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Bernie Sanders Guide to Political Revolution
In The Bernie Sanders Guide to Political Revolution , Independent congressman, presidential candidate and activist Bernie Sanders continues his fight against the imbalances in the nation’s status quo, and shows you how to make a difference to effect the changes America―and the world―need to create a better tomorrow.
Throughout the Presidential campaign, Senator Bernie Sanders promised voters a future to believe in through his progressive platform and a vision for America worth fighting for. This vision calls for an economic, environmental, health care, and social justice revolution beyond the stagnant agendas of Democrat and Republican politicians to build an equitable future for all Americans―especially the younger generation that will inherit the consequences of decisions made now.
Inside this practical and inspiring guide to effecting change in today’s world, you’ll learn how
· Understand and navigate the current system of policy and government
· Work to change the system to reflect your values and to protect our society’s most vulnerable
· Organize for the causes you care about most
· Resources for further reading and organizations to get involved with
With more than two decades of Washington D.C. insider knowledge and experience, Senator Sanders knows how to fight and change the system from within, a system desperately in need of reform in health care, immigration, taxes, higher education, climate change, and criminal justice.
Throughout the Presidential campaign, Senator Bernie Sanders promised voters a future to believe in through his progressive platform and a vision for America worth fighting for. This vision calls for an economic, environmental, health care, and social justice revolution beyond the stagnant agendas of Democrat and Republican politicians to build an equitable future for all Americans―especially the younger generation that will inherit the consequences of decisions made now.
Inside this practical and inspiring guide to effecting change in today’s world, you’ll learn how
· Understand and navigate the current system of policy and government
· Work to change the system to reflect your values and to protect our society’s most vulnerable
· Organize for the causes you care about most
· Resources for further reading and organizations to get involved with
With more than two decades of Washington D.C. insider knowledge and experience, Senator Sanders knows how to fight and change the system from within, a system desperately in need of reform in health care, immigration, taxes, higher education, climate change, and criminal justice.
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First published August 29, 2017
248 people are currently reading
4570 people want to read
About the author
Bernie Sanders
50 books1,542 followersBernard "Bernie" Sanders is the senior United States Senator from Vermont, elected on November 7, 2006. Before becoming Senator, Sanders represented Vermont's at-large district in the United States House of Representatives for 16 years. Sanders also served as mayor of Burlington, Vermont from 1981 through 1989.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 321 reviews
August 18, 2017
I was not real familiar with Bernie Sanders or his ideas before reading this book. Turns out I agree with a lot what he has to say. Definitely an interesting read.
I would recommend this to anyone wanting to learn more about the ideas of Bernie Sanders.
I would recommend this to anyone wanting to learn more about the ideas of Bernie Sanders.
September 4, 2017
3.5 stars.
This would actually be a great book for high school students who are new to government or politics. The graphics, charts and data really illustrate the points in each chapter and the glossary in the back would be helpful for those new to political terminology.
A great mix of emotional rhetoric and logical facts to help inspire young people to choose an issue and speak up!
It's definitely a book that supports the Sanders agenda, but more so, one that supports the agenda of many young people struggling or dreaming in America.
This would actually be a great book for high school students who are new to government or politics. The graphics, charts and data really illustrate the points in each chapter and the glossary in the back would be helpful for those new to political terminology.
A great mix of emotional rhetoric and logical facts to help inspire young people to choose an issue and speak up!
It's definitely a book that supports the Sanders agenda, but more so, one that supports the agenda of many young people struggling or dreaming in America.
August 23, 2019
So what's wrong with Bernie's Political Revolution?
Well, nothing: If you don't mind Sanders and HIS personal Government being in charge of absolutely EVERYTHING. And I mean "Everything". If you can Think It - Bernie gets to control it. That's basically his solution to the problems he lists in this book. Just give ALL THE MONEY to Bernie === he'll put it in his big piggy bank and dole it out how he knows best. Your opinion and expertise and FREEDOM are not required. Just to be clear:
"Disadvantages of socialism include slow economic growth, less entrepreneurial opportunity and competition, and a potential lack of motivation by individuals due to lesser rewards."
My one big question reading this propaganda was: Where does this magical money come from to pay for all these heart-wrenching social issues that Bernie demands we spend trillions on? Well, you just move it around of course. Take from the rich (how Rich is Bernie and his wife??? Hmmm... HE owns three houses last time I checked - even though he may be one of the poorest celebrity politicians around?) and give to "the Bernie" to distribute. You can TRUST him AND HIS BOYS. (hey, a politician would never lie or stretch the truth, or only be in it for their personal gains?!)). Who the hell are all these people who blindly trust this politician??? Seriously, nobody blindly trusts Trump - we cheer him on skeptically while knowing his past. He doesn’t have an antifa militia at his rioting disposal (like these powerful Democrats). He wants everyone to do big Successful business like he does.
When you add it all up: it seems that Bernie is going to have a Socialist Mafia running around racketeering every corporation, group, union, Care-facility, event, HOME and school enforcing His brutal system of control.
This book proves that he has ideas in every aspect of life.
But as we know in most failed countries in the world: When the government controls EVERYTHING. then people no longer care about anything. Sure, it sounds simple and nice to have Bernie legislate his morality, entitlement, economics, education and social desires on EVERYONE. So all the lazy and useless get a small slice of the pie they never paid for. But then the Hard Working Big Dreamers also are reduced to a meager slice of the pie that makes their efforts not worth the bother. Why work hard when there's really no pay off? And if there is - then the Bernie's Government might need to swoop in and finagle their control onto it. This imaginary FAIRNESS is constantly the death of every Socialist Nation. But don't worry: Bernie has a plan:
Bernie controls the Health care -
Bernie controls the Schools -
Bernie controls the corporations -
Bernie controls the banks -
Bernie controls the wages -
Bernie controls the Gender hiring -
Bernie controls Wall Street -
Bernie controls the immigration -
Bernie controls the drugs -
Bernie controls the Sex and Morality of society - (as he see's fit)
Bernie controls the police departments and Justice institutes -
Bernie controls Climate Change (and therefore controls EVERYTHING that touches air,water, land and space).
Bernie even points to the horror of all his ideas: (pg. 131)
"Dystopia: an imaginary place or STATE where everything is bad usually because of environmental disaster OR TOTAL GOVERNMENT CONTROL"
Hmmm. Wow Bernie said it. And he needs your votes. Then the world is HIS.
_______________
The scary part here is: okay, Bernie has some good ideas. They should ALL be carefully looked into. Bernie is possibly a great guy to have hidden in a think tank Escape Room with some other experts and a mountain of coffee. Just don't let the hate filled moron be incharge... EVER! He's planning on doing exactly what all the other Horrifically Failed Socialist countries have already tried. Sure, if you currently have almost nothing (this is the idiots who vote for him) --- then Bernie's idea's definitely might get you a pathetic piece of rotting pie. But with this system: You'll never get any more. And even those crumbs that fell off of Bernie's table will eventually end up as nothing but a Failed Police State... but with Bernie gloriously ruling and most likely having 4 houses by then (the White House doesn’t count necessarily... oh, the Clintons have 4 impressive mansions - America’s interests probably aren’t theirs or YOURS)
Maybe we should start a petition for Bernie to give 2 of his houses away to single mothers who keep producing kids or high school drop outs who can't bother to work... I'll let you choose. We wouldn't want Bernie's Socialism to be inconsistent or really just another desperate attempt at Communism in the name of His Tyranny. (Yes, Communist leaders don't live like the rest of their people... some folks are just too dumb to realize this until it's too late).
"He was almost correct, but not completely. Socialism can be made to work—albeit badly—by the imposition of sheer coercion. The dream passes; the tyranny endures, an encrusting slag that seals out the air of freedom. In our times many important people have been slow to learn this."
Well, nothing: If you don't mind Sanders and HIS personal Government being in charge of absolutely EVERYTHING. And I mean "Everything". If you can Think It - Bernie gets to control it. That's basically his solution to the problems he lists in this book. Just give ALL THE MONEY to Bernie === he'll put it in his big piggy bank and dole it out how he knows best. Your opinion and expertise and FREEDOM are not required. Just to be clear:
"Disadvantages of socialism include slow economic growth, less entrepreneurial opportunity and competition, and a potential lack of motivation by individuals due to lesser rewards."
My one big question reading this propaganda was: Where does this magical money come from to pay for all these heart-wrenching social issues that Bernie demands we spend trillions on? Well, you just move it around of course. Take from the rich (how Rich is Bernie and his wife??? Hmmm... HE owns three houses last time I checked - even though he may be one of the poorest celebrity politicians around?) and give to "the Bernie" to distribute. You can TRUST him AND HIS BOYS. (hey, a politician would never lie or stretch the truth, or only be in it for their personal gains?!)). Who the hell are all these people who blindly trust this politician??? Seriously, nobody blindly trusts Trump - we cheer him on skeptically while knowing his past. He doesn’t have an antifa militia at his rioting disposal (like these powerful Democrats). He wants everyone to do big Successful business like he does.
When you add it all up: it seems that Bernie is going to have a Socialist Mafia running around racketeering every corporation, group, union, Care-facility, event, HOME and school enforcing His brutal system of control.
This book proves that he has ideas in every aspect of life.
But as we know in most failed countries in the world: When the government controls EVERYTHING. then people no longer care about anything. Sure, it sounds simple and nice to have Bernie legislate his morality, entitlement, economics, education and social desires on EVERYONE. So all the lazy and useless get a small slice of the pie they never paid for. But then the Hard Working Big Dreamers also are reduced to a meager slice of the pie that makes their efforts not worth the bother. Why work hard when there's really no pay off? And if there is - then the Bernie's Government might need to swoop in and finagle their control onto it. This imaginary FAIRNESS is constantly the death of every Socialist Nation. But don't worry: Bernie has a plan:
Bernie controls the Health care -
Bernie controls the Schools -
Bernie controls the corporations -
Bernie controls the banks -
Bernie controls the wages -
Bernie controls the Gender hiring -
Bernie controls Wall Street -
Bernie controls the immigration -
Bernie controls the drugs -
Bernie controls the Sex and Morality of society - (as he see's fit)
Bernie controls the police departments and Justice institutes -
Bernie controls Climate Change (and therefore controls EVERYTHING that touches air,water, land and space).
Bernie even points to the horror of all his ideas: (pg. 131)
"Dystopia: an imaginary place or STATE where everything is bad usually because of environmental disaster OR TOTAL GOVERNMENT CONTROL"
Hmmm. Wow Bernie said it. And he needs your votes. Then the world is HIS.
_______________
The scary part here is: okay, Bernie has some good ideas. They should ALL be carefully looked into. Bernie is possibly a great guy to have hidden in a think tank Escape Room with some other experts and a mountain of coffee. Just don't let the hate filled moron be incharge... EVER! He's planning on doing exactly what all the other Horrifically Failed Socialist countries have already tried. Sure, if you currently have almost nothing (this is the idiots who vote for him) --- then Bernie's idea's definitely might get you a pathetic piece of rotting pie. But with this system: You'll never get any more. And even those crumbs that fell off of Bernie's table will eventually end up as nothing but a Failed Police State... but with Bernie gloriously ruling and most likely having 4 houses by then (the White House doesn’t count necessarily... oh, the Clintons have 4 impressive mansions - America’s interests probably aren’t theirs or YOURS)
Maybe we should start a petition for Bernie to give 2 of his houses away to single mothers who keep producing kids or high school drop outs who can't bother to work... I'll let you choose. We wouldn't want Bernie's Socialism to be inconsistent or really just another desperate attempt at Communism in the name of His Tyranny. (Yes, Communist leaders don't live like the rest of their people... some folks are just too dumb to realize this until it's too late).
"He was almost correct, but not completely. Socialism can be made to work—albeit badly—by the imposition of sheer coercion. The dream passes; the tyranny endures, an encrusting slag that seals out the air of freedom. In our times many important people have been slow to learn this."
September 1, 2017
I confidently predict that the reviews for Bernie Sanders’ Guide to Political Revolution will fall exclusively on the two extremes of the rating spectrum. There will be few in the middle.
While it is doubtful that this book will change many minds, it should be a must read for everyone. The arguments are well made and clear. And for those already inclined to support Sanders’ positions there is plenty of great reference data to use in your next debate with friends and colleagues.
Bernie makes a key point right in the beginning: “The basic thesis of this book is pretty simple. It is that, on major issue after major issue, the vast majority of Americans support a progressive agenda…” I think he’s right. It is equally true, however, that progressives yield relatively little progressive influence in the halls of power today. Why the disconnect?
The reason, I think, is pretty simple. It is my only reservation with this book and it is the same reservation I have with all political debate in the US today. It’s long on prescribed behavior and short on the fundamental change necessary to make that behavior stick long term. More to the point, it’s based on the perspective that “you’re the problem, not me.”
In the case of medical care and health insurance, for example, it seems self-evident to me that a one-payer system is inevitable. The only question is how much financial, physical, and emotional pain and suffering we’re willing to endure in the meantime.
At the same time, we will need fundamental institutional reform to make it work. We will have to accept malpractice tort reform. We will have to be willing to make tough decisions about our collective entitlement to cosmetic and some quality of life care. We will have to be willing to re-think what is misleadingly defined as professional standards that drive up costs and limit availability. (e.g., Allowing nurses to do routine procedures reserved only for licensed doctors today.)
Of course we must take the money out of politics. As Bernie notes, “The great irony of climate change is that American taxpayers are subsidizing the most profitable industry in history, whose products are quite literally killing us…” He’s right. But why is that? It’s not that the majority of Americans deny climate change or don’t want to protect the environment for our children. It’s that our political institutions are broken.
In the state of Michigan today Tesla cannot sell its cars through its direct to consumer model. Because Michiganders don’t want them? No. They can’t get a license from the state legislature and there’s a broad suspicion that it is the independent auto dealers, which fund one of the most powerful lobbies in the state, that are really standing in the way. (Legislators, of course, will argue that they are protecting consumers. From Tesla?)
The money line of the book, for me, is: “One of the more profound lessons that I’ve learned in politics is that everything is related to everything else. Nothing exists in a vacuum.” He’s right. The Buddhists have been saying that since the 5th Century BCE.
The racial penalty and the social and financial cost of the war on drugs and the obvious need for structural tax reform, for example, both issues that Bernie talks about at some length, are related. In both cases we are using government spending (which is really taxpayer spending) to pursue structural national goals through political and social engineering. And it doesn’t work.
Bernie is right. Even his prescriptions, however, won’t work (and will probably never get enacted) without more fundamental reform to our national institutions, from our political parties to our big banks and the whole energy complex. In the venerable words of Pogo, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”
A great book well worth the time and investment.
While it is doubtful that this book will change many minds, it should be a must read for everyone. The arguments are well made and clear. And for those already inclined to support Sanders’ positions there is plenty of great reference data to use in your next debate with friends and colleagues.
Bernie makes a key point right in the beginning: “The basic thesis of this book is pretty simple. It is that, on major issue after major issue, the vast majority of Americans support a progressive agenda…” I think he’s right. It is equally true, however, that progressives yield relatively little progressive influence in the halls of power today. Why the disconnect?
The reason, I think, is pretty simple. It is my only reservation with this book and it is the same reservation I have with all political debate in the US today. It’s long on prescribed behavior and short on the fundamental change necessary to make that behavior stick long term. More to the point, it’s based on the perspective that “you’re the problem, not me.”
In the case of medical care and health insurance, for example, it seems self-evident to me that a one-payer system is inevitable. The only question is how much financial, physical, and emotional pain and suffering we’re willing to endure in the meantime.
At the same time, we will need fundamental institutional reform to make it work. We will have to accept malpractice tort reform. We will have to be willing to make tough decisions about our collective entitlement to cosmetic and some quality of life care. We will have to be willing to re-think what is misleadingly defined as professional standards that drive up costs and limit availability. (e.g., Allowing nurses to do routine procedures reserved only for licensed doctors today.)
Of course we must take the money out of politics. As Bernie notes, “The great irony of climate change is that American taxpayers are subsidizing the most profitable industry in history, whose products are quite literally killing us…” He’s right. But why is that? It’s not that the majority of Americans deny climate change or don’t want to protect the environment for our children. It’s that our political institutions are broken.
In the state of Michigan today Tesla cannot sell its cars through its direct to consumer model. Because Michiganders don’t want them? No. They can’t get a license from the state legislature and there’s a broad suspicion that it is the independent auto dealers, which fund one of the most powerful lobbies in the state, that are really standing in the way. (Legislators, of course, will argue that they are protecting consumers. From Tesla?)
The money line of the book, for me, is: “One of the more profound lessons that I’ve learned in politics is that everything is related to everything else. Nothing exists in a vacuum.” He’s right. The Buddhists have been saying that since the 5th Century BCE.
The racial penalty and the social and financial cost of the war on drugs and the obvious need for structural tax reform, for example, both issues that Bernie talks about at some length, are related. In both cases we are using government spending (which is really taxpayer spending) to pursue structural national goals through political and social engineering. And it doesn’t work.
Bernie is right. Even his prescriptions, however, won’t work (and will probably never get enacted) without more fundamental reform to our national institutions, from our political parties to our big banks and the whole energy complex. In the venerable words of Pogo, “We have met the enemy and he is us.”
A great book well worth the time and investment.
October 8, 2017
I was told this is the "bible" for those in the resistance, no matter what your affiliation is, and I found this to be true. If you want to see postive progressive change in our country, this is the guidebook you are looking for. Reading it has fired me up again. RESIST!
I won this copy from Goodreads.
I won this copy from Goodreads.
Want to read
February 4, 2020
"These days, the American dream is more apt to be realized in South America, in places such as Ecuador, Venezuela and Argentina, where incomes are actually more equal today than they are in the land of Horatio Alger.”
Bernie Sanders
Revolution, what for? what type of Revolution? and how?...
Bernie Sanders should be reminded about present-day Venezuela. Is that the type of socialism he wants in/for America? If so, I dispense this book.
A tale of two leaders of the left: New books by Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton emphasize their differences
in:http://www.salon.com/2017/09/09/a-tal...
Bernie the reporter, Bernie abroad, and much more footage:
https://www.politico.com/story/2019/0...
November 3, 2017
While I don't quite agree with everything Bernie Sanders has put forth in this book, it's still quite a thought-provoking political read. My favorite part - Sanders does not talk down to teen readers whatsoever.
January 20, 2021
I thought this would be a how-to of grassroots politics, but it's a summary of Sander's economic policies. If you read his 2016 book, as I did, there is nothing new here for you. However, the 2016 book was way too long, this one is extremely short. It could function basically as a pamphlet-plus for the primaries in Iowa and New Hampshire. I'd recommend this book mostly if you think that Sanders is not a viable candidate for President, or if you think that people that support him are extreme in some way. Don't blame me if this book converts you and you turn into a Bernie Bro. Okay, fine, blame me.
December 25, 2017
At first I thought I'd just skim it and read the stuff at the end of the chapters where Bernie suggests actions and where to read for further knowledge. I figured I knew the rest. Well, I was wrong. For example, when discussing the criminal system, Bernie added information on the Opioid Crisis, so he is keeping his information up to date. He also addressed it to teenagers and 20somethings, not so much by talking down to them....good for him!...but by including definitions of words and terms they may not have encountered yet in life. He also included more graphs and illustrations perhaps than in other books but none that wouldn't be just as useful in a book meant for adults. I was very pleased to see how strongly he came out in stating Climate Change is the most important issue we as humanity need to deal with and insisted that it is not too late to deal with it. Still true, if just barely. I do have one small quibble: the definition he gave on "gift tax" p. 210 is incorrect. The giver pays the tax, not the recipient. The info at the end of each chapter was excellent! I took a few notes for my own needs and interests.
Overall, this is an excellent book, designed to make it clear that there are ways to fight for the Progressive movement even in this administration. Or maybe especially in this administration. I was also pleased that Bernie Sanders acted, as usual, as an adult, and did not take any digs at the Trump administration. Hand to your teen to get them to understand why politics matter. Especially since I understand fewer high schools teach pol sci these days.
Overall, this is an excellent book, designed to make it clear that there are ways to fight for the Progressive movement even in this administration. Or maybe especially in this administration. I was also pleased that Bernie Sanders acted, as usual, as an adult, and did not take any digs at the Trump administration. Hand to your teen to get them to understand why politics matter. Especially since I understand fewer high schools teach pol sci these days.
September 3, 2017
You can't help but like Bernie Sanders, who Steven Colbert affectionately called a "grouchy old communist." He's an affable man whose consistent message has taken on tremendous resonance in the Age of Trump. This book is essentially a distillation of his campaign message from the 2016 Presidential election, along with helpful graphics that display pertinent information, a lot of links to sources of additional information, and a glossary of key terms. I don't find much to disagree with here. Sanders seems like some fire-breathing radical only because our politics have moved so far to the right. He's really a New Deal Democrat: higher taxes, higher services, regulate Wall Street. Oh, and take climate change seriously.
If he weren't so old--he's 75--I think he'd have a real shot at becoming President. Who knows? Everything I thought I knew about American politics was erased on the day the shit-flinging orange chimp landed in the Oval Office. Feel the Bern!
If he weren't so old--he's 75--I think he'd have a real shot at becoming President. Who knows? Everything I thought I knew about American politics was erased on the day the shit-flinging orange chimp landed in the Oval Office. Feel the Bern!
January 4, 2025
I am once again telling you, he don't miss.
September 6, 2018
If you've watched a Bernie Sanders rally or debate, you probably read this book the same way I do: imagining the text spoken in Bernie's unmistakable accent, visualizing his big arm gestures. The socialist senator from Vermont, darling of the progressive media wing and idol to millions who saw him as a potential reformer of American financial and social institutions, ran a high-energy campaign for U.S. president from 2015 to '16, making a serious run at the Democratic Party nomination before conceding to Hillary Clinton. The wave of enthusiasm he rode continued after the election. Toeing the party line by endorsing Ms. Clinton after he left the race, Senator Sanders positioned himself to be the Democratic thought leader, one of the most prominent critics of Donald Trump's eventual presidency. Bernie Sanders Guide to Political Revolution—based on his book for adults, Our Revolution: A Future to Believe In—delineates Sanders's socialist platform, from the tax code to healthcare to criminal justice to immigration. Beyond the talking points are specifics of how readers can help the cause, and exhortation to not give up when met with opposition. Leftists will find plenty in this book that reinforces their convictions.
Most chapters follow a format of Sanders stating that a particular commodity is a human right, then theorizing how that commodity can be provided for little or no cost to the underprivileged. Employers must be required to pay workers enough to keep them out of poverty. Labor unions should be sacrosanct under the law so employees aren't taken advantage of. Family leave and vacations for even part-time employees should be mandatory. Corporations must share their profits with the poor. Equality is the objective, and should be enforced at all costs in a compassionate country, Sanders argues. Much-needed reforms to the system could be implemented if the wealthy were taxed at a higher rate, leaving them more than enough to comfortably live on while elevating the standard of living for everyone. The public wants redistribution of wealth, Sanders concludes, and the economy will benefit from it.
In most developed nations healthcare is guaranteed to everyone, and Sanders says the U.S. needs to follow suit. Medical treatment is a universal right and shouldn't depend on one's means to pay. Drug prices and dental care need to be made affordable. And where will the next generation of doctors come from if not American universities? A college education in the twenty-first century is the equivalent of a high school diploma in the twentieth, Sanders insists, and tuition to all public colleges should be free. He doesn't go into detail in these pages about how it would be paid for, but we can't afford not to make higher education free for students who want to better themselves. Sanders moves on to climate change, positing that mankind is in jeopardy if we don't curtail emissions of greenhouse gasses. We bear responsibility to the earth and future generations to clean up the messes of big industry, or at least start moving that direction. Sanders lists numerous areas in which environmental abuse should be illegal. The future is not fossil fuels but clean energy, he emphasizes. There are also serious problems with police and the justice system, the next chapter argues. If minorities are incarcerated for nonviolent offenses or herded toward a future in prison from a young age, how can they be successful? Lastly, illegal immigration, a hot-button topic in the 2016 presidential election, must be handled with dignity and mercy. The millions of undocumented aliens in this country should be amnestied and granted a pathway to citizenship so they can contribute to society instead of hiding in the shadows. The future is egalitarianism, Sanders proclaims, and the U.S. must lead the way. Readers of this book can choose to help do exactly that.
Bernie Sanders Guide to Political Revolution caters to those on the political far left (at least, on the far left of the U.S. in 2017), but there are statements that centrists or conservatives agree with. Consider this one: "We must end, once and for all, the scheme that is nothing more than a free insurance policy for Wall Street: 'too big to fail.' " That's a broadly supported opinion. Conservatives don't think government should rescue corporations that the free market selects for extinction. Sanders's idea of mandatory body cams for police is another suggestion praised on both sides of the political aisle. Lawmen and suspects both deserve that protection. Sanders also believes that corporations favor international open border policy because they want to use immigrants for cheap labor. In his words, "There is a lot of discussion regarding 'illegal immigration.' There is too little discussion and legislative action regarding how corporate America and the business community exploit and benefit from the labor of undocumented workers." Conservatives and leftists are in accord on that. If we're willing to dialogue with political opponents on these issues, we can get things done, however polarized the country is. Finding common ground and not demonizing the other side is our best chance for peaceful resolution.
Considering how entertaining Senator Sanders was on the 2015-16 presidential campaign trail, I expected Bernie Sanders Guide to Political Revolution to be the same. Instead, the tone is utterly humorless, which hurts the book's appeal for kids and teens. It reads like an unexciting lecture, and I don't think that was necessary; Sanders showed a good sense of humor while running for president, and injecting some of it into these pages would have been nice. Like him or not, Sanders the candidate was interesting to listen to, and that doesn't come through here. The most expressive element of Bernie Sanders Guide to Political Revolution is Jude Buffum's cover illustration, which captures the Bernie vibe even though it only renders half his face. It's a great advertisement. Specifics in this book may not be relevant one, ten, or a hundred years after its 2017 release, but it showcases the ideological difference between conservatives and leftists as seen from the left's perspective, and thinkers of any political persuasion can benefit from mulling over its contents. The reading experience is one I will remember.
Most chapters follow a format of Sanders stating that a particular commodity is a human right, then theorizing how that commodity can be provided for little or no cost to the underprivileged. Employers must be required to pay workers enough to keep them out of poverty. Labor unions should be sacrosanct under the law so employees aren't taken advantage of. Family leave and vacations for even part-time employees should be mandatory. Corporations must share their profits with the poor. Equality is the objective, and should be enforced at all costs in a compassionate country, Sanders argues. Much-needed reforms to the system could be implemented if the wealthy were taxed at a higher rate, leaving them more than enough to comfortably live on while elevating the standard of living for everyone. The public wants redistribution of wealth, Sanders concludes, and the economy will benefit from it.
In most developed nations healthcare is guaranteed to everyone, and Sanders says the U.S. needs to follow suit. Medical treatment is a universal right and shouldn't depend on one's means to pay. Drug prices and dental care need to be made affordable. And where will the next generation of doctors come from if not American universities? A college education in the twenty-first century is the equivalent of a high school diploma in the twentieth, Sanders insists, and tuition to all public colleges should be free. He doesn't go into detail in these pages about how it would be paid for, but we can't afford not to make higher education free for students who want to better themselves. Sanders moves on to climate change, positing that mankind is in jeopardy if we don't curtail emissions of greenhouse gasses. We bear responsibility to the earth and future generations to clean up the messes of big industry, or at least start moving that direction. Sanders lists numerous areas in which environmental abuse should be illegal. The future is not fossil fuels but clean energy, he emphasizes. There are also serious problems with police and the justice system, the next chapter argues. If minorities are incarcerated for nonviolent offenses or herded toward a future in prison from a young age, how can they be successful? Lastly, illegal immigration, a hot-button topic in the 2016 presidential election, must be handled with dignity and mercy. The millions of undocumented aliens in this country should be amnestied and granted a pathway to citizenship so they can contribute to society instead of hiding in the shadows. The future is egalitarianism, Sanders proclaims, and the U.S. must lead the way. Readers of this book can choose to help do exactly that.
Bernie Sanders Guide to Political Revolution caters to those on the political far left (at least, on the far left of the U.S. in 2017), but there are statements that centrists or conservatives agree with. Consider this one: "We must end, once and for all, the scheme that is nothing more than a free insurance policy for Wall Street: 'too big to fail.' " That's a broadly supported opinion. Conservatives don't think government should rescue corporations that the free market selects for extinction. Sanders's idea of mandatory body cams for police is another suggestion praised on both sides of the political aisle. Lawmen and suspects both deserve that protection. Sanders also believes that corporations favor international open border policy because they want to use immigrants for cheap labor. In his words, "There is a lot of discussion regarding 'illegal immigration.' There is too little discussion and legislative action regarding how corporate America and the business community exploit and benefit from the labor of undocumented workers." Conservatives and leftists are in accord on that. If we're willing to dialogue with political opponents on these issues, we can get things done, however polarized the country is. Finding common ground and not demonizing the other side is our best chance for peaceful resolution.
Considering how entertaining Senator Sanders was on the 2015-16 presidential campaign trail, I expected Bernie Sanders Guide to Political Revolution to be the same. Instead, the tone is utterly humorless, which hurts the book's appeal for kids and teens. It reads like an unexciting lecture, and I don't think that was necessary; Sanders showed a good sense of humor while running for president, and injecting some of it into these pages would have been nice. Like him or not, Sanders the candidate was interesting to listen to, and that doesn't come through here. The most expressive element of Bernie Sanders Guide to Political Revolution is Jude Buffum's cover illustration, which captures the Bernie vibe even though it only renders half his face. It's a great advertisement. Specifics in this book may not be relevant one, ten, or a hundred years after its 2017 release, but it showcases the ideological difference between conservatives and leftists as seen from the left's perspective, and thinkers of any political persuasion can benefit from mulling over its contents. The reading experience is one I will remember.
April 17, 2018
Many good arguments were made and some not so good such as bringing the minimum wage up to $15 per hour by the year 2020 when $15 per hour was not a living wage in 2017.
The Top 10% of Americans own 76% of the wealth while the bottom 90% possess only the remaining 24%.
What I learned
. the lowest wage-employer is the U.S. government and is funded by the taxpayers
. crime is profitable
. men worth is more than women’s worth in the marketplace
. white women earn 79 cents to the white male dollar
. American Women who are Descendants of Freed Slaves earn 63 cents to the white male dollar
. Native American women earn 58 cents to the white male dollar
. Hispanic women earn 54 cents to the white male dollar
Paid family and medical leave guarantee
. France 4 months plus 100% of wages
. Canada 35 weeks plus 55% of salary
. Japan 1-year after child is born the first 6 months up to 67% of salary after that 50% of salary
. Germany 1-year plus 67% of salary
. Norway 49-weeks plus 100% of wages
Different Types of Governments
Autocracy: one person makes all the rules and has absolute power
Communism: everyone is considered equal and private ownership of properly or wealth is forbidden. Communism’s aim is a classless society
Democracy: power is retained by the people, but exercised by representatives to whom the people choose and revie their representatives regularly in cyclical elections
Monarchy: power is held by a monarch, usually for life and by inherited right, who is either an absolute ruler or a figurehead with limited authority
Oligarch: decisions are made by a small group of people considered elite based on intelligence, race, or wealth and serve the group’s self-interest
Socialism: a central government controls the production and distribution of goods to establish an equitable distribution of labor and property
Theocracy: a religious figure interprets a supreme being’s will and makes laws believed to be approved by that being
Totalitarianism: the state holds all the power in both political and economic matters and also seeks to control people’s attitudes, values, and beliefs
Bernie Sanders Guide To Political Revolution was an excellent read in that it educated those who are totally clueless, in a down to earth way, when it comes to politics. Those in the know memories will be refreshed.
I highly recommend Bernie Sanders Guide To Political Revolution because readers will walk away with knowledge they need to fight the good fight and a great start for those beginning their journey in politics.
The Top 10% of Americans own 76% of the wealth while the bottom 90% possess only the remaining 24%.
What I learned
. the lowest wage-employer is the U.S. government and is funded by the taxpayers
. crime is profitable
. men worth is more than women’s worth in the marketplace
. white women earn 79 cents to the white male dollar
. American Women who are Descendants of Freed Slaves earn 63 cents to the white male dollar
. Native American women earn 58 cents to the white male dollar
. Hispanic women earn 54 cents to the white male dollar
Paid family and medical leave guarantee
. France 4 months plus 100% of wages
. Canada 35 weeks plus 55% of salary
. Japan 1-year after child is born the first 6 months up to 67% of salary after that 50% of salary
. Germany 1-year plus 67% of salary
. Norway 49-weeks plus 100% of wages
Different Types of Governments
Autocracy: one person makes all the rules and has absolute power
Communism: everyone is considered equal and private ownership of properly or wealth is forbidden. Communism’s aim is a classless society
Democracy: power is retained by the people, but exercised by representatives to whom the people choose and revie their representatives regularly in cyclical elections
Monarchy: power is held by a monarch, usually for life and by inherited right, who is either an absolute ruler or a figurehead with limited authority
Oligarch: decisions are made by a small group of people considered elite based on intelligence, race, or wealth and serve the group’s self-interest
Socialism: a central government controls the production and distribution of goods to establish an equitable distribution of labor and property
Theocracy: a religious figure interprets a supreme being’s will and makes laws believed to be approved by that being
Totalitarianism: the state holds all the power in both political and economic matters and also seeks to control people’s attitudes, values, and beliefs
Bernie Sanders Guide To Political Revolution was an excellent read in that it educated those who are totally clueless, in a down to earth way, when it comes to politics. Those in the know memories will be refreshed.
I highly recommend Bernie Sanders Guide To Political Revolution because readers will walk away with knowledge they need to fight the good fight and a great start for those beginning their journey in politics.
December 22, 2017
I agree on Bernie's positions on just about everything, so this book is preaching to the choir. However, I found it useful to read because the book includes some facts and analysis new to me, deepening my understanding. I also appreciated the links, web sites, further reading etc. listed at the end of each chapter.
July 26, 2019
This is a decent resource in my opinion to learn about the US politics in general (in case you are unfamiliar with it) and about Bernie Sanders views in particular.
August 23, 2017
My son cracked up when he seen that I had won this book. I told him it's always better to have information than to be in the dark. So know he is going to read it as well. He is heading to college and taking it with him.
January 5, 2018
I totally get why this is called the bible of the resistance. however if you follow or have followed Bernie's platforms than you already know his stance on all of these. so there was not new information. still a solid read though
January 25, 2021
3/5 only because as someone who's been following Bernie and his platform for years, most of this book was not new information! But this book is definitely a good read for anyone who's new to his ideas/policies.
August 30, 2017
I received an uncorrected proof-advance readers edition in a GoodReads giveaway. Some of the visual supports and text sections were not included in this copy.
The book is titled "Guide to Political Revolution" however it is not truly a guide. Each chapter ends with a section consisting of a few pages containing information on how to MOBILIZE- my copy was missing some of this, a PLAYLIST suggesting video presentations for more information, and FURTHER READING suggestions. Perhaps this is considered the "GUIDE". The book presents a comprehensive text explaining/describing the need for comprehensive change/reform in our economic, social justice, health care, education, environment and immigration policies-laws-practices. The facts/situations presented by Bernie Sanders are appalling! Our country is in dire need of a political revolution. Power and wealth resides in the hands of too few. Limitation of power was a key underpinning in our nation's founding. In the Articles of Confederation federal government was not provided with enough power to manage its responsibilities and provide direction for the many interactions between states and foreign countries. Our Constitution was written to provide power and to ensure that checks/balances to this power existed. After reading the information presented in this book 'big business' has too much power and acts in its own best interest- not in the best interest of the people. Laws/regulations/policies need to be created to limit this power.
The Federal government is in need of radical change. We need to elect people who will work with each other for the best interests of the people. The policy ideas presented by Bernie Sanders are a valid place to start. America will be great again when the people are taken care of - access to affordable education, employment with wages that provide a desirable standard of living, access to affordable healthcare, a nondiscriminatory system of justice...
The Preamble states:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
After reading "Guide to Political Revolution" I seriously question if our federal government continues to establish Justice, promote the general Welfare, insure domestic Tranquility, and provide for our Posterity. Read this book.
The book is titled "Guide to Political Revolution" however it is not truly a guide. Each chapter ends with a section consisting of a few pages containing information on how to MOBILIZE- my copy was missing some of this, a PLAYLIST suggesting video presentations for more information, and FURTHER READING suggestions. Perhaps this is considered the "GUIDE". The book presents a comprehensive text explaining/describing the need for comprehensive change/reform in our economic, social justice, health care, education, environment and immigration policies-laws-practices. The facts/situations presented by Bernie Sanders are appalling! Our country is in dire need of a political revolution. Power and wealth resides in the hands of too few. Limitation of power was a key underpinning in our nation's founding. In the Articles of Confederation federal government was not provided with enough power to manage its responsibilities and provide direction for the many interactions between states and foreign countries. Our Constitution was written to provide power and to ensure that checks/balances to this power existed. After reading the information presented in this book 'big business' has too much power and acts in its own best interest- not in the best interest of the people. Laws/regulations/policies need to be created to limit this power.
The Federal government is in need of radical change. We need to elect people who will work with each other for the best interests of the people. The policy ideas presented by Bernie Sanders are a valid place to start. America will be great again when the people are taken care of - access to affordable education, employment with wages that provide a desirable standard of living, access to affordable healthcare, a nondiscriminatory system of justice...
The Preamble states:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
After reading "Guide to Political Revolution" I seriously question if our federal government continues to establish Justice, promote the general Welfare, insure domestic Tranquility, and provide for our Posterity. Read this book.
June 3, 2020
*listened to audio book*
So many books that I wished to listen to, but my library holds were weeks out. So. I went through the list of currently available and saw this.
Why not?
My favorite question.
Definitely not a Sanders fan, but you know, I feel it's healthy to know another perspective.
So I listened to this while I cleaned today.
I'm surprised by how much I did agree with Sanders on some issues. He recognizes a lot of problems most conservatives are blind to. But his solutions miss the mark, in my opinion.
Glad I listened to it. Only recommend it to those who would disagree, but need to have their beliefs tested. Don't recommend actually reading this book to become a supporter of it.
Plus, I feel like this book could lead to some great conversations from both sides.
So many books that I wished to listen to, but my library holds were weeks out. So. I went through the list of currently available and saw this.
Why not?
My favorite question.
Definitely not a Sanders fan, but you know, I feel it's healthy to know another perspective.
So I listened to this while I cleaned today.
I'm surprised by how much I did agree with Sanders on some issues. He recognizes a lot of problems most conservatives are blind to. But his solutions miss the mark, in my opinion.
Glad I listened to it. Only recommend it to those who would disagree, but need to have their beliefs tested. Don't recommend actually reading this book to become a supporter of it.
Plus, I feel like this book could lead to some great conversations from both sides.
January 11, 2018
This book, although cataloged at my library as adult nonfiction, is written at a level ideal for young adult readers. Most 14+ can read and appreciate Bernie's sentiments, which are presented in his voice, as if he is speaking right in front of you. It is a quick, easy read, and he presents reasonable solutions. My largest critique is that, as an academic, I'm not a fan of how citations are presented. I wish there were footnotes or endnotes directly connected to the sources at the end of each chapter.
October 15, 2017
This is a very accessible overview of Sander’s policy platforms. He is very detailed without getting bogged down. I highly recommend it.
September 1, 2017
A call to work towards a better life for our country.
October 22, 2025
My official Goodreads announcement that I’m no longer a democrat hahaha. This book slaps.
August 15, 2017
book about Bernie's past, campagne and goal. Nice insights into American History. I hoped for a bit more background to his campaign.
October 13, 2017
A quick read, recommended to everyone. It starts with us!
May 26, 2021
I agree with all of Bernie's policies and ideals but the actual book was meh and made me in no way, shape or form want to start a revolution. I figured since it's geared towards younger people it'd be more fun but it was just facts, facts, facts. I learned a little though, so +5 Smarts.
October 20, 2017
IMO it's just restating what we all wish for. I didn't find anything revolutionary or action items here.
The book talks about lots of ideas but we've already heard those ideas several times. We need better welfare for the people, taxes need to be cut for the common people, corporations are greedy and need more regulations to encourage them to help the common man, labor unions need to be supported, the minimum wages have to be increased.
What surprised me was the amount of country bashing. "Our country is the only country in the whole world, where you cannot expect to stay alive even after working 40 hours a week", minimum wages etc. Really? Have you seen how bad it is in other countries out there? I realized that every country has it's own amount of self-bashing by the media. Surprising.
After a couple of chapters I stopped this. It felt like a waste of time.
The book talks about lots of ideas but we've already heard those ideas several times. We need better welfare for the people, taxes need to be cut for the common people, corporations are greedy and need more regulations to encourage them to help the common man, labor unions need to be supported, the minimum wages have to be increased.
What surprised me was the amount of country bashing. "Our country is the only country in the whole world, where you cannot expect to stay alive even after working 40 hours a week", minimum wages etc. Really? Have you seen how bad it is in other countries out there? I realized that every country has it's own amount of self-bashing by the media. Surprising.
After a couple of chapters I stopped this. It felt like a waste of time.
March 14, 2023
Let’s take Donald Trump Jrs’ Dad’s money, AND PUSH IT SOMEWHERE ELSE
November 1, 2019
I’ve read a dozen or so political books this year – most of them autobiographical. I saw the caricature of Bernie’s wild Einstein hair on the cover and vowed to give him some reading time. This book reads like a Sander’s rally. He hits all his major talking points and backs them up with statistics. In fact, the onslaught of numbers got tiring very quickly and the book became something I could only read 5-10 pages at a time. There were many graphs and tweets, but everything was in black and white, reminiscent of 7th grader’s Xeroxed civics presentation. Each chapter represented a hot button topic and ended with a few pages on how to mobilize or where to find additional information. But these pages were white text on black backgrounds. So while I was relieved every time I reached the end of a chapter, the last few pages of each were like driving through mud. At the conclusion of the book, there is section defining the different types of governments and some everyday government terms that we hear often but may struggle to understand. That part was both informative and beneficial. As I read the book, I could see Bernie standing at a podium, waving his hands, hair blowing in the wind, and shouting “The top 1% …”. Be healthy, Bernie.
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