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The Essential Bernie Sanders and His Vision for America
Meet the essential Bernie Sanders—an authentic and uncompromising champion of the people.
Independent United States Senator Bernie Sanders—with a thirty-five-year career in public service, first as Burlington, Vermont’s mayor, then as Vermont’s sole representative to Congress, and currently as a United States senator—is now campaigning to become president of the United States. His goal is to build a movement to take back our country from the rich and powerful, and return it to its rightful owners—we, the American people.
Sanders’ common sense, populist message is resonating with Democrats, Republicans, independents, as well as ordinary working- and middle-class Americans from all walks of life, including millennials, seniors, veterans, immigrants, environmentalists, union workers, and more.
In this short, accessible book, author Jonathan Tasini draws heavily from Sanders’ ample public record of speeches, statements, and interviews, and couples his working-class spirit with specific legislation he has championed on a number of core proposals that comprise a broader people’s agenda for America, including:
A national, single-payer health care system;
Free public higher education;
Taking on wealth and income inequality;
Preserving Social Security;
Caring for our veterans;
Ensuring civil rights for all;
Combatting climate change;
Reforming Wall Street, and much more.
The Essential Bernie Sanders and His Vision for America is a must-read for anyone who shares a vision for a forward-looking, sustainable, and more just United States of America, and is eager to change the course of history.
- See more at: http://www.chelseagreen.com/the-essen...
Independent United States Senator Bernie Sanders—with a thirty-five-year career in public service, first as Burlington, Vermont’s mayor, then as Vermont’s sole representative to Congress, and currently as a United States senator—is now campaigning to become president of the United States. His goal is to build a movement to take back our country from the rich and powerful, and return it to its rightful owners—we, the American people.
Sanders’ common sense, populist message is resonating with Democrats, Republicans, independents, as well as ordinary working- and middle-class Americans from all walks of life, including millennials, seniors, veterans, immigrants, environmentalists, union workers, and more.
In this short, accessible book, author Jonathan Tasini draws heavily from Sanders’ ample public record of speeches, statements, and interviews, and couples his working-class spirit with specific legislation he has championed on a number of core proposals that comprise a broader people’s agenda for America, including:
A national, single-payer health care system;
Free public higher education;
Taking on wealth and income inequality;
Preserving Social Security;
Caring for our veterans;
Ensuring civil rights for all;
Combatting climate change;
Reforming Wall Street, and much more.
The Essential Bernie Sanders and His Vision for America is a must-read for anyone who shares a vision for a forward-looking, sustainable, and more just United States of America, and is eager to change the course of history.
- See more at: http://www.chelseagreen.com/the-essen...
192 pages, Paperback
First published September 8, 2015
48 people are currently reading
724 people want to read
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July 23, 2016
That little bird is really a dove asking us for world peace. No more wars! #BirdieSanders
কোয়ারায় একজন প্রশ্ন করেছিল, আমেরিকার নির্বাচন নিয়ে সারা বিশ্বের এত আগ্রহ কেন? তো একজন উত্তর শুরু করেছিল বিদ্রুপাত্মকভাবে; তোমাদের দেশে বছরব্যাপী যে সার্কাসটা হয় সেটা বিশ্বের আর কোথায় হয়, বল? আমরা বিনা পয়সায় এই সার্কাস দেখার লোভ সামলাতে পারিনা। :D তো আমিও সার্কাস দেখি। ক্রমাগত ডানের দিকে সরতে থাকা রিপাবলিকানদের নিয়ে তেমন আগ্রহ নেই। [সারা বিশ্বই তো অবশ্য ডানে সরছে। :( ] অতএব আমাকে ডেমোক্রেট সাপোর্টার বলাই যায়।
ডেমোক্রেট পদপ্রার্থী হিলারি ক্লিনটনের প্রতিপক্ষ বার্নি স্যান্ডার্স নিয়ে শুরুতে তেমন আগ্রহ ছিল না। বার্নির ভক্ত হওয়ার মূলে বন্ধু বাশার। বন্ধুদের আড্ডা যা কিছু দিয়ে শুরু হোক না কেন শেষ পর্যন্ত আলোচনার মূল বিষয় হয়ে উঠতো বার্নি স্যান্ডার্স। বার্নি এই করেছে, বার্নি সেই করেছে। সেই বার্নি স্যান্ডার্স শেষ পর্যন্ত হিলারির সাথে পেরে উঠেনি। (পারতে দেয়া হয়নি আসলে, সে আরেক ইতিহাস।)
আমেরিকার মত পুঁজিবাদী একটা দেশে বার্নি স্যান্ডার্স নিজের পরিচয় দেয় ডেমোক্রেটিক স্যোশালিস্ট বলে। এটাই তো সবচেয়ে বিস্ময়কর ব্যাপার। আমি নিজে ডেমোক্রেটিক স্যোশালিজমে আস্থা রাখি। একটা রাষ্ট্র কিছু কিছু বিষয় তার সব নাগরিককে দিতেই পারে। একটা নির্দিষ্ট লেভেল পর্যন্ত সে শিক্ষা ফ্রি করে দিতে পারে, চিকিৎসা ভাতা, বেকার ভাতা, বয়স্ক ভাতা এসব দিতেই পারে। রাষ্ট্র নিশ্চিত করবে তার জনগণের সবাই একটা লেভেল পর্যন্ত একই অধিকার ভোগ করবে। এটাতো স্যোশালিজম তাই না? বার্নি স্যান্ডার্স অনেকটা এরকমই চিন্তা করে।
এ পর্যন্ত আমেরিকা যতগুলো যুদ্ধে জড়িয়েছে বার্নি তার প্রতিটার বিরোধিতা করেছে, পেন্টাগনের পেছনে কেন এত ব্যয় করা হয় সে প্রশ্ন তুলেছে, বলেছে আফগানিস্তানে কেন সামরিক স্ট্রাকচার তৈরী করা হবে যেটা কিনা একসময় আমেরিকার কোন কাজেই লাগবে না, সাধারণ মানুষের আগ্নেয়াস্ত্র নিয়ন্ত্রণে কথা বলেছে, মিডিয়ার একচ্ছত্র আধিপত্যের বিরুদ্ধে কথা বলেছে, ট্রেড ইউনিয়নের বিরুদ্ধ যে সংস্কৃতি আমেরিকায় তার বিরুদ্ধে বলেছে। বার্নি বলেছে কেন আমেরিকার মত উন্নত একটা দেশের মানুষদের সবাই স্বাস্থ্য সেবার আওতায় আসতে পারবে না, কেন ডাক্তারের সুপারিশকৃত ওষুধ কিনতে পারবে না টাকার অভাবে, কেন চিকিৎসার অভাবে এত মানুষ মারা যাবে, কেন টিউশন ফির অভাবে ছেলে-মেয়েরা কলেজের ডিগ্রি নিতে পারবে না, কেন গাড়ির ঋণের জন্য সুদ ২% আর শিক্ষা ঋণের জন্য দিতে হবে ৫%? কেন বিলিওয়ানারিদের কর মওকুফ করা হয় কিন্তু ছাপোষা মানুষদের করা হয়না? (এক্সনমবিল ১৯ বিলিয়ন ডলার লাভ করার পরও তাদের কর মওকুফ করা হয়েছে ‘০৯ এ, [মন্দার পরের বছর] উপরন্তু ১৫৬ মিলিয়ন ডলার ফেরত দেয়া হয়েছে, অথচ ৪০, ৫০কে উপার্জন যাদের তাদের ঠিকই কর দেয়া লেগেছে।) কেন চায়না, কোরিয়া মত দেশগুলোতে প্ল্যান্ট স্থাপন করা হয় যেখানে দেশের এত মানুষ বেকার জীবন যাপন করছে, কেন মা’দের জন্মদানের পর পরই কর্মক্ষেত্রে ছুটতে হয় কেননা তাদেরকে ছুটিকালীন সময়ে কোন সেলারি দেয়া হয়না, দেশের জন্য লড়তে গিয়ে যেসব সৈন্য পঙ্গু হয়েছে কেন তাদের সাহায্য কমানোর বিল উঠে কংরেসে যেখানে বিলিওয়ানারিদের কর দিতে হয় আক্ষরিক অর্থে খুবই কম? (ওয়ারেন বাফেট প্রায়ই বলে যে সে যে হারে কর দেয় তার বেশি হারে সেক্রেটারিকে পে করে।)
তো বার্নি স্যান্ডার্স এসব থেকে উত্তরণের জন্য কি করতে চাইতো? পাবলিক কলেজ, ভার্সিটির ফি যদি ফ্রি করা লাগে তাহলেও তো ৭৫০ বিলিয়ন দেয়া লাগবে পরের দশ বছরে। ইন্স্যুরেন্স কোম্পানির দৌরাত্মের কারণে স্বাস্থ্য সেবার যে ভয়াবহ অবস্থা তার থেকে উত্তরণে বার্নির পদক্ষেপ কী হবে? যেটারই সমাধান করা লাগুগ না কেন, টাকা চাই। ওয়াল স্ট্রিট গুড়িয়ে দাও। সহজ সমাধান। :D সম্পদ যখন কিছু সংখ্যক মানুষের হাতে থাকে তখনই সমস্যা, এরা কংরেসকে নিয়ন্ত্রণ করে, সাধারণ মানুষকে নিয়ন্ত্রণ করে। ওয়াল স্ট্রিটের প্রধান ছ’টা ব্যাংকের যে সম্পদ তার পরিমাণ জিডিপির ৬৫%। বার্নি বরাবরই বড় ব্যাংকগুলোকে ভেঙ্গে দিতে বলেছে। বলে আসছে সাধারণ মানুষ যে হারে কর দিচ্ছে সে হারে বা তার কাছাকাছি হারে কেন বিলওনারিরা দিবে? কেন কর ফাঁকির এত ব্যবস্থাগুলো এখনো রয়েছে? [কিছু কিওয়ার্ড এ সম্পর্কিত, পানামা, বারমুডা, ট্যাক্স হ্যাভেন, … ;) :3 ] উপরের ১% ধনী মানুষদের কর বাড়াও, টেকাটুকা চলে আসবে। আরো সমাধান জানতে চাইলে বই পড়তে হবে।
পোলিশ মা-বাবার সন্তান বার্নি স্যান্ডার্স। নিঃস্ব অবস্থায় চলে এসেছিল তারা, মায়ের ছোট্ট একটা স্বপ্ন ছিল, একদিন তারা নিজেদের একটা বাড়িতে থাকবে, স্বপ্ন পুরণ হয়নি তার। বার্নি হচ্ছে চরম গ্রিটি একটা মানুষ। অ্যাঞ্জেলা ডাকওয়ার্থ কেন যে তার সাক্ষাৎকার নিলোনা গবেষণাকালে? -_- সেই ১৯৬৪ সালে প্রথম নির্বাচন করে প্রথমবারের মত জয়ী হয় ‘৮১ তে, বার্লিংটনের মেয়র হিসেব, মাত্র দশ ভোটের ব্যবধানে। ২০১৫ তে নিজেকে ডেমোক্রেট পদপ্রার্থী হিসেবে ঘোষণা করে। প্রগ্রেসিভ একজন প্রার্থী হিসেবে বিশেষত তরুণদের মনোযোগে ছিলেন, মাঝে মাঝে কিছু হিলারিকে হারিয়েও দিচ্ছিলেন, প্রায়ই হারতো কিন্তু কখনো হাল ছাড়বে না বলেছিল, ছাড়েনি। জুন পর্যন্ত মানে শেষ নির্বাচনেও লড়াই করেছে। কনভেনশনেও (ওয়েল, নির্বাচন না) লড়াই করার কথা অবশ্য বলেছিল কিন্তু তার আগেই হিলারিকে সমর্থন দিয়েছে। নির্বাচনী কারচুপি নিয়ে একটা তদন্তের ফলাফল জুনে প্রকাশ হওয়ার কথা ছিল। কি জানি এর কী অবস্থা? খবর নিইনি। যাইহোক, বার্নি ভালোবাসা নিও।
বইটাকে তিন তারা দিতে ইচ্ছে করেছে আসলে। প্রতিটা অধ্যায়ে লেখকের কথা খুব সামান্যই। গোটা গোটা বার্নির বক্তৃতায় ঠাসা। কিন্তু ওগুলোর কারণেই আবার চার দিয়ে দিলাম। :D
বিদ্র১: জটিল মার্কিন প্রেসিডেন্ট নির্বাচন নিয়ে কিছুটা ধারণ পেতে চাইলে এই লেখাটা বেশ ভালো। আমি নিজেও খুব বেশি জানিনা অবশ্য। :D
বিদ্র২: রিপাবলিকানরা যে মোটামুটি সাঈদি ক্যাটাগরির তা তাদের গ্লোবাল ওয়ার্মিং নিয়ে ধারণা থেকেই বোঝা যায়। কিভাবে সমস্ত বৈজ্ঞানিক যুক্তিকে তুচ্ছ করে বলতে পারে এটা চায়নার ষড়যন্ত্র?
কোয়ারায় একজন প্রশ্ন করেছিল, আমেরিকার নির্বাচন নিয়ে সারা বিশ্বের এত আগ্রহ কেন? তো একজন উত্তর শুরু করেছিল বিদ্রুপাত্মকভাবে; তোমাদের দেশে বছরব্যাপী যে সার্কাসটা হয় সেটা বিশ্বের আর কোথায় হয়, বল? আমরা বিনা পয়সায় এই সার্কাস দেখার লোভ সামলাতে পারিনা। :D তো আমিও সার্কাস দেখি। ক্রমাগত ডানের দিকে সরতে থাকা রিপাবলিকানদের নিয়ে তেমন আগ্রহ নেই। [সারা বিশ্বই তো অবশ্য ডানে সরছে। :( ] অতএব আমাকে ডেমোক্রেট সাপোর্টার বলাই যায়।
ডেমোক্রেট পদপ্রার্থী হিলারি ক্লিনটনের প্রতিপক্ষ বার্নি স্যান্ডার্স নিয়ে শুরুতে তেমন আগ্রহ ছিল না। বার্নির ভক্ত হওয়ার মূলে বন্ধু বাশার। বন্ধুদের আড্ডা যা কিছু দিয়ে শুরু হোক না কেন শেষ পর্যন্ত আলোচনার মূল বিষয় হয়ে উঠতো বার্নি স্যান্ডার্স। বার্নি এই করেছে, বার্নি সেই করেছে। সেই বার্নি স্যান্ডার্স শেষ পর্যন্ত হিলারির সাথে পেরে উঠেনি। (পারতে দেয়া হয়নি আসলে, সে আরেক ইতিহাস।)
আমেরিকার মত পুঁজিবাদী একটা দেশে বার্নি স্যান্ডার্স নিজের পরিচয় দেয় ডেমোক্রেটিক স্যোশালিস্ট বলে। এটাই তো সবচেয়ে বিস্ময়কর ব্যাপার। আমি নিজে ডেমোক্রেটিক স্যোশালিজমে আস্থা রাখি। একটা রাষ্ট্র কিছু কিছু বিষয় তার সব নাগরিককে দিতেই পারে। একটা নির্দিষ্ট লেভেল পর্যন্ত সে শিক্ষা ফ্রি করে দিতে পারে, চিকিৎসা ভাতা, বেকার ভাতা, বয়স্ক ভাতা এসব দিতেই পারে। রাষ্ট্র নিশ্চিত করবে তার জনগণের সবাই একটা লেভেল পর্যন্ত একই অধিকার ভোগ করবে। এটাতো স্যোশালিজম তাই না? বার্নি স্যান্ডার্স অনেকটা এরকমই চিন্তা করে।
এ পর্যন্ত আমেরিকা যতগুলো যুদ্ধে জড়িয়েছে বার্নি তার প্রতিটার বিরোধিতা করেছে, পেন্টাগনের পেছনে কেন এত ব্যয় করা হয় সে প্রশ্ন তুলেছে, বলেছে আফগানিস্তানে কেন সামরিক স্ট্রাকচার তৈরী করা হবে যেটা কিনা একসময় আমেরিকার কোন কাজেই লাগবে না, সাধারণ মানুষের আগ্নেয়াস্ত্র নিয়ন্ত্রণে কথা বলেছে, মিডিয়ার একচ্ছত্র আধিপত্যের বিরুদ্ধে কথা বলেছে, ট্রেড ইউনিয়নের বিরুদ্ধ যে সংস্কৃতি আমেরিকায় তার বিরুদ্ধে বলেছে। বার্নি বলেছে কেন আমেরিকার মত উন্নত একটা দেশের মানুষদের সবাই স্বাস্থ্য সেবার আওতায় আসতে পারবে না, কেন ডাক্তারের সুপারিশকৃত ওষুধ কিনতে পারবে না টাকার অভাবে, কেন চিকিৎসার অভাবে এত মানুষ মারা যাবে, কেন টিউশন ফির অভাবে ছেলে-মেয়েরা কলেজের ডিগ্রি নিতে পারবে না, কেন গাড়ির ঋণের জন্য সুদ ২% আর শিক্ষা ঋণের জন্য দিতে হবে ৫%? কেন বিলিওয়ানারিদের কর মওকুফ করা হয় কিন্তু ছাপোষা মানুষদের করা হয়না? (এক্সনমবিল ১৯ বিলিয়ন ডলার লাভ করার পরও তাদের কর মওকুফ করা হয়েছে ‘০৯ এ, [মন্দার পরের বছর] উপরন্তু ১৫৬ মিলিয়ন ডলার ফেরত দেয়া হয়েছে, অথচ ৪০, ৫০কে উপার্জন যাদের তাদের ঠিকই কর দেয়া লেগেছে।) কেন চায়না, কোরিয়া মত দেশগুলোতে প্ল্যান্ট স্থাপন করা হয় যেখানে দেশের এত মানুষ বেকার জীবন যাপন করছে, কেন মা’দের জন্মদানের পর পরই কর্মক্ষেত্রে ছুটতে হয় কেননা তাদেরকে ছুটিকালীন সময়ে কোন সেলারি দেয়া হয়না, দেশের জন্য লড়তে গিয়ে যেসব সৈন্য পঙ্গু হয়েছে কেন তাদের সাহায্য কমানোর বিল উঠে কংরেসে যেখানে বিলিওয়ানারিদের কর দিতে হয় আক্ষরিক অর্থে খুবই কম? (ওয়ারেন বাফেট প্রায়ই বলে যে সে যে হারে কর দেয় তার বেশি হারে সেক্রেটারিকে পে করে।)
তো বার্নি স্যান্ডার্স এসব থেকে উত্তরণের জন্য কি করতে চাইতো? পাবলিক কলেজ, ভার্সিটির ফি যদি ফ্রি করা লাগে তাহলেও তো ৭৫০ বিলিয়ন দেয়া লাগবে পরের দশ বছরে। ইন্স্যুরেন্স কোম্পানির দৌরাত্মের কারণে স্বাস্থ্য সেবার যে ভয়াবহ অবস্থা তার থেকে উত্তরণে বার্নির পদক্ষেপ কী হবে? যেটারই সমাধান করা লাগুগ না কেন, টাকা চাই। ওয়াল স্ট্রিট গুড়িয়ে দাও। সহজ সমাধান। :D সম্পদ যখন কিছু সংখ্যক মানুষের হাতে থাকে তখনই সমস্যা, এরা কংরেসকে নিয়ন্ত্রণ করে, সাধারণ মানুষকে নিয়ন্ত্রণ করে। ওয়াল স্ট্রিটের প্রধান ছ’টা ব্যাংকের যে সম্পদ তার পরিমাণ জিডিপির ৬৫%। বার্নি বরাবরই বড় ব্যাংকগুলোকে ভেঙ্গে দিতে বলেছে। বলে আসছে সাধারণ মানুষ যে হারে কর দিচ্ছে সে হারে বা তার কাছাকাছি হারে কেন বিলওনারিরা দিবে? কেন কর ফাঁকির এত ব্যবস্থাগুলো এখনো রয়েছে? [কিছু কিওয়ার্ড এ সম্পর্কিত, পানামা, বারমুডা, ট্যাক্স হ্যাভেন, … ;) :3 ] উপরের ১% ধনী মানুষদের কর বাড়াও, টেকাটুকা চলে আসবে। আরো সমাধান জানতে চাইলে বই পড়তে হবে।
পোলিশ মা-বাবার সন্তান বার্নি স্যান্ডার্স। নিঃস্ব অবস্থায় চলে এসেছিল তারা, মায়ের ছোট্ট একটা স্বপ্ন ছিল, একদিন তারা নিজেদের একটা বাড়িতে থাকবে, স্বপ্ন পুরণ হয়নি তার। বার্নি হচ্ছে চরম গ্রিটি একটা মানুষ। অ্যাঞ্জেলা ডাকওয়ার্থ কেন যে তার সাক্ষাৎকার নিলোনা গবেষণাকালে? -_- সেই ১৯৬৪ সালে প্রথম নির্বাচন করে প্রথমবারের মত জয়ী হয় ‘৮১ তে, বার্লিংটনের মেয়র হিসেব, মাত্র দশ ভোটের ব্যবধানে। ২০১৫ তে নিজেকে ডেমোক্রেট পদপ্রার্থী হিসেবে ঘোষণা করে। প্রগ্রেসিভ একজন প্রার্থী হিসেবে বিশেষত তরুণদের মনোযোগে ছিলেন, মাঝে মাঝে কিছু হিলারিকে হারিয়েও দিচ্ছিলেন, প্রায়ই হারতো কিন্তু কখনো হাল ছাড়বে না বলেছিল, ছাড়েনি। জুন পর্যন্ত মানে শেষ নির্বাচনেও লড়াই করেছে। কনভেনশনেও (ওয়েল, নির্বাচন না) লড়াই করার কথা অবশ্য বলেছিল কিন্তু তার আগেই হিলারিকে সমর্থন দিয়েছে। নির্বাচনী কারচুপি নিয়ে একটা তদন্তের ফলাফল জুনে প্রকাশ হওয়ার কথা ছিল। কি জানি এর কী অবস্থা? খবর নিইনি। যাইহোক, বার্নি ভালোবাসা নিও।
বইটাকে তিন তারা দিতে ইচ্ছে করেছে আসলে। প্রতিটা অধ্যায়ে লেখকের কথা খুব সামান্যই। গোটা গোটা বার্নির বক্তৃতায় ঠাসা। কিন্তু ওগুলোর কারণেই আবার চার দিয়ে দিলাম। :D
বিদ্র১: জটিল মার্কিন প্রেসিডেন্ট নির্বাচন নিয়ে কিছুটা ধারণ পেতে চাইলে এই লেখাটা বেশ ভালো। আমি নিজেও খুব বেশি জানিনা অবশ্য। :D
বিদ্র২: রিপাবলিকানরা যে মোটামুটি সাঈদি ক্যাটাগরির তা তাদের গ্লোবাল ওয়ার্মিং নিয়ে ধারণা থেকেই বোঝা যায়। কিভাবে সমস্ত বৈজ্ঞানিক যুক্তিকে তুচ্ছ করে বলতে পারে এটা চায়নার ষড়যন্ত্র?
March 7, 2016
As I write this, Bernie Sanders has just won the Maine Democratic caucuses with 64.3% of the votes. While still early in the race, for those of us who are feeling the Bern (to use an already over-used and somewhat awkward phrase), Sanders’s performance has been more than satisfying. He’s no longer a long-shot. He could definitely go all the way.
Of course, even if he doesn’t, he has succeeded in running a campaign like no other and one of which he should be proud. At the very least, he has gotten his message across, a message that a large percentage of Americans have taken to heart and agree with.
What is that message?
It’s a simple one, really, and one that the Founding Fathers and the subsequent generations of Americans have fought and died for and that most politicians seem to have forgotten: that government is for the people and by the people because it is the people.
That most of our elected officials no longer represent us, the people, is a given. What is becoming frighteningly more clear is that most politicians consider us, the people, as the enemy. Inexplicably and ironically, the very people who vote them into office---us---are inevitably the ones they continue to hurt and destroy by slowly chipping away at our rights to life, liberty, and happiness. Two out of three used to be acceptable for them. Now they want to take away all of them.
If you think I’m being dramatic or hyperbolic, read Jonathon Tasini’s “The Essential Bernie Sanders and His Vision for America”, which is required reading for anyone who is a Sanders fan as well as anyone who thinks America has suffered enough insult and injury over the past several decades.
Tasini’s book is mostly primary source material taken directly from Sanders’s numerous speeches and interviews. Mostly excerpted, the book is a treasure trove of the main points that Sanders hopes to address and work on if and when he becomes president. There is also, interspersed throughout, key highlights of Sanders’s career.
It is almost refreshing to hear an elected official say some of the things that Sanders says. It is even more refreshing when one realizes that he actually means it and isn’t just saying things that people want to hear or because he has been reading poll numbers. This authenticity is, perhaps, one of Bernie’s biggest draws.
I am voting for Sanders because I truly believe that big corporate money has destroyed Washington politics and has prevented any politician who accepts large campaign funds from these corporations from adequately serving their primary constituents.
I am voting for Sanders because I thinks it’s bullshit when I hear people say that this country has no money for certain things, like infrastructure or basic health care or education, but that we always seem to have trillions to spend on military weapons and waging unnecessary wars.
I am voting for Sanders because I am tired of working my ass off to barely break even and pay bills, let alone spend quality time with my wife and daughter, while more-wealthy members of society avoid paying taxes because of off-shore accounts and are able to spend the entire year doing absolutely nothing but lounging on yachts, beaches, and one of their seven mansions.
I am voting for Sanders because I believe that global climate change poses a much more serious long-term threat than any terrorist group, mainly because I believe that many of these terrorist groups have grown in size due to more desperate people living in countries hardest hit by global climate change.
I am voting for Sanders because I believe that education should be free, that public education should be free, that college should be something that ALL children should be able to attain, let alone strive for, because I believe that education is the root of all good things in the world, including an end to global climate change, an end to terrorism, and an end to wealth inequality.
Of course, even if he doesn’t, he has succeeded in running a campaign like no other and one of which he should be proud. At the very least, he has gotten his message across, a message that a large percentage of Americans have taken to heart and agree with.
What is that message?
It’s a simple one, really, and one that the Founding Fathers and the subsequent generations of Americans have fought and died for and that most politicians seem to have forgotten: that government is for the people and by the people because it is the people.
That most of our elected officials no longer represent us, the people, is a given. What is becoming frighteningly more clear is that most politicians consider us, the people, as the enemy. Inexplicably and ironically, the very people who vote them into office---us---are inevitably the ones they continue to hurt and destroy by slowly chipping away at our rights to life, liberty, and happiness. Two out of three used to be acceptable for them. Now they want to take away all of them.
If you think I’m being dramatic or hyperbolic, read Jonathon Tasini’s “The Essential Bernie Sanders and His Vision for America”, which is required reading for anyone who is a Sanders fan as well as anyone who thinks America has suffered enough insult and injury over the past several decades.
Tasini’s book is mostly primary source material taken directly from Sanders’s numerous speeches and interviews. Mostly excerpted, the book is a treasure trove of the main points that Sanders hopes to address and work on if and when he becomes president. There is also, interspersed throughout, key highlights of Sanders’s career.
It is almost refreshing to hear an elected official say some of the things that Sanders says. It is even more refreshing when one realizes that he actually means it and isn’t just saying things that people want to hear or because he has been reading poll numbers. This authenticity is, perhaps, one of Bernie’s biggest draws.
I am voting for Sanders because I truly believe that big corporate money has destroyed Washington politics and has prevented any politician who accepts large campaign funds from these corporations from adequately serving their primary constituents.
I am voting for Sanders because I thinks it’s bullshit when I hear people say that this country has no money for certain things, like infrastructure or basic health care or education, but that we always seem to have trillions to spend on military weapons and waging unnecessary wars.
I am voting for Sanders because I am tired of working my ass off to barely break even and pay bills, let alone spend quality time with my wife and daughter, while more-wealthy members of society avoid paying taxes because of off-shore accounts and are able to spend the entire year doing absolutely nothing but lounging on yachts, beaches, and one of their seven mansions.
I am voting for Sanders because I believe that global climate change poses a much more serious long-term threat than any terrorist group, mainly because I believe that many of these terrorist groups have grown in size due to more desperate people living in countries hardest hit by global climate change.
I am voting for Sanders because I believe that education should be free, that public education should be free, that college should be something that ALL children should be able to attain, let alone strive for, because I believe that education is the root of all good things in the world, including an end to global climate change, an end to terrorism, and an end to wealth inequality.
October 24, 2015
This book is recommended for everyone (well, everyone adult and an American citizen.)I can't see many kids plowing through this unless they are teens and political fanatics, or possibly Bernie Sanders' grandkids). Non Americans are likely not going to be interested until Bernie is president.
However, all in the included groups really should read this! People who haven't heard of Sanders should read to find out what he stands for and against. People who have heard of Sanders can get more detail about issues Sanders supports or is against and why. One among many fascinating bits of information: Bernie managed to get through an audit of the Federal Reserve for the first time ever. It discovered fascinating things. Such as the fact that American bailout money went to foreign NON-American banks! An incredible number of Wall Street CEOs were serving on the Fed at the time of the crash. Funny how many of those CEO's corporations ended up getting bailout money! Do grab this book and read it! It is in my library, and if it isn't in your library, take down the title, author, and ISBN and ask them why it isn't in the library. It is very clear exactly what his positions are, and probably 95+% of the book is quotes from various speeches Bernie had made. If you haven't made up your mind yet to support Bernie which you should unless you are part of the 1%, read this and find out why you should support him!
I know this review is quite partisan and totally biased. To give you some of my background, my first major political memory was all these grim men sitting around a curved desk area asking questions of endless people. I couldn't make head or tail of it. It turns out a lot of people felt that way in listening to questions about Watergate. So cynicism about politicians comes naturally to me. Bernie is the first politician I have ever supported enthusiastically. He is real and honest and a supporter of the middle and poor classes. I read Obama's autobiographies and realized he wasn't a liberal. Sure, I'd love to see a woman as president, but it needs to be the right woman. Not Hillary. Hillary has flip-flopped on a fair number of issues. Bernie is saying the same things now he said decades ago. Check You Tube if you don't believe that statement. He's one of TWO senators in Congress who attended the Martin Luther King I have a Dream speech. Stop reading this review, go borrow or buy this book ASAP and start reading!
However, all in the included groups really should read this! People who haven't heard of Sanders should read to find out what he stands for and against. People who have heard of Sanders can get more detail about issues Sanders supports or is against and why. One among many fascinating bits of information: Bernie managed to get through an audit of the Federal Reserve for the first time ever. It discovered fascinating things. Such as the fact that American bailout money went to foreign NON-American banks! An incredible number of Wall Street CEOs were serving on the Fed at the time of the crash. Funny how many of those CEO's corporations ended up getting bailout money! Do grab this book and read it! It is in my library, and if it isn't in your library, take down the title, author, and ISBN and ask them why it isn't in the library. It is very clear exactly what his positions are, and probably 95+% of the book is quotes from various speeches Bernie had made. If you haven't made up your mind yet to support Bernie which you should unless you are part of the 1%, read this and find out why you should support him!
I know this review is quite partisan and totally biased. To give you some of my background, my first major political memory was all these grim men sitting around a curved desk area asking questions of endless people. I couldn't make head or tail of it. It turns out a lot of people felt that way in listening to questions about Watergate. So cynicism about politicians comes naturally to me. Bernie is the first politician I have ever supported enthusiastically. He is real and honest and a supporter of the middle and poor classes. I read Obama's autobiographies and realized he wasn't a liberal. Sure, I'd love to see a woman as president, but it needs to be the right woman. Not Hillary. Hillary has flip-flopped on a fair number of issues. Bernie is saying the same things now he said decades ago. Check You Tube if you don't believe that statement. He's one of TWO senators in Congress who attended the Martin Luther King I have a Dream speech. Stop reading this review, go borrow or buy this book ASAP and start reading!
November 22, 2015
I like everything I have heard from Bernie. The cautionary tales have been told in The Hunger Games, V for Vendetta etc. Now it's time for America to decide if enough is enough. Bernie has a vision, a plan and answers. Some people complain about the rich getting richer, the poor getting poorer. Some people complain about politicians being dishonest and owned by corporations. Some people complain about the cost of medical care and student loan debts. Maybe it's time to do something about these issues instead of just complaining. Lets fix what is broken, even if it means for The United States of America looking to what other countries have done right.
If we want real change and real hope it is time to elect Senator Bernie Sanders in 2016 - otherwise, yes there will be more of the same. It is time for a drastic change and Bernie can do it. Think Franklin D. Roosevelt for the twenty first century.
Some favorite quotes:
It is no secret that there is massive discontent with politics in America. In the mid-term election in November, 63 percent of Americans did not vote, including 80 percent of young people. Poll after poll tells us that our citizens no longer have confidence in our political institutions, and given the power of Big Money in the political process, they have serious doubts about how much their vote actually matters and whether politicians have any clue as to what is going on in their lives.
Combating this political alienation, this cynicism and this legitimate anger will not be easy. That's for sure. But that is exactly what, together, we have to do if we are going to turn this country around - and that is what this campaign is all about.
And to bring people together we need a simple and straight-forward progressive agenda which speaks to the needs of our people, and which provides us with a vision of a very different America.
Health Care for All: The United States remains the only major country on earth that does not guarantee health care for all as a right. Despite the modest gains of the Affordable Care Act, 35 million Americans continue to lack health insurance and many more are under-insured. Yet, we continue paying far more per capita for health care than any other nation. The United States must join the rest of the industrialized world and guarantee health care to all as a right by moving toward a Medicare-for-All single-payer system.
College for All: And when we talk about education, let me be very clear. In a highly competitive global economy, we need the best educated workforce we can create. It is insane and counter-productive to the best interests of our country, that hundreds of thousands of bright young people cannot afford to go to college, and that millions of others leave school with a mountain of debt that burdens them for decades. That must end. That is why, as president, I will fight to make tuition in public colleges and universities free, as well as substantially lower interest rates on student loans.
I don't think there is a great debate on whether our infrastructure is crumbling.... The debate, of course, comes down to how you pay for it.
There are many of out here, barely holding onto health insurance. And there are more than a few who are taking the chance of living uninsured.
-Nancy S. Buck, Aurora, Colorado
When people like us are working sixty hours a week, and can still barely afford to survive, but people like the Waltons are getting tax breaks of more money than I will see in my lifetime, there is something wrong.
-Levy Morrow, Colorado resident at Sanders rally in Denver
He is revered. He's very consistent with where he stands. He's the first politician that I've believed in my life.
-Paul Loebe, a thirty-one-year-old who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan during eight years of active duty
If we want real change and real hope it is time to elect Senator Bernie Sanders in 2016 - otherwise, yes there will be more of the same. It is time for a drastic change and Bernie can do it. Think Franklin D. Roosevelt for the twenty first century.
Some favorite quotes:
It is no secret that there is massive discontent with politics in America. In the mid-term election in November, 63 percent of Americans did not vote, including 80 percent of young people. Poll after poll tells us that our citizens no longer have confidence in our political institutions, and given the power of Big Money in the political process, they have serious doubts about how much their vote actually matters and whether politicians have any clue as to what is going on in their lives.
Combating this political alienation, this cynicism and this legitimate anger will not be easy. That's for sure. But that is exactly what, together, we have to do if we are going to turn this country around - and that is what this campaign is all about.
And to bring people together we need a simple and straight-forward progressive agenda which speaks to the needs of our people, and which provides us with a vision of a very different America.
Health Care for All: The United States remains the only major country on earth that does not guarantee health care for all as a right. Despite the modest gains of the Affordable Care Act, 35 million Americans continue to lack health insurance and many more are under-insured. Yet, we continue paying far more per capita for health care than any other nation. The United States must join the rest of the industrialized world and guarantee health care to all as a right by moving toward a Medicare-for-All single-payer system.
College for All: And when we talk about education, let me be very clear. In a highly competitive global economy, we need the best educated workforce we can create. It is insane and counter-productive to the best interests of our country, that hundreds of thousands of bright young people cannot afford to go to college, and that millions of others leave school with a mountain of debt that burdens them for decades. That must end. That is why, as president, I will fight to make tuition in public colleges and universities free, as well as substantially lower interest rates on student loans.
I don't think there is a great debate on whether our infrastructure is crumbling.... The debate, of course, comes down to how you pay for it.
There are many of out here, barely holding onto health insurance. And there are more than a few who are taking the chance of living uninsured.
-Nancy S. Buck, Aurora, Colorado
When people like us are working sixty hours a week, and can still barely afford to survive, but people like the Waltons are getting tax breaks of more money than I will see in my lifetime, there is something wrong.
-Levy Morrow, Colorado resident at Sanders rally in Denver
He is revered. He's very consistent with where he stands. He's the first politician that I've believed in my life.
-Paul Loebe, a thirty-one-year-old who served in both Iraq and Afghanistan during eight years of active duty
November 11, 2015
As the title suggests, this book covers all the main topics and Bernie's stance on them. Each section is clearly marked as being about Health Care, Immigration, Taxes, &c., and filled with his speeches on these topics, typically recent but sometimes from before the campaign even began.
The author, in addition to compiling this and giving a brief introduction to each section, also concluded each chapter with some related facts of what he has done throughout his career on these issues.
Wonderfully informative, practical, and consistently impressive.
The author, in addition to compiling this and giving a brief introduction to each section, also concluded each chapter with some related facts of what he has done throughout his career on these issues.
Wonderfully informative, practical, and consistently impressive.
October 1, 2015
A perfect resource for anyone looking to learn about Bernie and what he stands for or for supporters and volunteers who want to brush up on their knowledge of his arguments and policies before hitting the neighborhood to canvass. I was already a huge advocate for Sanders before ordering this book, but it was worth the read and only reaffirms my reasons (of which there are many) for supporting him.
October 15, 2015
Fantastic resource on what Bernie Sanders is made of. It's a quick read, broken up into bite-sized chapters; each giving the reader a glimpse into Bernie Sanders' record and the goals he has for the nation. The author used Bernie's own words for the bulk of the book, sampling speeches and statements from the last 10 years or more to highlight ways in which Sanders is not only a man of substance, but also deep integrity.
Everything he says, everything he stands for...it just makes too much sense. If he doesn't get the nomination and subsequently win the presidency it will only be because the American public has been so brainwashed into thinking that we're actually doing ourselves a favor by breaking our backs to make the very rich even richer. That's not living. That's not the qualities of the greatest nation in the world. And if Bernie isn't elected and allowed to transform our country, then we've basically just surrendered ourselves to not being the greatest country in the world and no longer giving a shit about ourselves or future generations. As radical as that may seem, none of his ideas (thus far in my reading) are new ideas for the first world nations in the world. In fact, most advanced nations have ALREADY put most, if not all, of his proposals into practice. America is behind. Desperately, sadly, falling farther and farther behind in every arena that makes a country great. Sanders can change that with his authenticity and passion for the working people.
Everything he says, everything he stands for...it just makes too much sense. If he doesn't get the nomination and subsequently win the presidency it will only be because the American public has been so brainwashed into thinking that we're actually doing ourselves a favor by breaking our backs to make the very rich even richer. That's not living. That's not the qualities of the greatest nation in the world. And if Bernie isn't elected and allowed to transform our country, then we've basically just surrendered ourselves to not being the greatest country in the world and no longer giving a shit about ourselves or future generations. As radical as that may seem, none of his ideas (thus far in my reading) are new ideas for the first world nations in the world. In fact, most advanced nations have ALREADY put most, if not all, of his proposals into practice. America is behind. Desperately, sadly, falling farther and farther behind in every arena that makes a country great. Sanders can change that with his authenticity and passion for the working people.
November 21, 2015
It would be nice if the news media, instead of commenting on the candidates' hair, would look at this book and similar ones by other candidates and do a reality-based compare/contrast.
Bernie voted against and spoke out against the Iraq war, which even candidate Bush doesn't stand behind anymore. That seems like a pretty relevant point of distinction between the candidates.
Quote from the book from a speech in 2002, before the Iraq war started:
“I have not heard any estimates of how many young American men and women might die in such a war, or how many tens of thousands of women and children in Iraq might also be killed. As a caring nation, we should do everything we can to prevent the horrible suffering war will cause. War must be the last recourse…..[And] who will govern Iraq when Saddam Hussein is removed? And what role will the US play in an ensuing civil war that will develop in that country? Will moderate governments in the region who have large Islamic fundamentalist populations be overthrown and replaced by extremists?" feelthebern.org
Bernie voted against and spoke out against the Iraq war, which even candidate Bush doesn't stand behind anymore. That seems like a pretty relevant point of distinction between the candidates.
Quote from the book from a speech in 2002, before the Iraq war started:
“I have not heard any estimates of how many young American men and women might die in such a war, or how many tens of thousands of women and children in Iraq might also be killed. As a caring nation, we should do everything we can to prevent the horrible suffering war will cause. War must be the last recourse…..[And] who will govern Iraq when Saddam Hussein is removed? And what role will the US play in an ensuing civil war that will develop in that country? Will moderate governments in the region who have large Islamic fundamentalist populations be overthrown and replaced by extremists?" feelthebern.org
November 5, 2015
A very quick review of Bernie's positions on all the issues. This book, taken from his floor speeches, interviews, and other public utterances gives his perspective on all the issues. If you want to cast an informed vote during the primaries, read this book. Bernie's views on the very largest financial institutions is spot on: Too Big to Fail? Too Big to Exist! He proposes having the three or four largest financial institutions to be broken up into smaller companies so they can no longer threaten the stability of the banking system. He also proposes a very small transaction tax on derivatives ( 1/2 of one percent) to finance universal free college & vocational education for all.
November 1, 2015
I never before knew they made any honest politicians. It rekindles my faith in humanity that a person could be in politics for 34 years and remain throughout that time true to their core values.
If I needed convincing that Bernie Sanders should be our next president, this book definitely provided the needed proof. If you're as much a political junkie as I am, I definitely recommend you read it. If you're concerned about the growing wealth inequality and shrinking middle class in America, it's a MUST READ book.
If I needed convincing that Bernie Sanders should be our next president, this book definitely provided the needed proof. If you're as much a political junkie as I am, I definitely recommend you read it. If you're concerned about the growing wealth inequality and shrinking middle class in America, it's a MUST READ book.
October 3, 2015
I have admired Bernie for years. I agree with him 100%. I am pleasantly surprised he is leading in some polls. His message resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds. This book uses Bernie's actual words from his numerous speeches on the Senate floor and other venues. This book isn't just for bleeding heart liberals like myself, but for anyone who wants deeper insight into this great senator turned presidential candidate.
November 6, 2015
Not really a biography, but a very informative read about his political views. Most of the text consists of reprints of speeches he made on the Senate floor about various bills.
He actually seems like someone who will stand up for the average person and fight against corporations.
From reading this, I have to say I think he'd make a good President.
He actually seems like someone who will stand up for the average person and fight against corporations.
From reading this, I have to say I think he'd make a good President.
December 9, 2015
A wonderful book that gives a broad overview of Bernie's positions both in content and time. Mandatory reading if you want to be in the know about the best Presidential candidate running today, and WHY he's the best candidate!
November 13, 2015
Clear and hopeful. May he achieve his goals! I came away believing he means what he says, and is speaking for the 99%. His track record going back 50 years in championing the regular guy and gal says he means it. Every issue you can imagine is addressed in a positive way. Feel the Bern.
September 28, 2019
What a delightful man. Decades of sticking up for all kinds of people, this book is a quick breakdown of where Sanders stands on different political and societal issues, as well as where he doesn't. It's a quick read, and can used as a quick reference booklet.
January 20, 2021
3.5 stars. Good short read. Was a nice overview, but no new info. I did enjoy the excerpts of the floor speeches.
March 29, 2016
A couple of things are inescapable if one takes the time to read this book. First, there is the consistency of Bernie’s life and core beliefs. One doesn’t have to track how he’s changed his views on fundamental issues because he hasn’t. The man who was first elected mayor of Burlington, Vermont in 1981 is very much the man we see today. That’s not to say that he’s been some gadfly caught in political amber. His views are grounded in a fundamental belief in the value of every individual to act freely within the realities of modern life.
Perhaps the most important lesson to be learned is that he doesn’t need speechwriters, pollsters or advisors to tell him what to think. Bernie’s consistent views have stayed consistent as the so-called political spectrum has moved around him. In 1981 his views might have been considered to have been far left. But today there is no arguing that his views are centrist and, at their most extreme, slightly center-left. Protecting Social Security, “ensur[ing] that no full-time worker lives in poverty, declaring “the function of banking should be to provide affordable loans to small business to provide jobs [and] affordable loans to Americans to purchase homes and cars,” and accepting the science of climate change to guide policy are hardly radical ideas.
Taken together, Bernie’s views convince me that our notions of left and right are obsolete. There is no longer a far left or left in the United States. When compared to our prevailing ideas about political beliefs, the spectrum now covers center-left to far right. For example, there is no far left equivalent of the far right view that that the 2nd Amendment is somehow a justification to overthrow our government if some deem it necessary to do so. There was a far left that advocated this in the 1960s, but it no longer exists. Indeed, if you take Bernie’s name out of the equation, virtually every position he takes has the support of the majority of the American people, in some cases overwhelmingly so. Many of the positions outlined in this short book could be extracted and pasted into the speeches of many conservatives and no one would notice. It also underscores how the mainstream Democratic Party is no longer the party of the center-left or center, but indeed of the center-right. As a supporter of John Anderson for president in 1980, I can remember the bygone age when both parties represented robust ranges of political ideas.
Most importantly, Bernie doesn’t use the currently insoluble issues of the day—abortion, gun control or morality—to divide us nor does he oversimplify complex issues—terrorism, military spending, education or energy—for political gain. Bernie’s sensible approach to issues like investment in infrastructure, opposing trade deals that put American workers on unequal footing with the rest of the world, and sensible farm and energy policies treats us like adults. Even authoring a constitutional amendment to define citizenship as belonging individuals rather than corporations should seem obvious regardless of one’s party.
At first glance, there’s little, if anything, new in this quasi-campaign issues statement. I’ve written a few of them myself to know what goes into them. Most of the book is culled from excerpts of Bernie Sanders’s public statements. Yet it is important nonetheless. Indeed, it would be useful for anyone who is open-minded and cares about learning why Bernie is attracting a groundswell of committed supporters, especially among younger citizens. Let’s hope, whether Bernie’s candidacy succeeds or not, that his ideas will live on and become part of the future American fabric.
Perhaps the most important lesson to be learned is that he doesn’t need speechwriters, pollsters or advisors to tell him what to think. Bernie’s consistent views have stayed consistent as the so-called political spectrum has moved around him. In 1981 his views might have been considered to have been far left. But today there is no arguing that his views are centrist and, at their most extreme, slightly center-left. Protecting Social Security, “ensur[ing] that no full-time worker lives in poverty, declaring “the function of banking should be to provide affordable loans to small business to provide jobs [and] affordable loans to Americans to purchase homes and cars,” and accepting the science of climate change to guide policy are hardly radical ideas.
Taken together, Bernie’s views convince me that our notions of left and right are obsolete. There is no longer a far left or left in the United States. When compared to our prevailing ideas about political beliefs, the spectrum now covers center-left to far right. For example, there is no far left equivalent of the far right view that that the 2nd Amendment is somehow a justification to overthrow our government if some deem it necessary to do so. There was a far left that advocated this in the 1960s, but it no longer exists. Indeed, if you take Bernie’s name out of the equation, virtually every position he takes has the support of the majority of the American people, in some cases overwhelmingly so. Many of the positions outlined in this short book could be extracted and pasted into the speeches of many conservatives and no one would notice. It also underscores how the mainstream Democratic Party is no longer the party of the center-left or center, but indeed of the center-right. As a supporter of John Anderson for president in 1980, I can remember the bygone age when both parties represented robust ranges of political ideas.
Most importantly, Bernie doesn’t use the currently insoluble issues of the day—abortion, gun control or morality—to divide us nor does he oversimplify complex issues—terrorism, military spending, education or energy—for political gain. Bernie’s sensible approach to issues like investment in infrastructure, opposing trade deals that put American workers on unequal footing with the rest of the world, and sensible farm and energy policies treats us like adults. Even authoring a constitutional amendment to define citizenship as belonging individuals rather than corporations should seem obvious regardless of one’s party.
At first glance, there’s little, if anything, new in this quasi-campaign issues statement. I’ve written a few of them myself to know what goes into them. Most of the book is culled from excerpts of Bernie Sanders’s public statements. Yet it is important nonetheless. Indeed, it would be useful for anyone who is open-minded and cares about learning why Bernie is attracting a groundswell of committed supporters, especially among younger citizens. Let’s hope, whether Bernie’s candidacy succeeds or not, that his ideas will live on and become part of the future American fabric.
January 13, 2018
The book just shows how Bernie Sanders is with the people, as he supports equality, making health care a right not a privilege, cutting taxes for middle class and rise taxes for the top 1%, etc... To show that he will be a great president. Nothing solid, detailed or new to me. All in all, Bernie Sanders is one of the best congress people, but the book is not.
January 8, 2016
With compassion, dignity and respect for all human life, Bernie Sanders is driven to restore and revitalize American Values, the American Economy and the American Government: An America that works for everybody. In short, he is fighting daily for the heart and soul of the America that we Love. If you have not yet looked into what the real Bernie Sanders is all about, this book is an excellent introduction.
October 22, 2015
The book itself was fair and clear in outlining Sander's viewpoints and "vision for America." That is why I gave it 3 stars. But Sander's ideas are perplexing for me and personally disagreeable from a moral, economic, and constitutional standpoint. Because of this, I had a difficult time processing through his reasoning and logic.
October 9, 2015
must read for anyone interested in Bernie and his views on the major issues of our day, highIy recommend it
October 16, 2015
This is what America could look like under Democratic Socialist leadership...sounds good to me. Feel the Bern!
November 16, 2015
The only thing missing is a position on police killing innocents.
April 24, 2024
"The Essential Bernie Sanders and His Vision for America" is a compelling and comprehensive exploration of the political ideology and vision of one of America's most influential and outspoken leaders. Compiled and edited by Jonathan Tasini, this book offers readers an in-depth look at Bernie Sanders' life, career, and the core principles that have shaped his worldview.
At the heart of the book is Sanders' unwavering commitment to social and economic justice, as well as his advocacy for progressive policies aimed at addressing income inequality, healthcare reform, climate change, and more. Through a collection of speeches, interviews, and policy proposals spanning several decades, readers gain insight into Sanders' evolution as a political figure and the consistency of his message over time.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is its timeliness and relevance to contemporary political discourse. Sanders' vision for America, characterized by calls for a political revolution and a more equitable society, resonates deeply with a growing segment of the population disillusioned with establishment politics and corporate influence. His unwavering commitment to championing the interests of working-class Americans and marginalized communities has solidified his status as a champion of the people.
"The Essential Bernie Sanders" also sheds light on Sanders' personal background and the experiences that have shaped his political beliefs. From his upbringing in Brooklyn to his time as mayor of Burlington, Vermont, and his tenure in the U.S. Senate, readers gain insight into the formative moments and influences that have shaped Sanders' worldview and approach to governance.
While some may criticize Sanders' proposals as radical or impractical, the book makes a compelling case for the feasibility and necessity of his agenda. Drawing upon data, historical precedent, and moral arguments, Sanders articulates a vision for America that is both aspirational and achievable, rooted in the principles of fairness, compassion, and solidarity.
In conclusion, "The Essential Bernie Sanders and His Vision for America" is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the ideas and values driving one of the most influential figures in contemporary American politics. Through his words and actions, Sanders challenges readers to confront pressing social and economic issues and to imagine a future where justice and equality are not just ideals, but realities. Whether you're a supporter, a skeptic, or simply curious about the man behind the movement, this book offers valuable insights into Bernie Sanders' vision for a better America.
At the heart of the book is Sanders' unwavering commitment to social and economic justice, as well as his advocacy for progressive policies aimed at addressing income inequality, healthcare reform, climate change, and more. Through a collection of speeches, interviews, and policy proposals spanning several decades, readers gain insight into Sanders' evolution as a political figure and the consistency of his message over time.
One of the most striking aspects of the book is its timeliness and relevance to contemporary political discourse. Sanders' vision for America, characterized by calls for a political revolution and a more equitable society, resonates deeply with a growing segment of the population disillusioned with establishment politics and corporate influence. His unwavering commitment to championing the interests of working-class Americans and marginalized communities has solidified his status as a champion of the people.
"The Essential Bernie Sanders" also sheds light on Sanders' personal background and the experiences that have shaped his political beliefs. From his upbringing in Brooklyn to his time as mayor of Burlington, Vermont, and his tenure in the U.S. Senate, readers gain insight into the formative moments and influences that have shaped Sanders' worldview and approach to governance.
While some may criticize Sanders' proposals as radical or impractical, the book makes a compelling case for the feasibility and necessity of his agenda. Drawing upon data, historical precedent, and moral arguments, Sanders articulates a vision for America that is both aspirational and achievable, rooted in the principles of fairness, compassion, and solidarity.
In conclusion, "The Essential Bernie Sanders and His Vision for America" is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the ideas and values driving one of the most influential figures in contemporary American politics. Through his words and actions, Sanders challenges readers to confront pressing social and economic issues and to imagine a future where justice and equality are not just ideals, but realities. Whether you're a supporter, a skeptic, or simply curious about the man behind the movement, this book offers valuable insights into Bernie Sanders' vision for a better America.
June 22, 2022
My high school Trump-loving Democracy teacher gave this to me as a gift (and his idea of a joke). As a book, it does a good job of covering a lot of Bernie Sander's key views, and its super interesting how so many of the topics are as relevant now as they were in 2016. The flip side is that this is a really dry book and it feels like you're sitting in the Senate for hours, so definitely not the most thrilling read.
January 12, 2019
I’m enthusiastic about this book and grateful I got around to read it. This is a great book and even a greater vision for a New America. Quite confused on why he got so little votes, he should have gotten a lot more! As a European I applaude Sanders an his view.
December 21, 2020
Excellent book! I liked how the author used the words of Bernie himself.
Read
February 5, 2022I thought this was a decent synopsis of Bernie Sanders. I disagree with about all of it but good to read opposing views
February 13, 2016
I decided to rate this based more on how well the author summarized Bernie's views than on my opinion of Bernie himself, and as a quick little reference to see where he stands on various issues this book is great. There's really nothing to complain about.
Although my opinion of Bernie isn't a factor in the number of stars I decided to give this I do feel like I should at least explain what my opinion of him is. While to me he does seem to be one of the most sensible and sincere politicians out there, that's not really saying a whole lot. My political views are definitely radical so I'm not someone concerned that Bernie is too extreme. Frankly, I find it amazing that he's labeled a radical at all. Following mainstream logic, that economic growth is good, more jobs paying more money to more people so they can buy more stuff is good, solar panels and wind turbines are "good for the environment", that the modern middle-class lifestyle is how the majority of people should live (basically the things 999 out of every 1,000 people currently believe), what he's saying should just be common sense. Of course you don't give the super rich more money when we already have the worst wealth inequality in human history. If trickle down worked then why wouldn't the worst wealth inequality in history already have resulted in what Reagan promised it would? Obviously because it doesn't work. People who have more than they know what to do with tend to just hoard their money while the poor actually spend it, so more equal distribution is better for businesses, better for economic growth and social stability, etc. And obviously if you want a functional nation you can't allow critical infrastructure to crumble and you can't screw the upcoming generation of workers out of a good education. From this line of reasoning what Bernie Sanders says should resonate with pretty much everyone in the United States. Both Democrats and Republicans agree on a need for more growth, more jobs and continuing the middle-class lifestyle. They just "disagree" on how to accomplish this based on who's paying them. By mainstream logic Republicans push policies that make no sense whatsoever (why their constituency is made up mostly of irrational groups like Christian fundamentalists, racists, male chauvinists, blindly patriotic ex-military, old people too senile to consider new ideas and those ignorant enough to be misled by anyone projecting confidence, etc.) while Democrats at least sound pretty good, and Bernie sounds great.
From a completely different perspective, that economic growth is bad, that as a species we're already producing and consuming too much, that the middle-class lifestyle isn't sustainable even if we had only a fraction of the current population, that "green" energy is only slightly less bad for the environment (the things almost nobody believes but that are impossible to deny for the few of us who actually have the time to look into them), then there isn't much Sanders is proposing that will really make much difference long term, although I would imagine life to be a bit more pleasant for the majority of Americans in the short term at least. And most increases in consumption from helping the poor will just come from things like food and maintaining their houses, which wouldn't really require more production anyway since so much food is being thrown out and so many houses are falling apart because so many can't afford to pay for simple repairs. So even from this perspective he probably is still the best choice out of the few idiots we have to choose from. Part of me fears that, with the inevitability of such an unsustainable culture crashing sometime in the near future, having someone like Sanders in office will only fuel right-wing sentiment as the majority of people still believe that with good management this way of life can continue forever. They'll use collapse as evidence that the left is wrong and that voters should have supported them instead, even though in all likelihood someone like Sanders would at least soften the crash more than anyone else would. I can't say this justifies voting for some psychopath like Trump just to prevent "the good guys" from being scapegoated but it should be kept in mind that this outcome is actually pretty likely. What we really need is economic reform that allows degrowth and people to have access to their necessities locally without having to spend 20 years of their life in school to learn how to produce toxic crap for a living so they can earn the money they need to buy these things from destructive industries thousands of miles away. And virtually nobody is even considering that. Instead the best option offered is manufacturing F-35 fighter jets and cell phones in our hometowns. Sorry but that's not good enough.
Although my opinion of Bernie isn't a factor in the number of stars I decided to give this I do feel like I should at least explain what my opinion of him is. While to me he does seem to be one of the most sensible and sincere politicians out there, that's not really saying a whole lot. My political views are definitely radical so I'm not someone concerned that Bernie is too extreme. Frankly, I find it amazing that he's labeled a radical at all. Following mainstream logic, that economic growth is good, more jobs paying more money to more people so they can buy more stuff is good, solar panels and wind turbines are "good for the environment", that the modern middle-class lifestyle is how the majority of people should live (basically the things 999 out of every 1,000 people currently believe), what he's saying should just be common sense. Of course you don't give the super rich more money when we already have the worst wealth inequality in human history. If trickle down worked then why wouldn't the worst wealth inequality in history already have resulted in what Reagan promised it would? Obviously because it doesn't work. People who have more than they know what to do with tend to just hoard their money while the poor actually spend it, so more equal distribution is better for businesses, better for economic growth and social stability, etc. And obviously if you want a functional nation you can't allow critical infrastructure to crumble and you can't screw the upcoming generation of workers out of a good education. From this line of reasoning what Bernie Sanders says should resonate with pretty much everyone in the United States. Both Democrats and Republicans agree on a need for more growth, more jobs and continuing the middle-class lifestyle. They just "disagree" on how to accomplish this based on who's paying them. By mainstream logic Republicans push policies that make no sense whatsoever (why their constituency is made up mostly of irrational groups like Christian fundamentalists, racists, male chauvinists, blindly patriotic ex-military, old people too senile to consider new ideas and those ignorant enough to be misled by anyone projecting confidence, etc.) while Democrats at least sound pretty good, and Bernie sounds great.
From a completely different perspective, that economic growth is bad, that as a species we're already producing and consuming too much, that the middle-class lifestyle isn't sustainable even if we had only a fraction of the current population, that "green" energy is only slightly less bad for the environment (the things almost nobody believes but that are impossible to deny for the few of us who actually have the time to look into them), then there isn't much Sanders is proposing that will really make much difference long term, although I would imagine life to be a bit more pleasant for the majority of Americans in the short term at least. And most increases in consumption from helping the poor will just come from things like food and maintaining their houses, which wouldn't really require more production anyway since so much food is being thrown out and so many houses are falling apart because so many can't afford to pay for simple repairs. So even from this perspective he probably is still the best choice out of the few idiots we have to choose from. Part of me fears that, with the inevitability of such an unsustainable culture crashing sometime in the near future, having someone like Sanders in office will only fuel right-wing sentiment as the majority of people still believe that with good management this way of life can continue forever. They'll use collapse as evidence that the left is wrong and that voters should have supported them instead, even though in all likelihood someone like Sanders would at least soften the crash more than anyone else would. I can't say this justifies voting for some psychopath like Trump just to prevent "the good guys" from being scapegoated but it should be kept in mind that this outcome is actually pretty likely. What we really need is economic reform that allows degrowth and people to have access to their necessities locally without having to spend 20 years of their life in school to learn how to produce toxic crap for a living so they can earn the money they need to buy these things from destructive industries thousands of miles away. And virtually nobody is even considering that. Instead the best option offered is manufacturing F-35 fighter jets and cell phones in our hometowns. Sorry but that's not good enough.
February 23, 2017
If you have not been following Bernie Sanders at all, then this is a book for you. Its basically just a bunch of Bernie Sanders speeches.
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