10-14-2015, 12:50 PM
I don't see income inequality as just another word for socialism, though one of the goal's of socialism is more equality in the standard of living for all.
Every developed country has some elements of socialism in their economic and social systems. We already have social security, welfare, etc...
Sanders seems to be advocating for a closure of the gap between the very rich and the other 90% of the population by paying people at least a minimum wage that keeps them at or above the poverty level.
He is warning that the middle class has been dissipating over the last 40 years and nothing is being done to address the problem. He wants people to join together and to take action now.
He sees America headed towards an Oligarchy as result of Citizens United and banking/Wall Street/Corporate abuses; I think he's right.
He recognizes that a college degree today is the equivalent of a high school diploma 50 years ago, so ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to pursue higher education just like they do high schools (using higher taxing of Wall Street) could help close the income gap in the future.
He's right that other developed countries provide health care as a basic right, that Americans work more hours with less income equality than other developed countries, that more Americans are incarcerated than in any other developed country (by body and percentage counts), etc...
Anyway, I understand and agree with much of Bernie's Democratic Socialist platform. More policies aimed at improving the public good in our capitalistic model are needed in my opinion too.
But, I'm not optimistic that he'd be able to make such radical changes in a 4 year term and I don't find some of his proposals feasible. I don't think Bernie will be elected, but I admire the man and his passion. I think he's succeeding in creating an awareness and enthusiasm that will outlive him and might improve the lives of millions in the country.
73-year-old Bernie has always been in favor of gay marriage, against war unless domestic or ally security is threatened, in favor of a society where all people are treated more equally, in favor of criminal action against big money players whose financial crimes directly harm the economy of the people, etc.. He's a rock star with a lot of people under 30. I think that's kinda cool.
Every developed country has some elements of socialism in their economic and social systems. We already have social security, welfare, etc...
Sanders seems to be advocating for a closure of the gap between the very rich and the other 90% of the population by paying people at least a minimum wage that keeps them at or above the poverty level.
He is warning that the middle class has been dissipating over the last 40 years and nothing is being done to address the problem. He wants people to join together and to take action now.
He sees America headed towards an Oligarchy as result of Citizens United and banking/Wall Street/Corporate abuses; I think he's right.
He recognizes that a college degree today is the equivalent of a high school diploma 50 years ago, so ensuring that all young people have the opportunity to pursue higher education just like they do high schools (using higher taxing of Wall Street) could help close the income gap in the future.
He's right that other developed countries provide health care as a basic right, that Americans work more hours with less income equality than other developed countries, that more Americans are incarcerated than in any other developed country (by body and percentage counts), etc...
Anyway, I understand and agree with much of Bernie's Democratic Socialist platform. More policies aimed at improving the public good in our capitalistic model are needed in my opinion too.
But, I'm not optimistic that he'd be able to make such radical changes in a 4 year term and I don't find some of his proposals feasible. I don't think Bernie will be elected, but I admire the man and his passion. I think he's succeeding in creating an awareness and enthusiasm that will outlive him and might improve the lives of millions in the country.
73-year-old Bernie has always been in favor of gay marriage, against war unless domestic or ally security is threatened, in favor of a society where all people are treated more equally, in favor of criminal action against big money players whose financial crimes directly harm the economy of the people, etc.. He's a rock star with a lot of people under 30. I think that's kinda cool.