already spoke of taxing Wall Street speculation, raising taxes on the 1% and perhaps a little lower, and a small tax on the middle class while cutting a little on the military budget.

Answer to #10 By speaking to the people like this Q & A session.

Answer to #11 I haven't heard of any plans by Bernie regarding housing but here's a little history about him during his Mayor days in regards to that subject. http://www.thenation.com/article/bernies-burlington-city-sustainable-future/

Answer to #12 Bernie has fought for LGBT rights long before it was cool to do so, I don't expect him to change his convictions on those issues as President.

Answer to #13 The Governor of Vermont couldn't come up with an adequate financing plan for their statewide plan, that wasn't Bernie. Bernie's plan would eliminate private for profit health insurance, it would be something along the lines of Medicare for all.

Answer to # 14 Bernie's immigration reform plans. https://berniesanders.com/issues/fair-and-humane-immigration-policy/

Answer to #15 I don't have answer for that yet.

Answer to #16 This is a fluid question, a President has to balance what constitutes a potential threat against the U.S. or its NATO allies along with humanitarian concerns. In the case of bombing Yugoslavia that would be the same tumultuous region from which started World War I and World War II sprouted from WWI.

Answer to #17 Is dependent on what the situation in Afghanistan will be like on Jan. 2017.

Answer to #18 Bernie has stated that the U.S. should welcome Syrian refugees, he hates ISIS but believes the Arabian nations should take up the slack insofar as any ground war go.

Answer to #19 Bernie does not support Islamic terrorism nor U.S. terrorism, they both just feed on each other.

Answer to #20 Saudi Arabia is one of the leading nations in that region of world both in terms of wealth and military power, whether one likes it or not. Whoever becomes President will have to recognize that fact.



Answer to #21 I'm not sure about that one but I believe Bernie would like to reach an accommodation with both.

Answer to #22 I believe Bernie believes in straightening up our own house first and foremost, I also believe Bernie would be a strong proponent for human rights but he also recognizes the inherent right for each nation to govern itself.

Answer to #23 http://feelthebern.org/bernie-sanders-on-israel-and-the-palestinians/

Answer to #24 Bernie supports trade so long as it doesn't sell out the American Jobs just for the sake of corporate profit.

http://feelthebern.org/bernie-sanders-on-china/

Answer to #25 http://feelthebern.org/bernie-sanders-on-russia/

Answer to #26 Don't know this one yet but here's a little history.

http://feelthebern.org/bernie-sanders-on-latin-america/

Answer to #27 Bernie has not eliminated the use of drones in warfare but he believes in war as last resort not something to be taken lightly.

Thanks for the thread, Meldread.

[Ron Green]

19. Thanks, Uncle Joe.

You're a great resource.

[RobertEarl]

20. Way to go Joe

I sure hope the OPer sticks around long enough to read your reply!

My short answer to most of those questions? People power. The people get off their arse and participate. I have, and by gawd, it works. Problem was not many others ever got off their arses and got to it. Almost happened with Obama. But then he kinda went off on his own. Unlike Obama I think Bernie will keep us around and do stuff that makes us happy to contribute..