Sanders transforms into contender, still pitches revolution

[Publicus]

 

 

Your final comment about the Democratic party moving farther right misses the past eight years and it neglects (or also misses) the radical rush of the Republican party base to the most politically extreme far out rightwhingenut racial and sexist fringes to include the economy.

Domestically, Id put Obama to the right of Nixon.

You're definitely not feeling the Bern.

I'd also appreciate it if you'd stop calling me a rightwingnut. I understand it helps you frame your specious narrative but it doesn't apply to me. Actually you shouldn't be hurling insults at anybody, even if they fit the criteria. It's really rude.

I'd also appreciate it if you'd stop calling me a rightwingnut.

Produce the statement in which I said you are a rightwingnut.

I continue to post against the Dark Side and it involves cutting through a lot of its subterfuge, however, I do not recall ever saying to a poster directly he is a rightwingnut.

Consequently you are invited to refresh my memory if need be in respect of a direct statement to a poster, such as "You (username) are a rightwingnut." If you might produce a direct statement I'd stand corrected.

In the meantime and continuing I'll post against the Dark Side.

[up2u2]

Texas is a success? You been hitting the Jose' Quervo a bit hard? I lived in Texas (unfortunately) for the beginning years of my life and the last 11 mind boggling years before escaping the mad house of rednecks, racists, and just plain dumb asses. Right to work, oh yea, right to work for less and as a slave of the employer. The right to be fired at will with no protection. It was the unions that forced Dupont in Orange to take better care of their employees than the other companies at the other refiners. They freely admitted it. None of you that worked for a living would have ever made as much as you did if it had not been for unions. And now a bit of information (not from a right wingnut rag) for those that still believe Bernie's plans will cost more than the plutocrats plans or the Republican health care plan "don't get sick, if you do die and die quick". Damn right it will cost the rich more, it should. http://dollarsandsense.org/archives/2015/1115friedman.html http://www.dollarsandsense.org/archives/2016/0116friedman.html

For the average American, half the money they spend, in their lives, on medical, is during the last 2 weeks of their lives.

That actually makes sense Sgt. The Health 'industry' uses a thing called the 'Chargemaster' that sets a price for services. For instance a band aid that costs 12 cents at a supermarket is charged out at $35. Basically what they do is pick a number out of the air and that is the charge. Entirely arbitrary. My suspicion is they have looked at the average assets of a person who has worked all their lives and the deal goes " for us to treat your terminal cancer we require ALL your assets transferred to out Cayman Island, tax free, bank account. Do we have a deal?" . How the American people put up with this is absolutely beyond me. Leaches on society.

A brilliant article by Steven Brill in Time Magazine the shows just how the medical industry lines up the American people and takes every nickel they ever earned.

Bitter Pill: Why Medical Bills are Killing Us

Edited February 5, 2016 by up2u2

[up2u2]

 

I'd also appreciate it if you'd stop calling me a rightwingnut.

Produce the statement in which I said you are a rightwingnut.

I continue to post against the Dark Side and it involves cutting through a lot of its subterfuge, however, I do not recall ever saying to a poster directly he is a rightwingnut.

Consequently you are invited to refresh my memory if need be in respect of a direct statement to a poster, such as "You (username) are a rightwingnut." If you might produce a direct statement I'd stand corrected.

In the meantime and continuing I'll post against the Dark Side.

May the force be with you Publicus. Fight for the 'just' cause Comrade.

'Feel the Bern" 'A Future to Believe in'

[Pinot]

So is this where Bernie's estimated (by the CBO) tax increases over the next ten years in the amount of $19.6 Trillion going?

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/heres-a-list-of-bernie-sanders-19.6-trillion-in-tax-hikes/article/2580846

The Washington Examiner is a hard right-wing paper. What they may have done is send a slew of unrealistic policy proposals to the CBO (Congressional Budget Office) and asked for an estimate for how much it would cost. The Examiner knows how to play dirty - they've had a lot of practice of throwing mud. Plus, where have you ever heard a "10 year projection" of taxes? Probably never before.

Another factor, if Sanders becomes president, is there will most likely be a Republican-dominated congress. Republican reps and senators are very adept at blocking proposals and wasting time. They will oppose nearly everything a Democratic prez proposes. They do it in their sleep. They've done it for the full 8 years Obama has been in the top spot - though some good things were able to get passed regardless of Republican intransigence.

Regardless of which Dem candidate wins the nomination, the Rep Attack Machine will be going full tilt - throwing mud, like the $19.6 trillion tax bill myth and anything else they hope will possibly stick to their opponents.

I'm sure if anyone were to ask Mr. Sanders how he proposes to pay for some programs, he'll be glad to oblige with a sensible answer. In contrast, if someone asks the Washington Examiner staff writers, they'll get shrill and inaccurate answers.

Check this page at NPR. Some good photos of Sander's fans

Did you even read the linked Washington Examiner article?

If you got past the first four paragraphs you might have seen these...

1. As part of his single-payer healthcare plan, Sanders would institute a 6.2 percent tax on employers to finance healthcare premiums for his new federally-run system, which he said would raise $630 billion per year.

2. Sanders says he would raise $310 billion per year by ending the tax breaks for employer sponsored health insurance, which his campaign said would become "obsolete" if his single-payer plan were implemented.

3. Sanders has proposed imposing a tax on Wall Street speculators, claiming it would raise about $300 billion a year and would more than pay for his plan to offer free tuition at public colleges and universities.

4. In addition to the business premium tax, Sanders would propose a 2.2 percent tax on individual income to raise another $210 billion per year to finance his healthcare plan.

5. To pay for his plan to expand Social Security, Sanders has proposed removing the cap on payroll taxes on income exceeding $250,000 per year.

There are an additional seven tax changes hs is proposing...and the CBO frequently estimates costs over a ten year period.

Attacking the source is so passe'.

No one should ever bother reading anything from the Washington Examiner. It's nothing but a Fox News, wingnut propaganda echo chamber. They make stuff up.

Quoting it as a source, then demanding it be read as credible link is ridiculous. Nothing in it is reliable, just like Breitbart and Drudge. You know, you're other sources.

[up2u2]

Looking at those numbers on Bernie's health care. He will get out of it cheaper than that for the American taxpayer. Those percentages will come down considerably. Bernie's problem is he has to manage a bloated astronomically expensive private health care system. Once you give those hogs trotters a bit of a rap across the knuckles and drag those little piggy snouts, of the private health care funds out of the trough, health care cost will plummet and the government can also begin dictating benchmark health care outcomes. They will squeal like crazy as you are dragging them out of the trough of never ending money but they tend to quiet down when the words 'off too the piggery time for you sonny jim'.

[Pinot]

 

 

Your final comment about the Democratic party moving farther right misses the past eight years and it neglects (or also misses) the radical rush of the Republican party base to the most politically extreme far out rightwhingenut racial and sexist fringes to include the economy.

Domestically, Id put Obama to the right of Nixon.

You're definitely not feeling the Bern.

I'd also appreciate it if you'd stop calling me a rightwingnut. I understand it helps you frame your specious narrative but it doesn't apply to me. Actually you shouldn't be hurling insults at anybody, even if they fit the criteria. It's really rude.

I'd also appreciate it if you'd stop calling me a rightwingnut.

Produce the statement in which I said you are a rightwingnut.

I continue to post against the Dark Side and it involves cutting through a lot of its subterfuge, however, I do not recall ever saying to a poster directly he is a rightwingnut.

Consequently you are invited to refresh my memory if need be in respect of a direct statement to a poster, such as "You (username) are a rightwingnut." If you might produce a direct statement I'd stand corrected.

In the meantime and continuing I'll post against the Dark Side.

It was me. I did it. I'll take a bullet for the squad

[Johpa]

For the average American, half the money they spend, in their lives, on medical, is during the last 2 weeks of their lives.

Those are the lucky ones.

[JDGRUEN]

The most successful state in America Economically is the state of Texas. Texas is a right to work state and is among the lowest in union participation even considering the states large population...

Depend on how you define success.

Doesn't Texas have the highest percentage of people with no health insurance and also the most executions?

Texas is a place where people are supposed to be self-sufficient - -not have Bernie type socialism for every conceivable want or need. The way most of America use to be. Those who need to be on every aspect of welfare should move to California... And wasn't Obamacare supposed to be supplying EVERYONE with Health Insurance - what happened to that? Under Obamacare if one cannot pay the premiums they are supposed to get Obamacare free. What happened? The Feds can pay their premiums with tax payer money.

And the most Executions... Most Texans consider that statistic to be a sign of proper application of law to murderers ... Executed murderers cannot murder again... as they do far too often in the rest of America --- even and especially in prison ...

[sgtsabai]

No place in the US are people self sufficient, no place. Even the .1% is not self sufficient although they think they are in their own arrogance. Wow, Texas has the highest number of executions of people that MAY have murdered, now that's something to be really proud of. Well, most rednecks might think it's great to be #1 in executions, I know a hell of a lot of Texans that don't. If the governors of states like Texas would allow the Federal expansion of Medicaid as Obamacare planned, there would be many more people with insurance. Oh wait, we are leading up to the Republican health plan, "Don't get sick, if you do die and die quick". Says something about somebody that thinks you should just die if you can't afford insurance and it is that person's fault he or she can't. Says no morals, no ethics, no soul, no heart, oh wait I just described a Republican. Everybody has a right to the same level of health care, a right, not a privilege.

[lannarebirth]

The most successful state in America Economically is the state of Texas. Texas is a right to work state and is among the lowest in union participation even considering the states large population...

Depend on how you define success.

Doesn't Texas have the highest percentage of people with no health insurance and also the most executions?

Texas is a place where people are supposed to be self-sufficient - -not have Bernie type socialism for every conceivable want or need. The way most of America use to be. Those who need to be on every aspect of welfare should move to California... And wasn't Obamacare supposed to be supplying EVERYONE with Health Insurance - what happened to that? Under Obamacare if one cannot pay the premiums they are supposed to get Obamacare free. What happened? The Feds can pay their premiums with tax payer money.

And the most Executions... Most Texans consider that statistic to be a sign of proper application of law to murderers ... Executed murderers cannot murder again... as they do far too often in the rest of America --- even and especially in prison ...

Self Sufficient?

http://taxfoundation.org/sites/taxfoundation.org/files/docs/Federal-Aid-as-a-Percentage-of-State-Revenue_0.png

[lannarebirth]

Rolling, Rolling, Rolling.....

http://www.businessinsider.com/poll-bernie-sanders-hillary-clinton-tie-quinnipiac-2016-2

[NovaBlue05]

For the average American, half the money they spend, in their lives, on medical, is during the last 2 weeks of their lives.

Those are the lucky ones.

The lucky ones have comprehensive insurance provided by their employer. The rest would be bankrupted early.

I think the corporate healthcare cartel models the process so that the patients personal assets and insurance are drained to the last nickel and then send the them off to hospice to die in order to make room for the paying customers

[Johpa]

I think the corporate healthcare cartel models the process so that the patients personal assets and insurance are drained to the last nickel and then send the them off to hospice to die in order to make room for the paying customers

I feel as if there is a Thai analogy here just at the tip of my tongue.

[SpokaneAl]

I agree . . .

I don't think that a single Bernie supporter will read this and analyze the data and attempt to find fault with it. Instead they will make an emotion based gut argument of "this is wrong because I FEEL it's wrong/ I like Bernie".

Sorry but but facts matter. Math matters. Bernie's plan WILL cost 6 million jobs. Bernie did not even realize that his platform called for $13 trillion in new spending until the NY Times pointed it out. He has no concept that the 1% he vilifies pays far more taxes than the entire bottom income earners.

He has never had a real job in his life and he has no basic understanding of the most simple economic concepts.

He has no mathematical understanding that the "billionaire class" he rails against -- even if he stole every single penny they have, every company they own....could still not pay the debt on the massive bloated government he supports.

Its exactly this type of intellectual dishonesty that put him and his supporters in some sort of alternate universe fantasy land where voting for funding our wars of aggression can still be considered. It's not. Bernie is a violent meglomaniac or a fool...I hope he is simply a fool...because if he's not he is one of the most evil people we've had in mainstream politics in decades.

And no, I'm not just saying this because "I'm afraid" of Bernie. He isn't even actually running -- he is a stalking horse designed to fool anti-war, anti-banker kids to vote for Dick Cheney in the form of Hillary Clinton. What I'm afraid of is the massive and profound ignorance that pervades this country to have anyone support such insanely unsound ideas.

And no, (sigh) my dislike of Bernie does not mean I support the equally violent Hillary or the equally violent as well as bigoted GOP.

http://www.investors.com/politics/capital-hill/bernie-sanders-tax-plan-would-kill-6-million-jobs-analysis/

Edited February 7, 2016 by SpokaneAl

[Asiantravel]

I agree . . .

I don't think that a single Bernie supporter will read this and analyze the data and attempt to find fault with it. Instead they will make an emotion based gut argument of "this is wrong because I FEEL it's wrong/ I like Bernie".

Sorry but but facts matter. Math matters. Bernie's plan WILL cost 6 million jobs. Bernie did not even realize that his platform called for $13 trillion in new spending until the NY Times pointed it out. He has no concept that the 1% he vilifies pays far more taxes than the entire bottom income earners.

He has never had a real job in his life and he has no basic understanding of the most simple economic concepts.

He has no mathematical understanding that the "billionaire class" he rails against -- even if he stole every single penny they have, every company they own....could still not pay the debt on the massive bloated government he supports.

Its exactly this type of intellectual dishonesty that put him and his supporters in some sort of alternate universe fantasy land where voting for funding our wars of aggression can still be considered. It's not. Bernie is a violent meglomaniac or a fool...I hope he is simply a fool...because if he's not he is one of the most evil people we've had in mainstream politics in decades.

And no, I'm not just saying this because "I'm afraid" of Bernie. He isn't even actually running -- he is a stalking horse designed to fool anti-war, anti-banker kids to vote for Dick Cheney in the form of Hillary Clinton. What I'm afraid of is the massive and profound ignorance that pervades this country to have anyone support such insanely unsound ideas.

And no, (sigh) my dislike of Bernie does not mean I support the equally violent Hillary or the equally violent as well as bigoted GOP.

http://www.investors.com/politics/capital-hill/bernie-sanders-tax-plan-would-kill-6-million-jobs-analysis/

if you say he doesn't have even the basic understanding of the most simple economic concepts then that would obviously have to apply also to his followers otherwise they would realise how unrealistic and undeliverable his promises are?

and if you don't support Hillary or even the GOP then who do you think can ultimately save America?

Edited February 7, 2016 by Asiantravel

[Publicus]

Indeed, which is the whole problem of nihilism to include anarchy. Neither requires a solution or any ability to confront and reshape material reality. There is no synthesis offered by either. No road going forward.

[up2u2]

I agree . . .

I don't think that a single Bernie supporter will read this and analyze the data and attempt to find fault with it. Instead they will make an emotion based gut argument of "this is wrong because I FEEL it's wrong/ I like Bernie".

Sorry but but facts matter. Math matters. Bernie's plan WILL cost 6 million jobs. Bernie did not even realize that his platform called for $13 trillion in new spending until the NY Times pointed it out. He has no concept that the 1% he vilifies pays far more taxes than the entire bottom income earners.

He has never had a real job in his life and he has no basic understanding of the most simple economic concepts.

He has no mathematical understanding that the "billionaire class" he rails against -- even if he stole every single penny they have, every company they own....could still not pay the debt on the massive bloated government he supports.

Its exactly this type of intellectual dishonesty that put him and his supporters in some sort of alternate universe fantasy land where voting for funding our wars of aggression can still be considered. It's not. Bernie is a violent meglomaniac or a fool...I hope he is simply a fool...because if he's not he is one of the most evil people we've had in mainstream politics in decades.

And no, I'm not just saying this because "I'm afraid" of Bernie. He isn't even actually running -- he is a stalking horse designed to fool anti-war, anti-banker kids to vote for Dick Cheney in the form of Hillary Clinton. What I'm afraid of is the massive and profound ignorance that pervades this country to have anyone support such insanely unsound ideas.

And no, (sigh) my dislike of Bernie does not mean I support the equally violent Hillary or the equally violent as well as bigoted GOP.

http://www.investors.com/politics/capital-hill/bernie-sanders-tax-plan-would-kill-6-million-jobs-analysis/

The Tax Foundation? Hmmm, really? The 'whose who' of the 1 percenters and Corporate America. Does their 'report' show Bernies strategies are unworkable? Strangely enough yes they do. Am I surprised? Not in the slightest.

You are going to get an avalanche of this drivel from the wealthy elite. 1 percenters and Corporate America.

'Feel the Bern'

[up2u2]

Spending is what governments do. They collect taxes and they in turn spend that income. To collect income and not spend it is theft. What the wealthy elite and Corporate America bang on about is they don't to contribute a proportion of their income to invest in health, education, infrastructure, social security programs, protection of the environment, fair work pay and conditions, or any legislation that creates fair competition and Corporate corruption.

Effectively socialising expenditure and privatising profits.

What the wealthy elite and Corporate America want government to do is enshrine their business in protective legislation, remove ALL governance on corporations so they are free to do what they want, tax cuts for the wealthy elite and Corporate America, no environmental protection so they can pollute and destroy at will, move profits offshore to avoid even the slightest amount of taxation.

What Bernie is suggesting is to stop all this and it isn't revolutionary it is simply a refocus on people rather than the wealthy elite and Corporate America.

[SpokaneAl]

What the US government, and in this case the democrat candidates propose to do is, as always collect taxes, and spend way more than is collected. Those evil wealthy that you always rant about pay the majority of taxes, but you want more - you refuse to say how much is enough - just take more and things will be fine. Sorry, your Sanders sound bites and clever slogans not withstanding - I ain't buying it.

I do, however, admire your enthusiasm.

[up2u2]

What the US government, and in this case the democrat candidates propose to do is, as always collect taxes, and spend way more than is collected. Those evil wealthy that you always rant about pay the majority of taxes, but you want more - you refuse to say how much is enough - just take more and things will be fine. Sorry, your Sanders sound bites and clever slogans not withstanding - I ain't buying it.

I do, however, admire your enthusiasm.

Wrong as usual. Bernie simply reflects my values and my own personal social responsibilities of an inclusive fair and just society for all. Compassion for the less fortunate or those who have fallen by the wayside. A hand up for those in need. A seat at the table for all not just the privileged. I could easily accuse Bernie of stealing my sound bites, rather we are just kindred spirits who value the communities we live and not just want the best for ourselves but for those around us also. Values that understand investing in the youth of a nation is the best investment a society can make, investing in a healthy nation and addressing the suffering of others irrespective of their financial position, a fair and equitable distribution of wealth and opportunity for all not just a select fortunate few.

You attempt to belittle and demean the principles and values I abide by above and the principles and values that Bernie has always represented. Where are your values and principles towards others? What are your social responsibilities that you upheld? If you see a person suffering from ill health is your guiding principle 'som nom nah'? It seems that way.

The wealthy elite pay more taxes in dollar value because they thieve the majority of wealth. Even Warren Buffett admits he pays less percentage of tax than his Secretary. She pays 25% of her income in taxes Buffet pays around 5%.

Bernie is a little bit softer than me. My solution to wealth inequality would be simply to announce on a Tuesday that anyone with more than $20 Million dollars in cash assets will be shot come Monday morning. On the following Tuesday I would be making an announcement on Corporate Inversions, Cayman Island tax havens, family Trusts, Swiss Bank accounts. The following Tuesday would be Wall Street Banks, Big Pharma, Corporate welfare, generational wealth transfer etc. Things would be sorted by the end of the month.

Harsh but fair I think.

[SheungWan]

What the US government, and in this case the democrat candidates propose to do is, as always collect taxes, and spend way more than is collected. Those evil wealthy that you always rant about pay the majority of taxes, but you want more - you refuse to say how much is enough - just take more and things will be fine. Sorry, your Sanders sound bites and clever slogans not withstanding - I ain't buying it.

I do, however, admire your enthusiasm.

Wrong as usual. Bernie simply reflects my values and my own personal social responsibilities of an inclusive fair and just society for all. Compassion for the less fortunate or those who have fallen by the wayside. A hand up for those in need. A seat at the table for all not just the privileged. I could easily accuse Bernie of stealing my sound bites, rather we are just kindred spirits who value the communities we live and not just want the best for ourselves but for those around us also. Values that understand investing in the youth of a nation is the best investment a society can make, investing in a healthy nation and addressing the suffering of others irrespective of their financial position, a fair and equitable distribution of wealth and opportunity for all not just a select fortunate few.

You attempt to belittle and demean the principles and values I abide by above and the principles and values that Bernie has always represented. Where are your values and principles towards others? What are your social responsibilities that you upheld? If you see a person suffering from ill health is your guiding principle 'som nom nah'? It seems that way.

The wealthy elite pay more taxes in dollar value because they thieve the majority of wealth. Even Warren Buffett admits he pays less percentage of tax than his Secretary. She pays 25% of her income in taxes Buffet pays around 5%.

Bernie is a little bit softer than me. My solution to wealth inequality would be simply to announce on a Tuesday that anyone with more than $20 Million dollars in cash assets will be shot come Monday morning. On the following Tuesday I would be making an announcement on Corporate Inversions, Cayman Island tax havens, family Trusts, Swiss Bank accounts. The following Tuesday would be Wall Street Banks, Big Pharma, Corporate welfare, generational wealth transfer etc. Things would be sorted by the end of the month.

Harsh but fair I think.

Thailand has its own fair share of old CP undead retirees who can't believe their luck in having the opportunity telling us all about their populist 'principles'. Hello Year Of The Monkey. Sanders' very own snail trail.

Edited February 9, 2016 by SheungWan

[SpokaneAl]

What the US government, and in this case the democrat candidates propose to do is, as always collect taxes, and spend way more than is collected. Those evil wealthy that you always rant about pay the majority of taxes, but you want more - you refuse to say how much is enough - just take more and things will be fine. Sorry, your Sanders sound bites and clever slogans not withstanding - I ain't buying it.

I do, however, admire your enthusiasm.

Wrong as usual. Bernie simply reflects my values and my own personal social responsibilities of an inclusive fair and just society for all. Compassion for the less fortunate or those who have fallen by the wayside. A hand up for those in need. A seat at the table for all not just the privileged. I could easily accuse Bernie of stealing my sound bites, rather we are just kindred spirits who value the communities we live and not just want the best for ourselves but for those around us also. Values that understand investing in the youth of a nation is the best investment a society can make, investing in a healthy nation and addressing the suffering of others irrespective of their financial position, a fair and equitable distribution of wealth and opportunity for all not just a select fortunate few.

You attempt to belittle and demean the principles and values I abide by above and the principles and values that Bernie has always represented. Where are your values and principles towards others? What are your social responsibilities that you upheld? If you see a person suffering from ill health is your guiding principle 'som nom nah'? It seems that way.

The wealthy elite pay more taxes in dollar value because they thieve the majority of wealth. Even Warren Buffett admits he pays less percentage of tax than his Secretary. She pays 25% of her income in taxes Buffet pays around 5%.

Bernie is a little bit softer than me. My solution to wealth inequality would be simply to announce on a Tuesday that anyone with more than $20 Million dollars in cash assets will be shot come Monday morning. On the following Tuesday I would be making an announcement on Corporate Inversions, Cayman Island tax havens, family Trusts, Swiss Bank accounts. The following Tuesday would be Wall Street Banks, Big Pharma, Corporate welfare, generational wealth transfer etc. Things would be sorted by the end of the month.

Harsh but fair I think.

And by the first of the month following your enlightened policy implementation, the country collapses under its own weight as its financial and business structure disintegrates.

Liberals always seem to take the road that because people like me do not believe that larger and larger government and more and more spending is the answer, we just don't care.

If Warren Buffett is really concerned, why doesn't he just write a check to Uncle Sam. Actually his wealth is in shares of Berkshire Hathaway, which by his design pays no dividends, and if he has sold no shares, he incurs no taxes, as is right and correct.

"The wealthy thieve the majority of wealth." You are one funny guy and your distaste for anyone who has had some success in this world is coloring your perspective.

I am glad that I don't live in your world.

Sanders does nothing more than pander to what he thinks are the masses and if he did somehow become president I suspect he be even less impressive and memorable than Jimmy Carter.

Edited February 9, 2016 by SpokaneAl

[up2u2]

What the US government, and in this case the democrat candidates propose to do is, as always collect taxes, and spend way more than is collected. Those evil wealthy that you always rant about pay the majority of taxes, but you want more - you refuse to say how much is enough - just take more and things will be fine. Sorry, your Sanders sound bites and clever slogans not withstanding - I ain't buying it.

I do, however, admire your enthusiasm.

Wrong as usual. Bernie simply reflects my values and my own personal social responsibilities of an inclusive fair and just society for all. Compassion for the less fortunate or those who have fallen by the wayside. A hand up for those in need. A seat at the table for all not just the privileged. I could easily accuse Bernie of stealing my sound bites, rather we are just kindred spirits who value the communities we live and not just want the best for ourselves but for those around us also. Values that understand investing in the youth of a nation is the best investment a society can make, investing in a healthy nation and addressing the suffering of others irrespective of their financial position, a fair and equitable distribution of wealth and opportunity for all not just a select fortunate few.

You attempt to belittle and demean the principles and values I abide by above and the principles and values that Bernie has always represented. Where are your values and principles towards others? What are your social responsibilities that you upheld? If you see a person suffering from ill health is your guiding principle 'som nom nah'? It seems that way.

The wealthy elite pay more taxes in dollar value because they thieve the majority of wealth. Even Warren Buffett admits he pays less percentage of tax than his Secretary. She pays 25% of her income in taxes Buffet pays around 5%.

Bernie is a little bit softer than me. My solution to wealth inequality would be simply to announce on a Tuesday that anyone with more than $20 Million dollars in cash assets will be shot come Monday morning. On the following Tuesday I would be making an announcement on Corporate Inversions, Cayman Island tax havens, family Trusts, Swiss Bank accounts. The following Tuesday would be Wall Street Banks, Big Pharma, Corporate welfare, generational wealth transfer etc. Things would be sorted by the end of the month.

Harsh but fair I think.

Thailand has its own fair share of old CP undead retirees who can't believe their luck in having the opportunity telling us all about their populist 'principles'. Hello Year Of The Monkey. Sanders' very own snail trail.

So what are your values? What do you stand for? What social responsibilities do you have to those around you? Does the thought of an inclusive society that benefits all rather than a select few fill you with dread? Is the thought of offering a person suffering a helping hand a weakness or a strength? Are basic human rights like education, healthcare or a fair wage horrifying 'revolutionary' concepts?

I hope my 'principles' are 'populist'.

For me these principles have always been simply a way of life. Are you using the word 'Monkey' as a derogatory term to describe my values and principles? Are people who agree with my values and principles 'Monkeys'?

Or are you just 'Feeling the Bern'? Or maybe your slogan in life is 'A Future the Wealthy Elite and Corporate America Can Believe In'

So rather than just denigrating other peoples stated values and principles how about presenting yours?

[up2u2]

What the US government, and in this case the democrat candidates propose to do is, as always collect taxes, and spend way more than is collected. Those evil wealthy that you always rant about pay the majority of taxes, but you want more - you refuse to say how much is enough - just take more and things will be fine. Sorry, your Sanders sound bites and clever slogans not withstanding - I ain't buying it.

I do, however, admire your enthusiasm.

Wrong as usual. Bernie simply reflects my values and my own personal social responsibilities of an inclusive fair and just society for all. Compassion for the less fortunate or those who have fallen by the wayside. A hand up for those in need. A seat at the table for all not just the privileged. I could easily accuse Bernie of stealing my sound bites, rather we are just kindred spirits who value the communities we live and not just want the best for ourselves but for those around us also. Values that understand investing in the youth of a nation is the best investment a society can make, investing in a healthy nation and addressing the suffering of others irrespective of their financial position, a fair and equitable distribution of wealth and opportunity for all not just a select fortunate few.

You attempt to belittle and demean the principles and values I abide by above and the principles and values that Bernie has always represented. Where are your values and principles towards others? What are your social responsibilities that you upheld? If you see a person suffering from ill health is your guiding principle 'som nom nah'? It seems that way.

The wealthy elite pay more taxes in dollar value because they thieve the majority of wealth. Even Warren Buffett admits he pays less percentage of tax than his Secretary. She pays 25% of her income in taxes Buffet pays around 5%.

Bernie is a little bit softer than me. My solution to wealth inequality would be simply to announce on a Tuesday that anyone with more than $20 Million dollars in cash assets will be shot come Monday morning. On the following Tuesday I would be making an announcement on Corporate Inversions, Cayman Island tax havens, family Trusts, Swiss Bank accounts. The following Tuesday would be Wall Street Banks, Big Pharma, Corporate welfare, generational wealth transfer etc. Things would be sorted by the end of the month.

Harsh but fair I think.

And by the first of the month following your enlightened policy implementation, the country collapses under its own weight as its financial and business structure disintegrates.

Liberals always seem to take the road that because people like me do not believe that larger and larger government and more and more spending is the answer, we just don't care.

If Warren Buffett is really concerned, why doesn't he just write a check to Uncle Sam. Actually his wealth is in shares of Berkshire Hathaway, which by his design pays no dividends, and if he has sold no shares, he incurs no taxes, as is right and correct.

"The wealthy thieve the majority of wealth." You are one funny guy and your distaste for anyone who has had some success in this world is coloring your perspective.

I am glad that I don't live in your world.

Sanders does nothing more than pander to what he thinks are the masses and if he did somehow become president I suspect he be even less impressive and memorable than Jimmy Carter.

I agree it is difficult to defend your position. If you stay away from words like 'values' and 'principles' and phrases like 'social responsibility to others' your lack of the same will go unnoticed by most.

[sgtsabai]

Well, well, well the right wing has raised its ugly head. The only princiapals they cling to are false, family values, oh give me a break. As usual it shows a lot. A person that cares not for anybody else, that believes medical care only belongs to rich, that the rich should not ever, ever have to pay one penny for the money that they made although that money would not have been made without the roads, police, fire protection, labor from real people, transportation etc. that were paid for by all of us, you know the real people that work for a living. Buffet will continue to game the system as long as it remains the "system". A man of principal, 50/50? and it doesn't matter. What matters is people that think gaming the system is ok, and hate Buffet instead of their right wing idols. The US will never collapse under regulation. It will without. If it does, good, it will rebuild with the people having a say in elections and a decent wage. Those that have been stealing from the people to line their pockets deserve GitMo for life at the very least and I am being kind. Maybe it is time for the empire to collapse, it is well on its way anyway and right wingers just want it to be a banana republic on the way. Oh wait, I think it already is. Tick tock, tick tock.

[metisdead]

A post in violation of fair use policy has been removed.

[SpokaneAl]

One columnist's opinion of the Sanders healthcare pipe dream.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-false-charms-of-bernie-sanderss-single-payer-plan/2016/02/07/7b79be5a-cc25-11e5-a7b2-5a2f824b02c9_story.html

[lannarebirth]

One columnist's opinion of the Sanders healthcare pipe dream.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-false-charms-of-bernie-sanderss-single-payer-plan/2016/02/07/7b79be5a-cc25-11e5-a7b2-5a2f824b02c9_story.html

It’s politically unrealistic, they argue, to think that nearly a fifth of the economy could be totally remade. “As the old joke goes, ‘You can’t get there from here,’” writes economist Henry J. Aaron of the liberal-leaning Brookings Institution in Newsweek. There would be too much opposition and uncertainty.

That's basically the same argument you hear from the people that want to prop up the TBTF banks or the Generals turned lobbyists about Defense spending. If they argued that they agreed on the goal but thought the change should come more incrementally, I might have more sympathy for the position. But it's never that. It's always that the change itself is dangerous, when in fact it is only dangerous to their own interests.

[SpokaneAl]

One columnist's opinion of the Sanders healthcare pipe dream.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-false-charms-of-bernie-sanderss-single-payer-plan/2016/02/07/7b79be5a-cc25-11e5-a7b2-5a2f824b02c9_story.html

It’s politically unrealistic, they argue, to think that nearly a fifth of the economy could be totally remade. “As the old joke goes, ‘You can’t get there from here,’” writes economist Henry J. Aaron of the liberal-leaning Brookings Institution in Newsweek. There would be too much opposition and uncertainty.

That's basically the same argument you hear from the people that want to prop up the TBTF banks or the Generals turned lobbyists about Defense spending. If they argued that they agreed on the goal but thought the change should come more incrementally, I might have more sympathy for the position. But it's never that. It's always that the change itself is dangerous, when in fact it is only dangerous to their own interests.

There is also the basic economics part of the equation which does not add up.

Edited February 10, 2016 by SpokaneAl

[SpokaneAl]

One columnist's opinion of the Sanders healthcare pipe dream.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-false-charms-of-bernie-sanderss-single-payer-plan/2016/02/07/7b79be5a-cc25-11e5-a7b2-5a2f824b02c9_story.html

It’s politically unrealistic, they argue, to think that nearly a fifth of the economy could be totally remade. “As the old joke goes, ‘You can’t get there from here,’” writes economist Henry J. Aaron of the liberal-leaning Brookings Institution in Newsweek. There would be too much opposition and uncertainty.

That's basically the same argument you hear from the people that want to prop up the TBTF banks or the Generals turned lobbyists about Defense spending. If they argued that they agreed on the goal but thought the change should come more incrementally, I might have more sympathy for the position. But it's never that. It's always that the change itself is dangerous, when in fact it is only dangerous to their own interests.

There is also the economics part of the equation which does not add up. Math matters, even if you do feel the bern.

Edited February 10, 2016 by Scott