ialwayshaveerectnipples
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Aug 7, 2015 12:58 AM
ialwayshaveerectnipples
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Aewass
Okay, Bernie seems like a nice guy, but he also seems like a guy who would wear a tinfoil hat.
Aewass
Justsayin'.jpg
jonbristow
there are so many posts of this guy here that Im starting to hate him
Dekacube
Great reason to hate him, because other people like him.
TheBatleyTownswomensGuild
This guy is essentially Nick Clegg pre-2010 he can afford to say these things because he doesn't expect to ever be in power.
thejollymolly
He's been asked the question "do you think you can win?" many timed already. He said he wouldn't run if he didn't think he could win.
TheBatleyTownswomensGuild
Well of course he's not going to openly admit he can't win, that's political suicide. He expects to send a message, not win the election.
ofunsoundmentalcapacity
Snippets from some speeches do not explain his platform. Please please do your own research before voting based off of biased images
ialwayshaveerectnipples
educate everyone else. I would hope that his supporters...and opponents are smart enough to do their own thinking and research. 2/2
ofunsoundmentalcapacity
I think you are over estimating America sir
ialwayshaveerectnipples
Maybe...but I don't think so. I like to think that people aren't that gullible. Some are...and those are ones that make trouble for us.
ialwayshaveerectnipples
Excuse me...while I do agree with his political stance...I am actually well versed in his platform. It is not my responsibility to 1/2
OhMyGodPleaseDontFindMe
I upvoted.
whyteraven74
How are his own words, making full statements, biased?
HowYouDo1
I don't think the person is pointing out Sanders' bias, rather the person's bias who's picking and choosing which snipets to share.
ofunsoundmentalcapacity
Yes, never believe a goat that says it's not a goat
ialwayshaveerectnipples
Excuse me...while I do agree with his political stance...I am actually well versed in his platform. It is not my responsibility to 1/2
ialwayshaveerectnipples
educate everyone else. I would hope that his supporters...and opponents are smart enough to do their own thinking and research. 2/2
idonthaveagoodnameinmind
also known as "propaganda". All elections have it, but not holding responsibility to show the full picture is a problem in all politics.
idonthaveagoodnameinmind
you are "educating" them on your POV of sanders VIA this post..so when does your responsibility end to give fruitful ideals vs ideal quotes?
rylecx
Hooray imgur is now turning into a political ad site. The direct opposite of the reason most people come here...
ChewSoap
One sided politics, even worse.
leagueofaffability
don't worry, it's only temporary. And then repeats every election cycle.
Fendeezy
As long as I've lurked, imgur has always been a source for awareness regardless of politics. And I don't know how you can say "now" when 1/
Fendeezy
2/2 it's always been "Obama this" or "Obama that" or "thanks Obama."
ialwayshaveerectnipples
Imgur is a social networking site. That's the point. This is most definitely socially relevant. I'm sorry if I interrupted your cats.
rylecx
It's a place of social escape and captivating images. If you want supremely biased political views go to facebook
ialwayshaveerectnipples
Last I checked, I'm allowed to do/say/post whatever I want within the guidelines of this site. And I plan on utilizing that right.
rylecx
Allowed to, yes. Just as people are allowed to downvote mindless fb style spam after the 5th time past it being old
ialwayshaveerectnipples
By all means...bring out of he downvotes. And while we're talking about inconsequential things, collect the fucks I give.
SciGuy
Alternately, people like to see what they are interested in and many people are interested in politics.
rylecx
Then go to one of the other sites that pushes mass media ideas on politics. These aren't creative or intelligent, just propaganda
ialwayshaveerectnipples
While this may be propaganda...it's still my view point...I still agree with everything I shared. I have a right to express my views...1/?
ialwayshaveerectnipples
with whatever platform I want to use. Including Imgur. And based on how far this post has made it...I'm not alone in my thoughts.
HowYouDo1
I think it's funny that a lot of the same people who voted against McCain because of his age are going crazy for Bernie Sanders.
leagueofaffability
I'd imagine most people would feel differently about the two of them because they want pretty different governments.
HowYouDo1
That actually wasn't the issue. When I talked to people about Obama/McCain, they brought up McCain's age so many times. Had nothing to do 1/
HowYouDo1
with politics. Reasons why people voted for Obama: he's younger, better public speaker (which he wasn't), more handsome, etc. I'm only 2/
HowYouDo1
talking from the experience I had talking to people about the election. Barely anyone I talked to mentioned either's public record.
HowYouDo1
People are fickle.
photobomber
Is this guy ok with the marijuanas?
[deleted]
[deleted]
idgafimgurit
Yup
woodencoaster23
To my knowledge he wants it legal, and he wants to release all prisoners held on pot-related charges.
Ullur
But then what would small-town police do all day? Will they have to return all their sparkly military hardware?
TheodoreBuckland
I'm pretty sure this commie will ask them to do degrading stuff, like providing help and safety to the citizen.
BitchButcher
Whoa no way! A police officer's job is to kill people not to help people!
dastardlydancer44
Asking the important questions.
ChewSoap
Really? Is that really an important question? You look at everything going on in this country and think your drugs are important? Selfish.
ThatOnePolarBearOnTheLeft
At least its about an actual issue. The last question in the GOP debate was about whether the candidates had heard from god recently.
ChemicalPizza
That's actually a great system
Elonth
compared to everything else this isn't THE important questions. it is a good question. but its not important.
ThePelican
Ohmygod. I was gonna ask "and with the gays?" but then I realised it didn't matter anymore. What a monumental thing.
Kerplunkyy
Not that it matters, but he's been supportive 'of the gays' since at least the 70's.
Kerplunkyy
Not that it matters, but he's been supportive 'of the gays' since at least the 70's.
zelnoth
Still important, and he is for equality for everyone.
KingKelloggTheWaffleHaggler
I feel horrible that this is some peoples whole reason for voting...
TrappedInTheLocker
On one level I agree, but on the other hand at least it is based on something more than race or gender (Obama, Hillary).
KingKelloggTheWaffleHaggler
You sir/mam, have a point.
ThisIsGod
I had my eardrums removed, remodeled with plastic prosthetics and had them screwed to my skull before losing healthcare. Im always in pain.
ThisIsGod
It's a good reason to vote though. Pot laws ruined my life and put me behind bars, even though I use it for chronic pain.
yourfutureself
Why don't we just have a computer run a simulation of the best way to run a government and have it be our president
Thule
Didn't the USSR try that to plan the market and the economy? I think that the problem was a 5-year plan took 300 years to plan!
ridetheshoopuf
You do realize that we have access to hundreds of thousands of times more processing power? That is the least of problems with that idea.
Thule
No the problem is that planned economy doesn't work and leads to starvation, mass murders and canibalism! And lack of toilet paper..
ridetheshoopuf
Ask any economist and they would tell you that game theory, human behaviour and the likes are just statistical guesswork.
Thule
That is my point. Economy is based on the individual and can never be put into a fram/mold or how to put it.
xj4low
Ah yes. John Quincy Adding machine. Really struck a cord with the voters when he promised not to kill everyone.
TheyHunger
But as with many politicians, he had trouble with his promises.
IMadeThisOnlySoICouldUpvote
How about a computer runs the whole world a la I, Robot.
TheBioengineer
Shhhhhhhhhh
leagueofaffability
Maybe someday, but let's be honest- somebody is going to nuke somebody else at some point, and then, well, it will have been fun.
dan144
Sure, as long as I get to program it!
MikMogus
Nobody would be able to agree on what that is though.
ThePortlyJew
The people don't need to agree though, opinions and feelings and thoughts dictated by anything but pure cold logic are unnecessary.
TheBioengineer
Because the government would still fuck up since even a perfect robot president has to deal with the damned dirty human congress
DirtyA
if I had two weeks I couldn't begin to explain what's wrong with that.
Zordicron
The key issue there is it is inherently based on logic, as math has no emotion. WE CAN'T HAVE THAT!!
imgurSpelledBackwardsIsWork
Do you want Skynet? Cause that's how you get Skynet.
TheFogComesOnLittleCatFeet
There's a form of government based on this, the Resource Based Economy, where science maximizes resource collection and distribution.
REV076
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Technological_singularity
[deleted]
[deleted]
cjwelch
beat me to it
halborski
Exactly what I was thinking.
DirtyA
next thing you know we'll be divided up into 13 commonwealths.
scrim4
Please fucking stop with this political bullshit already!
DarkWingDerpy
No.
Hatchman101
People understand that he isn't actually able to do any of this stuff, right? It's not like you become president and they hand you a wand.
Imdumbshesalesbian
With the executive orders Obama and Bush put in place, the president technically doesn't need anybody's approval to do anything
Hatchman101
That's a Dictatorship. You're suggesting Bernie Sanders be elected dictator?
RIIIIIIGGS
Please, your logic and reasoning are unwelcome here. This is Imgur.
whyteraven74
Several of these fall under the powers of executive branch, no help from Congress required, to change.
Weikkonen
Yes, people understand Bernie is not able to do this stuff, but it's still better than any other candidate just making things worse.
ImAnSJW
This is ridiculous. Having a president who doesn't know how to get things done IS making it worse.
legolass
Agreed, it isn't so much about changing things, it's about having a candidate that at least gives a fuck and a half about the people voting
Hatchman101
Is it? Bernie gets elected, cant' accomplish anything, loses the next election to Republicans. They have presidency, house and senate.
KingoftheIntroverts
Being president gives you more individual power to suggest and introduce legislation than being one single congressperson.
idonthaveagoodnameinmind
Presidents do not introduce legislation. They may suggest, with support of their congressmen. a single Congressmen can introduce it though.
KingoftheIntroverts
Because the president's suggestion wouldn't be at least introduced in Congress? He didn't introduce the ACA, but lo! It's a law now.
idonthaveagoodnameinmind
well you are giving a lot of credit to Obama. a form of the bill introduced or not predates him by decades.
KingoftheIntroverts
If Romney won the election, do you think it would have been introduced by any Congresspersons?
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
become president, but to make changes first on state and local levels which then change the mainstream conversation enough that non- 3/
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
to look at how successful change movements in the past 30 years have worked, and the best examples are not having a charismatic candidate 2/
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
Nope not really. Presidents tend to have that influence because they are party insiders who can work with other insiders. A better plan is1/
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
politically isolated politicians at the national level also support the change (Gay marriage, marijuana laws, even healthcare reform has 4/
idonthaveagoodnameinmind
honestly, do you know how the US govt is supposed to work?
idonthaveagoodnameinmind
the president is not supposed to have direct legislative power.. if they do, we fucked up the checks and balances somewhere.
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
worked this way). This means campaigning for Bernie is a distraction for those on the left from doing the work that actually works. 5/5
ThisIsGod
I thought your name was ThisCanopyPossiblyWrong...you let me down.
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
Well, the canopy is possibly wrong at least insofar as it might have opinions. I haven't talked to it lately though. I should call it up
tippy25
This is unfortunately what the Republicans are doing. They're grabbing up every state and local legislature they can through (1/3)
tippy25
gerrymandering and pushing through their legislation with little to no public feedback (2/3)
tippy25
and running continuous propaganda ads on the TV.(3/3)
Hatchman101
True, but the Republicans control both the house and the senate.
idonthaveagoodnameinmind
it is not true, legislation is held by congress.. influence plays a role but that is not the role of the US president.
KingoftheIntroverts
It's easier to highlight the idiocy of the opposition from the White House too and build public support for policies.
Felman
Oh, is that Obama's problem? Someone get him a highlighter.
Hatchman101
But how long will public support last if he isn't able to accomplish anything?
KingoftheIntroverts
Depends on why he can't do anything. Republican congress stonewalling legitimate progress? Elections for them are in 2018, right?
Resurrectionist
Pointing out flaws in the system and having a realistic plan to fix them are NOT the same thing.
ElJawa16
I was going to downvote your ass but then I realized you have 69 upvotes...
whyteraven74
And yet he's the only one actively pointing them out, also a bunch can be fixed pretty easily at least as far spelling things out.
TheThingNoNotThatOne
Everyone points out these problems. Campaigns are based on some of these problems. But they're not said by Bernie, so you forget about them
TonyTheSandwich
The first step is admitting you have a problem. Just like electing Obama didn't solve racism, electing Bernie isn't going to make a 1/2
TonyTheSandwich
workers paradise, eliminate student debt, solve all social problems. But goddamit, it's a start. 2/2
Cocopenguin618
And many other canidates dont even point them out.
TimeFoDat
This is the problem I had with Ron Paul. All questions, no answers. Also he's batshit crazy but mostly the first thing.
TheIncredibleTheMysteriousDisappearingCreampieBrothers
So you prefer no one should point out the flaws?
kingbane
Took the word right out of my mouth. Same thing with Ron Paul. Great dreams and great ideas, no plans to even start fixing the problem.
zaphod4prez
...do your research. He does have realistic solutions to many of these problems. Of course, the president can't fix everything.
Vespy
If you don't know where you are supposed to be going, then even the most perfectly practical plan might be meaningless or short-sighted.
GoddamnitClown
Is it not better to at least have one of those things, rather than neither?
ErectileMisfunction
Not in the slightest
Blerkherks
I sincerely believe that you are incorrect. Identifying/Acknowledging the problem is the first step to a solution
sfiheihie
Sorry but that means nothing if you can't actually be effective or have a plan.
sfiheihie
You don't want incompetent ppl despite their good intentions running your country. There are lots w/ good intentions it just doesnt cut it
TheThingNoNotThatOne
Anyone could point out the flaws in the system (whether it's accurate or actually a flaw can be debated). The value is in fixing them.
ridetheshoopuf
I agree with you mostly. Most of these things are just basic leftist slogans which are thousands of years old. He has points in some cases >
ridetheshoopuf
> though. The unavailability of higher education for masses is one of the main reasons behind slow loss of economic and technological in >
ridetheshoopuf
* technological edge in
ThaiMaiShu
I think how they are pushing that everyone must have college degrees is wrong though, there are plenty of trade jobs that shouldn't need one
ridetheshoopuf
> US which we have been witnessing in the past decade or so.
SciGuy
He does have realistic plans, though - it is just that a realistic plan doesn't fit on an image macro.
TheThingNoNotThatOne
Don't say realistic - every plan is realistic to it's proponents and unrealistic to the opponents. He has plans, that's it.
Hatchman101
How does he plan on get past the Republican legislature?
SciGuy
Two of the Supreme Court jusitices are likely to retire in the next term. That's a big one. What's more is that US politics work kind of...
SciGuy
...like a wire. All the electrons are bouncing around every which way, but averaging out to zero or so total movement. Public opinion ...
SciGuy
...acts as a voltage on the wire, pushing the electrons to one side. Ones that would have bounced against the current have a harder time
goodguyC
Yeah, I really like Bernie, but I've lost some of my idealism over the past eight years. Fucking partisan politics.
IMadeThisOnlySoICouldUpvote
If by realistic plan you mean ignoring economics, sure.
SciGuy
That his ideas ignore the Austrian school of economics - like most economists nowadays - doesn't make them wrong.
kwagenknight
Taking away personal property to give equally to those who dont want work or taking 90% away from those that do work, sure its a great plan!
kwagenknight
What you people dont understand is that he wants sweeping social changes, and the way to pay for that is thru higher taxes look @ France 49%
1spodaspakers
Can you link to where he said he wants to take 90% from those who work? Or are you completely uninformed and just repeating bs you've heard?
SciGuy
Tell me, where did you get that "90%" figure? Top marginal tax rate, I am guessing?
IMadeThisOnlySoICouldUpvote
the government needs to invoke emminent domain but Kelo v. City of New London is an egregious overreach of that power, and stronger property
IMadeThisOnlySoICouldUpvote
Ignoring the rhetorical strategy, there do need to be stronger safeguards on government taking private property. I understand that sometimes
IMadeThisOnlySoICouldUpvote
rights are the only way to prevent that erosion.
kwagenknight
Im not cool with 49%+ of my hard earned 60k/ year goin to the govt to be more intrusive & put more regs on me, if you are you can move to EU
kwagenknight
What you people dont understand is that he wants sweeping social changes, and the way to pay for that is thru higher taxes look @ France 49%
SciGuy
That his ideas ignore the Austrian school of economics - like most economists nowadays - doesn't make them wrong.
IMadeThisOnlySoICouldUpvote
No, he ignores the fundamental principle that competition is what drives innovation and economic growth. He is right in saying that the free
IMadeThisOnlySoICouldUpvote
market isn't efficient, the government is needed to step in SOME places to enable better competition but his policies put government in a
IMadeThisOnlySoICouldUpvote
spot that diminishes competition and creates government backed monopolies, diminishing all incentives for efficiency in processes.
SciGuy
Which policies are those? And unregulated competition was what lead to monopolies, payment in script, and routine workplace casulties.
SciGuy
Which policies are those? And unregulated competition was what lead to monopolies, payment in script, and routine workplace casulties.
KingoftheIntroverts
Would you rather have someone in office who plays the same game as the last 30 years and refuses to even acknowledge that money wins?
idonthaveagoodnameinmind
No one wants that.. But I also dont want someone who plays to people who dont understand basic US politics.. so I personally need more.
TheThingNoNotThatOne
I'm with ya - President Romney is a prime example, given how much more money his campaign raised compared to Obama's.
ThisIsGod
Who would say no to that? The fact of the matter is that while he talks a big game, he isn't laying out any plans. I wish he would.
whyteraven74
For most of what's in this post the plans should be self-evident. Also you know you could go look up his plans.
ThisIsGod
You do realize that you can't just say stuff and make it happen because you're the president, right?
SciGuy
Two Supreme Court justices are likely to be replaced next term. The President has executive orders and the election results galvanize others
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
levels which gradually changes the conversation until the normal uninspiring national politicians jump on the bandwagon. 3/3
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
Well, given how not doing that worked in Greece...yeah I would actually. The best changes in the US aren't done because you voted for a 1/
squip
Greece is an ENTIRELY different situation, virtually nothing comparable to the US. Drop the talking points already.
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
guy who resonates with an extreme political position, but because people have done the hard work of making change on the local and state 2/
whyteraven74
Sanders doesn't have extreme political positions.
leagueofaffability
So I like most of what bernie says, but I'd say that he does have rather extreme positions, if we are using extreme as far from the norm.
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
broader US. 3/3
ThePollenSnortingWallStreetFruitBat
That does not mean they're extreme views. Your minimum wage as it is right now is extreme.
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
as Sanders fans might think. You'll find support for those sorts of things on the internet and in select communities, but not so much the 2/
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
He's for doubling the national minimum wage, repealing NAFTA, and wants to micro-manage Wall Street pay bonuses, that's not as mainstream 1/
whyteraven74
None of those is an extreme position, increasing min wage is simply humane, and as for Wall Street, given what they do to people, well..
razetherunner
all this political BS just makes me want to watch Dave again. at least that ends happy instead of drowning in paperwork and reality.
FuckitIgiveup
All this talk of giving at breaks to billionaires. That is exactly what Bernie did by voting for the American recovery and reinvestment act
DoZombiesasdfdddddEatPussy
He's Obama 2.0. Talks a good talk but has zero experience at actually doing anything. Hope and change was a disaster and bern will be to.
zaphod4prez
He's been in government for...a long fucking time. And he's done a great job. Look that shit up.
whyteraven74
You realize Sanders has been an elected official for longer than a lot of Imgurians have been alive right? Also how was hope and change..
whyteraven74
a disaster?
leagueofaffability
I'd say obama had a fairly decent presidency, all things considered. I mean, honestly, besides the ever-increasing amount of vitriol coming
leagueofaffability
from everywhere, most of the legislation passed seems to be working okay. But, well, we will see.
WriseUp
Memes can't run for president.
ialwayshaveerectnipples
It's a wonderful thing that these are actual quotes from his platform and not memes then.
farc0ugh
As a non American, I am voting for this guy.
Cthulujoe
As a Brazilian, I wish we had a Bernie right now.
Nalianna
Totally. Australian here, and I'd vote for Bernie in a heartbeat
ASandhu22
As a Canadian I sincerely hope you vote for him and not Hillary or trump, seriously please don't vote for trump I can't make that more clear
Salpinus
As a Norwegian - me too!
jimicos
thistlejuice
Me too!
IusedtobeapervertIstillambutIusedtobetoo
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/28/ba/a4/28baa44e3c8afcb5354f2614ba5c055b.gif
Elonth
please please hurry get your citizenship. we need all the help we can get.
axelhoff
If I was american he would have my vote too.../swedish dude
OddlySatisfyingPotato
This is the first time in my life as a Canadian that I truly wished I was American just so I could vote for him.
maxlongboard
Same here good friend
Namepiknsuks
I agree, was just saying I wished we had a Bernie up north for this year's election...
smelborpforpresident
Here, here!
zarkonnen
Yeah, if the rest of the world got votes, he'd be in on a landslide.
[deleted]
[deleted]
RenegadeTQ
What does it tell you if the rest of the world doesn't like us?
ThePollenSnortingWallStreetFruitBat
Belgian here: rest assured that I'm very capable of discerning caricatural politicians and rednecks from the average American!
CaptainDairylea
I don't think it's America the world doesn't like it's how your politicians are the world doesn't like but unfortunately that's what we see
RenegadeTQ
Americans have to hide the fact that they're American when abroad or risk being harassed, kidnapped, or killed. And all the vitriol seems /1
RenegadeTQ
to be personal attacks on us ("you're fat", "stupid", etc.) not on the politicians. (2/2)
newyorknyc
I don't doubt it. Not like you need an ID to vote.
maxlongboard
So oooooo what your saying is that a Canadian for say goes in a trip to the US... He could Idk vote for this man? "Furiously packs his bag"
farc0ugh
I do have a US Social Security number. For whatever thats worth.
robotzombies
Oooh, burn. Burn on those people that don't like discriminatory voting laws. Burn on the very, very low percentage of voter impersonations.
Wireman
How is an identification card discriminatory?
robotzombies
It's not always possible to meet strict voter ID requirements. Most people that can't meet them are elderly, disabled, young, minority....
newyorknyc
Wat.
walterpeck
I am a libertarian and will not be voting for Bernie Sanders.
zaphod4prez
Who will you be voting for? Or not sure?
walterpeck
Not sure, I'll be decided by this time next year.
FuckitIgiveup
I am a libertarian and I upvote this comment every time
MotherOfFlagons
me too.
MotherOfFlagons
Yes!
walterpeck
So we meet again, Mother of Flagons.
MotherOfFlagons
Ah, Walter!
walterpeck
somerandomnamegoeshere
Nice name. It's true. This man has no dick
SweatyYeti420
He's gonna lose so hard
ialwayshaveerectnipples
Not if his supporters vote for him.
ChewSoap
The people that support him are a superminority in America
ialwayshaveerectnipples
Citation needed.
PlantainSuperNova
Imgur and reddit are not gonna win this guy an election.
DoZombiesasdfdddddEatPussy
Nope, you kids are not a big majority. The unrepresented taxpayers are pissed off. It's gonna be a conservative.
chiefs86
Problem is, everyone's sick of Bush v. Clinton, so the Republican's literal best candidate has that against him. All the rest of the GOP(1)
DoZombiesasdfdddddEatPussy
Please keep your opinion to 140 characters in the future. Remember opinions are like assholes...everybody's got one.
chiefs86
My bad, sorry if you can't read further than 140 characters w/out getting confused. But then, conservatives have never had great attn spans
leagueofaffability
I have to say, the current GOP candidates seem pretty poor at representing your average taxpayer. And I voted for romney.
whyteraven74
You assume only young people like Sanders, you assume taxpayers think in the majority a conservative would help them.
DoZombiesasdfdddddEatPussy
This shit from a kid with no job and doen't pay taxes.
SciGuy
You think that... why?
chiefs86
(2) is basically a giant clown show. Trump? Lmao. Cruz? Polarizing. Rubio? Seen as weak. Santorum? The gays made his last name...
chiefs86
(3)... mean anal/lube froth. Walker? Barely survived a guber. recall election. Everyone else, maybe except Christie is a joke.
busted88
So many of these are provably false. Ex- That is not what caused the national debt. Does he own a calculator?
ialwayshaveerectnipples
Let's change the word 'caused' to the word 'contributed'. And notice how that change doesn't affect the point he's making.
NickDixon
You don't think? Caused implies we fix this the problem goes away. Contributes says we fix this the problem's still there.
ialwayshaveerectnipples
If I put a fire cracker in my hand and light it...and it blows up...no amount of fixing will ever erase the fact that it blew up.
afrofrycook
Socialists aren't terribly interested in math.
zaphod4prez
https://www.whitehouse.gov/infographics/us-national-debt
busted88
How tacky of the office of the president to use that forum to make ambiguous claims like tax cuts costing $ and vet benefits as bad things.
zaphod4prez
Imagine a scenario where expenditures remain the same and income decreases. If debt is created here, the decrease in income is the cause.
zaphod4prez
Of course, the cause, in legislation terms, is the legislation that causes the imbalance in the sheets...and therefore the debt.
HashtagDadJokes
This is a man who believes what he says. Unfortunately, what he says don't add up to a free and prosperous society.
SirCheckmatesalot
thats just like, your opinion man
leagueofaffability
What does he say that doesn't add up to a 'free' society? Prosperous, maybe, maybe not. It's too complicated to easily say.
ialwayshaveerectnipples
I disagree with the last half of what you're saying.
ThatAssholeOverThere
Universal healthcare, free college, and ensuring everyone can make a living wage isnt freedom or prosperous?
FuckitIgiveup
That's correct. Being forced to take part in a universal healthcare system is not freedom. You can make a utilitarian argument that it's
FuckitIgiveup
2. Better, but it is in fact a violation of individual liberty.
ArniePye
As a European I can only relate this man to the Labour Party. This guy will bankrupt America because all his ideas are great but impractical
nitramdanmark
hmmm when did Europe become a country?
KingKelloggTheWaffleHaggler
He sounds like he cares, but wouldn't do well for the Country financially.
whyteraven74
Says who he wouldn't?
RenegadeTQ
Neither party seems to do well for the country financially as of late. Spending out the wazoo regardless of who's sitting in the chair.
ArniePye
Bang on.
KingoftheIntroverts
Too late, we're already bankrupt.
DrYoloMcSwagmasterIIIEsq
The US is far from bankruptcy, its just in debt. Its bad, but its not the worst its been.
verothacamaro
lol - not even close. The US is very much solvent (take a look at our credit rating). We do need to CUT spending instead of increase it.
ArniePye
Didn't realise the U.S. Was Greece
Bugofbelgium
Greece hasn't defaulted either.
whyteraven74
So giving banks all the power they want, allowing corporations to abuse employees, these things are required to not go bankrupt?
verothacamaro
I don't abuse my employees. Most corporations don't. Stop being so fucking narrow minded.
SciGuy
If you don't abuse your employees, then the laws preventing employee abuse will not affect you, but rather those who do.
ArniePye
No but raising taxes on these corporations to fund free schools will drive them to take their business elsewhere.
NOINOON
Exactly! We haven't seen any bank go bankrupt for decades!
verothacamaro
What?
NOINOON
It's called sarcasm. Higher level humor. You won't understand it.
zaphod4prez
...re-read the comment you respond to. And if you think that *not* prosecuting abusive banks is a good way to protect them, you are wrong.
NOINOON
It's called "sarcasm" for fuck's sake. Are you a goddamn retard?
zaphod4prez
Dont think so. When I noticed your username, though, I felt much better about this conversation.
NOINOON
I mean... did you already forget about the fucking Lehman Brothers?
zaphod4prez
I'm confused about what your point is. Do you agree with Sanders that bankers who break the law should actually be prosecuted?
FourCatsAndSevenMemesAgo
DarkWingDerpy
We're not gonna stop talking about Bernie until we get him as president, that's kinda the point about talking about him.
GreatAide
No, first it's talking about him. Then, we start talking on how we can help him change things.
FourCatsAndSevenMemesAgo
And y'all have completely turned me off. I will continue posting my opinion.
Shelest
You people do understand that as a candidate he has virtually no reasons to tell the truth or accountability to fulfill his promises, right?
SciGuy
He's been voting the same way for 30 years. Very cosistent record.
ialwayshaveerectnipples
He's very open about his politics...and very vocal. He hasn't flip flopped around like the majority. Name another that hasn't.
Shelest
Richard Nixon's head
ialwayshaveerectnipples
Damn you. You're right. I guess now the only option is to rescind my support and vote for the shiniest turd.
SpaghettiFox
Scott Walker. Whoo Wisconsin!
Mynameiscatandilikedogs
How many candidates are there? I've only heard about trump and this guy
leagueofaffability
the next president will be hillary clinton, judging by current polls and the fact the the republican party is in a race to the bottom.
leagueofaffability
Man, I wish it wasn't her though, she.. doesn't seem like a good leader. Or trustworthy person.
ViolenceInherentintheSystem
There's a handful of democrats, and many handfuls of republicans (17 to be exact). A lot of pretenders that will fall out soon enough
jetflight
"These upvotes paid for by Sanders' campaign bureau. Or given for free by useful idiots. Either way, gg." - OP.
ialwayshaveerectnipples
You think I give a fuck one way or the other about a damn upvote? Please. I made this post because I agree with him and I think it's 1/?
ialwayshaveerectnipples
important and want to keep the spotlight on him as much as possible. You can bitch about it all you want...but what makes this country 2/?
ialwayshaveerectnipples
great is that we are allowed to have different opinions, different belief systems, different ideals and still coexist relatively 3/?
ialwayshaveerectnipples
immigration. But aside from that I agree...with everything. So he is the easily the best candidate for me. And that's exactly what 5/?
ialwayshaveerectnipples
peacefully. I absolutely agree with everything Sanders stands for...and has stood for the last 30 years. Everything except 4/?
ialwayshaveerectnipples
Imgur is for...it's a social networking site...where you post things that can have an impact on society. What can impact our society 6/?
ialwayshaveerectnipples
that I find to be important...welcome to the internet...where it's currently the greatest democracy we can have. Everyone has a voice.
ialwayshaveerectnipples
allowed to disagree with me...I can respect that. And you can even bitch that I am disrupting your daily dose of cats to post something 9/?
ialwayshaveerectnipples
will Bernie win the primaries? I don't know...I hope so. I think he has a chance if people vote for him...but all that aside...you are 8/?
ialwayshaveerectnipples
more than a revolution? I am clearly not the only one who feels this way. I didn't make it to the front page with sheer luck...7/?
snicklefritz2
This guy really has no idea how an economy works. He is economically illiterate.
SciGuy
Nowadays, the Austrian trickle-down model is mostly gone. That his policies don't work within it means little.
afrofrycook
Wait, you mean funneling money out of the economy and into the state won't fix everything!?!?!
timteamtebow
I've seen that repeatedly but never a shred of reasoning. Plenty of countries prove that his plans work.
hoboooswagg
Greace is in great economic position
kurafire
Greece was doing what the USA has been doing for the past 20 years, except Greece was more transparent about its corruption.
grimwyrd
Exactly! If we keep making the rich richer and the corporations richer...eventually that "trickle-down" will kick in and all will prosper!
1doctor
Hi, can you name a single republican who actually said "trickle-down"?
grimwyrd
The entire economic foundation of the GOP is "deregulate & cut taxes" to encourage corporate growth and thus income growth for investors 1/2
grimwyrd
That primarily helps those with significant money to invest. Meanwhile the middle class pays income tax, can not invest, falls behind. 2/2
1doctor
Hey, could you answer my question, please?
grimwyrd
No. Repubs have never called their "deregulate and cut taxes" strategy "trickle-down". Try "reaganomics", "supply-side" or "free market".
JockMcSting
Funny........and you do? Economists are basically morons who thing everything is business.
ChewSoap
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
BiGMaC1996
"Economists are morons" sure, that's why banks pay them $100k+ to work for them, it's because they are always wrong.
JockMcSting
if you think banks do what's right,raesonable or sensible......instead of what makes profit........you are a complete imbecile.
BiGMaC1996
correct they make a profit... because the economists are making accurate predictions... because they aren't "morons"
JockMcSting
Yes...right....and taking and taking and taking money away from poor people for those economist's pay. They are not morons in one way only.
aCoolBreezeOnAHotSummerDay
Some1 tell me how this will not lead to bigger gov't, intrusion & taxes. Taxing the rich alone is not going 2 solve any problems.
ialwayshaveerectnipples
It will lead to a bigger govt...it will lead to higher taxes...as for intrusion...as long as govt is working for us...I don't care.
aCoolBreezeOnAHotSummerDay
There's a reason why our founders put in 3 forms of govt, checks&balances, etc. B/c the govt so rarely works for us. You should care more.
SciGuy
Back before the late 20th century, the US had far higher taxes on the rich then now. Further, tax brackets haven't been created lately...
aCoolBreezeOnAHotSummerDay
I agree there may be wealth inequality, but I don't agree that taxing the rich, or anyone as an almost punishment is right either.
SciGuy
It is not a punishment - high top marginal tax rates account for the effects of marginal utility. Basically, half of your first $30K has ...
SciGuy
...is on richer people.
aCoolBreezeOnAHotSummerDay
Also, agreed, but its where we set those levels that causes issues. 250k in silicon valley isn't much. 100k in W. VA is enormous.
SciGuy
Indeed, which is where local and state taxes come in.
SciGuy
...more utility to you than two thirds of your third $30K (for instance). So the same percentage tax on poorer people is harsher than it...
SciGuy
Back before the late 20th century, the US had far higher taxes on the rich then now. Further, tax brackets haven't been created lately...
SciGuy
...at the top so one's thousandth million is taxed the same as one's five hundreth million.
aCoolBreezeOnAHotSummerDay
tax rich 100% it still would make no dent. Problem=if I make 150k, barely comfortable where I am, I'm often clumped into rich category.
SciGuy
Which is why I explicitly mentioned "millions" - you would not come even close to a 90% top marginal tax rate.
aCoolBreezeOnAHotSummerDay
Agreed. I'd be ok w/ some hikes for very high income, reducing loopholes, but also shrinking govt. There's enormous waste and inneficiency.
SciGuy
That exists in every organization. But cutting funding often worsens it - the strategy is called "starving the beast". It goes like this:
SciGuy
Cut funding to a department, and use the resulting decrease in effectiveness to justiy further cuts to investment in that department.
SciGuy
Repeat until department has been fully defunded.
vitacocos
not allowing corporations to outsource jobs from the US and then sell their products to us for a huge profit will
NickDixon
I don't know, I think that kind of isolationist economics is dead in this day and age. The free trade cat is out of the bag, for good or ill
aCoolBreezeOnAHotSummerDay
As an engineer, I am completely in agreement about this.
Norski152
I really hope he gets elected.
DingoMatt
Do your part and vote for him, then.
Norski152
Well but of course that is my plan.
Yourmomsnutsack
He wont get the nomination. If he runs 3rd party, he might get a % of votes, but what he says to what he will actually do is not even close
MikMogus
He said he won't run 3rd party because he doesn't want to divide democratic votes.
Yourmomsnutsack
Never say never though. Could potentially have him and FuckFace Von ClownStick run 3rd party
normandygahn
It sends a message. His policies are what we want and we're tired of big money running the show. If even 10% of it happens it'll be a win.
Yourmomsnutsack
Again, he will not get the nomination. He is to radical to be taken serious by other liberals and older liberals will not vote for him.
normandygahn
Yes, you've repeated the establishment argument pretty accurately here. Problem is the establishment talking heads are only ever right (1/2)
normandygahn
in hindsight; they suck at predicting trends. Trust in Hillary is going down (for good reason) and the Republicans are imploding.
Yourmomsnutsack
2/2 the poor, but cost of living will skyrocket. He'll piss of the 1% and guess what, the 1% is what makes the country run. I don't like it
Yourmomsnutsack
what he says is nice and all, but its not realistic. Tax the rich business more, they take jobs away overseas. Raise minimal wage to help1/2
Yourmomsnutsack
them. Once the people finally get tired of shit, things will change, but till they all get tired of it, it wont change.
Yourmomsnutsack
stupid people in this country that vote for the same old dumb fucks without doing research on them, they listen to what is being spooned to
Yourmomsnutsack
but that's how it works. Its not a fair tale, its the real world. Thinking 1 person will change it, is just stupid. and there are too many
JoeManiaci
I'm registering to vote for him if he becomes the candidate, it would be the first time it's not a choice between a douche and turd sandwich
saltymcgee
You can vote for him joebro, there aren't two names on the ballot for presidency.
Zodi
The primaries are ESSENTIAL. If he doesn't win the nomination, he can't even go against the republican shitshow.
hearthstoneaccount3
he can just without the democrat backing. He'd have a pretty good shot as a 3rd party but if he did that then republicans would win election
BlunterSpy
Mabye not it looks like trump is going to run as a third party which would split the republican votes too.
Madaco
Has there ever been an election where both "parties" had a split in the voters? Sounds like it could be interesting.
Skullmonkey42
This
thatprickleypear
You have to vote in the primaries!! Otherwise he might not become a candidate.
FussyPurple
You don't have to win a party nomination to run in the General Election. That misconception is a huge issue with our voting system.
thatprickleypear
Yes, but our population follows the most popular candidates because of our obvious two party system. He only stands a chance as a nominee.
FussyPurple
Right, but to my mind that's part of the problem. The system depends on only two parties, who only care about beating the other party, 1/?
FussyPurple
not about putting out the best possible candidate for the country, or having any honest political discourse. It's a popularity contest. 2/2
rgpass
I believe it is technically a giant douche. :)
saltymcgee
And since we're on the subject, the first way to influence change is by voting for local officials.
TheLordLucifersBannedAccount02
Voting in EVERY election.
WhereLBJsNutsHang
Or the first time it's not choosing the lesser of two evils.
TheNotoriousBIGdaddy
Hehe I get that refrence, hehe South Park
grumplestiltzkin
For fucks sake, PLEASE register to vote in the primary. The only way he'll win the emocratic nomination is if people actually bother to vote
OtterArmada
I'm registered to vote, but is there a special registration I need to vote in the primary?
grumplestiltzkin
Depending on your state, you may need to register as a democrat to vote in the democratic primary. Other than that, not that I'm aware of.
AlcoholicAtaxia
I had high hopes for Kucinich too. I hope crazy old uncle Bernie makes it though.
hueylouisnonews
It's democracy in action, put freedom to the test. Big fat turd or a stupid douche, which do you love best?
JeanLucPicard
Don't wait. Register now, vote for him in the primaries, and even if he doesn't win, cast a null vote to say you don't feel represented.
TheDreadPirateBoberts
When is the primary?
DukeOfChutney608
hillary wll get the nod
MrSinyster
you need to vote for him in the primary election, to make sure he is the democrat's nomination
SaxSoulo
Adding in my comment because it can't be stressed enough, vote in the primaries, and always vote in local elections.
Reaper667
As a Europeean: thanks
achloryn
Vote in the primaries too! Don't just wait to see IF he becomes the candidate. Help make it happen.
SunnLeigh
VOTE IN THE PRIMARIES
hookerbot5000
vote in the primaries as well. Don't take any chances that the wall street lap dog Hillary is the candidate
darmir
eronth
You can vote for him regardless.
Crimpmonkey
LETS GET OUT AND VOTE, WE GOTTA MAKE OUR VOICES HEARD, CAUSE WE'VE BEEN GIVEN THE RIGHT TO CHOOSE BETWEEN A DOUCHE AND A TURD!
DirtyA
it's always that choice, don't listen to people on here when it comes to making a political decision.
AdorableEvil
you might vote in the primary
Waganga
Register to vote now, identify democrat, and retain the right to vote for him in the Democratic primary. Take the if out of it.
Palfrost
Sooooo ... Obama is a turd sandwich ? European here.
erick1293
https://libertymindsblog.files.wordpress.com/2014/04/3r6vnq.jpg
php0001
Filled out my own registration forms today. So there's at least two of us...
FluffyPuddles
http://voteforbernie.org/ You may be unable to vote for Bernie Sanders unless you are registered as a Democrat.
pokethings
He is a candidate already
Thoraxe123
Same here man\
poguemahon
You should register anyway, but good choice!
bornin1992
Just a dumb candidate who lives in lala land.
colbycheese89
THIS IS EXACTLY MY FEELINGS! I literally said almost the same thing yesterday on another post!
VeryEnthusiasticWalksThroughtheWoods
Bernie is the first person I actually want to vote for and researched. He makes sense, is a good guy, and owns his baldness unlike others
ialwayshaveerectnipples
That's what's important...his acceptance of his diminishing hair follicles.
VeryEnthusiasticWalksThroughtheWoods
Exactly
Mynameiscatandilikedogs
Was Obama a turd sandwich or the douche?
ridetheshoopuf
Douche. Douches are the know-it-all hippies. Turds are the noisy close-minded. Watch SouthPark's Douche vs Turd. That's where it's from.
skumchiken
Doesn't matter, they're interchangeable. Every election the choice is between a giant douche and a turd sandwich, both picked by the press.
hardytardigrade
That narrative was picked for you by South Park.
skumchiken
it's some of the best socio/political satire out there
hardytardigrade
I agree. But their satirical statement about the 2004 election does not mean every race is going to be between two worthless candidates.
ShabbaLife
I hate to be overly realistic, but he won't be the Democratic candidate
pokethings
He is a Democratic candidate.
ShabbaLife
The democratic presidential candidate? Sorry about my terminology, I'm not from American, care to name some Norwegian party leaders?
pokethings
He is a democratic presidential candidate
ShabbaLife
I don't know if you are trying to troll me or you just have mild autism, but I mean that he will not be the Democrats' 'chosen one'
MeisterMufasa
If we all register & vote in the primaries we might have a shot. I understand feeling pessimistic, but we have to act optimistic. Have hope.
CatShitTacos
i am 31 and this will be the first time voting for me. i am a bit intimidated to be honest.
FussyPurple
I hope you do vote for whomever you support. It's good to be a little intimidated by it. It's a responsibility Americans have forgotten.
ProfessorDumbass
With your username you could run for office
padgie
I'll be honest, I never voted for me. Good luck! ;)
MaggieCracker
Vote in the primaries. Why would you wait to register?
Syndergod
The Primaries are decided WELL before they get to my state. I get no say in who runs for president. Sadface
redsalmon
THIS is what matters. More than you will ever know. Thank you.
SuspiciousKermit
Im registering to vote for him in the primaries. The man is looking out for the people instead of looking out for the money.
honeyboob
http://voteforbernie.org/#ca
Syndergod
The Primaries are decided WELL before they get to my state. I get no say in who runs for president. Sadface
Polismack
A lot of states make you register with that party and a lot of people are hesitant to register with a party.
NOINOON
Well I guess it's not that important then. I guess Hillary is ok too. Right? RIGHT?!
Waganga
Likewise, being oriented to a particular party doesn't limit your voting choice. In fact, if expands it, allowing voting in primaries.
MasterDefenestrator
Check your state's rule on Independents. In AZ, if I register as Independent, I can pick Democrat or Republican primary when it gets here.
Polismack
I'm going to put together a post detailing Primary voting conditions in the US for people since it doesn't seem to be common knowledge.
Emmaniac
I registered as independent and I am pretty sure I still get to vote in the primaries..
Polismack
Your state is an open primary then. States with closed primaries make you register with the party to vote in their primary.
Emmaniac
Which states have closed primaries?
mousecove
Depends on the state
Polismack
Depends what state you're from
SepticStorm
im some states you register by party for the primary, not the general election. others you declare which party on election day.
Polismack
Yeah I meant for the primary.
SepticStorm
right but that should not prevent someone from registering. OP can help make sure Berni is the Democratic candidate.
hadtochangeitcosdavefoundme
So you can't vote in America unless you're affiliated with a party? Does that change who you can vote for?
SepticStorm
the primary elections (selection of candidates) are not actually part of our election system. it just evolved out of necessity
SepticStorm
so it can vary from state to state. and yes... it is a broken system.
Polismack
No depends on the state's primary rules. In New Hampshire you just walk in and vote but in Connecticut you register with a party.
NOINOON
The primary decides which candidate the party will back. It makes sense that only party members can vote in that primary election.
jrau18
You can't vote in the primary with out it. You can vote in the general election regardless.
eggmuffin
That sounds absurd. What's the reason for it?
Zodi
You can change your position any time you want, as long as it's like a month before elections.
hadtochangeitcosdavefoundme
That's not really any time you want then
eggmuffin
Can you vote for whatever you like, despite your party affiliation?
hoodpenguins
In the actual election yes. Depending on the state though you have to registered for that party to vote in the primary
eggmuffin
Why do they require that? It sounds crazy.
MrSinyster
I'm registered independent and I had to switch to vote in the primary. plan on switching back after the presidential election
demonjester1515
So that Dems don't go to the Rep primary and vote for ridiculous candidates, and vice versa.
IShouldBeStudyingRightNowInsteadOfBrowsingImgur
but what if i want the lesser of the two shit heads?
Polismack
Gang mentality. "Gotta stop them GOP/Dem operatives from making silly conspiracies".
vowofloudness
It is crazy. Lots of states let you vote in whatever primary you want and they do just fine.
bamcockseverywhere
Eh… top two primaries in the California legislature specifically have increased corruption out there. (1/2)
bamcockseverywhere
If a district is heavily Dem, then your top two becomes a people's candidate and a moneyed candidate generally - and money wins a lot.
ShekinahJoy
BY THE POWER INVESTED IN ME BY THIS GIANT BALD BIRD, THE PRESIDENT SHALL NOT BE THE SHINIEST OF TWO TURDS - Abraham Lincoln
JadeEliasSledge
YES. I was literally coming down here to say this. Love ERB!
Mycologics
EPIC rapbattleeeeeeeeeee... oooffff HISTOOOORRYYYBLBLBLBKBYY
LimeMime565
Huh that's a quote I've never heard before...
ialwayshaveerectnipples
*VESTED
BAMonomatopoeia
Relevant: the minister at my wedding got this wrong when he married us. Wish you had been there, OC. :(
ialwayshaveerectnipples
I was. That's why I now know it's vested instead of invested. My congregation was so ashamed.
XanCrews
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dX_1B0w7Hzc&t=3m29s
ihaveausername1
YOU, I WANNA LIKE YOU, DON'T TALK ABOUT CHANGE JUST DO IT, I FOUGHT FOR WHAT WAS ON MY HEAD UNTIL A BULLET WENT THROUGH IT
TyrionLannisterTheImp
AND YOU, MONEYBAGS! YOU'RE A PANCAKE, YOU'RE FLIP-FLOPPITY. IT'S A COUNTRY, NOT A COMPANY YOU CAN PLAY LIKE MONOPOLY.
ImperialSquid
AND YOU. YOU'RE A PANCAKE, YOU'RE FLIP FLOPPITY. IT'S A COUNTRY NOT A COMPANY.
Vespy
*BRAIN
ImperialSquid
AND YOU. YOU'RE A PANCAKE, YOU'RE FLIP FLOPPITY. IT'S A COUNTRY NOT A COMPANY.
browniesftw
no, i'm a brownie. GET IT RIGHT.
ImperialSquid
But... But how... How did you know?
shoe571
You missed a part. It's: YOU! MR. MONEYBAGS! YOU'RE A PANCAKE! YOU'RE FLIP FLOPPITY!
ImperialSquid
Dammit you're right! I have failed you!
NostrilDamnUs
YOU CAN PLAY LIKE MONOPOLY. ILL PROPERLY REACH ACROSS THE ISLE AND BITCH SLAP YOU AD EQUALS
Vespy
*AISLE. Ok, hate myself now, I'm done.
FromMyPointOfViewTheJediAreEvil
OF THE PEOPLE, BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE. EAGLE!
[deleted]
[deleted]
Pencillin
remember, spending a trillion dollars on a needless war is "patriotic" but spending a few billion dollars on schools and bridges: MARXISM!
idonthaveagoodnameinmind
no sane person ever said that.
kinglocke
Well he did say he is a democratic socialist.
ProfessorDumbass
You are creating unemployment by the jobs lost at weapons factories....this will be the republican outcry
idonthaveagoodnameinmind
sadly that is literally how congress works.. The AF wanted to shut down guard units but "Not in my state"-senators
ProfessorDumbass
Maybe having someone willing to fight for change might be the first step to fixing what is broken
idonthaveagoodnameinmind
agreed, but that power is in congress..not the executive
ProfessorDumbass
Then get people to vote those bastards out. Power to the people
Lagbeard
Well... They could've always used taxes for the schools... But then the politicians couldn't fill their pockets.
GreatJohnUmber
everyone's always in favor saving Hitler's brain, but when you put it in the body of a great white shark. Ooh suddenly you've gone too far!
habi816
The Sates are responsible for Education and Infrastructure. We do spend billions on those just not at the federal level.
JuniusJunior
No. The federal department of education spends quite a bit at the federal level.
thatlamer
We spend billions... collectively, across all 50 states, and with half or more of our politicians rushing to slash and burn that amount.
FrankyFrankFrank
I'm not confident, but wasn't the interstate system a federal project?
idonthaveagoodnameinmind
Facilitating interstate commerce is a constitutional responsibility of the fed..IE roads
FrankyFrankFrank
NOW I'm confident. Thanks! The Canadian has a better understanding than some Americans but RAINBOWLEG came in for the murica'fuckin' save.
whyteraven74
Actually the feds are responsible for infrastructure too.
leagueofaffability
Yeah infrastructure is shared to some extent.
lordfluffycus
Its funny how most people that use that argument (I know you are joking relax) dont even know what the hell marxism is.
afrofrycook
Well actual Marxism is a fantasy that has zero chance of happening, so I don't blame most people for being ignorant of it.
Zasumbadji
(1) Bombastic. My impression is that all ideologies deal with ideals. Free market cap. is supposed to alloc. resources effectively and make
lordfluffycus
a marxist utopia cant,Marxism can,dosnt last very long in most cases
JuniusJunior
Spending on the war is just as stupid and devoid of ROI as spending in the schools. Iraq isn't better and neither are U.S. test results
TrappedInTheLocker
I don't think it's the amount spent that is the problem, it is how it is spent. I could spend ~3k on a paint job or a turbo overhaul, only
JuniusJunior
That's the argument against Sanders though. He wants the federal govt making those decisions and it isn't well suited to it.
TrappedInTheLocker
one enhances the performance.
leagueofaffability
Wouldn't the relatively low amount of spending on schools account for that to some extent?
verothacamaro
I'm pretty sure US spends more per student than most countries. Obviously there are other countries that spend more.
JuniusJunior
No. Since US Dept Ed started in '79 spending on schools has skyrocketed. Test scores are unimproved over the same time. Source if needed.
Zordicron
That is less about the fed then it is about a total failure of the locals to manage what they get. There is a whole lot of the1/
leagueofaffability
I.. thin I would need some source on that. I assume you're talking about PISA scores? A lot of the stagnation has probably been other 1/2
Zordicron
"run a school like a corporation" where the students need to be churned through as efficient as possible. Makes for bad finance decisions /2
JuniusJunior
Local empowerment is not what the Feds or Sanders want. They support prescriptive federal guidelines, which apparently haven't helped.
leagueofaffability
countries modernizing, in addition to europe generally doing pretty well. But I like learning new things. 2/2
JuniusJunior
http://nces.ed.gov/nationsreportcard/subject/publications/main2012/pdf/2013456.pdf (test scores)
JuniusJunior
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/mobile/Finance_Total_Expenditures.aspx (spending)
bananadock
Genuine question for Americans, what's wrong with socialism? If people are vary of the state up in your business; it's not much different.
[deleted]
[deleted]
Pencillin
It's because we always call America land of opportunity; if you are poor it is your own fault for not pulling yourself up by your bootstraps
DevonGronka
unfortunately, the genuine answer from a lot of Americans would be: OMG YOU COMMUNIST!
skirtwearingpimp
The average American confuses socialism with dictatorship because politicians and lobbyists teach this. They call it news when they do so.
zenunchucks
It's because of two things: "AHH COMMUNISM IS EVIL > SOCIALISM IS COMMUNISM" and "I WORK FOR ME AND ME ALONE FUCK YOU."
Sprixxen
It's an important part of our history. The red scare and fear of nuclear war fucked us up.
redjokerzero
Only old people vote, and they think socialism and Marxist communism (and its derivatives) are equivalent.
craze
Someone needs to hear Milton Friedman explain it. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWsx1X8PV_A
jiveturkey158
As soon as you mention something kinda socialist the baby hoomer gen and older shut down. Theyre the ones mostly in power now
BaronVonFingerbang
it has a name people are scared of from the cold war, and people are stupid. case and point https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx2scvIFGjE
koganinja
There's nothing wrong with socialism. Right wing media in this country has been strong enough to 1
koganinja
Convince people it's the same as communism.
scastro87
Because socialism is terrible and we're right to hate it
FuckitIgiveup
3. Personally I'm against because I think it is inherent a violation of human rights. I also think a relatively free market is the best
FuckitIgiveup
2. Read one of the many books against it if you honestly wanna know. And the argument will vary based on your definition of socialism.
DavidBowiesCodpiece
I mean, realistically our economy is so large and intertwined with other capitalists that it's questionable if we can sustain socialism.
catsandcoffee
As an American...I don't understand the aversion either.
FuckitIgiveup
I see you have a whole bunch of bs caricature answers implying everyone against socialism is just scared and brainwashed.
OtterArmada
in any of our courses, so if you even ask most of us they know nothing about them except it's considered bad and un-American. It's a shame.
OtterArmada
It has negative ties due to the Cold War. We treated socialist and communists like terrorists. I'm a Econ minor and we don't cover either 1/
GreatJohnUmber
as an american i also consider myself more of a socialist than anything else. american culture inundates us with the value of hard work and
GreatJohnUmber
sacrifice, holding these things up as the highest virtues. which IS good, to an extent. but one of the effects is that now our society
GreatJohnUmber
believes that poverty is the result of laziness, and even if you're treated like scum and paid like a kid at a summer job, you should be
GreatJohnUmber
grateful to be employed at all.
metalman125
Cold war and red scare made ut so communism us illegal, but many can't tel the difference between com. And social.
ApparentlyBritish
Not American, but studied this: Its largely due to lingering cultural connotations from the Cold War, particularly the Red Scare of the 50s.
IMadeThisOnlySoICouldUpvote
*citations needed*
ApparentlyBritish
You not only had the trumpeting of then American values as being core to the nation, but the demonising of ANYTHING that lead to 'communism'
ApparentlyBritish
And since much of the USA's current political leadership grew up in and around that period, it remains a 'valid' point of criticism/attack.
Kasai
McCarthy is most responsible for the attitude you see in some to a lot of Americans about anti-communism/socialism(seen as the same).
ProfessorDumbass
...and they are still pissed the Russian's beat them to Berlin. 70 years of propaganda and the Russians were never there.
squip
Vast swathes of the American public have been brainwashed for decades that socialism = communism = evil.
JeanLucPicard
It's literally the opposite of the American Dream and the self-made man. Some people still cling to those things for some reason.
verothacamaro
Because unlike what Bernie thinks, no other country in history has taken more people out of poverty than the United States.
soso456
Source?
kvotheaintgotnothinonme
It's not really. You can have the American Dream and social welfare as well. It's about priorities of expenditure
JeanLucPicard
Allow me to correct myself, sorry. It SEEMS to be at odds with the American dream, as many interpret it.
hardytardigrade
Not true. A welfare system allows more people to rise out of poverty through hard work, which IS the American Dream.
squip
Vast swathes of the American public have been brainwashed for decades that socialism = communism = evil.
FuckitIgiveup
4. Way to cheaply and efficiently produce and distribute goods and services.
bananadock
I didn't mean a socialist state rather certain social policies regarding education and healthcare that don't take away from the free market.
zenunchucks
But should efficiency and cheapness really be the highest goal when producing an object of material value?
afrofrycook
Socialism is a terrible system that taxes people into poverty to provide basic needs. It is inefficient by it's very nature.
hardytardigrade
Not true. Social programs reduce poverty. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Welfare%27s_effect_on_poverty. Profit makes systems inefficient.
afrofrycook
History teaches us otherwise. Greece, Detroit, Chicago, Venezuela, and more are great examples of state programs causing economic slowdown.
hardytardigrade
There are other factors at play in those examples. And Detroit and Chicago aren't countries. Wait- Chicago?
bananadock
I didn't mean socialism in the strictest sense but things like universal healthcare. No one is taxed into poverty but into the middle class.
habi816
A big factor is size. The US is huge and is more comparable to all of Europe. Imagine if Norway had to subsidize Greece. It doesn't work.
whyteraven74
Norway has a larger GDP per capita than the US, by a lot.
ByThePowerOfSCIENCE
The US is huge and consequently produces more. It's better to think in terms of % of the GDP.
hardytardigrade
The problem with the EU is that instead of states, it has geographically, economically, and culturally separate countries. The US does not.
balthcat
Imagine if upstate New York had to subsidize Brooklyn! OMG!
balthcat
Why does size matter? What a ludicrous suggestion.
eggmuffin
Actually, Norway CAN subsidize Greece. However, it's irrelevant, as it's merely a question of percentages.
notanassassin
All these paid shills..."my perfect brand of communism has never been tested! communism is good!"
eggmuffin
Communism? What are you talking about? The rest of us, back in the real world, are talking about sensible economic systems currently in use.
hardytardigrade
Have you heard of Canada? Germany? Sweden? These are real places.
lordfluffycus
Not American,and I asked my phylosophy/sopciologu/law professor(very smart woman) she said that its just bound to fail because if you 1/2...
lordfluffycus
give power to the working class they tend to not know what to do with it,equality of classwill lead to a form of anarchy.
Dusseldwarf
I'm against socialism, but that reasoning gave me cancer.
DirzBiopsist
That's socialist revolution of what she spoke IMO, not social democracy what Bernie stands for. And there's a huge difference between two.
lordfluffycus
I said that too,but you cant have socialism without a revolution at first
hardytardigrade
Government healthcare and tuition-free college do not equate to giving all political power to the working class.
whyteraven74
"Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed....
verothacamaro
"Socialism is a vast machine for churning out piles of goods marked Take it or leave it. "
whyteraven74
millionaires" John Steinbeck
Zordicron
In my neck of the woods, that sentiment pretty much no longer exists. Working people here are sick of the way things are.
kvotheaintgotnothinonme
That is the quote I've been looking for. Thank you.
jiveturkey158
That's actually really powerful, and pretty accurate
JuniusJunior
Socialism in the abstract is good. Unfortunately you need a competent and selfless government to make it work and that is not achievable.
hardytardigrade
What about those countries who have achieved much of it?
JuniusJunior
Nothing about them. Question was what Americans had against socialism. The US focuses on individuals. Socialism focuses on the state.
hardytardigrade
I am questioning the validity of the answer. And the US used to have quite a collectivist attitude until the last few decades.
balthcat
I'd say the same can be said for capitalism and libertarianism :P
darmir
All systems would be great if it just weren't for those damn people.
balthcat
I'll bring you back up to 1, even though I'd argue devil worship would still be a shitty system.
JuniusJunior
Insofar as good leadership is better than bad, sure. But the other two focus on limiting govt, which should limit impact of bad govt.
balthcat
It does nothing to address impact of non-gov. forces, even a little, & it promotes corruptibility in government by making $ so important.
UnworthyBeatrix
I know, right? I always get that answer when I defend socialism. Oh, because of Russia and China socialism doesn't work. Compared to what?
JuniusJunior
China & Russia weren't my point, but a fair point can be made that they better approximate the U.S. for discussion than small Euro states
acunninglinguist
It's become a dirty word in politics and news. Most people don't actually know what it is or does, but if the principles and theories >>
verothacamaro
I know exactly what it does, which is why I don't actually want it.
acunninglinguist
Please explain what parts of socialism you're actually opposed to.
verothacamaro
Increase of taxes. Increase of government bureaucracy. I already live in a very expensive state, I don't need an even higher cost of living.
acunninglinguist
are actually explained to them in a logical way, a lot of people actually like the ideas.
ProfessorDumbass
But they use it like a weapon..saying Communist, like it is some sort of herpes you catch from change
BaronVonFingerbang
case and point of this mentality https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sx2scvIFGjE
KingoftheIntroverts
Nothing. People don't understand things like Medicare and Social (big fucking hint there) Security are actually socialist in nature.
hardytardigrade
Not to mention the military...
afrofrycook
A lot of us do. That's why we want to get rid of them.
hardytardigrade
Why?
afrofrycook
Because they're inefficient and raise the costs of healthcare.