safelysolipsize
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Aug 6, 2015 6:24 PM
safelysolipsize
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Quesly
bernie sanders circlejerk thread wooooo
TonyTheSandwich
But he has messy hair. How can I trust someone to manage the country, if they can't even manage their hair? Now, Trump on the other hand...
StandardDeviant
Has hair that was salvaged from fucking Roswell
maximinusthrax1
We get it, he's a nice guy. I still don't agree with his political stance. No amount of IMGUR posts is going to change that fact.
cubanpete
That was my feeling for Ron Paul
gingerbeerd
What do you not agree with?
Acornlad
Anything to do with his foreign policy, spending policies, and military. Also economics and taxing. He can't manage a fucking budget.
kevinallover
He's not a comptroller.
WhyShouldILoveYou
I thought presidents have like an army of advisors for that shit, they don't actually have to manage it all by themselves.
SinisterChefJeff
My family gives paid vacation to all employees after one year, doesnt matter how many hoyrs they work
DavidHawa
Last one... Oh great... So now businesses will refuse to hire anyone over 24 hrs!!
Keokri
As an alternative they would need to hire more employees to cover the needed hours. Less hours more people working. More hr. Less workers
chifondo
As an Australian, can he come here if he doesn't get in?
4stringsFTW
You can have him now
sammag05
Yes please take him
FakePlasticTreehugger
As a Canadian, he's welcome here too.
Hybris51129
For the love god take him NOW! Please! We'll even take a few of those wild attack emus off your hands to sweeten the deal.
chifondo
Imagine the fake internet points I could garner if I took him.
Hybris51129
Imagine the fake internet points I could garner if I opened a Colosseum where fighters would do battle with Emus for riches and fame.
chifondo
And thus a gentlemen's agreement was made.
LilBombard
I agree, our two party leaders are both stooges and the greens aren't getting voted in as long as Murdoch continues to exert his influence.
RedTurtle1234
Get on the streets and do something, people! It's the only way to achieve change.
LilBombard
I write to my local and federal ministers and sign petitions. Surely there should be more I can do.
RedTurtle1234
Spread the word on social media, build reddit communities,get in touch with progressive politicians to have a leader figure in your protests
chifondo
It's a democracy, you can choose between these two dickheads.
TheOffspring
We'd like to keep him, thank you very much. :)
UnvisibleFixer
We'll trade you our Prime Minister, we swear it's a good trade...
monkeymuffins
Well, we already have half of the policies that he wants to implement. Like, a $15 minimum wage would actually be a step down for us.
chifondo
So he could spend more time on making the country even better, not making it more like America ie. Tony
detocroix
And then people vote for him and he pulls out a black robe and starts blasting lightning everywhere.
WasThatAFartOrAShart
Front Page Bernie Clock reset. Last time Bernie on front page: 8 hours ago. (Really, imgur? One before that was 6 days...)
RedTurtle1234
That's how you get political revolution, baby! B')
SomeDetroitGuy
Blocked reforms that would have prevented the housing meltdown.
Jarjarthejedi
*Citation needed*
Polismack
The High Sparrow in a suit.
imguryousuck
Except for the whole "GoT ISIS" bit
Zokalwe
And now I pictured Hillary taking the walk of shame in the streets of Washington. Thank you for the mental image, I'm scarred.
RagingZenMaster
Shame. http://shamenun.com/
aHumbleVaudevillianVeteran
Less murdery(if we're talking about the show).
spunzombie
Oh no his socialist programs will kill many many people if he is allowed to implement them
bluefalcn
I get that reference
squintish
This does not even make sense.
Mylakka
"Says he is all about the economy.. Actively dodges every attempt to talk about foreign policy, military spending, and war." 1/2
RedTurtle1234
That's completely false.
Mylakka
But nope.. those don't have anything at all to do with the state of the economy. 2/2
Acornlad
Its not like military spending and war is important. Right? Right!?
Nucas
only if you're a willful belligerent.
ShadowSpectre
Don't mind me. Just fact checking for you. Even linked the time. https://youtu.be/XpgJYNaIeqo?t=24m3s
CwispyNoodles
I believe he said that fights against ISIL should br handled by the major military powers in the local region
MrPotatoeHead
which is suicide, they are not capable of fighting ISL alone. what we are doing right now is adequate. support through air and supplies
AntTrapHouse
Sometimes though I wonder if we should just let that region of the world burn itself to the ground
CwispyNoodles
But he says we should continue to support through airstrikes and supplies rather than sending ground troops
CwispyNoodles
There are several major military powers in the region, one of the biggest being Saudi Arabia who has done nothing against ISIL
SexyClaptrap
actually they are, Saudi Arabia has the 4th largest military in the world, and we subsidize them AND handle their war for them.
dankeykangkantry
So... we would still be heavily involved anyway then.
MrPotatoeHead
exactly what i was saying?
Atalung
as an economist, the idea of this lunatic being president makes me cry
me6800
I like his character and a lot of his social ideology, but his economic policy is ignorant. I believe our economy is our biggest issue now.
Atalung
Rand Paul is the guy for you, socially they are REALLY similar and Paul sticks to fiscal conservatism (i.e. he's libertarian)
mrgrape
Are economists required to obey capitalism?
PeaceWalker47
Spoken like someone who understands neither economics nor capitalism.
Atalung
and forgets that quite frankly, the US is cronyism and not capitalism
IAmMistysTogepi
As an economist, I can say we don't have formal rules. Most Econ research simply shows the free market best allocates goods and prosperity.
PeaceWalker47
So I'm not the only one skeptical about him? Thank God. I mean I see him as the better option to Hillary, but he isn't some sort of messiah
TopHattedTeaMan
If big money was disconnected from politics alot of stuff would get better. Maybe then my generation could buy a house (UK)
[deleted]
[deleted]
TopHattedTeaMan
Then tell me, what must be done so i can buy a house of my own?
RedTurtle1234
Prostests. Continuous Protests. It is possible. But very, very hard...
TopHattedTeaMan
Yeah, and the problem is that, like usual, some dickheads will start a riot and it will backfire
RedTurtle1234
And because of that the political shitshow should continue?
Popnitro
Agreed Mum. (AUS)
chooseday
If immigration policies worked, you would be able to buy a house. They can only build houses so fast, that's why you're paying so much...
RedTurtle1234
Seriously, get on the streets and make your voices heard! It's the only way to achieve change.
TopHattedTeaMan
Last time we tried that some dickheads started a riot
RedTurtle1234
It needs to be a continuous effort.
JJWoodSculpture
Only way to disconnect big money from politics is to make government smaller and less powerful.
Amythyst
That really only cuts out the middle man on big money controlling everything.
tetracycloide
A smaller, less powerful government but a court system that didn't favor whoever has the most money would do the opposite but 1/
tetracycloide
that still leaves the question of how do you arrange law and the courts to not favor whoever has the most money. 2/2
TheSwedishMoose
Here in Vancouver, Canada, the average house just past 1 million dollars. No one will be able to live here soon.
Skornish
Who wants to be a millionaire?
MaybeADoctor
(Little music note thing) I want to be a millionaire so freaking bad
molestmymonkey
fucking bad* - uncut version is much better.
Aranyszin
Well, if no one can afford them, they will stop selling and the prices will drop.
TheSwedishMoose
Thats just it, it's not residents buying the houses. It's rich foreigners who are buying houses as investments and not living in them.
Bot17629A98001
You think having a career and working hard is going to get you a house that is affordable? Now I've really heard it all...
TopHattedTeaMan
Well, how else can I? Fucking win the lottery?
PolarHailStorm
My mother bought her huge four-bedroomed house when it was £40,000. Twenty years later, it costs me £125-175,000 for a 1 bedroom flat.
fueledbytea
New build 1 bed flats in my area going for £300k+. And I'm not even in London ><
DukeOfChutney608
agreed (US)
Bryanalt77
Americans confuse "communism" and socialism without knowing what either means
ManMashine
"That's commie talking!!! SHOOT HIM!" ;) no, seriously. Have your +1 Because you're right.
FreelanceSpermDonor
Socialism... never works for long, anywhere. Wildly popular. Communism... Socialism in a hurry. Universally hated. Hans shot first.
Felman
But this isn't unique to Americans. The stupid are cocksure about themselves. It's the wise who doubt.
ifthatsaveiledcriticismaboutmeiwonthearitandiwontrespondtoit
Read: Anyone who hasn't taken Econ 101 confuses "communism" and "socialism". It's not just Americans, we just misuse labels the loudest.
durkkih
Well there's really not much of a difference. Socialists and communists play in the same team.
bitterandcynical
Communism is often thought of as radical socialism, so the connection is not that much of a stretch.
OverpricedCrayon
I dont even know if most Americans know what Democrat and Republican mean
wambu
It means we are just as screwed but in different ways.
Hybris51129
All I need to know is I can't afford either and I won't benefit from the bulk of what either system brings to the table.
OnlyUsedForUploadingPics
I remember when I finally learned what communism is, my first response was "how is this any different from a monopoly? It's a few people who
wambu
Sometimes, the only difference between Communism and Capitalism is the rationale.
OnlyUsedForUploadingPics
control everything."
durkkih
Sure, you can call it monopoly. But it's not "a few people", it's the state that controls everything.
ichai
And who controls the state? Hint: it's not the people.
durkkih
Why not? Personally, I favor totalitarianism. But if I didn't, and favored a proletarian dictatorship, why couldn't the people control it?
Jarjarthejedi
Aa an American. This. So much this.
lmgursLibertarian
The U.S. has been a socialist country since 1913.
DrShrinker
Boom. Woodrow Wilson. Bam. Federal Reserve. Yer in the bad replies, i bet the people who down voted you dont even know what happened in 1913
lmgursLibertarian
I love you doc.. hold me while the world burns?
LoudAngryJerk
sure, unless you know what any of those words mean at all.
lmgursLibertarian
Do some research on Woodrow Wilson and the income tax. It was unconditional for 150 years, what happened in 1913?
LoudAngryJerk
thats like saying i eat an ice cream cone every day, so i'm ice cream now.
lmgursLibertarian
No it's life telling an ignorant person that they should get some education
ChaosLierLen637
Nahhh, we still haven't hit the halfway mark. I see where you're coming from, though.
lmgursLibertarian
? Half way where's that?
ChaosLierLen637
Where 50 percent of the economy is private sector & 50 percent is public sector.
jrau18
Someone give me the bad.
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PlantainSuperNova
He admitted to writing it people, BUT he tried to pass it off as fiction.
arghnard
He's white and old and millions of vote-aged ignorant minorities are turning a blind eye.
TheVermonster
Ummmm. Hold on, there is something here, Oh wait nope, nothing.
pizzabubble7
http://www.vox.com/2015/5/27/8671135/bernie-sanders-race
jrau18
I don't see the problem.
Amridell
He talks a lot about his many plans to increase social safety nets but doesn't seem to care about where the money comes from. We're in debt.
Puppet7x7
THE HELL KINDA NAME IS BERNIE?!
coinlaundry
Bernard, the good kind of name.
cptkipard
It's the diminutive form of Bernard.
Hannya
Pretty much none. Don't listen to anyone who claims to be Libertarian. It's like the Scientology of American politics.
bpsr2000
Stance on the second amend will make him lose, I like the guy, I'm independent/libertarianish and I like him, but 2nd amend right breaks it.
ThaiMaiShu
Care to elaborate?
Poopforce1s
He's simply neutral on it. Thinks background checks are good, thinks people should be allowed to own them. No stance makes everyone mad.
hawkeye9900
Pretty sure he recently was quoted saying that if it isn't for hunting, it shouldn't be legal.
Poopforce1s
I have not heard that. Could you find me a source please? Not trying to be a dick, I'm actually interested.
Poopforce1s
Upboot though for stimulating discussion.
foosbabaganoosh
Okay everyone seems to be in love with this guy, so to his supporters I ask: what's his downside? Why isn't he loved by all?
OverpricedCrayon
I dont hate him, but I guess to us Americans it sounds like he wants to adopt European policies. I dont necessarily see that as a bad thing.
Disch
Some Dems prefer Clinton because she's an established name, and ppl think she'd be more likely to win the general election.
Cuntard
He's owned by labor unions.
lolimserious
LOL! good joke.
ButterMyButt
https://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.php?cycle=Career&cid=N00000528
TheVermonster
He's from a small state and the media just ignores him as much as possible. He doesn't play by their rules.
OverpricedCrayon
I dont hate him, but I guess to us Americans it sounds like he wants to adopt European policies. I dont necessarily see that as a bad thing.
Disch
Reps don't like Sanders because he has liberal policies. Reps prefer smaller government and privatizing things.
[deleted]
[deleted]
Disch
Tomayto, Tomahto. It's a 2 party system and Libertarians run under the Rep ticket. Therefore they're a type of Republican.
Disch
2/2: In a dog vs. cat system -- a poodle is still a dog. In a Dem vs. Rep system -- a libertarian is still a republican.
PaulTheBod
Everyone on Imgur is in love with him. He's very liberal and Imgur is very liberal [for the USA]. Also, the US is more conservative so...
PlantainSuperNova
The racist ass shit I see on the front page on a regular basis tells me otherwise.
PaulTheBod
... in the rest of the country he won't have a shot in hell because he is far left relative to the USA.
Disch
He's not as far left as people on the right think. Also it's not just imgur that loves him, he has huge following across most social media.
Copperdragon
Tell me more about how Venezuela's doing so well, Bernie.
AdolphTheRedNosedReindeer
While we're at it, how are right-wing capitalist Somalia, Tanzania. Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Botswana, Mexico, and Russia doing?
imguryousuck
If we're going to be like that I would point to the fact every country with a fully free market is absolute shit.
malexmatt
Yeah, all those countries like...um...uh....
IAmMistysTogepi
He's delusional. The closest example is Liechtenstein, where unemployment is 1.5% and the average salary is $90k. They seem prosperous.
PeterNormal
"We should take care of sick people like every other G8 country." "Enjoy your Venezuela dictatorship commie leftist!" Right, totally.
AdolphTheRedNosedReindeer
Or maybe how well Canada, Norway, Sweden, France, New Zealand, and Germany are doing?
[deleted]
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AdolphTheRedNosedReindeer
The E.U (despite it's difficulties) has the highest GDP at 20 billion, followed by China, then the U.S and Japan.
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AdolphTheRedNosedReindeer
And looking at the United States together isn't? We're Americans, if we weren't a union our states would hate the shit out of each other.
whyteraven74
How about telling you how well Germany is doing instead? Or Denmark? Or Belgium?
dayMan2
Yes, the EU is in great shape compared to the US at the moment
KatherineStephanis
I hear the UK's doing alright too! And basically most of the continent, actually.
ThePenIsMightier10
No where near as well as the US has been doing recently.
nitrodragon54
Or norway
FlatusIgnition
Or Iceland
dayMan2
Yes, the EU is in great shape compared to the US at the moment
MacRockatansky
I found another one for your list:
arghnard
who's to say there won't be another loophole through that?
ThePenIsMightier10
Thank you! +1
swinglinered
Make American robots cheaper than Chinese labor?
Revelumin
We wouldn't want a repeat of the economic depression that devastated the US during the 50's.
cubanpete
lord no we wouldn't want that: when the middle class had money enough to drive growth for all, small businesses thrived... the horror
lolimserious
but the rich didnt have power over everyone else! that sounds too scary for me.
MacRockatansky
"The Rich". Lol. Lynch the Kulaks!
swinglinered
False Equivalency. The correlation of factors was different then.
Revelumin
True. It would've made it easier if there had been another global conflict during the 20th century that was followed by a post war 1/?
Revelumin
economic boom, similar to the second world war. At least then we could've made a better comparison of how markedly different economic 2/?
Revelumin
policies affected said economic booms. Oh well. 3/3
MacRockatansky
Shhhh! People are fantasizing about taxing themselves to prosperity right now.
Revelumin
No, you're right. If history has taught as anything is that austerity always lead to economic prosperity. Always. ithout exception.
MacRockatansky
You say austerity, I say fiscal responsibility. Gov't cannot create wealth, only take it, so I'd prefer conservative use of what's taken.
jontrem
So sick of all the Bernie posts
lockwoodx
The dems are ultra desperate because between hillary and bernie... they're both relics from the past with weak leadership and baggage.
InnerMachinationsOfMyMindAreAnEnigma
They're all getting pretty annoying
twmf
Speaks to the need, and urgency, for economic education on Imgur.
SuperSJW
Like these guys will care to listen. This is just feel-good shit that people up vote, but most won't actually vote so don't worry.
lolimserious
I know, they're like, everywhere, right?
GreatAide
I mean, you could ignore them?
funkjacket
yeah, you need more feminist trolling and weight loss pics. FACEBOOK IS MADE FOR YOU! Seeya
4stringsFTW
Don't be a dick
ThaiMaiShu
I could do without those too
PlantainSuperNova
eh that's better than bernie posts and posts about how horrible minorities are.
ceasefiredammit
Serious delay shipping merchandise. "Sorry, there is only one union shop that makes coffee cups in the US."
whyteraven74
You know that's not an ideal he advocates right?
ButterMyButt
https://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.php?cycle=Career&cid=N00000528
Cuntard
Are you kidding? He is owned by fucking labor unions
ignatiuspopular
Legit question, why do people only care if he talks trash about Hillary? isn't there like other candidates?
Corin
Hillary is his main opponent. The other Dem candidates have no chance.
ignatiuspopular
Thanks!
LearnedCoward
Fun fact: the third-place democrat behind Clinton and Sanders is Joe Biden, who isn't even running. Then there's Martin O'Malley dead last
jokommander
I'm surprised by the fact that many people are willing to vote for Trump
PaulTheBod
He's only got numbers now because the only people choosing now don't know a damned thing.
NecroNikolai13
It's really flavor of the month, my ultra-conservative friend has changed his candidate about 5 times so far.
BilHam
Many fans of his on this site, really.
CarrotsandKale
Many conservatives feel same way about him as liberals about Sanders. Want someone not owned by donors.
LearnedCoward
Me too, but this point in the 2012 cycle saw Cain and Perry spiking in popularity. Santorum spiked too, but even later.
Gravybutt
I think he'd make a horrible President.
ChaosKnux
Got a reason or are you just saying shit and hoping you don't end up looking retarded?
Gravybutt
I have many reasons. The biggest being that his ideas would hurt a free market economy.
SrirachaSaucey
why?
woodjoiner
Why?
Satherian
why
CwispyNoodles
Gonna need a bit more context than "He'd make a horrible President"
GreatAide
wh
oddmog
Maybe but there's a lot of room to play and the States is in that much trouble anyway that tackling tax and skills is a decent idea.
PlantainSuperNova
shhh don't let the hive mind hear that you have an opinion!
jackbos
Yeah, socialism's a great economic model with no fundamental problems:
ManMashine
that's not socialism. That's centralism & fascism. *points at the EU flag*
funkjacket
thats not socialism, dipshit. That's corruption. Learn the history of Greece and stop misappropriating headlines for your agenda
RedTurtle1234
Exactly.
durkkih
Look in the mirror, buddy. How about the fundamental problems of capitalism.
fatherjokes
Such as??
durkkih
Unjust wealth dispersion and inevitable poverty.
fatherjokes
I think you're confusing that with socialism and communism.
durkkih
But capitalism needs poverty, it feeds on it. How else could there be rich people?
M0stlyH4rml3ss
*cough* Sweden *cough*
jackbos
*cough* Had the US military to protect it from the USSR for 50 years so they didn't have to pay for an army *cough*
jackbos
*cough* also has massive trade surplus thanks to oil reserves so it can afford to spend more than it taxes *cough*
ihaveenoughofthisorgasm
*cough* that's norway *cough*
jackbos
*cough* http://www.tradingeconomics.com/sweden/balance-of-trade *cough*
ihaveenoughofthisorgasm
did you read the report until the point it says that oil production/ trading is at 0? nice argument
scrim4
*cough* which rightfully belongs to Sweden, in spite of a brief ongoing rebellion *cough*
BuffyTheVampyreSlayer
Do you guys need a cough drop? Is there a virus going around? Shit... Should I go to the doctor preemptively?
robotzombies
A lot of people say that we can't compare successful socialist countries to the US; why is the inverse of that valid?
jackbos
(2/?) First: They had the US to protect them from potential military enemies, which means they didn't have to pay for a military.
whyteraven74
Germany, England and France would like to have a word with you...
jackbos
(3/?) Second, they have huge trade surpluses (like Sweden) so they can afford to spend more than they tax
jackbos
Successful socialist countries have two things in common: (1/?)
jackbos
(6/6) As for China: It's the most capitalist nation on Earth, so don't claim it's a successful socialist state.
Ophelis
Thank you.
Whydopeoplekeepcallingmethat
Because these people are often saying this without even considering WHY.
jackbos
(5/?) The US doesn't have a third party to pay for its defense, and the US never has a trade surplus. So socialism won't work here.
whyteraven74
Gee and why might we not have a trade surplus?
jackbos
Probably because of oppressive worker laws and other socialist policies preventing us from being competitive in the global market.
jackbos
(4/?) When the surplus stops the economy collapses. People used to point to Venezuela as an example of good socialism. Not anymore.
ihaveenoughofthisorgasm
since when is europe socialist?
scrim4
This is a good point. While Europe is more socialist leaning than the U.S.A., it is still overwhelmingly capitalist.
jackbos
nitrodragon54
just ignore that greece has a massive problem with false income claims and tax loopholes that set them up for failure. 100% socialism fault
Whydopeoplekeepcallingmethat
jackbos tends to talk out his ass without any subject knowledge. He shows up a lot to do this in political posts.
funkjacket
assclown GOP talking points are for the assclowns
MrTwoSteps
Does it scare anyone else that Imgur is jumping on the Bernie Sanders Bandwagon?
mrgrape
Frankly, I'm scared of people who demonize the poor, but we're surrounded by and elect them all the time.
geezerina
Its because everyone is reading memes on the internet not looking at facts. If anyone here blindly up voting cared it wouldn't be popular.
ThaiMaiShu
Yes because it encourages blindly following him rather than doing actual research
cogs
Annoyed? Sure. I can get my fill of politics anywhere. I just want lulz here. Scared? Nah. Not like Imgur is a significant voting bloc.
ifthatsaveiledcriticismaboutmeiwonthearitandiwontrespondtoit
Oh it scares me SHITLESS but apparently that's none of my business.
ifthatsaveiledcriticismaboutmeiwonthearitandiwontrespondtoit
It's too early to be backing any horse right now. We haven't heard official platforms or debates. Just vague, empty promises with buzzwords.
chooseday
It doesn't surprise me but it definitely scares me. Honestly, i just hate the left wing with a passion at this point.
Luprand
A part of me is hoping that this turns out to be an elaborate meme, like MichaelCeraJavertbuttsiegegifwars.
PaulTheBod
It sort of scares me but doesn't surprise me. College students tend to be far more liberal and, well, Imgur has lots of college students.
[deleted]
[deleted]
CorvusBelli
So do Bernie Sanders posts; it's almost as if a website with literally millions of users can include people believing different things.
ThaiMaiShu
Imgur makes jokes about all races, genders, pretty much everything. Anything on FP is just for laughs and is harmless
maximinusthrax1
It doesn't surprise me. Our generation is tired of being screwed and he's offering an "easy" option. Tax the hell out of those above you.
MrTwoSteps
I'm just hoping that he's actually about those things, and not just saying them.
maximinusthrax1
Either way, I won't be supporting him.
maximinusthrax1
You'll notice I said "easy". It is neither easy nor is it the right choice.
fandsor
How do you know it's not the right choice? Our economy thrived under Eisenhower's 90% tax rate. It needs to be higher than it is.
PaulTheBod
Yes, because the conditions we have now mirror those that were under Eisenhower.
narwhalhosting
What an over-simplistic distortion of everything the man has ever said.
anubis132
Imgur makes this guy out to be perfect. But what are some reasons he isn't?
candelabra
only white people like him. not people of color
DrClaww
Knows why kids love the taste of cinnamon toast crunch, doesn't share it others
MintMission
This is in fact my #1 issue with him.
bitterandcynical
Very uncharismatic, which counts in politics. He's idealistic, which makes me doubt whether he could navigate the political scene well.
Aranyszin
Relies too heavily on the idea that gov't can solve problems too complex for the free market, but ignores that our gov't can't pass a budget
diagnosedwithquarterlifecrisis
Bernie Sanders is an idealist in the realist world. The president is just a figurehead and his policies won't survive Congress.
nofunatparties
He's more concerned about the "why" of being president. Hillary is all about the "how". Bernie is an idealist, Hillary's a policy wonk, IMO.
BaguetteForEver
All I see is bad argument ending with "naive" or "idealist"
LearnedCoward
He is a statist, which could impact civil liberties. I'm more with Rand Paul on this, but overall I still prefer Sanders
ChrisVu
I feel like most of you have never read an economic paper on actual wealth inequality, corporate tax cuts, or positive deficit spending.
MintMission
My understanding is that economics is a complex and economists aren't always in agreement.
CruisinDownTheStreet64
I don't even read newspapers anymore
OverpricedCrayon
I always say the only people that actually understand economics are Economists and even they are to only be less than 100% trusted.
swaptrick
Adopt a flat tax, save 1 cent from every dollar spent, end corporate welfare, lower business tax rates across the board, elect Marco Rubio.
mrgrape
Once you see that America's wealth inequality and economic mobility is like India's, you can't go back to believing the "American Dream".
pizzabubble7
http://www.vox.com/2015/5/27/8671135/bernie-sanders-race
accountabyss
He's an economic Robin Hood, Obama-esque job creator who thinks we can tax away inequality; wants real socialism. Few good ideas, but LOLno.
mildlyhumerus
shut up, hillary
pancreas
He's cis scum
anubis132
Heh, it appears some people don't have a sense of humor.
PlantainSuperNova
His views on the Israel-Palestine situation is pretty messed up.
ajizzle
his whole philosophy is to use the force of government to redistribute wealth to people and programs he supports
dogsi
He is too economically left. That's about it. He is an idealist more than a realist but at least he has integrity.
panzersharkcat
His immigration stance is pretty much "dey terk our jerbs!!!"
iwaswatchingcops
He has really great opinions, but a lot of the things he's proposing aren't feasible with the state of US congress. 1/2
acunninglinguist
If he ran as a republican, I bet a lot of them would suddenly think Socialism is great!
jacquesrobespierre
This may be true but I don't see how it means hes not a great candidate. Certainly the one with the most integrity.
ImAnSJW
Because having ideas means nothing if they can't become a tangible thing. He needs to be willing to compromise.
jacquesrobespierre
I believe his senate record shows that he is willing to. Look at his work on the VA with a republican.
rashdanml
Pretty much.
ifthatsaveiledcriticismaboutmeiwonthearitandiwontrespondtoit
this
mrgrape
Also, it's suspicious that multiple separate comments have an odd, "List reasons he isn't great." Seems like shill work.
Kargathia
Or people just get suspicious when the bandwagon opinion is that the sun shines out of his arse. Quickest way to get some balance.
FOKvothe
He's a socialist.
hessogladhesvlad
Many may feel his stance on guns are a negative. He isn't anti-gun, he really isn't that pro-gun either, so both probably dislike him.
DaeintheLife
From a gun owners pov, he is very anti gun. Wanting to ban any type of firearm is anti gun to a large portion of us.
hessogladhesvlad
You made my point perfectly, and to a gun control person he is very pro-gun.
RedTurtle1234
The gun culture in the US is beautiful.
DaeintheLife
From a gun owners pov, he is very anti gun. Wanting to ban any type of firearm is anti gun to a large portion of us.
ifthatsaveiledcriticismaboutmeiwonthearitandiwontrespondtoit
He voted to keep Guantanamo Bay open.
ifthatsaveiledcriticismaboutmeiwonthearitandiwontrespondtoit
http://archives.politicususa.com/2011/07/16/dont-blame-obama-only-6-democratic-senators-voted-to-fund-closing-gitmo.html
ifthatsaveiledcriticismaboutmeiwonthearitandiwontrespondtoit
Note-- only 6 democrats voted to close Gitmo, and Sanders is NOT one of them.
ifthatsaveiledcriticismaboutmeiwonthearitandiwontrespondtoit
Love that it was downvoted BEFORE I posted sources. Just goes to show how much thought we're all giving this...
ifthatsaveiledcriticismaboutmeiwonthearitandiwontrespondtoit
source: http://www.sanders.senate.gov/404 where the page USED to be. It's been removed since then.
DragonFreedom
He's also not strong on gun control, a pretty important issue for most liberals.
WiqidBritt
I got downvoted to hell when I brought this up once.
toast667
That gives him a chance for republican votes. Thats a big factor on how I vote, how my family votes, and a lot of my friends.
PlantainSuperNova
http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2015/07/12/bernie-sanders-parrots-the-nra.html
Aranyszin
Idealism is a great motivator but a terrible basis for policy. People say he wants to "help the poor" like all it takes is someone just
Aranyszin
deciding to do that. As though, until now, the poor have been poor because people just don't care enough to make them not be poor.
cptkipard
But the demonisation of the poor is actually happening. Everyone just wants to throw bootstraps.
Cuntard
He's owned by corrupt labor unions
andaberrant
Sauce?
Cuntard
opensecrets.org
mrgrape
What makes those unions corrupt?
Cuntard
valid point. the corrupt adjective is my subjective opinion. it is fact that his donors are unions.
PlantainSuperNova
this. he's not getting money from pacs, because the unions are funding him.
squintish
Which corrupt labor unions would that be, specifically?
Cuntard
machinists, teamsters, teachers, uaw are the top 4 contributors in order. though i should have said that their being corrupt is my opinion
MintMission
Do you have some citation on this?
jsd3306
I thought the labor union backing was common knowledge. Corrupt of course is a matter of opinion. I'm not too fond of modern unions.
PlantainSuperNova
it's almost like he's being funding by PACs through proxy
PlantainSuperNova
https://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/contrib.php?cycle=Career&cid=N00000528 enjoy
MintMission
Corrupt is the aspect I was doubting. Unions are an essential aspect of the economy, like companies.
MintMission
100 k for the top one for his whole career? That's nothing. Hillary already raised 35 m just for this campaign alone.
bpsr2000
He believes the Second amendment should be modified for hunters only, I'm paraphrasing obviously, I like the guy but that is a deal breaker
TrentLane
The second amendment should go purely for the reason it's badly written. Probably why there's so much arguing about it.
Mr107
Do you really think the government will come knocking on your door to take away your gun? Really?
CruisinDownTheStreet64
Yes. But they have to find me first! *puts tinfoil hat on*
bpsr2000
Germany, France, Cambodia, China, Uganda, Soviet Union, The Uk, Australia, etc....You're right that has never happened before. Silly me.
iwaswatchingcops
2/2 It's hard to believe he'd be able to actually get anything he wants done, especially as a socialist, seeing what Obama went though
RedTurtle1234
He has specifically addressed this.
Popyseed11
The cunts in Congress will just throw another big bitch fit and shut down the govt again.
jacquesrobespierre
Democratic socialist. Nothing hes proposing is anymore socialist than anything found in Sweden or Germany.
flapperfemmefatale
if the only other option is a conservative who might get things done that i disagree with, i'd still vote for Bernie.
anubis132
The "he'd be wasted in the presidency" argument is hard to deny, but all change takes time; maybe he'd at least be able to pave the way.
anubis132
After all, Obama was able to push the ACA through. While imperfect, it may open the possibility of additional healthcare reform later.
MintMission
My actual #1 issue with him. Why would he be more successful with the current state of Congress?
ifthatsaveiledcriticismaboutmeiwonthearitandiwontrespondtoit
Exactly! Sandersfans seem way too idealistic on this one sometimes.
jacquesrobespierre
There's nothing wrong with being idealistic. It doesn't mean we don't understand it probably all wont happen. I'ts better than nothing.
MyLuggageAteMyHomework
Better to strive for better things than to settle for shit.
ifthatsaveiledcriticismaboutmeiwonthearitandiwontrespondtoit
It's worse than lying. It's a pie crust promise that he used to get into office, that he never intended to deliver on in the first place.
ifthatsaveiledcriticismaboutmeiwonthearitandiwontrespondtoit
That's IF he's lying. IF he isn't, then he hasn't been paying attention to how the GOP treated Obama, and when THEY labeled him "socialist".
jacquesrobespierre
I don't think those are the only two options at all. Id rather his positions be moderated to something less extreme than a moderates 1
jacquesrobespierre
positions be moderated to something completely meaningless. You don't get meaningful change by electing the status-quo over and over.
malexmatt
He doesn't EVER mention that his programs would involve raising taxes on everyone A LOT, not just the rich.
[deleted]
[deleted]
arminillo
Will any paper do?
ChrisVu
Sorry I meant that you should read an article for PBS Kids on how Barney saved the day. Totally what I meant, sorry. And after that Dora!
FuriousShitPosterr
That is a key concept for socialism, everyone pays for everyone.
Thule
http://imgur.com/RfCSJal Taxes in Sweden!
TrentLane
If you look at tax as a percentage of GDP theUSA pays more tax than Australia yet we have healthcare, welfare, education better funded.
Turdnado
Yes, but tell us about your military might.
TrentLane
Well I don't want to trump our own horn but we own more f-18s than would fit on an USN carrier.
Turdnado
Impressive sir. Impressive indeed.
TrentLane
And a higher education system that is highly subsidised, the remainder on a indexed loan you only pay off when you start earning enough.
TrentLane
That's mostly free healthcare, a full welfare system with unemployment, disability and an aged pension.
TrentLane
My gosh, my grammar is terrible today.
PlantainSuperNova
He said he was okay with a 90 percent tax hike.
ASE7ENK
im okay with it too and im a low income american
shoujoq
That's not what he said, he said that once America had a TOP MARGINAL RATE of 90%. Learn about marginal rates, it could save your life!
malexmatt
Yeah, for the rich. What he won't say is that all those countries with vast welfare states have 40%+ taxes on almost everyone
IMayOrMayNotHaveTroubleFindingAndOrChoosingAUsername
That's pretty much how it works.
Iamyourcaptainnow
Swiss here... not true. 15%-20%. 90k income. 5 weeks paid holidays, healthcare, and over a year salary if I loose my job. 1/2
Iamyourcaptainnow
And 4 of these things are standard here. How? Our managers earn on average only around 20 times as much as a normal worker. 2/3
CorvusBelli
Our average is 25%; high, but not "40%+ on almost everyone". The average in the US? 31.5%.
CorvusBelli
As a Brit, that's blatantly false; our highest rate of tax is 45%, which kicks in when you earn the equivalent of $250,000 per annum.
malexmatt
Also, upvote for you, because nothing in your comment deserves a downvote like some ass gave you.
malexmatt
People who talk up the welfare state in the US are usually thinking Scandinavia, so Denmark or Sweden.
Thule
As a Swede, you are wrong. I am a regular worker paying 52% tax and if I work too much overtime extra taxes kicks in.
tortfeasor
You have a 20% VAT you pay on most purchases on top of that. His comment is about total tax burden, not just income tax.
PaleJr
Paid vacation at barely more than part time? How does that make sense?
Thule
Paid vacation in Sweden is that you pay a fee each month that pay for the paid vacation. Sure it's paid but by yourself.
whyteraven74
Ask every other country in the developed world. They already have it.
TheSisko
Why wouldn't it make sense? Everyone needs vacation time and part-time employees often can't take it because they can't afford to miss work.
757365726e616d65
you do know that it would make employee cost more for employer. so either price rises, pay cuts or lowring the number of workers pays for it
AntTrapHouse
So what? Other countries deal with it just fine.
narwhalhosting
Because human beings thrive and become more productive when they're treated like humans and able to take care of their needs? Just a thought
strawberry1217
a lot of jobs will keep you at 38-39 hours so they don't have to do stuff like this
spartaness
Must be a better deal than some companies give to need it at all.
jonnnney
It is to fight off the companies that keep people at part time and give time off to people with multiple part time jobs.
bornin1992
Company's way around this: have people work 23hours per week. Policies like this that try to force companies to do things don't work.
jonnnney
You think every company in America without paid time off is going to reduce every worker's hours to 23 hours a week? That seems unlikely
bornin1992
If a policy is passed that forces 24hour workers to get paid time off, they will reduce their hours to 23 to avoid that.
jonnnney
So companies will take employees working 40 hours a week and reduce them to 23 hours a week? That seems to be an extreme reaction.
FlatusIgnition
Does the government pay for this?
jonnnney
No, the government wouldn't provide paid vacation to employees unless they were employed by the government.
FlatusIgnition
Then why would I have to pay for vacation on a part-time employee? I already pay payroll taxes + healthcare. 35% premium when hiring.
jonnnney
Why would you have to? Because that is how laws work.
Nucas
the company does. this is law on the books throughout almost all of western europe and scandinavia. even in mexico. yet in america, OUTRAGE
FlatusIgnition
It's not an ourage. I'll give someone at part-time vacation, but it won't be paid. My company isn't in the business of giving away money.
SarcasticComment
"Is against Super PACs... has a Super PAC." He does. Google it.
Vorengard
Of course he just says he doesn't so people who believe everything they want to hear will swoon and post things like this
ifthatsaveiledcriticismaboutmeiwonthearitandiwontrespondtoit
"ummm actually" --everyone ITT
safelysolipsize
I just did. He vowed to not have one and a supporter named Eric C. Jacobson filed one in support of him named
SarcasticComment
I know. I was mainly making a joke to ruffle some jimmies. +1 on doing some quick homework.
safelysolipsize
Lol I guess I should have noticed your username
raincoat86
Sarcasticcomment: as advertized
safelysolipsize
"Billionaires for Bernie", which he will have to change the title of. It doesn't actually look like Bernie chose for this guy to do that.
malexmatt
No politician is supposed to. It's illegal for them to coordinate with the campaign of candidate.
NatalieDormerWillYouMarryMe
+1 for yousername. subtle, but awesome. good luck
Takeagabu
People don't understand how s-pacs work. S-pacs arent allowed by law to have any input from the candidate. He has no say whether it exists
SarcasticComment
Exactly. But his imgur supporters sure get uppity when you point out one exists. I guess they really hate facts
aHumbleVaudevillianVeteran
Its a joke one so people on the internet can say shit like this. I believe it has raised zero money so far, it hasn't run any ads anywhere.
SarcasticComment
"Say shit like this" ummmm... you mean the truth? One exists whether you like it or not.
aHumbleVaudevillianVeteran
Its hardly fair to claim that its an actual super-PAC. I could file paperwork saying I started one for Superman, still doesn't make it real.
SarcasticComment
And if you did. One would exist for superman. Your point?
TheSisko
And it's technically illegal until the guy who started it changes its name.
JediKnight
Technically, you can't "have" a super PAC and be a political candidate. But it's a legal grey area.
SarcasticComment
Correct. People on imgur sure get uppity when you point out that one exists
LogarhythmicFunktion
That is true. However, Bernie's far more hands off than some of the others. For instance, John Ellis was soliciting donations for his 1/2
LogarhythmicFunktion
SuperPAC until like, the week before he formally announced his candidacy.
mokus
If you think he "has" a Super PAC, you don't understand what they are.
SarcasticComment
140 characters is not enough to go into how super packs opperate and a detailed explination would impact the humor of the statement
SarcasticComment
I feel we are both intelligent enough to understand that the word "has" implies the support of PAC fund
IcathianSurprise
it wasn't his choice
SarcasticComment
Doesn't change fact that he has one. He either hates it or secretly loves it. Facts are facts
nitrodragon54
Well he vowed to never take any money from it so i think that settles that.
SarcasticComment
So he either sits there hating it or secretly loving the imdependent PAC fund. No way of knowing
nitrodragon54
Oops forgot to read your name lol i know you're just joking around.
SarcasticComment
Ummmm... Super PACs opperate independently of candidates. His "taking money" would be illegal in the first place
IcathianSurprise
the fact is it wasn't his choice
SarcasticComment
And that impacts the exisance of the fund? Does it make it not exist
Whydopeoplekeepcallingmethat
That's kind of the point, it exists against his will. He can't stop someone from making one on his behalf.
mistersteel
Has integrity, but I don't agree with his policies. But I also don't agree with anyone else's, and they don't have integrity. Sigh.
AvatarTommyBee
That's radical - being the only one you can agree with .. only beaten by disagreeing with yourself.
TheSisko
America needs a president with integrity.
HalloIamherenow
I don't really like any of the candidates this time around, we need that "none of the above" option on the ballot and hold a new election.
FatherJack
Unfortunately it is a buzzword that has totally been stricken of it's original, let alone any, real meaning.
Rocketwilco
I know the feeling bro. I can't vote for a socialist, but yet he's the only non-monster running.
graysongerni
I hate it when people say, "ITS YOUR OBLIGATION AS AN AMERICAN TO VOTE!" what if nobody is worth my vote?!?! (which I never really think so)
LucasTigy
welcome to politics, where everything is wrong
unscot
I can agree with this.
JoeBiundo
We're on the same page. I'd say I have more fiscal conservative views but he sounds like the most genuine candidate.
MinotaurRising
Who's best of the worst then? Or maybe, whose policies do you disagree with the least?
JeptonGreen
Hell, better than Clinton or Trump.
Rocketwilco
Would be awesome to have a person good with economics be prez, but a disaster to elect an egomaniac.
IAmDrBanner
Policies can change. Someone suddenly growing a conscience and integrity is much harder.
BillFlippingFujiWilliams
Thank you for sharing such intellect! This is a very good analogy of powerful position
ImFunnierThanYallGiveMeCreditFor
Wise words
mistersteel
A lot of people are asking what I mean by this, but Imgur isn't the platform to explain myself without overgeneralizing my political beliefs
mistersteel
But I'm a libertarian, so generally when I see a problem with society my first reaction isn't that we should enact more rules or structure.
ichai
Why not Rand Paul? He may be running as GOP, but he's been consistently small govmt. Including working against the Patriot Act and TPP
duncanidah0
I hate most Republican Ideologies but Rand Paul has a great idea of how government should function, unfortunately most internet-ians (1/2)
duncanidah0
will write him off because he is a Republican. Government isn't supposed to be a bloated policy machine. They r a support, not a foundation.
mistersteel
But again, that is an overgeneralization of what I believe, and isn't exactly something I can explain in just a few comments.
mistersteel
From an intellectual level, a lot of Sanders's ideas sound fantastic, but there's no way we could bring them about without compromising
mistersteel
the things about them that make them great.
lmgursLibertarian
Have you tried rand Paul?
DoctorCoktopus
Obligatory Why Not Zoidberg.
yourbassist
I voted for his dad. I will not be voting for Rand.
IcathianSurprise
everything about this guy's policies is awesome to me, where do you think he has problems?
[deleted]
[deleted]
IcathianSurprise
I've listened to multiple hour-long speeches/interviews and attended a rally.
arsetechnica
He might go too far or make large costly mistakes basically. That's what I think OP is talking about at least.
mistersteel
Yeah I'm a libertarian, and generally (with most things) don't agree with enacting change through federal regulations. It costs too much (1)
ChuckIHadADoubleBuurgerrr
I'm afraid that it's potentially the only way though. The super rich aren't going to just offer to pay equal taxes.
mistersteel
(2) and is generally a cluster of compromises and grey area. His ideas sound great, but in action I worry they'd make things worse.
SassyTheSasquatchh
Why don't you like him? (I'm British just askin for your views)
MidWestSurfer
He also voted for a congressional pay raise and against banning soft money contributions to parties, he is just like the rest of them
ThePwnmeister
He wants to increase the power and size of the federal government, when that would only help with a few issues and overburden far more
samjam10412
I'm new to imgur, but seeing such a rational and intellectual debate on here... I know I'll be sticking around for quite a while.
SassyTheSasquatchh
There are some people who will just down vote you if you express an opinion so it's risky, but imgur is great! Hope you enjoy it here!
samjam10412
Are down votes really that big of a deal? Like does something happen if you get too many?
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
On the issues I think are most important and that a president can impact the most, I think he has bad ideas. First, he's actually fairly 1/
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
anti-immigration. A president's views can impact how enforcement is done as Obama shows. Second, his ideas on how to help the poor are 2/
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
even though I'm not a big fan of Jeb Bush or Hillary Clinton I think their platforms are more responsible and likely to not end terribly 7/7
Guillo1985
The fact that you included jeb bush in this comment, took all the "listening to your point" for me
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
OK well not everyone is a Democrat
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
members of the Federal Reserve and Fed policy in almost all mainstream macro economics is vitally important to preventing recessions. So 6/
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
Income Tax Credit. Finally, I haven't seen him take a strong stance on Federal Reserve policy, even though the president appoints the 5/
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
US Southeast, in a number of those states the median wage isn't even $15 an hour. A much better policy is wage subsidies like the Earned 4/
thiscannotpossiblygowrong
fairly wrong-headed in my view. His support for a $15 an hour minimum national minimum wage is a good way to disemploy large parts of the 2/
DoctorCoktopus
No logical reasoning behind this, but he feels dangerous to me. His quotes sound good, but I'm afraid of how far he might take things.
Snarkoleptic
That's because the media implies he's dangerous. He's however closer to your founding fathers than any other politician in the US today
WordsAreHardToThinkOf
It's not like the president can just go and do whatever he wants though
BreadLettuceTomatoes
He is what we've been warned of, the antichrist! jk I'll probably vote for him
DoctorCoktopus
lol
IntrepidOtter
Look at his record if you are worried, he has been consistent for a very long time! One of the reasons to like him.
Nineteenletterslong
Presidents should have ideas, and a group of people to work with them to try and make the ideas a reality, and then other people vote on it.
Nineteenletterslong
My point is, no president just gets absolute power, he doesn't have the option to take things too far.
RoofRenegade
if his plans are too "radical" and little gets accomplished, that is bad too. Small changes in the right direction is the only way 1)
SellaTheChair
I have similar feelings. I can see kind of where Bernie is going with some of this but I'm not sure I can trust everything I'm hearing
SassyTheSasquatchh
Also I totally respect your opinion, your country not mine. I've just been concerned for America for awhile now.
Smajdalf
Me too. Shame that we can't do much about it.
DoctorCoktopus
I completely understand that. I certainly won't say that I have a better idea at this point.
SassyTheSasquatchh
Well, it's always important to scrutinize presidents. So don't worry about it.
IDontCareImStillFreeYouCantTakeTheSkyFromMe
This is so sad.... We're pitied by others, and ourselves....And yet, we're still allowing our government to take dumps on the people...
SassyTheSasquatchh
Well, yeah I guess. But... America (I'm sorry) you haven't been too nice recently... With Iraq and all. Give this man a go!
DarthFutuza
So what was Obama's presidency then, unnoticed time?
SassyTheSasquatchh
Well, from a British view Obama wasn't too bad. certainly better than Bush. I don't know enough to comment!
deladyth
GB went to war with Iraq as well as the US
SassyTheSasquatchh
I know and it totally sucks. My country is no saint either unfortunately.
Lionskull
not like congress will actually let him do anything if he does get elected...
hoofbeatsandsnowflakes
That's what I'm worried about. yeah, Presidents can have all kinds of good ideas, but they have a lot of people to deal with
Durzaka
Fucking exactly. it isnt like Obama had bad ideas either. but you cant get shit done without a congress that agrees.
feeltheice
What hasn't he done that he set out to do?
Mos2414
What worries me though is that Obama has spoken on multiple occasions of subverting Congress. Today's politicians don't care about protocol.
amathadroy
I agree with op you replied to. I don't like his views because I want a hands off government.
SassyTheSasquatchh
Why so?
amathadroy
I don't feel the government is always the best solution.1
maddogg2216
What is the best solution then? Certainly not corporations who's only goal is to make a buck.
amathadroy
Look at our college system It is a total mess and government loans and grants inflate the price even more.
maddogg2216
college system is mostly private institution that get some sort of funding from the state (not fed) and is run by the institution.
amathadroy
To a point where the education that you are getting is not worth as much as you pay for it.
SassyTheSasquatchh
I have thought about this a lot and to a point I can agree with you, although, Imgur is not the place to debate, but, good points!
xkr73
For example, setting a maximum price for education, to limit how much the corporation can charge. This prevents enormous debt from [2]
xkr73
Herein lies the issue: That's not because of Government, it's because of corporations. A government should limit corporate activity;[1]
xkr73
Students, and is therefore healthier for the economy. The same applies for healthcare, and other things you could consider necesseties[3]
mistersteel
Imgur isn't a great platform for this, but broadly I'm a libertarian who thinks the federal government is too big and that overcomplicating
NewtonWren
As a libertarian, have you ever considered that your society is closer to Princes and Serfs than individuality?
notme222
Fingers crossed that Rand Paul will stand his ground and not morph into a typical republican to get the nomination.
Mos2414
This worries me as well. But I also worry that he won't come off as being "not republican enough" and give the nomination to someone else.
Mos2414
I worded this poorly, and I apologize. It's late, I'm tired. I worry he'll come off as "too libertarian."
MoreCowBellBaby
I would be cool with rand. Okay with Cruz, Carson or rubio
DaveExclamationMark
You shouldn't be downvoted just for having different political views from other Imgurians.
MoreCowBellBaby
Did someone hit me down to 0? Deadgum democrats ;):P
xboxhobo
THERE ARE DOZENS OF US! DOZENS!
EverythingWithFries
140 characters is only enough to make a stupid fucking joke. It's retarded. I'm of similar views, but less adamant about downsizing gov't.
Mos2414
The ability to simplify an idea is a sign that you really understand the matter at hand. 140 characters is tight, but not just for jokes.
Luciferyourgod
When you're talking politics over simplifying is bad. Leads to generalizations. Good ideas are expressed with words not fundamentals.
EverythingWithFries
But people respond to comments with anecdotes and stories and it forces them to make unnecessary comment chains. And Thx 4 the downvote :^)
mistersteel
it further by enacting a wave of idealist policies will only cause further polarization and debt.
whyteraven74
Policies don't cause polarization, people who get off on suffering cause it.
sidfromtoystory
think about how much money is spent on defence and the war on drugs and other ridiculous things
YogiBeear
If you any libertarian, you wouldn't bring up defense and the war on drugs because they are STRONGLY against. What did Obama do about it?
Acornlad
Think how much money is spent on social programs which aren't necessary. The nation's defense is a much higher priority with China and (1/2)
SassyTheSasquatchh
Debt will always exist, complete lie from governments they they will cut the deficit. It's how capitalism thrived off our govts
cosmicengine
If you check Greenspan's testimony right before the W tax cut he implies that running a surplus is bad for the country. 1/2
MD2Be
Debt is inevitable, entitlements can grow indefinitely, and Greece is solvent
DarthFutuza
Yeah, but there's a point at which it will destroy a nation and causes economic turmoil. Reducing debt is always a good thing.
feeltheice
Debt in governments is not a good thing. It's monumental weight that keeps us from getting nice things
GaryFreakinOak
But debt didn't always exist. And it is possible to pay it off.
ChettyChettyBangBang
That is a cop out especially when the U.S. is running a current account deficit and a fiscal deficit. (I'm from the U.S.)
TokensWorth
"Socialism is a social and economic system characterised by social ownership" America can only progress when people own their own things.
whyteraven74
Actually there are many varieties of socialism. Not all socialists fit that definition.
TokensWorth
I hope.
pancreas
As a canadian, I kind of like not owning my hospital bill.
Caniac
Well, Blue Cross just announced a 35% hike due to the ACA, so maybe it's all in the implementation
TokensWorth
As an American, I refused to act entitled, worked hard in the system I live in, and I dont have hospital bills either...
jdsutton
How fortunate for you.
TokensWorth
There it is, I had a neighbor say to his dad "They are very lucky" and I wanted to say YOU CAN BE TOO IF YOU STOP THINKING THAT WAY AND WORK
jdsutton
Thing is, not everybody gets the same results for the same work. There are students working way harder than me drowning in debt.
pancreas
You're either an old, rich, white guy, or an incredibly naive son of a bitch.
TokensWorth
Broke at 22, work my ass off, read books, learned from Old Rich White Guys, and before I was 30 I bought a house. Its isnt easy, but doable.
pancreas
and in what way do any of these things ensure that you do not, nor will you ever have, an exorbitantly large hospital bill to pay?
pancreas
(2)Keep in mind that health insurance in the USA is tough to get, and tough to make them pay out as well.