True Confessions and Open Secrets

[SandersDem]

Ok, so here goes....I am about to confess something rather huge. Until this year, I have never contributed money to a Presidential Campaign other than checking a box on my tax forms. Oh, I have given to other candidates, the State Party, my LD and sometimes local candidates, but rarely.

This time, it's different and I have actually given to a Presidential Campaign...I have given to Bernie Sanders. Here's why. I have been very lucky, very lucky to barely survive staying in the middle class, unlike many of my neighbors who lost almost everything but their families and some even lost those.

I am trying to give as much as I can, because I know that if politics as usual stays the same, I am done for, my family is done for and my status in the middle class is over. Why? Well, I am paying a LOT for College even though I am told I am getting a great value. And this is just the first year, I am staring down the barrel of 8 to 10 years of tuition paid directly or via loans. Yep, ouch.

I am also living in a home whose value collapsed, my wife's retirement all but disappeared and we are just hoping that one day before the huge balloon payment comes on a refi hits us, we have positive value and can downsize, maybe even retire with something more than social security. Most of my friends don't even have that luxury.

But that's my personal story, I know so many more that have had it much worse, but you know what? Bernie Sanders is right...it is going to take a massive revolution in this country to change politics as usual and if Bernie does get elected President, you know what...the lobbyists in Washington will collectively crap their pants, because if one man can get elected to the highest office in this country, well I will just bet a whole new wave of officials will drop the yoke of PAC money and take a run too.

So why post this now?

5 Days

5 days left in this cycle of donations and then political campaigns everywhere will close their books for the period and file. The information will become public on October 15th for contributions made on or before Sept 30th.

So, let's get there. $1, $2, $3 or the individual maximum of $2750...(Bernie doesn't get many of those, but this time he just might from me, I just have to pace myself, but I am a good way there). Before the 1st...I am going to give again. I promise.

It's interesting by the way to look at Open Secrets and search contributions in your zip code. I was surprised to learn that the majority of donations here are going to democratic causes even though I live in a very red community. I also noticed another Bernie supporter here making similar contributions to me.

Anyway....if you can, give before the end of the month, please!

[LiberalElite]

1. k&R and -

I think this possibly slightly paraphrased but IMO very profound quote from a representative (wish I could recall his name!!) of Food not Bombs:

"Nothing will really change in this country until people stop identifying with the rich."

[artislife]

2. What is also nice about Bernie

Is that I feel he would only want you to give what you comfortably can. He wants you to succeed.

[Snotcicles]

3. I give monthly, but you inspired me to go couch diving and bottle returning to

scrape up a few more bucks. Good luck for your/our future. And welcome to DU.

[Enthusiast]

4. Kicked and recommended a whole bunch! Thank you, SandersDem!

[SoapBox]

5. Excellent post!

Hey, pace yourself...99% of us most likely have to do that.

Thanks for sharing and for the positive/motivational information.

[dae]

6. FWIW, I think you picked a good time to

invest in a great public servant. .

[merrily]

7. SandersDem, I love you and your great posts! I could not agree more.

I am going to put in another plug for using Omaha Steve's DU link (which is pinned in this group, in case I ever forget): https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/duforbernie

I hope things improve for you and your wife--and, indeed for everyone.

[SandersDem]

8. Thanks Merrily

Honestly, through it all we are simply very fortunate to still be in the middle class. I have a very good job and can kind of swing the tuition stuff thanks to an honor student son. Obama really did turn things around and just in time, but we can go further and have to go much much further. There were things that needed to be done, but I just don't think the political environment in Congress allowed him to go as far as he needed and I think he really laid off of the banks and wall street...I know I am not alone. I truly believe Bernie is the only person in the race that has the commitment to try to get the right things done and even if elected, he will face a very tough battle, so...I am with him.

I am very encouraged too by his speech at Liberty and the Pope's visit to focus on immigrants and poverty. History is repeating itself here...it's the early 20th century. I think we are going to see a surge back towards unions, and some real concern for the poor and "unwelcome".

[merrily]

9. He said he was running because he feared the middle class would disappear in another generation.

So, you are a perfect example of why he is running and, sadly, of just how right he is.

[DianeK]

10. k&r