The USPS is a big joke...

[MADem]

218. You probably agree with me more than you realize.

People like to paint me in ways that I'm not. Not sure why that is, but I don't/can't worry about it.

I'm a product of the national defense environment over many, many decades, but I am also a Democrat and I dislike wars of choice and I like social safety nets. I like public services like post offices, and transportation networks, that are efficient and affordable. I do think the internet is a utility and I hope that decision holds. I favor a livable minimum wage--some people think that 25 dollars an hour should be the standard, but I don't think that will happen because the corporate/GOP cheapskates will gouge out their eyes and scream bloody murder. That said, if we can get fifteen for starters, that would be a good beginning, and we can push on from there. I like public schools--I think there ought to be more money put into them, public money, and get these profiteering private corporation/test-assholes out of there. Teachers should be paid a decent wage. Free community college is a good idea--if not free, very, very cheap. And why not forgive or at least reduce loans in exchange for salaried national community service in areas where there's extreme need? I'd love to see universal health care, but I don't think that's realistic for at least a decade, yet--and maybe longer. The sooner VT can fire up a "test environment" (rather like MA did for Obamacare) and run their program through its paces, the better.

I think elder services in many parts of this country are a fucking disgrace. Old people shouldn't have to survive on cat food and crackers in a cold house. I also think that "bank deserts" and "food deserts" in underserved, disadvantaged urban environments are a huge impediment for people who live in these places, and they need to be addressed.

I don't mind incremental approaches to societal problems if that's all we're gonna get/win...I do think half a loaf is better than none! Some people get mad at me because I won't take my ball and go home if all demands aren't met. I just don't think that's a winning strategy in many cases. Take what you can get and push on for the next piece, I say. I've fought and won many battles that way (metaphorically speaking, mind you--I'm no Audie Murphy).

I like putting people first. I think nice is better than mean, and "the children are our future" (really--they'll be feeding us our oatmeal one day, and helping us find our teeth...).