Bernie Sanders guest blogging at TPM Cafe

[kris10ep]

http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/6/20/94041/5788

The Fight to Preserve American Democracy

By Bernie Sanders


Many thanks to TPMCafe for giving me the opportunity to guest blog this week.  I think even those of us in this older generation now recognize the enormous potential for grass roots democracy that exists on the Internet.  And at this dangerous time in our country's history it is critical that people be active at the grass roots like never before. 

Before I get into the substance of my post, I want to let you all know that it is my intention to read your comments throughout the day and at times add a comment or two of my own in order to make the interactive experience as positive as possible.  Obviously, I can't make any promises giving the very hectic schedule in the Congress.  But I will do my best.

That being said, I want to hear what you want to hear about.  My sense is that everyone will enjoy this more if we are touching on topics that interest the broader community. 

By way of introduction, I am the only Independent in the U.S. House and the longest serving Independent in the modern American history.  (You can visit my Congressional website at http://bernie.house.gov and while you are there please sign up for my periodic email updates -- the Bernie Buzz).  I represent the entire state of Vermont.  I am an unapologetic progressive (maybe we can talk about what that means over the course of the week) and, as I'm sure you all know, I intend to run for the U.S. Senate seat begin vacated by Sen. Jeffords in 2006.  (Please visit the Sanders for Senate website at http://www.bernie.org.)  I helped found the Congressional Progressive Caucus which now has over 50 House Members.  Before being elected to Congress in 1990, I served as mayor of the City of Burlington, VT, for eight years.