Happening Now: Sen. Sanders' Filibuster Of The Tax Deal

[Lasher]

Source: NPR

Sen. Bernard Sanders, I-VT, is on the floor of the Senate right now to — in his office's words — "speak as long as possible against a tax deal between the White House and congressional Republicans."

<snip>

The leader of the party that Sanders caucuses with, Democratic President Obama, told NPR yesterday that despite opposition from many liberals in Congress, he's "confident" the deal will get passed.

Here's what Sanders has to say about what he's doing:

"You can call what I am doing today whatever you want, you it call it a filibuster, you can call it a very long speech. I'm not here to set any great records or to make a spectacle. I am simply here today to take as long as I can to explain to the American people the fact that we have got to do a lot better than this agreement provides."

Read more: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/12/10/131963655/happening-now-sen-sanders-filibuster-of-the-tax-deal

---

Watch on C-SPAN2 here.

Edit: Related General Discussion thread here.

[newscott]

1. I thought they hadn't actually written a bill yet?

Can you fillibuster a non-existent bill?

[Robbien]

3. Oh it is written, it is just not available to the general public

They wanted the House to pass a vote on it yesterday, so I expect there is a written bill.

[saigon68]

28. Working overtime in Secret

[formercia]

93. They don't want us to read it

because we might just expose the Trojan Horse.

[FedUp_Queer]

241. HR 4853

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d111:H.R.4853:

[suffragette]

72. Looks like the bill is being done as amendment - here's link to it

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9745334

[alberg]

103. Call your Senators. Here is a link to get your Senator's phone number:

For Maryland:

Cardin, Benjamin L. - (D - MD) Class I
509 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: cardin.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm

Mikulski, Barbara A. - (D - MD) Class III
503 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
[phone]
Web Form: mikulski.senate.gov/contact/




Here's a link to find your Senator's phone numbers

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senat...

[cui bono]

227. "Sorry that mailbox is full."

That's for Sen. Boxer and Sen. Sanders. Feinstein doesn't even have voicemail in DC. What a dope. I gues she's afraid of hearing what people have to say to her.

[mike_c]

2. go Bernie!

:bounce:

[L. Coyote]

24. GD: ***** Official LIVE BLOG Senate = Tax Cuts Debate *****

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9744049

[slay]

43. Democrats take notice - this is what yall should be doing! This is what

yall should look like. Are the Dems really so corrupt that the only real representative we have is Bernie Sanders? Maybe Al Franken will take over and give him a break at some point. C-Span says he's been doing this since 10:25am. And this will be on the record - it's on national cable - I hope people pay attention. He's doing such a good job I'm just in awe. :wow:

[wordpix]

82. +1 We get 13 mo. of UIC, the richies get 2 yrs. of tax cuts to "create jobs"---yeah, right

they haven't created any in the 10 yrs. of their cuts so far---in fact we've lost 10's of 1,000's of jobs--- yet the bribed wingnuts are gung ho on BushCo wars, the military in general and other huge expenditures.

[slay]

44. self delete

wrong spot my bad

[molly77]

150. L Coyote

I see Bernie Sanders using the podium to bear his weight at times. Brilliant oratory chocked full of facts that I have never heard . I am filled with gratitude for him, Vermont for giving us him and Howard Dean ..

And you for putting up this link.

Thank you

[Stumbler]

71. Ditto. Go, Bernie, go!!

[southmost]

158. what's the longest speech on record?

Strom Thurmond? 24 hour speech? (to protest civil rights act)

Bernie Sanders is almost at 8 hours with this speech and still going

[Kennah]

4. Happening Now: Sen. Sanders' Filibuster Of The Tax Deal

Source: NPR

Sen. Bernard Sanders, I-VT, is on the floor of the Senate right now to — in his office's words — "speak as long as possible against a tax deal between the White House and congressional Republicans."

C-SPAN.org has streaming coverage here. He's been going for about 90 minutes now.

The leader of the party that Sanders caucuses with, Democratic President Obama, told NPR yesterday that despite opposition from many liberals in Congress, he's "confident" the deal will get passed.


Read more: http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/12/10/131963655/happening-now-sen-sanders-filibuster-of-the-tax-deal

---

It's a filibuster!

I'm listening online to Thom Hartmann via 1090 AM in Seattle.

http://kptk.cbslocal.com/

[KoKo]

13. Good for Bernie...thanks for link. Time Warner dropped our C-Span II ..so didn't know.

[heliarc]

249. Yeah... I hate Time Warner for doing that on the tier...

Assholes.

[jwirr]

5. Have him on. I love that guy. I think this thing will pass anyhow but

they will never be able to blame it on us.

[wordpix]

86. helping my students understand the 3/5 Compromise on counting slaves

---this whole tax cut debate reminds me of this compromise that was "good for the country." :crazy:

How backward the US still is.

[defendandprotect]

245. Somehow the "backward" end up in Congress .... maybe it's backward computers that do it?

[pauldp]

6. Landrieu just joined Sanders!

[rabies1]

50. I am so hopeful she stays with Sanders on this

Her state is suffering bigtime from Katrina and the Gulf Oil Spill.
So many people are out of work and moving out of state if they can
because of the damage the toxic BP chemical spray continues to cause.
Very, very bleak situation in her state.

[ProudDad]

95. More Kabuki Theater perhaps...? (n/t)

[MellowDem]

136. Goes to show what a negative impact...

the threat of an election has on how politicians vote.

[molly77]

191. Good to hear re. Landrieu

Bernie builds consensus.

[golddigger]

7. Whoa! Landreiu? I fell out off my computer chair.

[Kennah]

14. Tell me about it

I had to go over to the C-SPAN2 link to hear and see it for myself. It's UFB!

http://c-span.org/Watch/C-SPAN2.aspx

Paraphrasing her just now, from a caller to her office, "... tell Senator Landrieu I make over a million dollars a year and I'm opposed to the tax cut for me."

[laughingliberal]

16. She's doing great! nt

[Kennah]

23. Absolutely!

"People aren't unemployed because they are lazy, for heavens' sake, they are unemployed because there are no jobs."

[maxsolomon]

30. i'm lazy

but employed. go figure!

[Ishoutandscream2]

57. LOL, Max, same here!

[wordpix]

88. you're not the only one---BigOil Landrieu? One and the same?

spew coffee :fistbump:

[Zambero]

115. However,

Keep in mind that taking a stand against the stated Obama position in a solid red state like Louisiana doesn't exactly require a "Profile in Courage". At least she's lining up on the right side, this time.

[MellowDem]

138. And she's a lame duck nt

[laughingliberal]

186. I don't believe her term is up until 2014. nt

[Roland99]

8. Ryan: Tax deal no stimulus package

http://www.marketwatch.com/story/senate-forges-ahead-on-858-billion-tax-package-2010-12-10

Speaking with WSJ's Jerry Seib, Congressman Paul Ryan, Republican from Wisconsin, insisted that the deal between Republicans and the White House on the Bush Tax Cuts was not a second stimulus and that the agreement would promote growth despite adding to the deficit.

*COUGH*bullshit*COUGH*

[AllyCat]

60. Really Ryan?

Because as far as I can tell, we've had no growth and jobs lost in the last 9 years. But hey, if the media doesn't report it, it's not true, right?

What a jerk he is. Only down the road, but not my rep by a few miles.

[Doremus]

9. Thank you, Bernie Sanders! Landrieu is speaking now.

[Kennah]

10. C-SPAN2 Link

http://c-span.org/Watch/C-SPAN2.aspx

It's in the OP's post, but I missed it. Just being pedantic. Seemed appropriate for a filibuster.

[KoKo]

17. OMG...Landrieu going after Obama about including Rich Tax Breaks....

calling out Repugs..and Obama for Secrecy! Never thought I'd see anything like that from her.

[roguevalley]

27. she must be getting heat because she takes care of #1 first.

good sign maybe

[wordpix]

90. she should know, with all the pandering she does with her BigOil donors

[aquart]

11. "Bernie Sanders trending #8 worldwide"

But NOT in the United States.

Other countries care more about our solvency than we do.

[Celtic Raven]

124. Trending #1 US - #2 Worldwide now

Been following on Twitter while calling my Senators.

Go Bernie! :yourock:

[KoKo]

12. Why doesn't he have any Dems up there with him to continue the filibuster? Sherrod Brown

and others? For a filibuster to be effective he needs help. And, I saw Schumer, Brown and a few others on C-Span last weekend up at a podium giving speeches about how they would work to Christmas Eve to stop the Tax Cuts for Rich being in that bill. It was on C-Span and picked up by MSNBC in part.

I applaud Bernie for doing this...but I wonder if Obama's caving this week scared off the others from doing the correct thing and working harder.

[Kennah]

15. Sherrod Brown was filibustering. Mary Landrieu speaking now.

[Lasher]

22. So we have Sanders, Landrieu, and Brown.

I just sent Bernie an email to express support for his courageous stand. I will do the same for Landrieu and Brown.

[malmapus]

37. Just did the same!!

I hope they can keep it up and get more to sign on with them.

[Luciferous]

68. Just sent emails to each of them.

[wordpix]

92. they're all scared, going against the pres & all that---they don't get it

The base isn't supporting O on this b/c he caved---they need to get a spine and say, "We're not caving and we're in charge of this legislation, not the president."

Geesh, grow a pair, senators.

[truedelphi]

100. Please, Senator Boxer, justify my damn vote for you.

My notice of third party candidates grows ever more considerable.

Kamela Harris would not allow herself to be "lumped" in with the average person in California,
and so saw herself in a squeaker. Unnecessary for her. Stupid advisement by "her conscience" or her advisers on how to word her opposition to specifics of Proposition Nineteen.

[Lifelong Protester]

18. Mary Landrieu is doing a good job, and I fervently HOPE

that more join her and Bernie Sanders. Keep it up, Senators.

[avaistheone1]

51. I am surprised

but delighted Landrieu is joining him.

[2Design]

58. surprised - she is a republican in Dem name only

[burning rain]

221. Landrieu's an able & powerful speaker, when she wants to be.

I wonder, though, whether the real reason she thinks this tax deal is corrupt is that she didn't get a special deal for Louisiana in it.

[truedelphi]

74. Yes she is one Democrat being cited on many

progressive blogs as speaking her mind on this.

AS SHOULD THEY ALL!

[Robbien]

19. I just sent Bernie a note of support

in case you want to do also

here's the link
http://sanders.senate.gov/contact/

[louis-t]

29. Done. Thanks for the link.

My comment: "Go Bernie! Thanks for standing up for us."

[udbcrzy2]

122. I did the same thing! n/t

[Bigmack]

40. Thanks for the link

Did it. Tried to call too, but several other folks are calling right now! Senator Sanders. Heroic.
Ms Bigmack

[AllyCat]

62. done

[onestepforward]

85. Done!

Thanks for the link!

[KatyaR]

184. Me, too.

He's my hero today...the letters and the statistics he's been presenting have been both heartbreaking and disgusting, and I admire him so much for caring enough to do this.

[Swampguana]

194. I just did as well thanks for the link

[Lifelong Protester]

20. Wow! She is going AT IT!!!

she wants to know, "who put their name to this?? WHO?? Good for her, calling them out.

[laughingliberal]

21. Landrieu! "Moral recklessness!" This deal is..."In your face to the poor, in your face to the middle

class"

[jwirr]

25. Wonder if there is any senators there besides the ones that are helping

them. Probably all repug seats are empty.

[perdita9]

26. Bernie Sanders: A Profile in courage

We don't get to see this kind of thing too often in the Senate.

[hay rick]

31. K&R

Mary Landrieu? Who dat!

[davsand]

35. Louisiana Dem Senator. Much reviled on here, usually.

Today, however, she's earning approval here.


:shrug:


Laura

[hay rick]

45. Definitely surprised me. nt

[primavera]

54. I gotta admit, I'd speechless with disbelief

This seems SO out of character for her. Usually, she just does whatever her oil and gas industry masters tell her to do.

[sabrina 1]

66. You are wrong. 'She' is not reviled, her stand on issues up to now

has been rightfully, slammed.

But today, for some reason, she is doing the right thing for the people, and for that she gets credit.


Is that so hard to understand?

[Liberalynn]

177. IIt s almost like we fell into some kind of alternate universe

where people are acting totally out of charcter. The people who we thought would stand up for the working poor and the middle class are instead siding to help the wealthiest Americans, while she from whom we would expect the complete opposite is actually taking the high road on this. More power to her.

[RufusTFirefly]

84. Agreed. True consensus building.

Both Landrieu and Sanders were quick to point out their differences on many issues but acknowledge their passionate agreement on the "moral recklessness" of giving a tax cut to the super-rich.

[MellowDem]

142. I still think she sucks...

just goes to show that when she's got an election on the line, she's a moderate Repub. When she doesn't, she can be free to express her true feelings. Well, that kind of cowardice is what is killing this country.

[swilton]

32. Long Live the Fillibuster

[Roy Rolling]

33. Filibuster!

You go girl! And keep it up Bernie. They are saying what should be obvious to everyone but is not----tax cuts will bankrupt the U.S. the same way that Ireland is on the verge of bankruptcy today. Supply side/trickle down theories are just what GHW Bush called them "voodoo economics."

[Lasher]

34. How many more days before the 111th Congress adjourns sine die?

Does anybody know?

[tomm2thumbs]

36. Mr. Sanders Goes to Washington!

Bernie is as smart as a whip - and then some.

[slay]

38. OMG - Go Bernie! Says he started it at 10:25am. And he's giving them real info too - no phone book

reading! This is what true courage looks like. We need more like Sanders! I can't express how awesome he is. :toast: :hug: :grouphug: :party: :patriot:

[benny05]

53. give 'em hell Bernie

Feel like I'm listening to Harry S. Truman!

:kick: :dem: :loveya:

[Sherman A1]

39. Contact your Senators and ask them to support

Bernie's filibuster.

[Celtic Raven]

126. Done!

Just wish they'd actually go HELP him filibuster like Brown & Landrieu.

K&R for OP.

[raouldukelives]

41. k&r!

[CONN]

42. ++++++++++

[AmandaMae]

46. k&r!

[MissDeeds]

47. Thank you, Bernie!

It's great to have a leader who is on our side!

K&RRRRR!

[greiner3]

48. Could this lead to a moment in time comprable to the event;

Portrayed in 'Mr. Smith goes to Washington?'

[RoccoR5955]

49. Bernie is THE MAN!

I hope he has the stamina to stand there and speak for a week!

[happygoluckytoyou]

52. MONOPOLY---- WHAT do you do, when it's midnight and ONE GUY has all the money???

you are circling the board.... collect your $200.... and hand it to the first property owner you land on....

WHEN you cannot pay..... you sell your last asset

WHEN you STILL cannot pay.... you either LOSE and leave the board..... OR the rich guy loans you a few dollars so you can circle again

CAPITALISM HAS THIS ENDING.... AS RESOURCES (PROPERTIES) SETTLE INTO THE HANDS OF A FEW, EVERYONE ELSE JUST STARTS THE CIRCLING

********** SO HERE ARE SOME SOLUTIONS.....
1) add more properties and an extra board
2) print more money and hand it out to the poor people
3) add new taxes to the wealthy person until it is a game again
4) ? ? ? ? ? ? ? exactly...... WHAT DO YOU DO....

[truedelphi]

75. Smartie pants students in London showed us what needs to be done...

Perhaps the revolution WILL be televised?

[Goldstein1984]

55. Thank you, Senator Sanders

One ethical voice in Washington.

[lyonn]

56. Wow!

About 5 min. ago I clicked on c-span to watch him. He is doing a great job of explaining, examples, etc.. Bless him, or should I say, great karma....... I'm going with the karma

[daleanime]

59. Doing it old school....

:patriot:

[MissDeeds]

61. He is absolutely awesome!!!

I'm listing via the NPR link. He has all the facts, figures, stats, and examples to support what he's saying. Damn, he's good.

[Plucketeer]

63. Bernie's one of the FEW current National Heros

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Senator Sanders!

[Ozymanithrax]

64. From the News...this is not a filibuster...

it is a long speech.

There are no Republicans in the chamber, and few Democrats.

Unless Senator Saunders announces a filibuster, forcing procedural votes, this is nothing but a long speech.

I mean, is it nice of him to do it, but procedurally, it means nothing. It is a speech given on a day set aside when any Senator can get up and have his say.

The content is great, but it is a very stark disappointment if he does not back this with a real filibuster in accordance with Senate rules.

[Lasher]

70. That must be why Landrieu mentioned "...30 long hours of debate."

I've gotten much more cynical lately but I'm still foolish enough to get my hopes up too easily. Gonna have to work on that. Maybe I shouldn't invest so much time in being a political junkie.

[lyonn]

87. At the bottom of C-span2 it States: Alert - SEN. SANDERS

BEGAN THIS TAX CUT FILIBUSTER AT 10:25 A.M..

Wonder what that means?

[Ozymanithrax]

121. It means they can spell filibuster right...and nothing else.

A filibuster works in accordance with Senate Rules. It is done procedurally by stating that there is a filibuster and requires a procedural vote with 60 Senators to end. Today is a day that Reid set aside for speeches. There are no Republicans in the chamber. It isn't possible to demand a procedural vote.

What Senator Sanders is doing is giving a great speech, in much the same way that was done in Mr. Smith goes to Washington. But until he blocks any vote on the bill by a declaration it hasn't happened.

Acutally, Demint has said he will filibuster the bill, and I look forward to the procedural vote to see how Senator Sanders votes on a filibuster in accordance with Senate Rules.

What he is doing is important political theater, but he hasn't blocked a damned thing. Monday or Tuesday, it will pass the Senate unless Sanders or Demint declare a real filibuster get 41 votes to make it stick.

[molly77]

197. Ozymanithrax

Do you remember when Obama vetoed the bill giving banks retroactive immunity for criminal activity re. foreclosures? The bill, forgot the name of it, had passed with unanimous consent in the senate? I read there were very few senators even there for that vote. Have noticed that often the senate and house are almost empty since bush's days. I think it is because our legislators do not work. But that is just me.

[bitchkitty]

65. I'm listening now.

I'm going to leave it on all day. I love this guy. He's not a young man, and it takes stamina to stand up there for hours talking, talking, talking - and like an above poster said, not just reading from the phone book.

Bernie, show them how it's done!

[bdamomma]

67. everything Sanders is saying is true

maybe those stinking repigs want the country to be third world and uneducated, thus it is easier to tame the masses?? :puke:

[Luciferous]

69. Good for Bernie! I can't believe Landrieu supported this, but

I'm glad she did!

[Imajika]

73. It will be a filibuster when he is really holding up the bill..

From what I can tell, there is no bill yet to be held up. So Sanders and a couple others are really just giving floor speeches.

This does NOT appear to be a filibuster at all, and I am not sure why people insist on calling it that.

Maybe some are calling it a filibuster to get media attention or something.

[AngryOldDem]

76. GO BERNIE!

[truedelphi]

77. K & R. And

Remember, Bernie Sanders is not a Dem, he is an Indie. So where are our "Democratic" leaders on this?

[Dr.Phool]

78. Sherrod Brown has been out there, and Mary Landrieu.

But, so far, no leaders.

Here, Shoomer, Shoomer, Shoomer, and Reid, and Durbin, And a couple of Nelsons. Come on out.

[ohiogringo]

212. Senator Hangover! I say that with affection...

Sherrod Brown always looks like he just showed up at work all hungover. But I'm glad I voted for him. Never more than now.

[truedelphi]

219. Lawd only knows if you have to deal with the Beltway types, you'd better be

Hungover, medicated or under serious hypnosis.

[timefortherevolution]

231. Sherrod Brown is like Lt. Colombo. Nothing's going to get past him.

[Judi Lynn]

79. Thank you, Senator Sanders. Rec. n/t

[EV_Ares]

80. Go Bernie Go; there are many of us standing with you in spirit. eom.

[Bette Noir]

81. Bernie's my hero.

[Kall]

83. I love this guy

Kill this atrocity of a bill.

[highplainsdem]

89. K&R. Thank you, Bernie!

[femrap]

91. This really pisses me off.....

I just looked at my Cable TV Guide (I'm unfortunately stuck w/ Insight). Only C-Span is part of the basic deal. One must pay lots more (in other words, get the freaking box) to get C-Span 2. And C-Span 3 costs you even more.

I truly believe that ALL THE C-SPAN CHANNELS SHOULD BE ON THE CHEAPEST OF THE PLANS THAT THESE F*CKING GREEDY CABLE TV COMPANIES OFFER.

I have a box in one room....so I just turn it up loud so I can hear in the other room where the computer is.

Robber Barons rule and they've turned it into a 3rd world nation.

[Tx4obama]

104. You can pull Cspan 2 and 3 up on your computer & watch/listen for free - link below

http://cspan.org/Watch/C-SPAN2.aspx

[femrap]

113. I realize that....

I'm talking about people who can't afford to buy a computer or spend shitloads of money on Cable TV. You know the working poor....the elderly....etc.

All C-Span channels should be available on the Basic Cable TV Package. Everyone should have access to the House and the Senate....our supposed f*cking REPRESENTATIVES.

Lots of people can afford only dial-up.

[ProudDad]

94. The Biggest lie of all!

That the bush tax breaks for the rich and affluent have "stimulated" or "will stimulate" the "economy"...

Didn't happen over the last 10 years -- won't happen over the next 10 years (and if you think it will sunset in the election year 2012, I've got a bridge in Brooklyn to sell ya' at a fire sale price!)...

The Ponzi-Scheme "economy" built on debt as money and the brief heroin fix of cheap fossil fuels is DONE! Stick a fork in it and prepare your lifeboats while you can!

www.transitionus.org

[LaPera]

96. Obama had already agreed to a deal with the republicans - even though Dems were trying to pass

tax cuts for 98% of Americans, all making $250,000.00 or less....But the Dems were blindsided by Obama!

The House passed a measure last week that would have let the tax cuts lapse at higher incomes, but Senate Republicans blocked it on Saturday – with the knowledge that president Obama had ALREADY agreed he was ready to sign a measure that was more to the republicans liking.....i.e. the deficit raising, unpaid for, job killing, unfair tax cuts for the richest 2% - who are already doing better than anytime in history - So since Obama went behind the democrats' back, of course the republican rejected the Senate bill for their more greedy bill for the richest two percent!

Republicans have NEVER cared about raising the deficit only when the Dems are in office do they scream about it - republicans love to spend and raise the deficit on themselves, the rich, corporations and wars for corporate profits. But NEVER for the workers middle-class or small business (republicans lie and say otherwise but the facts and proof are there for EVERYONE with a thinking brain to see!

Yes, your republican president for two terms Eisenhower had a 90% tax rate and the rich and the corporations still got filthy rich and the middle-class was strong and prospering.

The republicans god, Reagan had about a 50% tax rate and the rich & corporations got even richer & richer Reagan's created the highest deficit increase percentage by far in history of this country LOOK IT UP!(Republican always increase deficits however, they only spend on the rich & corporations instead of peoples needs) - As unions were busted Reagan and the middle-class began to slide & the workers wages started to stagnate.

Pappy Bush lower the tax rate even further for the richest and the deficit went even higher under pappy!

Clinton had a 39.5% tax on the rich and created over 22 million jobs and 8 years of peace and prosperity....and a surplus of 370 billion dollars.

Ten year of Bush tax cuts for the very rich and millions of jobs are lost, Bush created & added 6 trillion more to the deficit to pay for unpaid tax cuts for the rich and his lying wars for corporations profiting (Halliburton, Bechtel, etc)....

And still the richest 2% don't want to give up that 3% increase now when the country is staggering from the rich and banks outsourcing jobs, bankruptcies, bailouts government subsidies for corporations and huge tax cuts,

Obama wants to give 98% of ALL Americans a tax cut ALL who make $250,000.00 or less.

While you cry for the filthy rich who are doing better than anytime in history. The greedy are never satisfied they always want more and more and more....

You are shameless and greedy and selfish!

The deficit raising, unpaid for, no jobs producing, unfair 10 year tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% is obscene and should be allowed to EXPIRE!

Republican have NEVER cared about raising the deficit only when the Dems are in office do they scream about it - republicans love to spend and raise the deficit on themselves, the rich corporations and wars for corporate profits But NEVER for the workers middle-class or small business!!

Many I know on unemployment feel the same way and would rather see the Democrats fight for a better deal than the one Obama gave the greedy, selfish, cold-hearted lying hateful regressive republicans!

We will have to borrow from China to pay for the Bush tax cuts for the hundreds of billions the richest 2% demand.
The rich only want more and more and more - and republican ideology dictates that agenda!

There are multi-millionaires & billionaires like Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Ben Cohen & many other caring people who say there should not be these tax cuts for the richest 2% they say “we don't need it”.

But then there's always the many more greedy like, 60 million dollar a year multi-millionaires Rush Limbaugh, republican billionaires like the Koch brothers as well as every single republican member in the Senate and in Congress who want those tax cuts for themselves and their rich contributing friends!

Only a truly greedy ignorant selfish fool would support the idiot Bush's TEN year, DEFICIT raising, NO jobs produced, NOT paid for, UNFAIR tax cuts for the very richest 2%.

The same 10 year tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% that have actually caused a reported hundreds of thousands of lost jobs - Proven the rich who are doing better than ever in the history of the world - obviously are just socking their money away in off-shore accounts, certainly not spending or investing in our economy - if the rich do invest, it's in other countries using slave labor wages, out-sourced American jobs and corporations down-sizing jobs for even larger profits.

The 2% of the richest certainly don't need the huge deficit busting Bush tax cuts to be extended - they care nothing for this country or the people - like all republicans they just despise paying any taxes in our society that they've used and fed off of with tax cuts, government subsidies, bankruptcies and bail-outs that has made them rich & greedier than ever before and more is NEVER enough.

This 10-year deficit raising, no jobs producing, unpaid for, unfair tax cuts for the wealthiest 2% should be allowed to EXPIRE!!

[ChairmanAgnostic]

111. could you edit slightly, to: Dems in the country were

blindsided.

[madokie]

97. I wish this guy would run for the whitehouse

He's right on on every issue, all that I've read about anyway.

[JonLP24]

98. Great news!!!

:kick:

[ctwayne]

99. A Proud Democratic Socialist

Bernie is the only senator who represents my point of view. A proud democratic socialist. And it isn't really Bernie's fault that the American people have elected only one, while putting dozens of reactionaries and warmongers in the same body.

[merkins]

101. Obama & GOP's Master Plan: Gut Social Security

Bernie just laid out the basics..

K&R!

[Lugnut]

102. Go Bernie! n/t

[budkin]

105. Why don't the Repukes have to actually do this? They only threaten

[JDPriestly]

106. Bernie Sanders talking about trade. Wow. He is doing such

a fabulous job. Bernie Sanders is now my hero, my number one hero.

Thank God for this filibuster. Finally we hear straight talk, honest talk without interruption in Congress. I am moved to tears.

[molly77]

211. JDPriestly

I was glad to hear that also. So so so well done when nobody even mentions NAFTA. No work no taxes..we are broke. But it is funny how the trade issue is just left out of the conversation.

[onestepforward]

107. Thank you, Bernie!

[NRaleighLiberal]

108. First time I've been politically uplifted/inspired in quite some time.

This is what real leadership looks like.

[DesertFlower]

109. i love this man.

[Saturday]

110. I just emailed him to give him a high-five! nt

[progressoid]

112. Damn.

Go Bernie Go!

[Zambero]

114. Giving the GOP a taste of their own medicine

They must be taken aback, having a progressive politician using an obstructive tactic that has been in constant use only by Republicans, until now. They might as well get used to it, as it won't be the last time.

[olegramps]

116. I am so happy that he is glad that he just screwed us.

[SOS]

255. If Bernie blocks the bill

My taxes will be going up by $1.25 a week.
I'm screwed!

:eyes:

[orbitalman]

117. GODspeed, Bernie !!! n/t

[MellowDem]

118. Loving It!

If only there were a progressive party...

[Roarybeans]

119. First post ever

Bernie is the Man! Finally, I feel a little bit better about someone speaking up for us.

[handmade34]

129. Can't think of a better thread to

send your first post to... Welcome :hi:

I Love Sen. Bernie Sanders!!

[Tx4obama]

132. Welcome to DU :)

:) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

[Luciferous]

156. Welcome to DU!

[harun]

166. A good time for FP.

[Name removed]

120. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Celtic Raven]

130. And you got a DU twofer!

Apparently posts dupe around here.

:hi:


Welcome to DU!

[SpiralHawk]

123. Thank you, Bernie

thank you

[33Greeper]

125. Thank you Sen Sanders

You are my new hero!

[colsohlibgal]

127. Bernie Rules!

Meanwhile Obama has trotted out the Big Dog. If you just turned on your TV you might think you're in a time warp, Bubba taking questions with the White House sign behind him, no Obama there now.

[harvey007]

128. We love you, man

Go, Bernie, Go!!

:loveya:

[tropicanarose]

131. Senator Bernie Sanders is BRILLIANT! I have been listening to him

all day on CNN......I wish that we could clone him. His presentation is extremely well thought out and powerful. I hope that he is reaching people. He is the only one with the guts to tell the truth.

[Douglas Carpenter]

133. now that is change I can believe in!!

[Name removed]

134. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[nolabear]

135. FINALLY, a senator acts like he gives a damn and stands up, literally, for us.

This is what I want, I realize. I want someone to get uncomfortable, to put himself out there and show that this, and we, are important enough to leave the ivory tower for.

Go get 'em, Bernie! I'd rub your shoulders and offer you a drink if I could.

[Politicalboi]

137. Weekend at Bernies

But this time he is alive and kicking ass.

[shanti]

139. thank you, mr. sanders!

another hero for the people! :thumbsup:

[blaze]

140. When did he start? I just tuned in to CSPAN nt

[forty6]

143. Somewhere around noon.

So over 4.5 hours so far. As I understand it.

He's a hero! In my mind.

[blaze]

144. Thanks forty6 and Welcome to DU! nt

[forty6]

141. He's going on and on! I'm learning lots of things, lots of facts,

This speech before the U.S. Senate should go up on Youtube, for how many hours he speaks.

My opinion only!

[myrna minx]

145. K&R for Bernie.

[The Wielding Truth]

146. Still at it.......5:08pm.... Love it!!!! Common sense and truth. How refreshing!

[jwirr]

147. I went grocery shopping - is anyone else come ahead to help him?

Last I saw was Landreau.

[blaze]

148. I just asked my Senator to take Bernie a cup of coffee

Yes I did.

:)

[WillyT]

149. God Bless You, Bernie !!!

A TRUE American Patriot !!!

:patriot:

:kick: & Rec !!!

[Babel_17]

151. Guess I'm going to have to e-mail my rep's in support (nt)

[KT2000]

152. On the record

he is getting it all in there.
Thank you Bernie Sanders :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Babel_17]

153. Just e-mailed my rep

"I was proud to vote for you last month and I'll be even prouder if you can support Sen. Bernie Sander in his opposition to continuing Bush's tax cuts for millionaires."

Find yours here.

https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

For your senators:

http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Next up, I have to e-mail Schumer and Gillibrand.

[DFW]

154. Good timing, too: Today, I got a joint email from his campaign and DFA (the Deans)

Bernie foresees (undoubtedly correctly) that the same mass Roberts/Alito/Rove/Koch money that shaped this
last election would now be coming after him in 2012. Vermont has a small population, so not much money would
be needed to blanket the state with negative advertising, although it would be hard to convince savvy Vermonters
that Bernie has somehow been bad for them. I sent him a couple of grand. If there's anyone left in the Senate
I want to see retain his seat no matter what in 2012, it's Bernie Sanders.

[Strato222]

155. Patriot Tax

How about renaming the 3% "tax hike" on the rich the Patriot Tax. (Or refer to the argument as the Patriotic Option)

Bernie Sanders is a freakin Hero...Can you imagine McConnell or Cornyn up there for hours on hours defending the tax cuts for the uber rich?!?!

[Norrin Radd]

157. kr

[Little Star]

159. Bernie is the absolute best!

[blaze]

160. Giving props to Thom Hartmann!!

Just love Brunch with Bernie.

Thank you Bernie!!!!

[Marthe48]

161. Thank you Sen. Sanders

I appreciate your service to all Americans, very much!

[Slit Skirt]

162. stand with Bernie...tweet it, retweet, facebook it call all Senators

and congressional leaders who stand with him

[Echotrail]

163. Thank you, Senator! This tax agreement is an abomination.

A NYT story spells it out:

Under the Obama-GOP agreement, the top 1 percent will receive breaks of about $70,000, that's an increase over what the Bush cuts originally gave them! http://nyti.ms/gkQvuo

Under Obama-GOP plan: Taxes increase only for low-wage earners making less than $20K & families earning below $40K. http://nyti.ms/gkQvuo

Obama promised not to support the Bush tax cuts. See his tough talk then on YouTube. It's one reason he was elected.

What the heck is going on???

[Goldstein1984]

164. It's called LEADERSHIP

And we don't see it much anymore.

When combined with MORAL AUTHORITY, it threatens a status quo based solely on authority based on position and power.

The ruling class should be nervous right now.

[Norrin Radd]

165. I just called our senators, but I'll be gobsmacked

if Senators Cantwell and Murray lend their support.

[Politicub]

167. Rock on- a real filibuster!

Woot!

Go, Senator Sanders, go!!

[nolabear]

168. 10:30 am to 6 pm now. 8 1/2 hours of talking sense. Can we take it?

GO Bernie!

[amyrose2712]

169. Kick!nt

[abelenkpe]

170. I love Bernie! nt

[Gator_Matt]

171. Senator Sanders is a hero

Good for him to have the balls to stand up to his corrupt colleagues.

[ibegurpard]

172. Bravo!

[Dinger]

173. Kick & Rec # 230!

God love him.:patriot:

[ISW]

174. Go Bernie Go!!!

[Guilded Lilly]

175. Sending serious white light and ...throat strength...

Just got home from work to see this thread.

Finally, a man with character! Goddess bless you Bernie :)

[PuraVidaDreamin]

176. I just got home from work!

What a fantastic surprise. Tears are streaming down my cheeks.
For the first time in a while I feel HOPE!
Go Bernie!

[BallardWA]

178. Just sat my kids down in front of C-Span-

told them they need to see history being made. Go Bernie!

[James48]

179. Does he ever get a "BATHROOM BREAK"? n/t

[savalez]

180. How long does he need to speak?

I'm checking in every hour and he sounds convincing every time. I like him on Hartmann but I really like him now.

[AlbertCat]

188. WHY does he need to speak?

The Repugs just threaten to filibuster without actually doing anything, and the world ends!

But Sanders has to actually give a speech?

[laughingliberal]

181. Thank you, Senator Sanders. I've called Reid and Ensign today to tell them I stand with you. nt

[jtuck004]

182. Where are the Democrats that should be standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Senator Sanders?

He is the only one standing because of a strategic decision by the party that people used to believe
was their party. Lots of Democrats wanted to know why we lost seats in November - it's because people
no longer see who stands for them, except one lone Senator from Vermont.

We provided excuses as to why we had to send $70 billion in taxes back home to wealthy and very, very rich people
instead of using it to create a job program for some of the 30 million people who won't be able to feed, much less
give presents to, their children this Christmas. Instead of using it to keep our best teachers employed. Instead of
using it to encourage the rebuilding of the manufacturing sector we have allowed to fall into disrepair.

We hired the Bernank, Tim Geithner, used the "wisdom" of Larry Sanders, the guidance of Robert Rubin, and now our economy
sits in tatters. Stories tell us the economy is getting better - ask yourself how, then, this holiday season we set a new
record for food stamp usage, why personal bankruptcies are rising again, why states are going bankrupt. It is only getting
better for the very wealthy, and they are doing it with our inaction, our silence, our cowering to the "witless bullies"
that populate the forces of our opponents.

Senator Sanders is not there by accident. He had to stand up when others deliberately chose not to.

"But on Sept. 23, Democrats in the Senate decided to postpone a highly contentious floor fight over what to do about the expiring Bush-era tax cuts until after the November elections, a decision that spared some politically vulnerable incumbents from casting a potentially difficult vote to let taxes rise for the rich."

More here...

Difficult? Try being a single mother or father having no money to heat their home for the winter, in tears because
they don't have decent medical care for their family, or food for their son or daughter. 1 in 7 Americans is on food
stamps, folks.Try watching your parent die because you can't afford their medicine. Sure it's easier to give money
back to the rich, to insure their donations to your campaign. But they con't vote more than once - is that really
worth more than the support of the parents in your district?

(Yes, we passed a bill to address the medical care, and since then premiums have increased and the number of uninsured
went from 40 millionto 50 million. I know that's not what we intended, but it's what we got. And it isn't going to get
better anytimesoon because the increasing number of 30 million unemployed or underemployed people can't buy medical care
- mandated or not).

If we learn anything from this it's that standing up for your principles might cost you your seat, but not standing
up may not only cost you your seat but cost your party the support and respect of the people.

I wrote my Senator and asked her to stand with Senator Sanders.

[L. Coyote]

183. AMAZING: Open Twitter page link below and watch the "Bernie Sanders" tweet rate

http://twitter.com/search?q=Bernie+Sanders#search?q=Bernie%20Sanders

Mine just passed 2,200, now 2,400 since I began searching his name.

***** Official LIVE BLOG Senate = Tax Cuts Debate *****
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9744049

[L. Coyote]

185. About 200 tweets a minute right now

[nostalgicaboutmyfutr]

187. Gog forbid a Dem did this!! EOM

[pnorman]

189. I am and expect to remain a staunch supporter of Barack Obama, and have unrecommended

many of the more obnoxious and content-free anti-Obama threads here on DU. But there is NO WAY IN HELL THAT I'LL UNRECOMMEND THIS ONE!

I've been a third part guy all my adult life, but I also live in a decidedly TWO-PARTY nation. Hence, my Obama avatar, as` well as my support for him. But Bernia comes much closer to my lifetime ideal than anyone else in recent memory; even Paul Wellstone!

Go Bernie, GO!

[Caretha]

216. Now is the time to re-think your stance

Every little bit of encouragement on the "Right" side will make it happen, without your help and voice, we may never have a Bernie Sanders again.

Peace

[dana_b]

190. Wow - he is spelling it out! Fantastic!

I called his office and let them know how much I appreciate what he's doing and made a donation. He speaks for our family!!

[nolabear]

192. "And with that, Madame President, I yield the floor." Well done, Bernie. Well done.

[BREMPRO]

193. now THAT was a FILIBUSTER! right on Bernie almost 9 hours of passionate rebuke

of the president's BAD deal. Just yielded the floor after an epic, substantive, memorable, righteous filibuster. A REAL filibuster, not the lazy ass republican "I object" and then rushing out to lunch and cocktail meetings with lobbyists and prostitutes."

Hope he made a difference.

[FreeStateDemocrat]

195. Senator Sanders stands tall while all the wesels slink off to their holes.

[Swampguana]

196. Go Bernie Go

Standing up for what's best for everyone.

[L. Coyote]

198. Vermont senator talks for hours against tax bill

Source: Bloomberg

WASHINGTON (AP) — Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders is fighting President Barack Obama's proposed tax cut compromise with a lengthy speech in the Senate.

Sanders, 69, says it is unconscionable to increase the national debt "by giving tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires who don't need it." He spoke for several hours Friday in an otherwise empty Senate chamber. Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., who also opposes the bill, briefly spelled him so he could take a break.

Despite the opposition, lawmakers expect the Senate to approve the bill early next week and send it to the House.

Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2010-12-10/vermont-senator-talks-for-hours-against-tax-bill.html

---

***** Official LIVE BLOG Senate = Tax Cuts Debate *****
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9744049

[BrklynLiberal]

199. He is my hero....

[NRaleighLiberal]

200. This truly is must see TV. Essential viewing for all. n/t

[jannyk]

201. Kick & Rec!

[tomm2thumbs]

202. spellbinding...

mesmerizing. thorough. intense. superb.

thanks bernie - thanks for your efforts. know any 69 year olds, or 50-40-30-20 year olds, who could keep up with that dynamo??!!

just superb.

[Ninga]

203. Bernie stands shoulder to shoulder with middle class and working poor. A hero. A

steller and honorable man.

[L. Coyote]

204. Sen. Bernie Sanders launches filibuster against tax cut for the wealthy

Source: LA Times

In a rare event, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is holding his ground in the Senate for a traditional filibuster, making a symbolic demonstration against the proposed tax compromise he says would exacerbate income inequality.

Sanders, who caucuses with the Democrats, took to the floor at 10:25 a.m. Friday to "take a strong stand" against the legislation, which was formally introduced Thursday night. He has now held the floor for more than six hours, interrupted only twice for speeches from supportive colleagues.

"I'm not here to set any great records or to make a spectacle. I am simply here today to take as long as I can to explain to the American people the fact that we have got to do a lot better than this agreement provides," he said at the start of his effort.

The filibuster — or simply the threat of one — has stymied countless legislation in the 111th Congress. Even with a heavy majority, Democrats have often been unable to secure 60 votes needed to invoke cloture. But a filibuster in its traditional sense — a marathon speech by a senator or senators — hasn't been seen in nearly two decades.


Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-sanders-filibuster-20101211,0,2167403.story

---

***** Official LIVE BLOG Senate = Tax Cuts Debate *****
GD: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x9744049

[FrenchieCat]

205. Sen. Bernie Sanders launches filibuster against tax cut for 100% of Americans

that would be the accurate headline,
since it can't be selective....
as the Senate voted that down twice
just a few weeks ago!

[Still a Democrat]

206. And unemplyoment extensions

but that wouldn't sound right.

[DoBotherMe]

207. Really?

I haven't heard him say anything about further harming the unemployed.

[Still a Democrat]

215. He's trying to block the bill with extensions

It includes everything.

[susanwy]

234. I'd gladly pay

more in taxes and my brother would fore go any extension of his unemployment benefits (and have us help continue to support he and his family) then see any more money go to the top 2% of this country. Its disgusting, the deal is crap and as Bernie said WE CAN DO BETTER....

Peace

Susan

[Bigmack]

208. And here I thought none of them had ...

...well, whatever word we're using these days in place of BALLS.

The new meme is "Why be so negative and go after the tax breaks for the rich?"

Like Dillinger said... "That's where the money is."

Well... money, power, influence, etc.

[Shining Jack]

246. "...word we're using these days in place of BALLS."

Spine? :)

[Johnny2X2X]

209. I love Bernie Sanders

And agree with him on nearly everything, however, there are people that wont make their house payments or car payments without an unemployment extension. There are people who will not be having a Christmas without an unemployment extension right this very minute. It is a huge deal for millions of people to lose their benefits right before Christmas and may have been worth the sacrifice to help these people right now.

[cascadiance]

210. These same people will lose a LOT more later if the rich get their tax breaks...

... and the Republicans will have far more debt to "pay down" as a result. They will then go after the very programs and services that the unemployed and others in this arena depend on. They will wind up worse off from that than the few dollars they will get from a tax cut. You have to step back and look at the big picture.

And BTW, the 99ers don't get anything out of this bill either. They're excluded.

[Imagevision]

253. K&R!

[urbuddha]

252. GO BERNIE GO !

Behind Bernie Sanders 100% !

[TheFarseer]

213. Thank God for Bernie Sanders

If *NO ONE* were on our side, I don't think I could take it!

[avaistheone1]

214. Bernie makes me proud.

:kick:

[NutmegYankee]

217. I wish this man was my senator!

What a great speech!

[Cherchez la Femme]

218. Yes he can!

Go Bernie! :applause:

[Kablooie]

220. God! But he's REALLY doing it! Not just threatening like the GOP.

Why the f'ing hell didn't the GOP have to do this!!!!!??????????

[peacetalksforall]

222. It was the best speech I've heard in years. I trust one of my Senators

and my House Rep to stop this, but not the other Senator and not other House Reps in my State.

I can't believe how much Sanders spoke for me and how appreciative I am.

He is a gift to man and this country.

I think it would be a patriotic action to listen to him if you missed out.

[Historic NY]

223. Bernie renews my faith...go, go, go, maybe a Democrat with a spine will join him.

[mdmc]

224. r 4 BERNIE!

The BEST!

[nradisic]

225. God Bless you Sen. Sanders

I'd vote for this guys any day...

[rgbecker]

226. I guess it takes a real Socialist to show how to be a socialist. Go Bernie!

[TxVietVet]

228. Keep up the filibuster, Senator Bernie.

He speaks for us. You're doing a great job.

Too bad the f*cking Dems couldn't follow his lead, but then, it would require a set of balls. Not manyof thoe types in the Senate.

[Jefferson23]

229. For the history books, touche Bernie and thank you. n/t

[Rosa Luxemburg]

230. THis is what this country should be made of

not corporation lovers

[Synnical]

232. Really? The Senate is working on Friday nite?

Fascinating. Thanks for the link.

Absolutely absorbing.

-Cindy in Fort Lauderdale

K&R

[burrowowl]

233. GO BERNIE! BRAVO! BRAVO! BRAVO!

A real Democrat even if you have to be a Socialist to be one nowadays!

[russspeakeasy]

235. Holy Crap....I'm a Socialist.....

[Synnical]

236. Bernie: HOW MUCH MORE DO THEY WANT?

[husky92]

237. You Gotta Love Bernie...

I'm sure every righty hates Bernie Sanders because he stands in the way of every one of their hair-brained schemes to screw the middle class or the little guy. He's been a strong proponent for the progressives in this country and I wish the party had more guys like him. They can brand him a socialist and call him everything else, but every time I hear him speak on things, he always hits home with me. As I said, I'm sure if the Republicans could they'd love to run someone against him and pump millions to defeat him, but I think Vermonters love the guy because he represents them very well. I wish I had a guy like him here in Florida. We have a crook governor, a newly-elected Tea Party nutjob and a Republican house and senate here in the state which is intent on making all those loony changes the Tee Partie types want. I'm embarrassed Rick Scott is our governor and Rubio Rubio or whatever the hell his name is is now one of our Senators. Keep giving 'em hell Bernie!

[Synnical]

238. Is anyone reporting this to CNN I Reports?

-C.

[Ellipsis]

239. K&R # 300

[unkachuck]

240. Go Bernie Go!!!

....it makes no sense to borrow hundreds of billions of dollars from the Chinese to give millionaires and billionaires a tax break....what kind of insane jagoff country are we?

....we need a congress full of Bernie Sanders....

[crazyjoe]

242. Folks, Bernie is a real man, I'm a real man and I was crying my eyes out

listening to his awesome speech.That man should get the metal of freedom, and the Nobel Peace Prize. GOD, I'm shaking trying to type this, YOU ARE THE FRIGGIN MAN BERNIE!!!! I'm not good enough to shine your shoes sir, BERNIE FOR POTUS DAMMIT!!!
I'm not a gay man, but if I was......

[Synnical]

243. Landrieu just contradicted herself and Obama

Go Bernie.

[defendandprotect]

244. Thanks Sen. Sanders -- watched a lot of it -- huge audience, as well!!

[Shining Jack]

247. What a cruel man!

It must be very humiliating for all those who don't have a spine to watch him walk upright like that.

[mbperrin]

248. Gosh, so this is what a REAL agent of the PEOPLE looks like!

Any possibility of getting one, just one, for my beloved Texas?




Please?



Go, go, go!

[cornflake_31]

250. This man is my hero.

Finally someone with the spine to stand up to this madness.

[cynthia]

251. He is amazing and is still going into the wee hours of the morning

I have been listening to him for over an hour and I don't think I can keep going. I contacted my two senators to implore them to go stand with him. This is amazing

[humbled_opinion]

254. About time I can feel good...

about something that Democrats do.... Oh thats right he's an Indpendent... Oh well back to waiting.

[Odin2005]

256. Bernie is a hero!