Political coverage of the two conventions reflected the partisan events unfolding at each. My team and I wanted to offer an alternative -- independent voices that see the world differently from the two major parties. So I invited Senator Bernie Sanders, the longest serving Independent in the history of Congress, to share his thoughts on the political process and how it both serves and neglects the true interests of everyday Americans.
In an extended clip below from this weekend's show, the senator describes how "dialing for dollars" distorts our leaders' perspectives on who they're actually representing, and how money's influence is transforming both our politics and society.
Here, Senator Sanders addresses the persistent charges that President Obama is a socialist. We know the truth, but who better to ask?
Watch the full conversation between Bill and Senator Sanders (as well as Green Party candidates Jill Stein and Cheri Honkala) this weekend on Moyers & Company. Explore more at BillMoyers.com.
Watch the full conversation between Bill and Senator Sanders this weekend on Moyers & Company. Explore more at BillMoyers.com
Follow Bill Moyers on Twitter: www.twitter.com/BillMoyers
Yearly salaries for the President will be 100 million, Senators 10 million and those in the House 5 million. No other direct or indirect outside income permitted......none, for any reason.
The current President, Senator those in the House chooses what % of the stated salaries will be set aside for re-election campaigns. The current primary election processes will determine the opponent who will be provided with the same funds as the incumbent set aside for the election campaign.
An independent third party will make all election campaign payments in accordance with the campaign laws and these will be audited with reports provided to the public. No PACs, no outside money.....no exceptions
Of course there are issues……but we are America and can overcome any obstacle….even those our founding fathers did not foresee and return the control of back to our citizens to ensure the destiny of the United States.
I find myself wondering just how bad things will have to get before Americans realize what's going on, turn off Dancing With The Stars, and take to the streets. The disturbing answer I keep coming up with unfortunately is...pretty damn bad. F&F.
Senator Sanders is a great example of WHY we need to END the two party duopoly.
He speaks to the truth, rather than to party loyalty.
IMPO.......Until we have publicly funded elections in this country, and get ALL the influence peddlers out, we will continue to decline as a country.
Morally, ethically, and financially.
ALL relationships, including business ones, are based on TRUST.
How can you TRUST..............someone you KNOW is on the "take"?
Continued voting for the corporate-controlled two-party duopoly isn't going to end the tsunami of money that has washed over the political landscape. Those in power will not work against their own interests.
Three options to take back control by We, the People:
o MASSIVE and PEACEFUL movement like civil rights
o Second PEACEFUL revolution like Serbia's overthrow of Slobodan Milošević, led by Otpor
o Second "blood and bullets" revolution
The first reform after regaining control must be publicly financed campaigns with NO contributions from:
o corporations
o unions
o PACs and SuperPACs
o professional lobbyists
o tax-exempt organizations
o individuals
The cost would be far cheaper than rebuilding the country after a second revolution.
"This struggle may be a moral one, or it may be a physical one, and it may be both moral and physical, but it must be a struggle. Power concedes nothing without a demand. It never did and it never will. Find out just what any people will quietly submit to and you have found out the exact measure of injustice and wrong which will be imposed upon them."
— Frederick Douglass, 1857
Why is it that we "old guys" with failing vision, can see so clearly what those with 20/20 cannot?
Our "representative" government no longer works................for us.
THEY work for their campaign donors and Big Money PAC's. If they didn't they never would have gotten elected in the first place.
You can't have good governance, when your elections are financed by corruption.
I think money's role in elections is exaggerated. I know that's heresy. Most folks I know who vote Republican are like most folks I know who smoke Democratic; at least 3/4's vote their gut which mommy and daddy had a lot more to do with than the Kochs.
If Bernie Sanders would send me a list of people to vote for in November, I would vote for every single one of his suggestions.
Why?
He is more connected than I, he has been working in government, while I have not, his ideas are exactly what I believe, and the world he would have, is just what I want.
Otherwise; I am voting a straight democratic ticket, because I hate "not" republicans, but I do, most sincerely, hate their policies, views, dishonesty, heartlessness, and greed......
MAD