Support Bernie Sanders

I have not endorsed a candidate on this post so far, though I have expressed appreciation for enlightened and compassionate candidates like Judy Chu, but I resonate strongly with what Bernie Sanders stands for. That's why I am posting his campaign ad on my blog. Bernie is on the right track. We need to deal with the vast inequality of wealth in this country, which is destroying what is left of our democracy. We need a federal jobs program that will put people to work rebuilding our decaying infrastructure and reinvigorate our ailing economy. We desperately need to address the climate crisis, health care, poverty, and tax reform. These are the issues that we should be debating and addressing, not whether immigrants are a threat, or whether to defund Planned Parenthood. I shudder to think what will happen to America, and the world, if the Republican party--the party of angry white xenophobes who love Donald Trump and deny the existence of climate change--take over the White house.

Dear Activist, While the media obsess over Donald Trump's ugly insults and dangerous ideas, Bernie Sanders is running a serious grassroots campaign for positive change - and millions of voters are getting on board. Below is Bernie's detailed platform. If you like it,Bernie would love your endorsement. And if a few of these issues are especially important to you, Bernie would like to know that too. But if you do not want to receive any more emails from Bernie Sanders, please click here. Thanks for all you do! Bob Fertik

Dear Activist, The American people must make a fundamental decision. Do we continue the 40-year decline of our middle class and the growing gap between the very rich and everyone else, or do we fight for a progressive economic agenda that creates jobs, raises wages, protects the environment and provides health care for all? Are we prepared to take on the enormous economic and political power of the billionaire class, or do we continue to slide into economic and political oligarchy? These are the most important questions of our time, and how we answer them will determine the future of our country. Sign on to endorse our campaign's progressive platform - click here to add your name. Here's what this campaign is going to talk about: Income and wealth inequality: In the United States today we have the most unequal wealth and income distribution of any major country on earth -- worse than at any time since the 1920s. This is an economy that must be changed in fundamental ways. Jobs and income: In my view, we need a massive federal jobs program which puts millions of our people back to work. We must end our disastrous trade policies. We need to raise the minimum wage to a living wage. And we have to fight for pay equity for women. Campaign finance reform: As a result of the Citizens United Supreme Court decision, American democracy is being undermined by the ability of the Koch brothers and other billionaire families. These wealthy contributors can literally buy politicians and elections by spending hundreds of millions of dollars in support of the candidates of their choice. We need to overturn Citizens United and move toward public funding of elections so that all candidates can run for office without being beholden to the wealthy and powerful. Climate change: Climate change is real, caused by human activity and already devastating our nation and planet. The United States must lead the world in combating climate change and transforming our energy system away from fossil fuels and toward energy efficiency and sustainability. College affordability: Every person in this country who has the desire and ability should be able to get all the education they need regardless of the income of their family. This is not a radical idea. In Germany, Scandinavia and many other countries, higher education is either free or very inexpensive. We must do the same. Health care: Shamefully, the United States remains the only major country on earth that does not guarantee health care to all people. The United States must move toward a Medicare-for-all single-payer system. Health care is a right, not a privilege. Poverty: The United States has more people living in poverty than at almost any time in the modern history of our country. I believe that in a democratic, civilized society none of our people should be hungry or living in desperation. We need to expand Social Security, not cut it. We need to increase funding for nutrition programs, not cut them. Tax reform: We need real tax reform which makes the rich and profitable corporations begin to pay their fair share of taxes. We need a tax system which is fair and progressive. Children should not go hungry in this country while profitable corporations and the wealthy avoid their tax responsibilities by stashing their money in the Cayman Islands. And these are just some of the issues that we will be dealing with. Stand with me and endorse this platform for our campaign. The struggle to create a nation and world of economic and social justice and environmental sanity is not an easy one. The struggle to try and create a more peaceful world will be extremely difficult. But this I know: despair is not an option if we care about our kids and grandchildren. Giving up is not an option if we want to prevent irreparable harm to our planet. This country belongs to all of us, not just the billionaire class. That's what our campaign is all about, but it cannot be won by me alone. That is absolutely for sure. To win this campaign, all of us must be deeply involved. In the coming days, weeks, and months we need to hear your ideas as to what issues are most important in your communities. We need to hear your thoughts about how we can mount the effective campaign we need to win. We need your help in spreading the word so that your friends, neighbors and co-workers become involved in the effort. Please stand with me. Please join the grassroots revolution that we desperately need. Sincerely, Senator Bernie Sanders