Bring on the Class War: Bernie Sanders Dreams of a Revolution in 2016

[lovemydog]

This article is from Vice magazine. A lot of young people read Vice. Please share everywhere.

May 7, 2015
by Grace Wyler
Politics Editor

After a few frenetic weeks of campaigning, the UK elections are being held today—which should serve as a reminder of just how bloated and drawn-out America's presidential races have become. Even the most ardent political junkies might blanche at the numbing loop of focus groups, fundraisers, and cable news spin that will be stretched out over the next 18 months. Compounded with the apparent inevitability of Hillary Clinton's coronation as the Democratic nominee—and the prospect of another Clinton vs. Bush—it's hardly surprising that most Americans have been bored out of any interest in the national electoral process.

Bernie Sanders wants you to know that it doesn't have to be this way. The Vermont senator's nascent presidential campaign, announced last week, is based around the idea that electoral politics can work when it is driven by voters—in fact, he thinks that this "political revolution," as Sanders calls it, is the only antidote to the overwhelming influence of money and corporate interests on politics.

"I get very frightened about the future of American democracy when this becomes a battle between billionaires," Sanders said in an interview Sunday with ABC's This Week, one of his first after announcing his White House bid. "We need a political revolution of millions of people in this country who are prepared to stand up and say, 'Enough is enough,'" Sanders argued. "I want to help lead that effort."

much more here:

http://www.vice.com/read/bring-on-the-class-war-bernie-sanders-dreams-of-a-revolution-in-2016-057

[daleanime]

1. K&R.....

[leftofcool]

2. And a class war will solve what?

[lovemydog]

3. What do you think?

It was a headline by the people at Vice magazine. They are based in Great Britain. I think the entire article is well worth reading.

But to answer your question regarding my opinions. It will help solve a lot of the problems of wealth inequality, one of the biggest challenges facing our country as we move forward. In the Eisenhower era, one of the greatest times of peace and prosperity our country enjoyed last century, the highest marginal tax rate was around 86%. Congress, in its infinite wisdom, has steadily lowered that to 34%. And most large corporations pay zero taxes or even get bigger tax breaks than what they might owe, that is, they operate in the black vis a vis the federal government.

Regarding capital gains taxes, Congress has cut them in half over the years. I think they should be taxed at the rate of personal income. No more tax breaks or rates lower than income rates.

I think we already have a class war going on in this country. It's been going on for years. The rich are winning. The poor and middle class are getting slaughtered.

Consciousness of that class war, and willingness to fight against it, is required in all our elected representatives. At every level, from the Presidency on down to Congressional representative, state and local officials, mayors, school boards, etc. This is not a new idea in Europe. It's been known for hundreds of years. You've got to fight for your rights or they get taken away step by step, dollar by dollar. It's about time Americans awaken to this knowledge, and spread the word far and wide.

What's your opinion? I mean, beyond the headline of the article?

[OutNow]

4. We're already in a class war, and the capitalist class is winning

It's well past the time that working people start fighting back. I'm ready to enlist in Bernie's fight to restore democracy.

[deutsey]

6. That's what I was thinking

Their class war against us has accomplished quite a bit since the late '70s...for the capitalists, anyway.

[Enthusiast]

16. That is a very good point.

[smokey nj]

5. Please stop trolling this group.

[SoapBox]

8. Trolling?

I'm confused.

I agree that there is already class warfare going on too. The rich, rich, rich are working behind the scenes with their money and power, to permanently entrench their power.

Time for that to change.

[smokey nj]

10. The person to whom I responded is a Hillary supporter

trolling a safe haven for supporters of Bernie Sanders.

[Half-Century Man]

9. We've been in one for forty plus years.

I think we've given them enough of a head start.
We all recognize it is time to fight back.
The only question is do we just stop the abuses and leave their ill gotten fortunes intact or recover what was stolen?

[jwirr]

12. To your question. At the very least we need to have higher taxes on the rich. They need to pay

for the damned wars they wanted to start.

[TM99]

13. Please remember this is a Safe Haven

for supporters of Sanders.

You are making quite a few drive by posts lacking in substance and reasoned argumentation.

This is starting to look like suspicious behavior.

Unless you have something to genuinely contribute to the discussion I would ask you to refrain from these types of posts in this group.

Thank you.

[LovingA2andMI]

7. We're Okay with a Class War....

Were the Middle, Working and Lower Class Wins!!! #BringItOnBernie

[lovemydog]

14. Most definitely. And that would be about 98% of us.

Give or take a few. Heck, even the top 2% can join us if they want. I'd guess some of them have already. Even they would know that it's in the best interests of everyone if wealth inequality is addressed and taken very seriously. With real action.

[jwirr]

11. I heard him say a "Political revolution". There is a big difference. And I agree. We can no longer

afford business as usual.

[lovemydog]

15. Yes, business as usual has got to go.

We're in a real crisis of confidence in politicians. People are really angry at how the system is working only for the most wealthy, powerful and influential. We want a say!

[John Poet]

17. Sometimes I think

that the French had the right idea....