Comments by "Virginia Lawler" (@virginialawler7725) on "The Humanist Report"
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@Martial-Mat @Cristian Torres Just to give one small, current update this morn (10/18/19). All too often, takes a very long time to educate the general public, also to move Congress. Bernie has worked since at least 2015 to get an increase in the fed minimum wage to $15/hr., noting repeatedly that, "If any person in America works 40 hours a week, they should not be living in poverty." One of his many strengths is being consistent.
Maybe you've seen the bare mention of his legislative effort in the commercial media--he didn't/doesn't get much coverage. The idea was too radical, y'know. However, he kept at it. First time around, he had 5 co-sponsors. Then he had 22 senators and most of the Democratic leadership. In May 2017--when the wage was still $7.25 as it was when it was 1st passed a decade earlier--he had 30 co-sponsors. At a D.C. rally then, a McDonald's worker from Kansas (a leader in the Fight for $15 movement), reminded us that, "Five years ago, President Obama had yet to call for even a $9-an-hour federal...."
The minimum wage struggle had really first gone public in 2012, "when 200 fast-food workers walked off the job in New York City to demand $15 an hour and union representation." The Service Employees International Union (SEIU) helped the movement spread. Like every important struggle, it was moving from fringe to mainstream. Some cities (including D.C., Los Angeles, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Seattle) have now passed their own $15 minimum, as did California and N.Y. Etc. Fast forward to this summer, the wage is still $7.25, but Bernie's legislation for $15 passed the House! One of his strengths--and that of his millions of supporters--is persistence.
However. Too bad, the bill is still languishing, so this isn't really a story about SUCCESS, more to acknowledge Bernie's never giving up. Senator Majority Leader M. McConnell (R-Ky) has continued to refuse to bring it to the floor for a vote. This synopsis is just to give an indication how long and hard it can to be make progress. If anyone feels inclined to nudge McConnell, it would be appreciated. If anyone thinks it might be educational to our cause, please feel free to circulate this very minimal, basic history. I wish I had time to credit the co-sponsors, but.... #NotMe.Us.
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@nil981 What an unusual thing to post. Certainly not helpful to Bernie. I'm 81, of the Silent Generation, who first learned of Bernie in 1963 when he was protesting school segregation in Chicago. (See the You Tube video, "Bernie & Civil Rights in Chicago.") He'd found his life's work young as a warrior for civil, economic, environmental, gender, racial and social justice...and for peace. Why would you harshly turn away anyone who supports his goals for a better America...especially someone like 9675775 who vowed allegiance to Bernie, urged all to vote for him in the so many primaries ahead, vouched for his electability and encouraged all to keep on helping him??
If Bernie is to be our POTUS and work for All of Us in that next role, he needs each one of us to find just One More Voter to register for him. He needs us to help Get out the VOTE for every re-scheduled primary that's ahead. Turning away a voter...especially in such a rude way...is shocking, certainly not Bernie's way and will hurt, not help, him. Did you hear Bernie's rally call to the 26,000 in NYC/Long Island? "Look around You...Fight for Someone You don't Know!" Many Boomers, others in my Silent Generation and those in younger categories (the bulk of voters, who will most benefit from his work) ARE with us, but more are crucial, in each group, if he is to be the nominee.
Bernie's 1st win to be Burlington's mayor was uphill, and by only 10 votes, but then with 3 consecutive strong
re-elections. Now the longest-serving Independent in Congress. the challenge is again steeply uphill for the high school long distance runner. It is--no exaggeration--a race to save the U.S.A. from "the worst president in our nation's modern history." To have that opportunity, Bernie must first--with our stalwart help--win the Dem nomination over Biden, who leads by 300 delegates no matter his shaky record and continuing cognitive decline. That done, America will have her best chance to retire #45, the vulgar egotist with a record of more than 16,000 fact-checked lies to us as he served the 1%. Bernie's Medicare4All is our best health care option as we face the aftermath of the coronavirus catastrophe, and we know he will stand strong as always, working hard and smart for us all. #NotMe.Us
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OneOnOne Thank You for posting this. I sure agree. The difference between Bernie & Biden is so stark. We must keep educating more voters about it. Biden & the elite keep telling us how he was VP, but the question that is not answered--& cannot be answered satisfactorily--is, "What did you do for US during those EIGHT years?" For just one contrast, NOTHING about trying to raise the fed minimum wage, which was & is still at the $7.25 as when enacted. In contrast, who has worked for years to raise it? Bernie. In early years no co-sponsors, then 20-ish, finally, when it passed the House last July, up to at least 30. It is just one example of Bernie's persistence for US. So, what happened since? Nothing. The majority leader has refused to bring it--& also other good Dem legislation--to the Senate for a vote. The control of Mitch MConnell, R-KY, must be broken. Kudos to KY Dems, Independents & patriotic Reps who keep trying to vote him out.. #NotMe.Us
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Erik Ballew Exactly. Thank you for your post. In direct contrast to Biden, Bernie has a history of progressive platforms & an inclusive heart--during his 8 years as Burlington's mayor, throughout his public service in the House & Senate and starting in 1963 when he crossed the line & went to the ground & to jail supporting civil rights for all. He'd found his life's work young as a warrior for civil, economic, environmental, gender, racial & social justice...and for peace.
Biden has done nothing to compare & has instead been on the wrong side of "the line" time & time again: for the Iraq War, for the Patriot Act, for the bankruptcy bill, Mr. Credit Card, a plagiarist multiple times, a continual liar (re school record & scholarships, etc.), against busing (as Kamala Harris charged), financing by the "elite" companies, etc. A record on You Tube (no one can say videos lie) of his multiple, unwanted, inappropriate sniffing, hugging & kissing of females of all ages.
Special related focus is needed due to his actions w/ the Clarence Thomas hearing, starting with his assurance to his mother as they walked in, "Don't worry, we'll take care of your son." Refusing to call the courageous Anita Hill's two witnesses, who both supported her charges. Saying after, he wished he could have done more to help her, when he was the committee chair (!) & did plenty "to" her...including unnecessary, embarrassing questions, with her parents sitting behind her. He did, apparently, finally--last spring--when he was preparing for a 3rd run to be POTUS--(offer to)apologize to her.
I am 81 y.o., a member of The Silent Generation, just a volunteer several hours every day on line to 1) correct inaccurate posts re Bernie (no, he does not have four mansions, etc.) & to 2) try to help educate more of us about his depth as the superior candidate (ex. honored by both the VFW & the American Legion as Man of the Year, different years, for his consistent work for our veterans) & to 3) encourage supporters to keep spreading the word about him before the many still upcoming primaries, & on to the convention. Thanks again. Hope you & other readers on this site will continue the mission to Spread the Word & nominate Bernie. He'd then--with our help--defeat Trump. Biden can't do that. #NotMe.Us
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I have admired your work & been a regular viewer, wishing I could be a subscriber, for ages. Today I ask you to never again succumb to your excessive use of the variations of the F word, as in this piece. I have never, on any site, at any time, heard anything near what you did in this. A long-time volunteer for Bernie, I review several sites for an average 4 hours daily to support, correct or hopefully maybe even enhance what is circulated about him. Volunteers, staff & supporters/donors --perhaps even you--often wonder WHY Bernie doesn't have more older voters, who certainly should be advocates for him. After all, we've been around for many of the years he's worked for All of Us--many like me at 81--since '63--when he went to the ground & then to jail for us. He was so young then, as were many of us. That summer he also organized the 1st sit-in in Chicago, considered one of the lst, if not the 1st, in the north. He also organized a busload to DC for MLK's historic March for Jobs & Freedom & famous "I Have a Dream" speech. He'd found his life's work early, as a warrior for civil, economic, environmental, gender, racial and social justice...and for peace. Still, not enough know his record.
Bernie does not have the senior voters that he should in part because of the vile language that shows up too often in posts. The Silent Generation as a whole is beyond unimpressed with the F word. It's use quickly becomes numbing & boring, with important content then dismissed. You had a catbird's seat, a superior chance to educate your 36,000+ viewers, especially the seniors & all who will vote in WI tomorrow (4/7). You had an audience in hand for show & tell why Bernie is the only candidate who has the knowledge, the programs, the persistence & the absolute will to best lead us, in WI & in the many states still remaining to vote in this catastrophe of an era. You are a bright, articulate & dedicated progressive. You know why Med4All has surged in popularity as more learn how it would help them--but too many still don't. But, at this crucial time--with the many significant opportunities still up for grabs, you showed no understanding of the age & nature of many of your viewers, indulging in a truly offensive rant, instead of using your strong pulpit to share new-to-most-of-us info showing why Biden & Trump are absolutely unworthy to be POTUS & why Bernie is our best champion.
To me, there's nothing wrong with a well-placed expletive for emphasis. Bernie used one delightfully with his, "I wrote the damn bill!" But your useless repetition of the so particularly offensive F word--was shocking & totally negative to many, including me. I have not ever heard such by you or any other host, or poster, or in any other venue. It shows less creativity with the English language than I've thought you had over many months. Worst of all, it turns off an age group of much needed voters! I truly hope this was a one-time, costly miscalculation that you will not repeat in the future, not that votes lost can often be retrieved. #NotMe.Us #Medicare4All
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Biden's had some serious tragedy in his life, and I so hoped he would decide to not make a 3rd run and instead enjoy his golden years with the seemingly lovely wife and the rest of his family, etc. Instead he played very well the long time before he jumped in, which resulted in a lot of media coverage with no effort. His early less exposure also limited the gaffes for which he's prone, such as one of the most recent when he chose two of the worst segregationists in Congress to use as examples of how well he can work across the aisle. No surprise, Comcast Joe started off with mega corporate-loaded fundraisers, which resulted in tons of money for his coffer. Then TODAY (6/21), Morning Joe with guest the Rev. Al Sharpton gave him great time, which they have every right to do, of course. BUT, when Biden's support of the crime bill was brought up, Sharpton made a special point of saying that Sanders had supported it, too. What he did not say was that Sanders has said continually that he disliked supporting it but felt it was absolutely necessary to do because of its provisions re Violence Against Women. I did not think the omission was fair.
I'm perhaps a bit off topic posting this here, but I just decided it might be a good idea to list, to refresh myself as well as any others, at least a sampling of how Biden has addressed a variety of issues that mean I could not possibly support him in any primary. In no order: 1) his previously mentioned crime bill that resulted in such heavy incarcerations,, especially of minorities; 2) his vote for and support of the Irag War; 3) the Patriot Act; 4) his recent money haul that highlighted his lifelong coziness with Wall St. and mega corporations; 5) ditto re his deep ties to Big Pharma and the mega credit card and insurance companies; 6) his flip-flops re the Hyde Amendment. .
For me, the 4 biggest issues with him are: 1) his shabby treatment, when he was committee chairman, of the outstanding Anita Hill during his committee's hearings that gave us Clarence Thomas...including that he never apologized to her until he declared for a presidential run...this time; 2) his claim that his administration would find the cure for cancer, without even a narrowing hint at perhaps which of the so many cancers; 3) his history of repeated/ often seemingly nonchalant dissembling (lies?), re his history as a civil rights supporter and particularly with his Big One--claiming he'd marched with the movement; and 4) the gaffes that will continue, perhaps highlighted for me with a You Tube video, "Creepy Joe," that showed so many instances of his unexpected, unwanted closeness (sniffing of hair, hugs, kisses, etc.) to females of all ages in diverse environments. Altho' I saw the video twice on different days, I could not find it this morning.
It gives me no joy to outline all this. I wish I hadn't felt it necessary, but each point, already known to (R) operatives, makes him extra vulnerable, and the stakes in 2020 are just too high.
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Lifter Of Shirts Thank you A LOT, both for your fine post in general and for your link to votesmart! I had never heard of that, and it is impressive. There was the option to send it by on by email, so I sent it to myself to have on hand to review as needed. I'd just replied to Wonderfeel a few posts back with a brief overview of Sen. Sanders' Medicare4All as I know it, in case you'd find it of passing interest. Hope I didn't make any mistakes with it! I think it's is the best option out, and one of the reasons, but only one, why I'm a very strong supporter of only Bernie for president. PB's 'donations' have been shocking, and he was just at another big fundraiser, in the Hamptons.
Truly...votesmart was/is much appreciated, and I expect to use it often in the next months. --Virginia Lawler
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@grindcoreninja6527 Hhnn.... That's too bad. Wonder why it was pay for view? I'm watching it right now (6/23/22) on The Humanist Report on You Tube, of course. No pay for view. Am grateful to Mike Figueredo for covering the Sanders vs. Graham debate, that's for sure, and he does show 376K subscribers, which is substantive. On the other hand, it's certainly possible/probable that few Fox "sheep" watch Mike! So, around we go yet again--everyone who cares about Bernie and his bedrock facts vs. Graham, who truly seems to be a paid-for corporate shill.
At least, Bernie and his policies/programs are getting much more coverage than he ever did for 2016 and 2020 for his two presidential runs. And, I would hazard a guess that the DNC higher-ups would think twice about slamming him now as some did both of those times. The DNC Chair, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, lost her high post because of her/their one primary shenanigans, and Donna Brazille even apologized to Bernie later. So.... If Bernie should decide to run--and I've already seen the slogan, "Third Time's a Charm," posted several times--his 2024 primary campaign should/could benefit from a fairer path. His campaign's communications effort would sure have to improve tho'....
In any case, Bernie has a great bully pulpit right now--as the still-newish chairman (due to seniority) of the powerful Senate Budget Committee. And, he's using it so well to inform and educate us about how our government's services would be more helpful to all of our nation's citizens with his important plans/programs. It would be simply impossible to blame him if he chose to just keep on truckin' from this position. We all know that not enough of us who said we'd vote for him in 2020 actually made the effort to show up. And, we all know what a difference he's making right now via that Budget post. So, who knows if he'd answer "the call" yet again, even if it came. He's quite young, but with fairly significant and diverse accomplishments and honors. ;-) At 83, I know I sure wish he would. #NotMe.Us.
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Whoa...! ;-) Larry David is WONDERFUL. His impressions of Bernie truly are a hoot...and clever, too. (and Bernie obviously thinks so, too!) I'd never heard of him until his routines about Bernie...and now it turns out they are even, distantly, related!
Opps! Now I "get" your comment! Sorry! Yes. Biden is someone only worth a laugh...at best. We All need to think seriously about how he chose to waste precious "face time" here, to be a bully...yet again. Especially hard to accept how he would represent Us on the international stage, if someone gently questioned him then. His unprofessional, unlikeable, unacceptable behavior would be shared with millions to the embarrassment of our nation then, not just to his campaign and to those who see him repeat it in person or on video now. He s-h-o-u-l-d know that...and restrain his urge. That he cannot grasp it speaks volumes as yet another reason why he MUST NOT be our president.
Many thanks to another poster here for identifying the innocent victim this time--"Ed Fallon, head of the organization, 'Bold Iowa,' homed in Des Moines.' Fallon was courteous, upfront and even allowed that he was going to vote for Tom Stayer in the primary, BUT, he had Biden in the General. Wish he (and even his group, too) were on board for Bernie, but....
I am 81 y.o., an Illinois native now in NC, who first learned of Bernie in 1963 when he was arrested while protesting school segregation in Chicago. He's been authentic and consistent ever since. It's 1/29/20 now. How I hope my long ago Iowa neighbors will vote him to victory Monday night. I also hope all Bernie supporters will continue to talk with "the elderly" they know--to help upgrade his standing in the one age group where he doesn't show strongly--altho' we've been here for his lifeswork for civil, economic, environmental, gender, racial and social justice...and for peace. NO other candidate comes close to his commitment for All of Us. Feel free to circulate this comment, if you think it could be helpful--Thanks.
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@Wonderfeel__ I have now read 10 posts from you in this somewhat small early list of comments set up to provide a place to respond to The Humanist Report's program about differences between Sanders' and Buttigieg's health plans, how they are being presented to voters and who is telling the truth about them. Etc. You have certainly given a lot of your time to comment in this space, but your posts do seem to be somewhat all over the place.
Here in the U.S. we are in a focused battle for how health care coverage will be for us in the future. For me, I will spend my time only on that...how to finally achieve comprehensive health care as a right not a privilege. I learned from The Humanist Report, and I hope to learn from other posters, too, and maybe even make a small contribution to the discourse. Why you choose to spend so much of your time on something that is not related to your life is curious, but I fully support your right to do so, of course. You will get no replies from me after this one.
At 81 now, I have reviewed a lot of paper about health care. Sanders' Medicare4All plan is not perfect but it is our nation's greatest opportunity to finally achieve comprehensive healthcare as a Right for ALL of us. No pre-pays. No co-pays. No deductibles. Coverage includes glasses, hearing aids, etc. Prescriptions to cost no more than $200/year. Choose your doctors. Coverage to begin at age 65 and proceed to cover all of us. No filings to make or bills to pay. I believe Bernie's plan has the chance to be the greatest overall benefit to our nation's people since FDR fought for Social Security ..
The cost will be covered by a modest raise in federal tax, but testimonials have already been received from folks who have run the details re their own current plans and report an overall saving in cost while having better coverage. Those of us who feel the same way will need to be laser-focused to elect Bernie our 46th president because his plan is the only one fully developed point by point. The nation's need was illustrated on another level today when GM took away healthcare coverage from its striking workers. Medicare4All will be with each citizen always. No employer could take it away, no loss of job would eliminate it, no move to take a better job would affect it, and it will be there for every retiree. All Best Wishes to you. #Medicare4All. #NotMe.Us. #Bernie 2020. .
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@juliusdennis4225 I'm sorry you chose to post your comment. It shows how little you know about Sen. Sanders' history. An Illinois native, 83, I first learned of Bernie in 1963, from a Chicago newspaper photo of a policeman "helping" him to the ground for marching against segregation. Maybe 21, a poli sci undergrad at the U. of Chicago, he was a working member/officer with both CORE (the Congress on Racial Equality) and SNCC t(he Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee. Bernie (and others) were arrested. The NAACP got him out the next day.
Bernie took a busload to D.C. for MLK's great March for Jobs and Freedom (and historic "I Have a Dream" speech). He would quote King, which helped extend that great man's message even after his assassination. One example, "What does it profit a man to be able to eat at an integrated lunch counter if he doesn't earn enough money to buy a hamburger and a cup of coffee." A nonviolent revolutionary, King worked to combat "the triple evils of poverty, racism and militarism." Bernie, too. He was later part of the King national holiday event. Later, he marched with thousands in Memphis at the AFSCME-organized 50th anniversary of King's assassination.
Bernie has continued his work for All of Us as the re-elected mayor of Vermont's largest city. then as the re-elected U.S. representative and now as the reelected U.S. senator (and chair, through seniority, of the powerful Senate budget committee). He's been honored by two of our largest veterans associations--the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars--and been awarded two honorary degrees for his continuing good works. Could you share with us what YOU have done to benefit "black people" that permits you to slam Senator Sanders so? NotMeUs.
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Giantfighter Kimo I only disagree slightly, gently. Please see my Reply to Erik Ballew slightly above. I do believe, that the recent bounce of support for Bernie' s Medicare4All--however unfortunately probably due in at least part to the dreadful coronavirus that "woke" many of us--has significantly helped educate voters for the several primaries ahead. They each provide extra time and additional opportunity for his campaign to build on the "narrow path" to the nomination that he still has. Time will tell if the staff can capitalize on the opportunity.
One high priority success for our ailing the nation would be Mail-In ballots as an option for all remaining races, to retain with facilitated individual participation a sense of community in the face of the catastrophic conditions. Bernie must stay in the race 'til the convention. He now has an ever-growing chance with delegates, who will have learned by then more about his previous decades of diverse work for us and his continuing unique, substantial leadership throughout this current crisis. He is simply the best armed to stabilize our wounded nation and to direct us to a future worthy of our past...and that means the best to defeat Trump, "the worst president in our moder istory."
Bernie continues every day to educate more of us re 1) His comprehensive, progressive programs for All of Us, not unveiled by either of the other two, 2) His encompassing agenda to regain the trust & support of our longtime international colleagues & restore our sad & reeling nation in the world's community, 3) His physical strength for the job--still the long distance specialist from high school track days (illustrated by fun hoops & pitcher demonstrations to serious marathon on-line programs, 4) His strong mind--in direct, sober contrast to the continuing cognitive decline of Biden, but also when compared to Trump's own increasingly inept mental & verbal acuity, which has been known from the get-go. For just one example, what WILL be Trump's record for his repeated use of the word "incredible" mostly about himself in e-v-e-r-y press briefing?? Briefings reinstated, of course, only as primarily daily rallies for his re-election effort, but still important for our fearful nation, thanks to true experts and patriots who participate with facts, not Trump's continual, uncontrollable lies.
Finally, about Bernie 5) His strong heart. He is an encompassing person who consistently welcomes, for the common good of America, even forces often opposed to him (such as the Dem elite, DNC, much of the corporate media and elites in the general population). As he says, "We're All in This Together!" because he wants to unify the nation again...and knows it truly does take All of Us to Overcome. As in certain other specific times in history, our nation is at stake. WE need a leader like FDR, MLK and many others...no one ever perfect but each the right president for his time. Only Bernie this time.
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