Danny Glover: Sanders Campaign Is a Genuine Progressive Social Movement for Democracy

[Mufaddal]

Bernie Sanders' campaign has already accomplished what most observers -- including many of his supporters -- thought was impossible. Coming from 40 points behind in the polls when the campaign began, he achieved a virtual tie with Hillary Clinton in Iowa and enjoys a huge lead in the second Democratic contest in New Hampshire.

There is now no denying that he is a serious contender. Although Clinton still leads in national polls, most of the people surveyed by those polls have so far given little attention to the fundamentally different policy goals between Democratic Party presidential candidates.

Political commentators in the establishment media and status-quo political operatives have overwhelmingly endorsed Clinton, raising a number of doubts about Sanders' prospects of appealing to and winning support of Black voters, who comprise a sizable share of Democratic primary voters. But there are a number of reasons why he can win the majority of Democratic Party and Independent voters, including moderate Republicans -- and many specific reasons why a Sanders' presidency could serve the policy interests of the Black community.

First, Sanders has put forth the most coherent policy changes to achieve full employment. His economic class-based proposals for change could have great benefits for unemployed and under- employed Americans -- especially African-Americans because most Black people in this country are working class and a disproportionate number are poor. The unemployment rate for African-Americans is persistently about twice that of whites, and vastly higher for Black teenagers. Sanders' proposals to create millions of jobs through public investment could greatly benefit African-Americans.

Unlike other candidates, Sanders has highlighted the importance of reform at the U.S. Federal Reserve. This is the institution that, when operating unchecked, basically determines the level of unemployment in the U.S. He has argued that the Fed should not raise interest rates until the unemployment rate falls below 4 percent.

When the Fed raises interest rates, as they did unnecessarily in December, they are deliberately creating unemployment, with the intention of slowing wage growth. In this way they not only reduce employment opportunities but also worsen inequality, since lower-wage workers are disproportionately hit. These workers are also disproportionately Black and Latino.

African-Americans will also benefit greatly from Sanders' proposals for free tuition at public universities, expanding Social Security benefits, raising the minimum wage to $15, universal childcare and pre-kindergarten, a youth jobs program, and other measures to reduce America's vast disparities of income, wealth, and yes, opportunity for all.

Continued: http://commondreams.org/views/2016/02/05/sanders-campaign-genuine-progressive-social-movement-democracy

[Robbins]

1. Great endorsement

Danny Glover is true progressive.I will take his endorsement over many of clinton's celeb endorsements.

[Bluenorthwest]

2. "This campaign is a rare, perhaps unprecedented event in this country's modern electoral history.

deserves the support of everyone who favors social and economic justice." I agree with Danny.

[99th_Monkey]

3. Woot!! K&R n/t

[ljm2002]

4. Did you post this in GD:P?

If not, you should!

Great endorsement!

[Mufaddal]

5. I never post there, too acrimonious

But feel free to re/cross-post it.