Some questions and answers from Bernie's reddit AMA thread- good stuff

[cali]

As a soon-to-be defending doctoral student in biophysics I am increasingly concerned about the state of scientific research in the U.S. How do you intend to improve funding security for research labs and keep our research competitive with the rest of the world? Do you have any specific plans for NIH and NSF budgets?

Additionally, poor understanding of science among the general population is impairing our ability to pass essential environmental legislation and provide accurate science education in schools. What will you do to improve scientific literacy in this country?

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[–]bernie-sanders[S] 197 points 51 minutes ago

As the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee, I share your concern very deeply. The recently-passed Republican budget makes massive cuts in almost every governmental agency, including those engaged in our scientific research. This is a disaster. If we are going to address the major health issues facing our society -- Alzheimer's, diabetes, cancer, etc. -- we need to invest more in research and develop the best research centers in the world.

Hi Bernie, hispanic college kid here, thanks so much for doing this AMA... Two quick questions!

Do you approve of the way the USA is handling their relationship with Latin America currently? Considering recent trade deals, the drug wars amongst other things have been hurting the region, do you think there is any way of changing the way the US relates itself to Latin America for a more mutually beneficial relationship?

What is your opinion on the fact that the DNC has scheduled only six debates for the primaries? Since it's important to get the issues out there and get yourself to be known by the people, do you think six debates are enough? And if not, is your team working on making sure there are more?

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[–]bernie-sanders[S] 255 points an hour ago

Great question. Given the fact that Latin America is our next-door neighbor, I have been very distressed about the lack of attention that we have paid to Latin America. I applaud President Obama's effort to normalize relations with Cuba, a country which I have visited on several occasions. But I think much more can be done to bring the United States and Latin America closer and to improve relationships with a continent that faces many economic and social problems.

No I don't think six debates are enough and we will be interacting with the DNC to try to create a situation where we have as many debates as possible. There are huge issues facing our country. Candidates are entitled to different points of view. The American people need to hear a serious discussion on these issues, so I hope there will be far more debates than what the DNC has proposed.




What is your opinion about possible US ground military operation in the Middle East against ISIS or Bashar Asad in Syria?

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[–]bernie-sanders[S] 159 points 45 minutes ago

I voted against the war in Iraq and I voted against the first Gulf War. I am strongly opposed to sending American combat troops into Iraq and Syria. At the end of the day, the war against ISIS will only be won when the Muslim countries in the area fully engage and defeat ISIS and other groups that are distorting what Islam is supposed to be about. The United States and other western countries should be supportive of the efforts of those governments, but cannot lead them. The nightmare, which I believe a number of Republicans want to see, is perpetual warfare in the quagmire of the Middle East.

Senator Sanders, as a Conservative I can say with conviction that I admire your authenticity and dedication to principles, notwithstanding the fact I don't agree with a great deal of your policy proposals. My question to you, sir, is approximately how much money will your spending policies (infrastructure / free tuition, etc.) add to our nation's debt? Does the potential for increasing our already staggering deficit concern you?

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[–]littlenicky174 104 points an hour ago

Senator Sanders,

As a young political science student it seems many of my peers are feeling increasingly disenfranchised from politics as a whole, particularly due to increasing corporate influences in politics. But realistically what can be achieved when these interest are so intertwined with current political campaigns and current issues? Is there a way to separate these interests within a political system that seems to depend on the very same interests?

Also is it seems many Americans have a negative knee-jerk reaction to social democracy ideals, even if they may be beneficial to our society. Do you think there is a way we can discuss these issues that can bring in more people to the conversation?

Thank you for taking the time to do this AMA senator.

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[–]bernie-sanders[S] 209 points 49 minutes ago

Excellent questions. You are right. People in general and young people in particular are increasingly alienated and disillusioned with the political process. The middle class is disappearing, the rich get richer, young people cannot afford college, the crisis of climate change is ignored, and Congress continues on its merry way paying attention to the needs of billionaires and multinational corporations. The truth is that we are in a very difficult political moment. But despair of giving up is just not an option. I would not be doing what I am doing if I did not believe that this country could provide health care to all as a right; that we could lead the world in transforming our energy system and dealing with climate change; that we could make education affordable for all. My strong belief is that it is imperative that we maintain our vision of what American can be, and that we fight hard to make that happen. DO NOT GIVE UP.


Much more on many topics:

http://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/36j690/i_am_senator_bernie_sanders_democratic_candidate/

[arcane1]

1. Thanks! n/t

[F4lconF16]

2. Would have been nice to hear more specifics

But for an AMA on Reddit, not bad at all. He's making where he stands in general clear, and he did take a hard stance on some things. I don't expect specific policies quite yet, though I will expect these questions to be addressed during the campaign in depth.

[cali]

3. where didn't he give a specific answer to a question?

and yes, he has specific policies out.

[F4lconF16]

5. First question in your post.

This answer

If we are going to address the major health issues facing our society -- Alzheimer's, diabetes, cancer, etc. -- we need to invest more in research and develop the best research centers in the world.

doesn't say much to me.

I am aware he has policies out. Just meaning that when he answers questions, at some point I hope he will address them more in depth.

And yes, I know he has been addressing it for decades. Not everyone knows about his stances, though, so answering these questions with specifics on the campaign trail is important.

[MaggieD]

4. He is good at stating the problems

But seems short on discussing solutions.

[NYC_SKP]

6. If you mean with this venue, yes. In general, he's been very specific about his plans and positions

I find that very refreshing.

[MaggieD]

9. Haven't seen that yet

Even on his website.

[cali]

7. your post reads like parody

and Hillary couldn't be more vague and obfuscating on issue after issue.

[MaggieD]

10. Nope - those of us

Who pay attention know exactly where she stands. Like on trade for instance. Trade pacts must protect workers or she is against them.

[cali]

11. you really,really untethered

from reality on this. She has flat out ...


Oh,never mind. It's hopeless trying to get you to engage rationally

[MaggieD]

12. Did she vote against them...,

Because she was FOR them?

[woo me with science]

8. Huge K&R