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sabrina 1
sabrina 1's Journal
sabrina 1's Journal
September 29, 2015
No one has had our backs like Bernie. No one. When you look at the candidates for President and Commander-in-Chief, he is the only one who has consistently stood up and said, “If you can’t afford to take care of Veterans, then don’t go to war.”
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, he’s been our outspoken leader in the fight to improve what’s broken at the VA. In taking the time to meet us and our families and to hear our stories, there’s no question that Bernie genuinely appreciates the sacrifices we make. That’s why he fights so hard for us.
Bernie’s record speaks for itself. Like my grandma used to say, “The proof is in the pudding.” He is the only candidate who has continually spoken out about the ‘true costs of war.’ Unlike so many others, Bernie doesn’t just talk. He walks the walk. He gets shit done. While other politicians are out giving Veterans Day speeches and using us like props, Bernie is working hard to get us results and do what’s right.
.....
In addition to the CHOICE Act, Bernie has sponsored more veterans bills than any other legislator in the last three decades.
My note: See long list of Bernie's bills fighting for Veterans at the link
What Veterans Have to Say about Bernie
Lots more declarations at the link. Veterans from all our wars are campaigning hard for Bernie. No one knows the cost of war better than those who were sent to fight them. And they believe the even though Bernie voted against the wars some of them fought in, he, more than any other member of Congress, understands.
Many people don't know the work Bernie has done in Congress to help Veterans get the benefits they deserve, saying often that if you want to send them to War, you must take care of them when they come home.
And those are not just words in his case. His record is long on the fight for the rights of Veterans, not just campaign rhetoric and they know he is sincere.
Hiring Veterans. Bernie’s bill reauthorized provisions of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, including a two-year extension of the popular Veterans Retraining Assistance Program that allows veterans age 35-60 to gain additional training in high-demands fields.
Editing to add this:
H/T to DUer Cheese Sandwich who provided the information on this in post #29 in this thread!
Veterans Love Bernie Sanders: "No One Has Had Our Backs Like Bernie. No one!"
Bernie's Veterans BillsNo one has had our backs like Bernie. No one. When you look at the candidates for President and Commander-in-Chief, he is the only one who has consistently stood up and said, “If you can’t afford to take care of Veterans, then don’t go to war.”
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs, he’s been our outspoken leader in the fight to improve what’s broken at the VA. In taking the time to meet us and our families and to hear our stories, there’s no question that Bernie genuinely appreciates the sacrifices we make. That’s why he fights so hard for us.
Bernie’s record speaks for itself. Like my grandma used to say, “The proof is in the pudding.” He is the only candidate who has continually spoken out about the ‘true costs of war.’ Unlike so many others, Bernie doesn’t just talk. He walks the walk. He gets shit done. While other politicians are out giving Veterans Day speeches and using us like props, Bernie is working hard to get us results and do what’s right.
.....
In addition to the CHOICE Act, Bernie has sponsored more veterans bills than any other legislator in the last three decades.
My note: See long list of Bernie's bills fighting for Veterans at the link
What Veterans Have to Say about Bernie
Lots more declarations at the link. Veterans from all our wars are campaigning hard for Bernie. No one knows the cost of war better than those who were sent to fight them. And they believe the even though Bernie voted against the wars some of them fought in, he, more than any other member of Congress, understands.
Many people don't know the work Bernie has done in Congress to help Veterans get the benefits they deserve, saying often that if you want to send them to War, you must take care of them when they come home.
And those are not just words in his case. His record is long on the fight for the rights of Veterans, not just campaign rhetoric and they know he is sincere.
Hiring Veterans. Bernie’s bill reauthorized provisions of the VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, including a two-year extension of the popular Veterans Retraining Assistance Program that allows veterans age 35-60 to gain additional training in high-demands fields.
Editing to add this:
VFW Presents Bernie Sanders with their 2015 Congressional Award
Longer version here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=QJR-u6nh7oc
Published on Mar 13, 2015
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) received the VFW Congressional Award in recognition of his outstanding service to our nation and for his support and dedication to service members, veterans and their families at the 2015 VFW Legislative Conference.
Longer version here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?&v=QJR-u6nh7oc
Published on Mar 13, 2015
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) received the VFW Congressional Award in recognition of his outstanding service to our nation and for his support and dedication to service members, veterans and their families at the 2015 VFW Legislative Conference.
H/T to DUer Cheese Sandwich who provided the information on this in post #29 in this thread!
September 29, 2015
The unintended consequences of thoughtless personal attacks, thoughtless meaning someone doesn't think 'If I do this it would be great for my agenda, however IF I do it, it might raise questions AND answers that won't be that great for my agenda'.
That's exactly what happened when the smear mongers decided to spread the falsehood that 'Bernie has problems with POC'.
And it was a smear campaign. Bernie never had problems with POC. Other than the problem he had with all Americans, they didn't know who he was.
But back to unintended consequences. BECAUSE of the smear campaign, which didn't go much beyond a few blogs, some AAs who had never heard of Bernie DID hear about him.
Wanting to know what the fuss was all about many decided to find out for themselves.
Lil B is an example of how what was intended to preempt Bernie from speaking for himself directly to AAs, backfired.
He had been a Hillary supporter. But when he heard about the fuss about this 'other guy', he 'checked him out'.
And what he found was someone who had stood up for Civil Rights in the sixties and throughout his career.
He was impressed.
And then, and this happened to me also, he wondered 'what was Hillary doing while Bernie was fighting for my Civil Rights'? And he found out. And he switched to Bernie.
Did the smear mongers think we WOULDN'T want to know what Hillary was doing at that time? They really are not very smart which is good for us.
They will keep on trying, they have billions in Corporate Money to do so. And the last thing they want to do is to have their chosen candidates talk about ISSUES.
So the best way to handle them imo, is to USE them from now on as people USED David Brock's attempt to benefit Bernie. HE doesn't do this, no one should be doing it.
Smear Campaigns funded by Corporate money are a blight on our political system.
Any time they backfire it is a step forward for democracy.
The recent spectacular backfiring of David (still blinded by the money) Brock is a perfect way to use their nasty, corporate funded smear campaigns against them.
Iow, Brock inadvertently raised over $1,200,000 for Bernie in approx 24 hours. THAT is what a 'rapid response' looks like!
And force them to talk about what the people want to talk about. ISSUES
And the #1 issue for a majority of Americans according to polls in this campaign is:
Get the Money Out Of Politics! End Citizens United.
When Smear Campaigns Backfire it's a Good Thing for Democracy!
The unintended consequences of thoughtless personal attacks, thoughtless meaning someone doesn't think 'If I do this it would be great for my agenda, however IF I do it, it might raise questions AND answers that won't be that great for my agenda'.
That's exactly what happened when the smear mongers decided to spread the falsehood that 'Bernie has problems with POC'.
And it was a smear campaign. Bernie never had problems with POC. Other than the problem he had with all Americans, they didn't know who he was.
But back to unintended consequences. BECAUSE of the smear campaign, which didn't go much beyond a few blogs, some AAs who had never heard of Bernie DID hear about him.
Wanting to know what the fuss was all about many decided to find out for themselves.
Lil B is an example of how what was intended to preempt Bernie from speaking for himself directly to AAs, backfired.
He had been a Hillary supporter. But when he heard about the fuss about this 'other guy', he 'checked him out'.
And what he found was someone who had stood up for Civil Rights in the sixties and throughout his career.
He was impressed.
And then, and this happened to me also, he wondered 'what was Hillary doing while Bernie was fighting for my Civil Rights'? And he found out. And he switched to Bernie.
Did the smear mongers think we WOULDN'T want to know what Hillary was doing at that time? They really are not very smart which is good for us.
They will keep on trying, they have billions in Corporate Money to do so. And the last thing they want to do is to have their chosen candidates talk about ISSUES.
So the best way to handle them imo, is to USE them from now on as people USED David Brock's attempt to benefit Bernie. HE doesn't do this, no one should be doing it.
Smear Campaigns funded by Corporate money are a blight on our political system.
Any time they backfire it is a step forward for democracy.
The recent spectacular backfiring of David (still blinded by the money) Brock is a perfect way to use their nasty, corporate funded smear campaigns against them.
Iow, Brock inadvertently raised over $1,200,000 for Bernie in approx 24 hours. THAT is what a 'rapid response' looks like!
And force them to talk about what the people want to talk about. ISSUES
And the #1 issue for a majority of Americans according to polls in this campaign is:
Get the Money Out Of Politics! End Citizens United.
September 27, 2015
Among Reps, Trump still the Front Runner:
But look at THIS! Bernie beats all of them among Independents!
Is there a media outlet somewhere that isn't glued to Trump who MIGHT be willing to cover the one who is the REAL News Story of this Primary season?
All Trump all the time and STILL Bernie is beating him!
No wonder poor Chuck Todd is so PUZZLED by it all. They are doing their BEST to ingore Bernie Sanders and STILL he is beating their Reality TV Star!
Bernie Sanders is CRUSHING GOP Front Runner, Donald Trump in NH polls! 57% to 37%!
More Conventional Wisdom shattered: 'We have to elect the candidate who can beat the Repubs, Bernie can't do that'.
I am watching all these 'expert' opinions fall by the wayside as Bernie just keeps on doing what he does best, telling the truth and blowing away all the attempts to make people think he can't win. It's hilarious to watch him trouncing these highly paid pundits and experts every time. When they will finally give it up and just accept they know NOTHING about the people and what THEY want?
WMUR/CNN poll: Trump trails in matchups with Sanders, Clinton, Biden
Check out these numbers!
The latest WMUR/CNN New Hampshire Primary Poll, conducted by the University of New Hampshire Survey Center, shows Trump faring better against former Secretary of State Clinton than he does against Sanders, a U.S. senator from Vermont, and Vice President Biden, who has yet to decide whether he will run for president.
In the Sept. 17-23 poll, Sanders leads Trump, 57 percent to 37 percent; Biden leads Trump, 56 percent to 37 percent; and Clinton leads Trump, 50 percent to 42 percent. In all matchups, 1 percent of those polled said they would support another candidate and 5 percent were undecided.
In the Sept. 17-23 poll, Sanders leads Trump, 57 percent to 37 percent; Biden leads Trump, 56 percent to 37 percent; and Clinton leads Trump, 50 percent to 42 percent. In all matchups, 1 percent of those polled said they would support another candidate and 5 percent were undecided.
Among Reps, Trump still the Front Runner:
A WMUR/CNN New Hampshire Primary Poll released Thursday showed Trump leading Republican runner-up Carly Fiorina, 26 percent to 16 percent, while Sanders led Clinton, 46 percent to 30 percent, with Biden at 14 percent.
But look at THIS! Bernie beats all of them among Independents!
In the general election matchups, independents favor Sanders over Trump, 48 percent to 39 percent, and Biden over Trump, 46 percent to 37 percent. But independents are split between Trump, with 42 percent, and Clinton, with 41 percent.
Is there a media outlet somewhere that isn't glued to Trump who MIGHT be willing to cover the one who is the REAL News Story of this Primary season?
All Trump all the time and STILL Bernie is beating him!
No wonder poor Chuck Todd is so PUZZLED by it all. They are doing their BEST to ingore Bernie Sanders and STILL he is beating their Reality TV Star!
September 26, 2015
Ten Points!! Who would have thought that in just a few months this virtually unknown Democratic Socialist could so enthuse the voters he would be within reach of being the Front Runner in just under Four Months?
This should be a warning to the Smear Mongers. They ARE the problem. They ARE what the public despises! And when they work for a Candidate they are now HARMING that candidate
But we know, all that Corporate Money is so hard to say no to!
Except for Bernie Sanders who is 'Not For Sale'!
Reality Check: The US appears to be on its way to electing a Self Described Democratic Socialist
As all the Conventional Wisdom 'predictions' fall apart one by one, Bernie continues to rise in the polls.
First it was NH which initially we were told, Hillary had 'locked up' and Bernie didn't stand a chance there.
When that bit of conventional wisdom began to crumble, the defensive posture took a nasty turn.
The Race Card was put into action, though not very successfully.
Clinging to the ridiculous 'not electable' mantra, Iowa we were told, would never get behind Bernie Sanders.
Once again, conventional 'wisdom' began to crumble as Bernie passed Clinton in Iowa.
The Red Baiting card was also played, again, not very effectively.
It's getting hard to remember all the reasons why Bernie was going to fade 'quickly' so I'll just write down the ones I remember off the top of my head.
Hair/Optics! No one will vote for someone with that hair. THAT turned into a very positive thing for Bernie! Shirts, teddy bears with Bernie's hair, badges and a contribution from DUer Jackpine Radical (RIP we miss you, Jackpine) helped raise funds for Bernie.
Ageism was employed until it was pointed out that we had two Grandparents in the race and it was decided it was too risky to bring that up. Not to mention, again, Bernie's age makes it possible for voters to see his long, excellent record of consistency on major issues.
So again, another positive for Bernie.
And as he rose in the polls, and all the 'predictions' turned out to be wrong one after the other, the CORPORATE FUNDED attacks became more intense.
But that too seems to have backfired and turned into a POSITIVE for Bernie.
See that old Right Wing Dirty Trickster and Smear Monger David Brock!!
Hilariously his 'expertise' as a smear mongers worked as well against a Dem Candidate this time as it did against a Dem President back in the old days!
Not only did it backfire, Brock helped raise over $1 million dollars for Bernie's campaign. Act Blue says they never saw anything like the response to that particular attempted smear.
You would think by now some lessons might have been learned. That the voters are no longer influenced by Corporate Funded Smear mongers. Or I should say, FOOLED by them.
They know this nasty game and they reject it, they want it out of our elecotoral system!
They want the tainted money out of our system.
But it appears that with each failed attempt to distract with increasingly vile smears they dig in and try harder becoming more and more vile in their attacks.
Anti-Semitic Slurs have been employed, questioning the Senator's 'loyalty'. Despicable and unacceptable and anyone involved in these smear campaigns should be publicly condemned by the Dem Party Leadership.
All of which is turning out to be GOOD for Bernie as it highlights the stark difference between an honest Politician and Business as Usual candidates, exactly what the public wants to CHANGE.
Meantime the polls continue to rise in Bernie's favor:
Sanders Leads Clinton By 16 Points In New Hampshire & Narrows Gap to 10 Points Nationally
We could be seeing the biggest political upset in politics since Hillary Clinton was upset eight years ago. Bernie Sanders now has a sixteen point lead over Hillary Clinton in the latest CNN/WMUR poll in New Hampshire:
Hillary Clinton trails Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in the race for the Democratic nomination for president in New Hampshire, even if Vice President Joe Biden decides not to make a run for the White House, according to a new CNN/WMUR poll.
Sanders also continues to gain on Clinton in some of the national polls. The Ispos/Reuters Poll shows Sanders down by only ten points:
Hillary Clinton trails Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders in the race for the Democratic nomination for president in New Hampshire, even if Vice President Joe Biden decides not to make a run for the White House, according to a new CNN/WMUR poll.
Sanders has the backing of nearly half of those who say they plan to vote in the first-in-the-nation Democratic primary next year — 46% support him — while just 30% say they back Clinton. Another 14% say they would support Biden, 2% former Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley, 1% former Virginia Sen. Jim Webb, and less than half of 1% back former Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee or Harvard professor Lawrence Lessig.
Clinton trails Sanders across most demographic groups, with broad gender and ideology divides bolstering Sanders’ run. He holds 56% of male Democratic voters compared with just 20% who back her, while the two are much closer among women, 39% back Sanders, 37% Clinton. Likewise, Sanders holds a 56% to 30% lead among liberals, versus a 37% to 31% race among moderates.
Sanders also continues to gain on Clinton in some of the national polls. The Ispos/Reuters Poll shows Sanders down by only ten points:
Hillary Clinton continues to lead among Democrats nationwide, with 40% of Dems. Sanders (30%) has gained ground on the front runner.
Ten Points!! Who would have thought that in just a few months this virtually unknown Democratic Socialist could so enthuse the voters he would be within reach of being the Front Runner in just under Four Months?
This should be a warning to the Smear Mongers. They ARE the problem. They ARE what the public despises! And when they work for a Candidate they are now HARMING that candidate
But we know, all that Corporate Money is so hard to say no to!
Except for Bernie Sanders who is 'Not For Sale'!
September 25, 2015
Maybe it's all the negative campaigning that is turning people off.
Bernie's strategy is simple. Ignore the Corporate Funded smear campaigns and just keep telling the TRUTH. Not to mention his CONSISTENT record on the issues.
'Bernie Sanders Eclipses Hillary Clinton in NH Poll' Even with Biden in the Race!
Bernie Sanders Eclipses Hillary Clinton in NH PollAs summer turned to fall, a chilly wind was blowing in New Hampshire for Hillary Rodham Clinton: A new poll on Thursday showed Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont surging ahead of Mrs. Clinton with 46 percent of the vote to 30 percent for her.
The poll, by the University of New Hampshire for CNN and WMUR, found that even if Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. entered the race, he would not garner nearly enough support to win or change the dynamic of the race. Just 14 percent of likely Democratic primary voters said they would back Mr. Biden. If Mr. Biden does not run, the poll suggests that more of his supporters would back Mrs. Clinton, but not enough to put her over the top.
The poll, by the University of New Hampshire for CNN and WMUR, found that even if Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. entered the race, he would not garner nearly enough support to win or change the dynamic of the race. Just 14 percent of likely Democratic primary voters said they would back Mr. Biden. If Mr. Biden does not run, the poll suggests that more of his supporters would back Mrs. Clinton, but not enough to put her over the top.
Maybe it's all the negative campaigning that is turning people off.
Bernie's strategy is simple. Ignore the Corporate Funded smear campaigns and just keep telling the TRUTH. Not to mention his CONSISTENT record on the issues.
September 20, 2015
Yes! They were debating this endorsement a few weeks ago. In fact someone had posted that they had already done so, but I didn't post it then because I couldn't find any other verification.
Bernie has been a huge advocate for the Postal Workers, fighting against the attempts to shut down POs etc.
This is a FANTASTIC Endorsement. Let's hope the National Union will follow their example!
New Hampshire Postal Workers Union Has Just Endorsed Bernie!
Press Release Bernie SandersPRESS RELEASE
New Hampshire Postal Workers Endorse Sanders
SEPTEMBER 19, 2015
MANCHESTER, N.H. – The New Hampshire Postal Workers Union on Saturday endorsed Democratic Party presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.
“Bernie Sanders has been a long-time champion of postal workers and postal customers,” said Janice Kelble, the legislative director for the union representing about 1,500 members and retirees in the Granite State.
“It is time for us to stand up and fight for a president we can count on,” she added in remarks to about 200 supporters who turned up for the opening of a new campaign field office.
“I am proud to announce that both the New Hampshire Postal Workers Union and Manchester Area Local have voted to endorse Sen. Sanders as the next president of the United States,” Kelble said as she stood at Sanders’ side and the crowd outside chanted.
In a prepared statement, the union official called Sanders “a forceful advocate for working people” who has fought for paid family medical leave and a livable wage. She praised Sanders for rejecting unfair trade deals that favor special interests. “His focus is always on creating opportunities that lift the middle class and those living in poverty,” she added in a prepared statement.
“The American Postal Workers Union is committed to fighting for decent pay and benefits, a safe workplace and dignity and respect on the job. As affiliates of the AFL-CIO, we also strongly believe in social and economic justice for all working families,” the union leader said.
New Hampshire Postal Workers Endorse Sanders
SEPTEMBER 19, 2015
MANCHESTER, N.H. – The New Hampshire Postal Workers Union on Saturday endorsed Democratic Party presidential candidate Bernie Sanders.
“Bernie Sanders has been a long-time champion of postal workers and postal customers,” said Janice Kelble, the legislative director for the union representing about 1,500 members and retirees in the Granite State.
“It is time for us to stand up and fight for a president we can count on,” she added in remarks to about 200 supporters who turned up for the opening of a new campaign field office.
“I am proud to announce that both the New Hampshire Postal Workers Union and Manchester Area Local have voted to endorse Sen. Sanders as the next president of the United States,” Kelble said as she stood at Sanders’ side and the crowd outside chanted.
In a prepared statement, the union official called Sanders “a forceful advocate for working people” who has fought for paid family medical leave and a livable wage. She praised Sanders for rejecting unfair trade deals that favor special interests. “His focus is always on creating opportunities that lift the middle class and those living in poverty,” she added in a prepared statement.
“The American Postal Workers Union is committed to fighting for decent pay and benefits, a safe workplace and dignity and respect on the job. As affiliates of the AFL-CIO, we also strongly believe in social and economic justice for all working families,” the union leader said.
Yes! They were debating this endorsement a few weeks ago. In fact someone had posted that they had already done so, but I didn't post it then because I couldn't find any other verification.
Bernie has been a huge advocate for the Postal Workers, fighting against the attempts to shut down POs etc.
This is a FANTASTIC Endorsement. Let's hope the National Union will follow their example!
September 16, 2015
An Evangelical pastoral counselor and Liberty University graduate posted a short sermon about Bernie Sanders' speech at Liberty University to reddit yesterday:
Bernie is the voice of Justice crying out in the desert. Evangelicals like me are convicted by his message. (audio, a little under 17 minutes)
Reddit Thread
I'm leaving out a lot here. I'd really recommend listening to the whole thing.
-----
Very moving. I agree with those who say that Bernie's speech at Liberty University was one of the best speeches delivered by any candidate in this election, some going further and saying one of the all-time best political speeches ever in any campaign.
Bernie truly has a rare ability to sweep away the trivia and go right to the heart of things and even reach deep into the hearts of those who so vehemently disagree with him.
He taught those Christians the lessons Christ TRIED to teach them.
It was an amazing speech. And credit must go also to those who were willing to listen and to learn.
'Bernie is the voice of Justice crying out in the desert. Evangelicals are convicted by his message'
An Evangelical responds to Sanders' speech at Liberty UAn Evangelical pastoral counselor and Liberty University graduate posted a short sermon about Bernie Sanders' speech at Liberty University to reddit yesterday:
Bernie is the voice of Justice crying out in the desert. Evangelicals like me are convicted by his message. (audio, a little under 17 minutes)
Reddit Thread
He was convicting the Christian leaders and the religious leaders in that university, and calling us out for being complicit in the abandonment of those who suffer, the least of these, and siding with the powerful and rich, the masters of this world. And he was convicting us and calling us out, and we scorned him, and we stared him down; and, with sour faces, we thought, "Who is this wacko, and why do all these people seem to follow him, seem to like him – this wild-haired Jew, crying out from the wilderness of the political left, in his hoarse voice?"
When I heard Bernie speaking in that way, when I saw that guy on stage at Liberty University, I saw John the Baptist...crying out to the religious leaders, the Pharisees of his day, calling them corrupt and complicit with those who have all the power and all the money and all the wealth, and abandoning the people that God loves, that God cares about...
As I heard Bernie Sanders crying out to the religious leaders at Liberty University, in his hoarse voice, with his wild hair – this Jew – and he proclaimed justice over us, he called us to account, for being complicit with those who are wealthy and those who are powerful, and for abandoning the poor, the least of these, who Jesus said he had come to bring good news to. And in that moment something occurred to me. As I saw Bernie Sanders up there, as I watched him, I realized Bernie Sanders for president is good news for the poor. Bernie Sanders for president is Good News for the poor. Bernie Sanders is gospel for the poor. And Jesus said "I have come to bring gospel" – good news – "to the poor."
And lightning hit my heart at that moment. And I realized that we are evangelical Christians. We believe the Bible. We believe in Jesus. We absolutely shun those who would attempt to find nuance and twisted and tortured interpretations of scripture that they would use to master all other broader interpretations, to find some kind of big message that they want to flout. We absolutely scorn such things, and yet somehow we commit to the mental gymnastics necessary that allows us to abandon the least of these, to abandon the poor, to abandon the immigrants, to abandon those who are in prison.
I listened to Bernie Sanders as he said he wanted to welcome the immigrants and give them dignity, as he said he wanted to care for the sick children and mothers and fathers who do not have health care, as he said he wanted to decrease the amount of human beings who are corralled like cattle in the prisons, as he said he wanted to do justice for those who have nothing and live homeless. And I remembered the words of Jesus who warned his disciples that there will be judgement, and on that day he will look to his friends, and he will say "Blessed are you for you cared for me, for I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you cared for me, I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was in prison and you came to visit me, I was homeless and you gave me shelter." And his disciples said, "When did we do any of those things for you?" And he said, "If you have done it for the least of these, you have done it for me."
Those words echoed in my heart as I listened to that crazy, hoarse-voiced, wild-haired Jew standing in front of the religous leaders of the Evangelical Movement, calling us to account, as a Jew once did before, telling us that he intends to care for the least of these, to clothe the naked, to shelter the homeless, to care for the sick, to set the prisoners free.
I wouldn't be much of a Christian if I didn't stand on the side of gospel for the poor, because, the last time I checked, that's where my master Jesus stood, and I'll stand with Him. And, for now, that means I stand with Bernie Sanders.
As I heard Bernie Sanders crying out to the religious leaders at Liberty University, in his hoarse voice, with his wild hair – this Jew – and he proclaimed justice over us, he called us to account, for being complicit with those who are wealthy and those who are powerful, and for abandoning the poor, the least of these, who Jesus said he had come to bring good news to. And in that moment something occurred to me. As I saw Bernie Sanders up there, as I watched him, I realized Bernie Sanders for president is good news for the poor. Bernie Sanders for president is Good News for the poor. Bernie Sanders is gospel for the poor. And Jesus said "I have come to bring gospel" – good news – "to the poor."
And lightning hit my heart at that moment. And I realized that we are evangelical Christians. We believe the Bible. We believe in Jesus. We absolutely shun those who would attempt to find nuance and twisted and tortured interpretations of scripture that they would use to master all other broader interpretations, to find some kind of big message that they want to flout. We absolutely scorn such things, and yet somehow we commit to the mental gymnastics necessary that allows us to abandon the least of these, to abandon the poor, to abandon the immigrants, to abandon those who are in prison.
I listened to Bernie Sanders as he said he wanted to welcome the immigrants and give them dignity, as he said he wanted to care for the sick children and mothers and fathers who do not have health care, as he said he wanted to decrease the amount of human beings who are corralled like cattle in the prisons, as he said he wanted to do justice for those who have nothing and live homeless. And I remembered the words of Jesus who warned his disciples that there will be judgement, and on that day he will look to his friends, and he will say "Blessed are you for you cared for me, for I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you cared for me, I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was in prison and you came to visit me, I was homeless and you gave me shelter." And his disciples said, "When did we do any of those things for you?" And he said, "If you have done it for the least of these, you have done it for me."
Those words echoed in my heart as I listened to that crazy, hoarse-voiced, wild-haired Jew standing in front of the religous leaders of the Evangelical Movement, calling us to account, as a Jew once did before, telling us that he intends to care for the least of these, to clothe the naked, to shelter the homeless, to care for the sick, to set the prisoners free.
I wouldn't be much of a Christian if I didn't stand on the side of gospel for the poor, because, the last time I checked, that's where my master Jesus stood, and I'll stand with Him. And, for now, that means I stand with Bernie Sanders.
I'm leaving out a lot here. I'd really recommend listening to the whole thing.
-----
Update: reddit user How_Suspicious has posted a complete transcript on the SanderForPresident subreddit. (I could have saved myself a lot of work.)
Very moving. I agree with those who say that Bernie's speech at Liberty University was one of the best speeches delivered by any candidate in this election, some going further and saying one of the all-time best political speeches ever in any campaign.
Bernie truly has a rare ability to sweep away the trivia and go right to the heart of things and even reach deep into the hearts of those who so vehemently disagree with him.
He taught those Christians the lessons Christ TRIED to teach them.
It was an amazing speech. And credit must go also to those who were willing to listen and to learn.
September 14, 2015
Now for the rest of the country! Keep up the good work! We NEED this man in the White House!
Ignore the talking points and the useless pundits and political experts.
See how WRONG they've been so far?
Follow Bernie's example and just keep CLIMBING when they are nipping at your heels, don't wast time that could be spent spreading the word about one of the best candidates we've seen in a long time!
Let them waste all that Corporate Money on negative campaign dirty tricks. At least someone is being employed, even if it is just a temporary job! Lol!
But remember that when the 'People are United, they cannot be defeated'!
And as Bernie reminds us so often, don't let them divide us!
?w=512
DUers have been a part of all this so we should be proud of how much this little place is doing to help get Bernie elected.
Omaha Steve eg, with his daily and weekly reminders to donate to Bernie's campaign has helped raise a few thousand dollars right here on DU.
And I just LOVE what DUer retrowire and his beautiful wife did yesterday.
He told us they was going to see Bernie in NC and live-blogged their trip starting with when they left their house, even sending us a pic of the Mexican Food they stopped to eat along the way. Lol!
Made us feel like we are all going to hear Bernie speak!
They were hoping if they got there early enough they might get up close enough to Bernie to get a selfie! Lol!
We were rooting for them!
So I just have to post these wonderful selfies of DUer retrowire and his lovely wife, with Bernie and HIS lovely wife!
With Bernie:
And with Bernie's wife:
Bernie Supporters: Give Yourselves a Round of Applause! Wow!
Bernie Sanders @BernieSanders 20h20 hours ago
"The more people get to know Bernie the better they like him and what he stands for." -Michael Briggs, Comms Director
"The more people get to know Bernie the better they like him and what he stands for." -Michael Briggs, Comms Director
Now for the rest of the country! Keep up the good work! We NEED this man in the White House!
Ignore the talking points and the useless pundits and political experts.
See how WRONG they've been so far?
Follow Bernie's example and just keep CLIMBING when they are nipping at your heels, don't wast time that could be spent spreading the word about one of the best candidates we've seen in a long time!
Let them waste all that Corporate Money on negative campaign dirty tricks. At least someone is being employed, even if it is just a temporary job! Lol!
But remember that when the 'People are United, they cannot be defeated'!
And as Bernie reminds us so often, don't let them divide us!
?w=512
DUers have been a part of all this so we should be proud of how much this little place is doing to help get Bernie elected.
Omaha Steve eg, with his daily and weekly reminders to donate to Bernie's campaign has helped raise a few thousand dollars right here on DU.
And I just LOVE what DUer retrowire and his beautiful wife did yesterday.
He told us they was going to see Bernie in NC and live-blogged their trip starting with when they left their house, even sending us a pic of the Mexican Food they stopped to eat along the way. Lol!
Made us feel like we are all going to hear Bernie speak!
They were hoping if they got there early enough they might get up close enough to Bernie to get a selfie! Lol!
We were rooting for them!
So I just have to post these wonderful selfies of DUer retrowire and his lovely wife, with Bernie and HIS lovely wife!
With Bernie:
And with Bernie's wife:
September 12, 2015
Bernie has another event at 4.00 PM
Looks like Atlanta is #FeelingTheBern!
Bernie in Atlanta: "Wow. My ears are ringing. This crowd is amazing!"
Ruwa @StormyRuru 21h21 hours ago
Wow. My ears are ringing. This crowd is amazing! @BernieSanders
Wow. My ears are ringing. This crowd is amazing! @BernieSanders
Ruwa @StormyRuru 21h21 hours ago
This is one hell of a crowd!! @BernieSanders
This is one hell of a crowd!! @BernieSanders
The Progressive Mind @Libertea2012 21h21 hours ago
RT @BernieSanders The crowd is starting to build up in Atlanta. It’s clear to me that the message is resonating…
RT @BernieSanders The crowd is starting to build up in Atlanta. It’s clear to me that the message is resonating…
Symone D. Sanders @SymoneDSanders 19h19 hours ago South Carolina, USA
Hanging with some great South Carolina Dems! Many thanks for the southern hospitality. @BreMaxwell @therrgcomplex
Hanging with some great South Carolina Dems! Many thanks for the southern hospitality. @BreMaxwell @therrgcomplex
Women For Bernie @Women4Bernie 3h3 hours ago
The crowd seems not to want to let Bernie go! Oh! #FeelTheBern
This is what democracy looks like!
The crowd seems not to want to let Bernie go! Oh! #FeelTheBern
This is what democracy looks like!
Bernie Sanders @BernieSanders 2h2 hours ago
"What I love about brother Bernie is that he is a brother of integrity and honesty and decency." - @CornelWest
https://amp.twimg.com/v/9d2b5a6e-aa7e-4b34-b55f-64609aa552df …
Cornell West introduces Bernie Sanders at Benedict College
"Get in on the love train. That’s what Bernie Sanders’ campaign is.” - @CornelWest
"What I love about brother Bernie is that he is a brother of integrity and honesty and decency." - @CornelWest
https://amp.twimg.com/v/9d2b5a6e-aa7e-4b34-b55f-64609aa552df …
Cornell West introduces Bernie Sanders at Benedict College
"Get in on the love train. That’s what Bernie Sanders’ campaign is.” - @CornelWest
Bernie Sanders @BernieSanders 36m36 minutes ago
I am going to try my best to try to create a country in which children are not living in poverty.
I am going to try my best to try to create a country in which children are not living in poverty.
Bernie has another event at 4.00 PM
Looks like Atlanta is #FeelingTheBern!
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Member since: Sun Mar 30, 2008, 05:51 AMNumber of posts: 62,325