House Of Public Discourse
Is an area in social life where individuals can come together to freely discuss and identify societal problems, and through that discussion influence political action.
Dear World, We're sorry, We are doing our best but our country seems to be suffering from a severe case of oligarchy. There is no excuse for our slumber while the rich and powerful surreptitiously usurped our Government. All we can do now is apologize and promise to work very hard to take our Government back. Then, and only then, can we work on healing the damage we have let happen in the rest of the World? Please bear with us until we get our shit in one sock.
If it's any consolation we are screwing ourselves too. We are killing our own people by choosing asshole politicians who ignore, uselessly wring their hands, or actively promoting policies that redirect wealth, put record numbers of us in prison, profile and target segments of our population, and divide us using identity politics. We are suffering too. That's nothing compared to the millions of tons of bombs we drop and endless crates of weapons we ship that cause so much destruction and pain. It pales in comparison to the exploitation of the poor and powerless among you. Our pain is much less than we visit on you. We are aware of that but it is still deeply felt among some of us.
Stop The Hate Hoodie 3 Colors $45.00 Click Here For [Free Shipping]
Please understand we see the problem now. That's the first step in solving it. We are awake now and we have begun our internal fight to affect the change we all need, us as well as you. Though it may seem like we are fighting for our own rights only at first, we assure you that's not the case. We are fighting for you too. We can't topple the establishment that oppresses you until we overturn the system that oppresses us.
Donald Trump
Nothing epitomizes our problem more than our current election. The economic and political powers in our Country have put forth horrendous choices. I'm afraid that means things will get worse before they get better. On one hand, we have an outrageously bombastic caricature of a wannabe Mussolini. On the other, we have one of the more corrupt war loving puppets of the oligarchy we've seen in recent history. Neither will be good. Neither understands economics, be prepared for another disaster there. Both are a threat to peace and promote violence against you. That's the bad news.
Hillary Clinton Is Deplorable Shirt $22 Click Here For [Free Shipping]
The good news is the oligarchy has gone too far. To use a U.S. colloquialism, they overplayed their hand. Those of us who are awake now are waking up others. We will end the reign of the oligarchs and put people in power that will end everyone's suffering, yours as well as ours. We will end the exploitation of all of us. We will stop the endless Regime Change Interventionist wars. We will make our corporations and Government treat you and us more fairly. All we ask is that you give us a chance to fix the problems. We will do it and we will make it up to you all by leading you, The World, into a more prosperous and free era without the destructive Neoliberal ideas. [See: Neoliberalism Help Lead To The Decline In Democracy In America.]
We will not try to force our own vision of how others should be down their throats. We will allow the rest of you to choose your own destiny without the threat of our military bombing you until your societies break down. To those of you who we have hurt we will help you rebuild your communities and help you be what you want to be.
Again, we're sorry World. We are deeply embarrassed by our current state. We'll fix it which in turn will help all of us in the end. Just be patient for a few more years. We know that sucks but it's the best we can do. We assure you that while we clean our own house we will not idly allow our Oligarchs to continue to hurt you. That doesn't mean you are completely safe but we'll be fighting for you. We'll be insisting on peaceful solutions. If the oligarchs don't offer you peace then they will have no peace either.
Six out of ten Americans say a third party is needed and the current Democratic Party race between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders proves it beyond a reasonable doubt.
The House of Public Discourse over the last several weeks has been reviewing data concerning the ever growing desire for the establishment of a third political party in America.
"A majority of Americans, 60%, say a third major political party is needed because the Republican and Democratic parties "do such a poor job" of representing the American people. This matches the high set in 2013. Since 2007, a majority of Americans have generally called for a third party, with the exception of the last two presidential election years." [See Source]
The approval ratings of Congress is at all-time lows. The American people are fed up with the dysfunction of how our government works, The image of both political parties is in the trash bin. To coin a phrase from Bernie Sanders "enough is enough." Now, in 2016 with one Democratic Party primary debacle after another and the outward show of favoritism by the Democratic National Committee [DNC] the Democratic Party establishment and their corporate owned media outlets, and the shutting out of Independent voters by way of closed primaries Progressives and Independents are screaming for a third-party.
Only 26% of Americans polled feel that both political parties are doing an adequate job of representing the American people. 60% of American polled say the two political parties are doing such a poor job that a third party is not only needed it’s needed right now!
At no time in America's political history has there been such an outcry for a third political party to be established. In the past, there has not been a huge variance between Democrats and Republican voters on whether a third party was needed. For decades, Independents have been the loudest voice screaming for a third party. However, with 2016 Democratic Party presidential race taking on the appearance of political rigging and voter suppression within the Democratic Party mostly Bernie Sanders supporters, there has been a huge spike in the call for a new Progressive Party.
Enough With The “Spoiler Argument" The Two-Party System Is Already Rotten To The Core.
The question at hand for advocates of a third party in America is how do you build on this political momentum?
One thing you do not do is to continue to vote for a lesser evil and reaffirming the status quo. That is exactly what happens when we continue to vote for either party’s establishment candidates. Both the Blue and Red party's have brought us to this point. They have colluded along the way, they have created a corrupt perverse system that works for the benefit of the wealthy and is a true Plutocracy. [See Article]
Our government, as it stands today, works for the wealthy and not in the best interest of all Americans. This malady has happened with the collusion and the corporation of both the Democratic and Republican Parties. It[corruption] will continue if we don't right now " while the iron is hot," by people power take charge and send a clear message that " We the People" are not taking it anymore and we are going to change the system of political corruption once and for all. We are not talking about just changing the players that operate with this perverse system they play we are talking about changing the game period. It's time to change the rules. This is what Bernie Sanders message has been from day one we as a collective people have the ultimate power to effect this most needed change. We all must put our heads together organize and get behind a new Progressive Party that operates with new rules geared for the interest of all Americans and we need to start at the local and state levels right away and start preparing for the mid-terms in 2016.
There Has Been A Line In The Sand Drawn For Many Progressive Democrats Who Feel Betrayed By The Democratic Party Establishment.
Where do you as an individual draw the line? Think about it! As a matter of principle, will you draw a line? There have been violations of the "War Powers Clause,"and the "War Powers Resolution." [See Source] When will the lesser of two evils not cut it for you personally? For many of us, this writer included this is what we got when we fell for the Obama 2008 " Hope and Change" declaration and many of us were not focused on the fact that Obama just like Hillary Clinton has turned out to be nothing more than a " Third Way Democrat." [See Article]
Yes, Obamacare has been a big improvement and most Progressives fought tooth and nail in support of President Obama in his fight against the Republican obstruction to its [Affordable Care Act] passage. However, and this writer remembers like if it was yesterday when I heard that Obama had caved on the single-payer opinion and the private for profit Health Insurance Industry skipped on down the streets happy as a Jaybird on Jaybird street knowing now that every American has to buy their perverse products. What irritated this writer most is he [Obama] did not have to cave in and Senator Tom Harkin (D-IW) said it best.
Top Democrat: 'We Had The Votes' For Single-Payer
As Bernie Sanders has made clear in his bid for the Democratic nomination America remains the only industrialize country in the world who relies on for-profit health insurance companies and Obamacare does nothing to change that and was brought to us by the Democratic Party.
Will you draw the line with impunity on the war criminals from the Bush Administration that in 2008 he spoke of with such disdain and rightfully so but no sooner that he[Obama] got into office he says " let's not bother with bringing them to justice let's move forward." Will you draw a line now that in 2009 Democratic Party " Hope and Change" president Barack Obama signed into law the power for any president to point out any American citizen deemed them to be a belligerent, or terrorist and have life, liberty, and freedom to move about without no legal counsel, no charges, no trial, and you could be incarcerated for life under this 2009 legislation. The first time in the history of America any such legislation ever became law.[See Source]
Finally, will you draw a line in the sand against the obvious rigging of our political process by both the Democratic and Republican Parties?
This argument based on fear by Hillary Clinton supporters and the corporate media pundits that our " Political Revolution," and Bernie Sanders is doing harm to the Democratic Party and our insistence that we will no longer settle for what we perceive to be a lesser of two evils and that for us " Any Blue Want Do" attitude in fact is not harmful it is the example of grassroots Democracy at its best.
No fair-minded person could ever accuse Bernie Sanders of running a negative campaign against Hillary Clinton. Many Democrats and Independents will not vote for Hillary Clinton under any condition.
Several things are going on here. The mainstream media are spinning Bernie Sanders win in the New Hampshire primary as just a win from a politician from a neighboring state. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Democratic Party establishment and her supporters have a hard time accepting that Hillary Clinton is a weak and flawed candidate.
What New Hampshire taught us is that when Hillary Clinton tries to sell us that no one owns her and that she never has changed her position because of influence peddling no one is buying. Hillary Clinton lost across all demographics in New Hampshire except those who make over 200 thousand a year and the elderly.
In the last debate with Bernie Sanders Hillary Clinton posed a question when has money ever influenced her decision making? One of Hillary's biggest weakness or flaws is she seems to forget from one minute to the next what she has said or done in her political past. She tends to insult the political intelligence of the Progressive and Independent voter. Case in point came from an interview conducted by highly respected reporter Bill Moyers with now highly popular Democratic senator from Massachusetts Elizabeth Warren.
Bill Moyers Interview With Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
This interview done several years ago was before Elizabeth Warren became a Congresswoman. As of the rendition of this essay, Elizabeth Warren is the only female senator who has not endorsed Hillary Clinton. In fact, Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders have been leaders in lockstep with many of the issues that matter to progressive voters. The Trans-Pacific Partnership [TPP] is a prime example.
For The Record
There are several things incredible about Hillary Clinton claim that she hasn't been influenced by her donors and speech circuit customers. Also, it is not just a matter of changing positions based on contributions. When we talk about corporate conglomerates like Goldman Sachs they don't contribute to a political campaign without a reason. To think otherwise is political blindness. The campaign donations Hillary Clinton has received from Wall Street over the course of her political career is nothing more than a show of confidence that they trust her to look out for their best interest.
Basic human nature and common sense should tell any even-minded person campaign contributions come with strings attached and for Hillary Clinton to suggest otherwise shows another one of her flaws disingenuousness.
Hillary Clinton operatives and her supporters get annoyed when you tie her to the record of her husband, former President Bill Clinton. However, the facts show they have been a political partnership for over 40 years. It's a political duo. Both have acted in each others interest on more than one occasion. In fact, it's a political strategy that has worked well for both Bill and Hillary.
Bill Clinton
Bill Clinton administration was responsible for much of the deregulation of Wall Street and Finance that led to the "Big Bank Bailouts," in 2008. His repeal of Glass-Steagall provided a pathway for less oversight, and many expert economists have stated it played a significant role as well. Hillary Clinton was standing by her man and to this day does not support reinstating an updated version of Glass-Steagall. Hillary Clinton was an architect of what became known as the "New Democrats." The ideology was a centrist one that developed after the 1988 election of Republican George H.W. Bush. The philosophy of what many call the " Clinton Democrats" is nothing more than " Neoliberalism," at its finest. [See Article] The "Clinton Democratic" platform is Wall Street friendly, corporate friendly, robust on crime, and in bed with the Military Industrial Complex.
This political mantra is who Hillary Clinton has been for decades. Firms like Goldman Sachs trust her, the corporate elites worship the ground she walks on, and moderate centrist Republicans don't mind her one bit and would much rather she win the Democratic nomination than anti-establishment candidate Bernie Sanders.
In a recent campaign speech in New Hampshire, Hillary Clinton talked about the role George Bush II played in the deregulation that led to the 2008 crash. In that speech, she made no reference whatsoever to the role her husband administration played. In the many pages of books Hillary Clinton has written over the years, she has never criticized, apologized, or admitted that the Clinton administration's repeal of " Glass-Steagall," was an important factor in causing the financial crisis in 2008.
At the same time, she praised the "ending welfare as we know it reforms" put in place by her husband administration that kicked thousand off the welfare rolls. This policy created a system of rampant racial biases.[See Source]
These factors as mentioned earlier are now coming back to haunt Hillary Clinton now that the Democratic Party is rapidly shifting from center right to center left. This change within the Democratic Party is the cause of the problems the Clinton campaign is having with progressives, independents, and young voters in the 2016 Democratic primary.
Bernie Sanders
There is no doubt that Wall Street and the markets will go into freak out mode if Bernie Sanders becomes president. The format that is in place now demands that a president succumbs to the demands of Wall Street, and this applies to current President Obama as well. There is no denying that the forces on Wall Street are very powerful. A Bernie Sanders presidency will undoubtedly have significant hurdles to overcome and will face Republican obstructionism much like President Obama but no one is claiming the change will be easy.
There is and idea that more public owned banking would be a great place to start. Many have suggested this would circumvent the mantra of too big to fail, too big to jail, and is the essence of Democratic Socialism. Hence, Bernie Sanders campaign desires to break up the big banks.
Once again we are seeing a very volatile stock market. [See Source] There are signs that we are heading for another melt down, according to some economic pundits, and you don't hear any mention of this on the campaign trail, why?
The Federal Reverse has recently started withdrawing some of its stimulus in an attempt to return American back to a more normal monetary policy. Our economy has been dependent upon trillions of dollars of infusions for years and now they are taking it away. This is an enormous change in the financial environment and the volatility in the markets are reflecting this change. Often, in America serious issues are not discussed on the campaign trail, but Bernie Sanders has been out front on these matters since day one.
As a collective the Global economy is slowing this reflected by the lowering of prices for oil for example. The fossil fuel industry markets have become nothing more than a speculation arena for years now. There is a massive fossil fuel lobby in Washington and their buying off politicians through campaign contributions is legendary. Current Democratic Party presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has received massive campaign contributions from the fossil fuel lobby. [See Source]
Campaign contribution do frame our politicians today. Our research here in the House Of Public Discourse is finding that many progressives, independents, and young voters will not support Hillary Clinton no matter if she wins the Democratic nomination largely because of who her campaign donors are.
One thing the mainstream media and the Democratic establishment are failing to comprehend is the current political revolution is way more than just Bernie Sanders campaign. Bernie Sanders has pointed this out from the beginning. The Bernie Sanders campaign has been a catalyst in bringing to the light from the dark the overall dissatisfaction the American people have with our status quo political process. Bernie Sanders campaign is resonating with not just young folks but people from all demographic spectrum's. The once-taboo word Socialist not only doesn't invoke fear as it once did people are now embracing the term and liking it. In fact, a recent poll indicated that 47% of Americans would vote for a Socialist, which is great news for the Sanders campaign. [See Source]
The very unorthodox political campaign that Bernie Sanders is running has not only resonated with young people it has caught the attention of individuals who have disenfranchised themselves from the political process. Sanders, the longest running Independent senator in the history of American politics, has threaded the needle of being a politician that has run against both establishment parties, and voters well receive his message on wealth inequality. Moreover, his not taking campaign contributions from corporations and not having a SuperPac have gained him rock star popularity with the American electorate.
The problem with the Hillary Clinton campaign is her sudden shift from center-right politics to center-left highlights the fears many progressive voters have about establishment politics and creates vast voids of trust and the fact that Hillary has accepted campaign contributions from major corporations and her SuperPac fund raising just solidifies this mindset.
The fact is Hillary Clinton is a flawed candidate. There are many people not just from the right who dislike her she has a huge personality problem that says I, not us. She has a record that speaks for itself regarding her destructive war-hawk agenda, and her many scandals including in the present concerning an FBI investigation into her use of a private email server.
There is one glaring reality that has manifested itself in the 2016 Democratic presidential race the more people come to know Bernie Sanders and his consistent record the more they like him. The opposite goes for Hillary Clinton. The more people learn about her history, the less they like her. Hillary Clinton has an ethical problem. And, the fact that she is the darling of Wall Street and continues to accept their campaign contributions just adds fuel to the fire which says " Campaign Contributions Do Frame A Politician."
The term " Neoliberalism" is a very challenging one. It does not mean liberal. Neoliberalism is not a new mandate. Neoliberal politics help create the third world.[See Source] If you look back to the 18th century, differences between the rich and the poor back then were nothing like the wealth inequality we see in today's global societies.
The force implementation of market principles a hallmark of Neoliberalism has forced many nations to a third world status. Protectionism and state intervention developed rich and developed societies while Neoliberalism created slums.
Our research here in the House of Public Discourse found it striking to see how every element of Neoliberalism is designed to undercut Democracy. This factoid is never or rarely discussed. One of the biggest successes of Democratic Socialist Franklin Roosevelt [FDR] was to institute financial regulations. There is a reason. This control provides space for governments to undertake programs that are supported by the populist. If you have no regulatory constraints on capital flow, you can attack currency freely which creates what economist call a virtual parliament.
These legislatures of corporations, investors, and lenders can carry out a moment by moment referendum on government policies, and we have seen this ugly reality rear its face in the recent Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.[TPP]
What " We The People" have endured from economic policies from both parties is if these virtual parliaments feel these government policies are irrational they can lobby politicians to vote against them. What is most troubling these proclaimed irrational policies are often policies that help the middle class and poor people.
We have a prime example of this in the current 2016 Democratic Party presidential race. Bernie Sanders has advocated free universal health care and college education paying for it by raising taxes and taxing Wall Street speculation policies that will not help these virtual parliaments, so they label them irrational and say they're not pragmatic hence the Hillary Clinton mantra " No We Can't."
With the Citizens Untied decision what the American population has had to withstand is the buying of our democracy through campaign contributions and lobbyist influence peddling that has resulted in our governance being one of the dual constituencies. One of " We The People," and one of the corporations and their virtual parliaments. What has been the case now for decades is these virtual houses always win. And when a consistent leader with a consistent message comes along with a record of fighting these corporate influences which have reeked havoc on " We The People." And proclaims enough is enough, and we need a political revolution to change it, and one person, not even the President of the United States can do it alone the push back is that this is irrational and to extreme. Hence Hillary Clinton mantra " No We Can't."
The neoliberalist desires to privatize traditional government programs such as public schools, social security, and others do nothing more than undercut our democracy. These realities form the often unspoken tenants of the political revolution of Bernie Sanders that has become the Bernie Sanders campaign here in 2016. Progressives, Independents, and Americans across all spectrums of political ideologies are sick and tired of neoliberalism and its virtual corporate parliament and the politicians they have in their hip pockets. This is why Bernie Sanders mantra of " Don't Tell Me We Can't" is resonating with more and more Americans of all ages not just young people. So, Hillary Clinton don't tell us " No We Can't."
Bernie's Populist Message Is Striking Home With The American People
Bernie Sanders message is exploding and his recent surge in the political polling suggests that his narrative has become a political tidal wave. Sanders has an ever increasing lead in New Hampshire and has come from way back in the Iowa polls to take a four-point lead. Also, in the national polls, the Sanders campaign has caught a once thought insurmountable lead by the Clinton campaign to be within the margin of error.
Bernie Sanders rallies have drawn record crowds even in the Red States. Bernie Sanders message is electrifying crowds and part of the reason his message is not picking a war of words with his opposition or throwing Latino's, African Americans, Muslim's, and immigrants under the bus. He is not throwing people who disagree with him out of his rallies. Bernie Sanders message is resonating because his narrative is speaking to people, not from an authoritarian or entitlement perspective he [Sanders] is speaking about issues that people genuinely care about and affect their lives.
Bernie Sanders message is one of populism. So, what is populism?
People are not only agreeing with Bernie's message how the rich have skated by and not paid their fair share of taxes they can personally relate to its truth. Young people are thrilled to hear Bernie's plan for making public college education free and reducing interest rates on student loan debt. When people become aware of Bernie Sanders long record of defending Social Security they appreciate his efforts and embrace his goal of expanding it. People who have been chastised or locked up for non-violate drug offenses support whole-heartedly Bernie's plan to decriminalize marijuana.
Bernie Sanders message has gone from a lone cry in the wilderness to a major political tidal wave that is sweeping the nation. In this writer's view, this should not be surprising. People are becoming more and more aware that our country and government has been sold to the highest bidder and as such the political process has been rigged. When you focus on the language that the Sanders campaign is using versus the Republicans and Hillary Clinton he uses the pronoun We, not I. We not only includes himself or herself but considers all of us " We The People."
Bernie Sanders message is not one of authoritarianism which suggest put your faith in me because I can to this and I can do that instead it's a populist one that says we can do great things if we come together to fight these plutocrats who are destroying our democracy. Bernie's message is not one of " I am the only one qualified to lead" but one of " We can bring about positive change together as " We The People."
Bernie Sanders speaks to the people, not at them. He is not telling people what to think. His message says I understand what you think and we are all together in a common accord. This factor is what is causing the surge in the polls for Bernie Sanders and puts daylight between him and Hillary Clinton and the entire Republican presidential field.
What's even more important to point out is these issues that Bernie Sanders is advocating in his campaigns platform are not issues on the campaign trail but issues he has worked on his entire career as a public servant. Bernie Sanders has a solid voting record to back up his rhetoric. There is no questioning his integrity of genuineness. Bernie Sanders has an 81% approval rating in Vermont Sanders home state.
There is no mass evolving or having to admit mistakes and people don't have to worry that Bernie will not work hard to fulfill his promises. This character is one the American populist have been craving. Bernie Sanders has accountability which in turn gives him credibility. Bernie Sanders has a record that can be validated. Bernie Sanders has built and continues to build a sense of trust with the American populist.
Unlike Hillary Clinton who has openly admitted mistakes to her credit and evolved on one issue after the other. Moreover, Bernie Sanders has a political record, unlike Republican front-runner Donald Trump.
The political establishment of the Democratic party and their preordained choice and their authoritarian follower base can't wrap their heads around the political tidal wave that is Bernie Sanders but the American people have and it's reflecting in the polls as of the rendition of this essay.
Hillary Clinton Thinks She Has It In The Bag, Hold Up Wait A Minute!
A new era in American politics began in 2008 with the election of the first person of color to the White House. Some in America are ready to vote for the first female president ever in 2016. Does Hillary Clinton have the political dash to make it so? Many have pre-ordained Hillary Clinton as the winner we here in the House of Public Discourse say " Hold Up Wait A Minute."
Hillary Clinton has been a master of the 21st-century media she is the darling of mainstream media however that can be a double edge sword. Huge new and powerful voting blocks, and scores of American citizens have had it up to their ying-yangs with mainstream media. While many older voters still struggle with the concept of social media younger voters not only except modern day politicians to understand the digital age but also they expect politicians to embrace its power.
The news of today does not revolve around mainstream media it comes from We The People on various social media platforms like Facebook. Nowadays, it's not cool for political candidates to detach themselves and simply rely on mainstream media to deliver their message. No matter how many corporate polls say Hillary Clinton is winning social media polls say different. At this point, Hillary Clinton has failed miserably to convey any coherent message that a Hillary Clinton presidency would help young people or the everyday hard working low and middle-class American. This failure to connect with this crucial voting block could derail Hillary Clinton ambition to be the first female president.
As a follower of politics for most of my adult life, one thing you can expect from politicians in the hip pocket of corporate donors, special interest, and now Super PACS is a rhetoric full of smoke and mirrors.
There is a game that corporate owned politicians play in today's politics. What is sad they proclaim it must be played to be successful. This game is often overlooked by voters and especially those casual observers of politics. However, the interjection of social media is helping to combat this overlook by electors, and while many Americans remain in the dark, the light is slowly beginning to shine through for more and more Americans.
Hillary Clinton comes from a wealthy family. She is the wife of former President Bill Clinton. In the current 2016 race, Hillary Clinton is trying to portray herself as a regular American, who is in touch with the poor and middle-class. There is documented proof she tries to adapt her accent for political appeal.
It's true that many voters will not pick up on this smoke and mirror political tactic by Hillary Clinton, but an ever increasing knowledgeable voting base will. Hillary Clinton image team needs a makeover because active voters are not buying for one second this run to the left I,m a populist candidate Clinton. In fact, it's an insult to one's intelligence.
The name Hillary Clinton in politics may hold more weight than what her actual accomplishments do.
Hillary Clinton was the most-traveled Secretary of State in the history of the office. It has been widely acknowledged Hillary Clinton was not responsible for any significant strategies during her time holding the position. No matter the witch hunt that became known as the Benghazi Hearings were Hillary Clinton did say she was responsible for some security lapses.[See Article]
No matter how hard the Hillary Clinton handlers try to spin it, Hillary Clinton has a ton of political baggage hanging over her head. There are millions of Americans who do not see any real accomplishments from the former first lady and see this negatively and equate this negativity as inactivity.
No matter Hillary Clinton achievements or lack thereof her high name recognition does not guarantee her a win in November 2016. In fairness, to Hillary Clinton she has made a lot of enemies in her day that has made her a target for nasty news media sound bites. However, there is an argument to be made that her evolving political image is disingenuous, deceitful, and manipulative to the lower and middle-class voter. Facts show by her record and who here donors are that Hillary Clinton is not a populist candidate she is perceived by many Democratic voters as a corporate tool and that her promises on the campaign trial are just that promises.
There is a current change going on in the Democratic Party. There is a persistent move from the center right to the center left. There is a corporatist wing and a populist wing. Hillary Clinton has a voting record that does not sit well with the growing progressive wing in the party. Many experts say, and Barack Obama pounded it home in 2008 that Hillary Clinton voted for the war in Iraq.
Corporate Democrats and other rank and file party members are giving Hillary Clinton a pass on this huge blunder that she has admitted. With that said, there are others in the Democratic Party who have not given Hillary Clinton that pass and have made it known to the world they will not vote for Hillary Clinton.
This issue poses a significant problem for Hillary Clinton, who already is battling a poll that suggest 60% of Americans find her untrustworthy and dishonest.[See Source] This factoid coupled by young voters who are not buying into the Hillary Clinton public relations efforts and the growing number of Democrats who don't adhere to her beliefs or excuse her voting record Hillary Clinton may be in for some surprises in her second quest for the highest office in the world.
It's all about big businesses for Hillary Clinton. Who can refute that once you get a look at who is feeding money into her campaign? Unlike her primary opponent Bernie Sanders who refuses to take influence peddling money, Hillary Clinton has accepted it with open arms.
Hillary Clinton may not be a new name in the political public sphere, but her bogus attempt at being a populist candidate to uninformed voters is not working. Why? Because when the rubber hits the road it's the issues that matter to her campaign donors that shine forth like a beacon of light from a seashore lighthouse.
A growing number of Americans both young and old are sick and tired of the wealthiest Americans influencing our democracy. Like it or not Hillary Clinton has over the years gained the reputation as a Washington-Wall Street insider who does the bidding for her corporate buddies. So, when she tries to peddle back to a populist stance, those untrustworthy stats reach up and take a bite.
Americans Proved In 2008 They Were Done With Bushes And Clinton's.
Americans in 2008 and the early polling of Jeb Bush show that We The People are suffering from dynasty fatigue. America is not a Monarchy. Before the 2008 election, there was either a Bush or Clinton in the White House. This period span was 25 years. This dynasty fatigue factor gets no mention in mainstream media, but this factor is a very real issue with millions of Americans. Americans love an underdog, and Hillary Clinton has been the pre-ordained choice of the Democratic Party hierarchy that many experts have cited as losing touch with the changing progressive tide of the party.
Bernie Sanders has captured the heart of not only Progressive Democrats, Millennial Voters, Independents, but Republican voters as well. The surge and growing popularity of Bernie Sanders is a genuine grassroots populist movement. Hillary Clinton and her corporate Democrat buddies can kiss the nomination on a silver platter idea goodbye. Bernie Sanders has done an outstanding job of messaging, and his campaign of embracing the power of social media is paying huge dividends for the growth of his name recognition and his consistent progressive record as a 25-year public servant. Sanders natural candor is ringing true with a board and diverse group of Americans. It is not only arrogant to claim Hillary Clinton has the nomination in the bag it's foolish. With Bernie Sanders, there is no question of his authenticity or his trustworthiness factors the Hillary Clinton campaign cannot rely on.
The DNC Have Changed The Rules For The Democratic Debates
Lawrence Lessig
Lessig a Harvard Law School professor and political activist has decided to drop out of the 2016 Democratic presidential race. Lessig announced his intentions to pull out of the Democratic race in a video statement released by the campaign on Monday.
Under Democratic National Committee debate rules announced this summer, candidates had to poll at least 1 percent in three "credible national polls" in the six weeks leading up to the debate in order to qualify. A DNC memo in August clarified that candidates had to reach that threshold a full six weeks before the debate, rather than anytime within the six-week time frame.
Many supporters of Lawrence Lessig say that it's just proof positive that the DNC headed up by Debbie Wasserman Schultz have rigged the debates for front-runner Hillary Clinton. In Fairness Lessig was a long shot with little name recognition. Lessig has been labeled the godfather of the " Campaign Finance Movement." Under the new DNC rules, it became apparent that Lessig had no shot at winning the nomination. Lessig entered the race as a single issue candidate. His campaign was a referendum against Citizens United and getting big money out of politics.
There is a lot of support in America for overturning Citizens United both in the Democratic Party and Republican Party. 83% of Democratic voters believe money has corrupted politics while 80% of Republican voters agree. Getting big money out of politics is one of the few issues that has bipartisan agreement.
The entire issue of money influence peddling in our governance is consistently a top two issue of importance to the American people. Neither in the Democratic or Republican debates do you hear questions asked about this subject. The reason for this is television networks run the debates, and these networks have the most to gain from big money in our political system. Large amounts of this money go to TV ads.
This reality was one of the driving forces behind Lawrence Lessig entering the 2016 Democratic Primary. His goal was to be involved in the 2016 debates and talking about this issue. So, what did the DNC and these television networks do they changed the rules. Even though Lessig raised over one million dollars in contributions, attracted several well-known Democratic operatives and even ran a television ad he was never taken seriously by the Democratic National Committee.[DNC]
What's ironic is that Lessig raised more money that Jim Webb and Lincoln Chafee both who were allowed in the first Democratic debate. What is also unfortunate the DNC totally left Lessig name out of the polling so how could he get the 1% required. Lessig went on the record stating that he was trying to run for president, but the DNC would not let him.
This practice by the DNC should tell us what the state of affairs are in American politics today. It's the corporate owned machine that is driving our political system today. The corporate owned media is trying as hard as they can to dictate to the American people who we should vote for.
What Happen To Democracy And Elections In America?
"American Democracy " once thought to be the supreme example of democracy in action has now become the power vehicle for big money and media forces. In American democracy and elections today the best candidates don't always win. Candidates with the most money, who can travel state to state and hold " big money" fundraisers are most often the winners. It may be true that " money rules the world," but; that's not what democracy should be about.
Bernie Sanders
Have "American Elections" grown out of their concepts? Bernie Sanders not just in the here and now but over the years as a political figure has fought against money in politics. It's one reason he has been an Independent politician. Like many Americans, Bernie Sanders has advocated that it's unthinkable that money should be the determiner for achieving political success. There is no denying that "big money," in politics has taken the fundamental equality away from our democracy.
Has America Outgrown The Two Party System?
There is no doubt in this writer's mind that Bernie Sanders switched from the Independent Party to the Democratic Party because if not the political election system in America would have shut him out of the process. With that said, it's also fair to raise the question about the need for more political parties in America?
Can two political parties reflect the opinions of over 220 million people? The reasonable answer is probably not. As we reported in the House of Public Discourse early this year, the "American Experiment Is Under Crisis." Yes, America is still a democracy. However, our democracy has been physically challenged by, "influence peddling." And, both parties are guilty of having their palms greased by it. It is true that nothing in this world can always be perfect. But, the American people deserve better, and nothing will change unless "WE THE PEOPLE" demand it. This change is what the Bernie Sanders campaign is all about.
What Has Resulted From The " Big Money" Influence Peddling In Our Democracy?
Short answer, Voter Apathy![See Article] The House of Public Discourse over the last two years has advocated that the lack of voter participation in the process is the main reason these " big money" corporations and their corporate owned media echo chambers get their way in our governance today. Our research has found that a majority of Americans fail to vote. Why?
Many Americans today have expressed that voting is not that important anymore. That our votes are unimportant and that the lobbyist and the money they contribute to a candidate have circumvented the process. Many American voters have chosen not to take part in a political system that allows candidates for public office to be so easily purchased.
Bernie Sanders On Citizens United
It has been this writer's observation that hard line Democrats have a hard time believing that Democratic candidates can be manipulated by this " big money" influence peddling. But, one thing is for sure in the present 2016 Democratic Presidential race Democratic hopeful Bernie Sanders cannot be bought and he has the record to back that claim up.
We see all the time Hillary Clinton supporter proclaiming that bashing her serves no purpose but to cause division in the party and helps the Republicans. However, Bernie Sanders supporters believe and agree with Bernie Sanders that a " Political Revolution," is necessary and getting the 67% of Americans who fail to vote back engaged in the voting process is paramount. Politicians have a public record. This public record is a measuring stick for voters to compare one candidate to another. In doing so, its not bashing and should not disrupt party unity. The "American Election" system is adversarial by nature and pointing out the differences between candidates running for office is part of the political ballgame.
Here Are The Facts It's Up To The Individual Voter If They Matter Or Not?
Iraq War Authorization
There is little doubt that the "Invasion of Iraq" was the biggest blunder in the history of the United States. We now know it was based on lies and motivated by war profiteers who through political campaign donations influenced politicians and the subsequent vote for authorization. Bernie Sanders did not support this approval to go to war but his opponent Hillary Clinton did. She now claims it was a mistake on her part.
The Wall Street Bailout (TARP)
Once again Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton split their vote on the Wall Street Bailout known as TARP. Clinton voted for the bailout while Bernie Sanders voted against it. TARP cost the American taxpayers $700 billion dollars.
Breaking Up The Big Banks?
There has been no louder voice on Capitol Hill for breaking up the " Big Banks" than Bernie Sanders.
"No single financial institution should have holdings so extensive that its failure would send the world economy into crisis," Sanders wrote in a May 2015 op-ed. "If an institution is too big to fail, it is too big to exist."
In July, Bernie Sanders called for the reinstatement of the " Glass-Stegall Act."
" The Glass-Steagall Act, also known as the Banking Act of 1933 (48 Stat. 162), was passed by Congress in 1933 and prohibits commercial banks from engaging in the investment business. It was enacted as an emergency response to the failure of nearly 5,000 banks during the Great Depression."[See Source]
Hillary Clinton has been very dark about how she would reform Wall Street. However, signals from within the Clinton campaign have suggested that Clinton would not support the reinstatement of "Glass-Steagall." Her husband President Bill Clinton supported the repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act in 1999.
Watch Hillary Avoid The Question of Glass-Steagall In The Recent Debate.
Patriot Act and 2006 Reauthorization
The U.S. Patriot Act in 2001 was a bill introduced to combat terrorism. This law gave the National Security Agency[NSA] broad surveillance powers of WE THE PEOPLE. Hillary Clinton voted for the bill. Bernie Sanders voted against it. Neither Clinton or Sanders change their votes in 2005 or 2006. Bernie Sanders voted against an extension in 2011 as well three years after Clinton left the Senate for the State Department.
Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)
The Trans-Pacific Partnership[TPP] is nothing more than a corporate handout disguised as a trade deal. Bernie Sanders has been a leader along with other Democrats like Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in opposing this secretive trade deal. There are many "Progressive Democrats" on the record who oppose the TPP. However, Hillary Clinton, who supported the TPP while Secretary of State now claims she is against it, this is a blatant flip-flop by Hillary Clinton just in time for the first Democratic debate earlier this month. The facts are that Hillary Clinton was a big salesperson for the TPP trade deal while working for President Obama selling it to heads of state in both Asia and Australia. In fact, Secretary Clinton is on record 45 times pushing the trade deal she now opposes.
The Death Penalty
As a Progressive, this writer feels it better nine guilty people go free as opposed to one innocent person be murdered by the state. Moreover, the unfairness of how capital punishment cases are handled is enough for me to oppose it.
" Capital punishment does not work. There is a wealth of mounting evidence that proves this fact.The death penalty, both in the U.S. and around the world, is discriminatory and is used disproportionately against the poor, minorities and members of racial, ethnic and religious communities. Since humans are fallible, the risk of executing the innocent can never be eliminated.Furthermore, the astronomical costs associated with putting a person on death row – including criminal investigations, lengthy trials and appeals – are leading many states to re-evaluate and re-consider having this flawed and unjust system on the books."[See Source]
Bernie Sanders has been against capital punishment over the course of his political career. Once again, Hillary Clinton has a more mixed record. When Hillary Clinton was the first lady she supported capital punishment. While serving in the Senate, she also supported capital punishment. Fast forwarding to the present Hillary Clinton has declined to comment on the issue.[See Source]
Keystone XL Pipeline
This issue has been a major struggle for the Obama Administration. Just recently, President Obama vetoed a bill that would have authorized its construction. Bernie Sanders has been a firm supporter of President Obama and has been a significant voice in opposition to the Keystone XL Pipeline. How about Hillary Clinton? In 2010, Hillary Clinton was on record stating the State Department was inclined to approve the pipeline. Now, Hillary Clinton has no position on the Keystone XL Pipeline and has avoided answering questions on the issue.
Here Are The Assorted Hillary Clinton Flip Flops In A Nutshell
Once again, these flip flops and vagueness by Hillary Clinton may not matter to you. But to millions of people they do. Hillary Clinton already has an ethical problem with voters.[See Poll] However, Bernie Sanders has made known his campaign is about a "Political Revolution." Moreover, his campaign is about getting young people to the polls and renewing the faith in the American process of voting. To accuse the passionate Bernie supporter of dividing the Democratic Party and upsetting the unity of the party is unfair. It is a candidate duty to point out the differences between themselves and their opponent. To avoid pointing out the record of an opponent and to politely "sweep it under the rug," in the name of party unity is an injustice to the undecided voter looking for the facts, not the rhetoric.
The Sane Progressive By Debbie Lusignan Makes It Clear By Questioning The Motives Of Hillary Clinton.
