August 9, 2015

Calm down, BLM apologized for the behavior at Sanders showing in Seattle.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/10141170737

This was a rise of anger, with blind reason. That is all. Their pain is just, their execution can be reckless, but their intention is only to be acknowledged.

Bernie handled it very well. He did not fight them, he let them have the stage. He understands that they need the catharsis. They are angry. Bernie left shortly after and shook hands with happy people on the way out.

This is nothing worth worrying about.

August 8, 2015

Let's brainstorm of ways to tackle voter apathy.

So I've talked to a few folks about the upcoming election and they get excited when I bring up news about Bernie.

Problem is, (and I'm sure this is a problem for all of us who are working hard for our preferred candidate) often times, I'm met with comments like these...

"The system is rigged anyways, the one they want to win, will win."

"The electoral college made my vote void back with Bush VS Gore and I'm convinced my vote means nothing."

So, in all of your expertise and experience, I was thinking we could all pool together thoughts and strategies for bringing hope back into these citizens of our great nation.

What can be done?

August 6, 2015

I really dont like secrets in politics...

so when I got an email from actblue with this message:

"We've been keeping
something big under wraps.That will help propel thousands of Democrats to victory in 2016.And the Republicans will be cursing themselves for not thinking of it first. We need to raise $115,000 to power it through 2016.Will you chip in $5 a month?"

What do you all think it is? I really favor openness with politics and money so this has me reeling a bit...

August 6, 2015

I finally got my Bernie Bumper Sticker in the mail!

Woohoo!!

I'm sorry, that's all this post was for. I'm just so excited to be involved with something like this for the first time.

I'm based in North Carolina, so I don't know if that helps anyone figure out their ETA on their Bernie gear.

August 4, 2015

Finally a headline that says what I knew all along.

Donald Trump's surge is heavily reliant on less educated Americans.

FTA:

"Trump's support is strongest with Republicans in the Midwest, conservatives across the country who do not have a college degree and (perhaps not surprisingly) those who report the most negative views of immigration and Mexican immigrants in particular, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll released last week."

www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/07/27/donald-trumps-surge-is-heavily-reliant-on-less-educated-americans-heres-why/?tid=pm_politics_pop_b

August 4, 2015

Finally a headline says what I knew all along.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2015/07/27/donald-trumps-surge-is-heavily-reliant-on-less-educated-americans-heres-why/?tid=pm_politics_pop_b

Donald Trump's surge is heavily reliant on less educated Americans.

FTA:

"Trump's support is strongest with Republicans in the Midwest, conservatives across the country who do not have a college degree and (perhaps not surprisingly) those who report the most negative views of immigration and Mexican immigrants in particular, according to a Washington Post-ABC News poll released last week."

August 2, 2015

More art for Bernie. :) Spread it like wildfire!

Made this one today.

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I sketched and edited this one in post just now!

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Sorry about the sizes, I just wanna give you guys the raw files you know?

Here's one more...

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Spread them as far as they'll go!

EDIT: Okay. One more! This one was for fun.

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July 31, 2015

My discussion with Senator Thom Tillis about the Every Child Achieves Act

Hello DU!

In recent news you may have heard about the proposed amendment 2093 to the Every Child Achieves Act. If enacted, it would have prohibited discrimination in public schools based on sexual orientation or gender orientation. Specifically, students could not have been excluded from participating in any federally-assisted programs based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation.

Sounds great right? Sadly it was voted against by the majority.

I found this website: http://www.thenewcivilrightsmovement.com/davidbadash/did_your_us_senator_just_vote_to_allow_lgbt_students_to_be_bullied_here_s_the_list

And learned that my Senator Thom Tillis of NC was one of many who voted against the bill. Stricken, and politically motivated for the first time on my life because of Bernie, I decided to write a letter to a politician for the first time in my life.

I kept it short, simple and respectful.

"Senator, why did you vote against protection of LGBT youth? No child deserves to be bullied."

Honestly, I didn't expect a reply. But I got one. And here it is:

Dear Mr. Bullock:

Thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding Senator Franken's amendment 2093 to S. 1177, the Every Child Achieves Act (ECAA). I appreciate hearing from you.

As you are aware, Senator Franken (D-MN) introduced Amendment 2093 to the Every Child Achieves Act on July 7, 2015.  If enacted Amendment 2093 would have prohibited discrimination in public schools based on sexual orientation or gender orientation. Specifically, students could not have been excluded from participating in any federally-assisted programs based on their actual or perceived sexual orientation.  Ultimately, the amendment failed to reach the necessary votes for passage.

I had concerns with this amendment because it would have allowed the federal government to dictate local school gender identity policies when states, school boards, parents, and local communities know how to best prevent discrimination and harassment in public schools.  I believe that no child should have to suffer bullying and harassment in school.  The classroom should be a safe haven where students can focus on their studies—not an environment of fear and intimidation.

The Senate passed S. 1177, which reauthorizes the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), on July 16, 2015 by a vote of 81 to 17.  ECAA helps return responsibility for education standards and accountability measures to where it belongs -- the states.  ECAA also repeals numerous federal mandates on standardized testing, allowing North Carolina and other states to test less frequently and customize testing strategies.  I will continue to support efforts to ensure our children, especially low-income students and students who have special needs, receive the necessary resources and instruction they need to obtain a proper education.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me.  It is important to hear from citizens concerning issues that affect the state and the nation.  Please do not hesitate to contact me again about other important issues.

Sincerely,

Thom Tillis
U.S. Senator

I was surprised and somewhat honored that I got a reply at all. But his response was ridiculous. This was my reply today:

So you just didn't want federal involvement on something that could be handled on a state level because you believe the state is capable of handling that itself.

Thank you for the explanation. I didn't expect a thorough reply at all but I am grateful to have gotten one.

That said, this is akin to turning away a fire truck for a burning building simply because you don't like who owns the fire truck. Help is help. And all children need that protection state or federal.

I understand the republican mindset of believing in less federal control and more individual control, but consider the morality of those individuals who are in control. People like me and you. And you just voted to turn away a fire truck that could have helped put out that fire.

Voting against this amendment was counterproductive Senator. Next time, put that state vs the fed mentality behind you and think of the individual.

Thanks again for communicating with me. I do appreciate it.

Sincerely,
David Bullock

He may be republican but he's still a senator. I wonder if my reasoning would ever help him see reason. I have hope. Many of you might call me naive or even insult me for being nice to a republican but, this is how the system works and if I can make my liberal, democratic voice heard then I shall do so.

Thanks for reading.

July 30, 2015

So Bernie wanted art from his volunteers did he?

Spread these as far as they'll go!!! I made them quite some time ago honestly.

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July 30, 2015

You heard him!

Text the word "Work" to 82623 to get started in Bernie's grassroots volunteer army! Wooo!!!