Bernie Sanders Unveils Sweeping Policy Platform To Combat Racial Inequality

[Fearless]

WASHINGTON -- A day after being interrupted by Black Lives Matters protesters at a campaign event in Seattle, Washington, Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) released a detailed platform on combating racial inequality.

Sanders' campaign posted the platform on his website on Sunday, and he addressed the issue of racial justice that evening in front of 20,000 supporters in Portland, drawing his largest crowd yet along the campaign trail. Nearly 12,000 people attended Saturday’s event in Seattle.

The platform delineates policy proposals pertaining to what Sanders calls “the four central types of violence waged against black and brown Americans: physical, political, legal and economic.”

Sanders proposes a series of police reforms, including the demilitarization of police forces, a federal program giving police body cameras, and increasing police transparency and accountability. He also calls for an end to mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent offenses and bemoans the disproportionate rate at which blacks are targeted by police.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/bernie-sanders-racial-inequality_55c81153e4b0f1cbf1e56b77?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000013§ion=politics

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[Uncle Joe]

1. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, Fearless.

[Fearless]

2. You are very welcome!

[LWolf]

3. I suspect

he didn't just come up with a detailed platform overnight.

I'm glad to see it, and have to say that it was well received tonight.

[tk2kewl]

6. a lifetime in the making

[hootinholler]

7. I thought he posted it after his speech to the SCLC?

That was a month ago.

[LWolf]

9. I don't know.

I know that some are claiming it went up Sunday morning in response to the blm action on Saturday.

I think it's more likely a response from the NN action.

[hootinholler]

12. I just checked the wabac machine

http://web.archive.org/web/20150809045816*/https://berniesanders.com/issues/racial-justice/

The section specific to racial justice went up yesterday. I suspect it was after the announcement of his new press person (I'm not sure of Ms. Sanders title) at the Seattle event.

The issues were addressed at the SCLC speech which a transcript was on his site on July 25. I suspect they have been working on the racial justice page since then.

[LWolf]

14. That makes sense.

I read yesterday somewhere, in an interview with Symone Sanders, that Bernie reached out to her after NN, she gave him advice, which he took, and then he hired her. I'm betting they've been working on that racial justice segment for awhile, and rolling them out together makes sense.

She's really sharp. I'm just not sure what to call her, lol. Symone? It will get confusing calling her Sanders, and some of us with lazy fingers and carpal tunnel syndrome may not want to type her whole name out every time.

[hootinholler]

15. The first I heard about her was watching the Seattle introduction

I was all DAYUM!

She is a powerful speaker and I'm looking forward to seeing how she handles a press conference. (He said like that will happen soon, LOL)

If you run across the interview, I'd love to see it.

[LWolf]

17. Here's one article;

I can't remember the source of yesterday's:

http://www.buzzfeed.com/evanmcsan/bernie-sanders-campaign-adds-young-black-woman-as-new-public#.kf3bDGnezL

[Cal33]

34. Wow, and she is only 25. A genius, perhaps?

[sabrina 1]

20. He has spent hi life working for justice and equality. He doesn't

always talk about all that he has tried to do but the more people are getting to know him, the more they are finding out about his amazing and thoroughly consistent record.

[1StrongBlackMan]

23. I suspect ...

the spark to develop the plan ... or, at least, the recognition of a pressing need to communicate a plan ... came shortly after NRN.

That said ... it is a welcomed development.

[LWolf]

25. Yes.

I think the action at NRN was effective, and helpful all around.

[1StrongBlackMan]

26. Watch yourself ...

you will find yourself out of the favor of DU ... BLM is evil, evil, evil!

[LWolf]

29. BLM is great.

Last edited Mon Aug 10, 2015, 03:05 PM - Edit history (1)

I don't have to agree with, or like, every member or every action, to know that standing up to stop the abuse of and murder of black Americans is needed NOW.

I'm pleased to see the Sanders campaign's response to the action at NRN. I think Sanders has always been an obvious supporter of social justice, including racial justice, but moving him to step it up can only be good.

I really like his new press secretary, and think she's been, and will be continue to be, great for his campaign.

I'm going to vote for Sanders in my primary, as will many of my fellow Oregonians, and I'll campaign for him straight through to the convention.

Regardless of who gets the D nomination OR the WH in '16, though, the issues aren't going away, and we will still need to be active in achieving our goals.

I support all of BLM's demands, and will continue to do so. There is no local chapter in my area, although a couple of churches marched back in December. I didn't hear about that march until after the fact, or I would have been there. Meanwhile, I've been checking out some of the campaigns at ColorOfChange and trying to support from a distance.

I agree with what Sanders keeps saying, and not just because he's saying it: we need to stand together, we need to be united, when it comes to effecting needed change. I'm not the enemy, and I'm here to be an ally. Just as I understand the frustration and anger behind the BLM movement, I also understand the reactions that some Sander's supporters have had. To be honest, I had some of the same immediate reactions. Then I took a deep breath, had a cup of tea, thought a bit, and dove back in to listen. We are all on our own journeys, learning and growing. It's okay that I'm 55 and not done yet. I hope I won't be done when I take my last breath.

[azmom]

44. The only way to move forward is by

Uniting all the different movements.

Imagine Occupy, Dreamers, fight for $15, BLM, friends of the earth, and others all uniting and supporting one another. We could accomplish so much.

Bernie is showing us the way, we just need to trust each other and come together.

[LWolf]

69. That's truth. nt

[JackInGreen]

55. Maaaan

We've had some conflict but I wanna snark along with you.

[1StrongBlackMan]

59. You be careful ...

I'm BADDDD company ... Doing anything with me (except arguing) puts you at associational risk!

[JackInGreen]

61. I've given 0 shits abour that forever

And gotten IRL beat to hell over it. I can handle it

[1StrongBlackMan]

63. Well then ... Come on in! The water's fine! n/t

[Armstead]

45. I suspect it has been in his mind for a long time (Bernie in 1991)

Watch all the way through -- and remember this was a time when it was popular to be "tough on crime" and ignore the disproportional persecution of blacks.

" target="_blank">

[1StrongBlackMan]

47. That's probably why the Bernie Camp attributed the plan development to the events at NRN.

Perhaps we should distinguish between an "idea" and a "plan".

[Armstead]

48. And I am simply pointing out....

...that whether or not Sanders has been efficient in the political ritual of creating detail 26 point plans and issue papers to accompany his still-formative campaign, nobody had to point out to him the importance of these issues.

[1StrongBlackMan]

49. And I am pointing out that ...

apparently, it was necessary for people to point out that it is important enough to us/them that a plan be developed.

whether or not Sanders has been efficient in the political ritual of creating detail 26 point plans and issue papers to accompany his still-formative campaign

Why do you pretend that Bernie is a novice to campaigning? He is not. And, in that context, the "efficiency in the political ritual" goes directly to leadership or priorities, or both.

[virtualobserver]

51. He is a novice to campaigning for President, as most people are when they run.

There is a learning curve and an awareness curve.

[Sheepshank]

54. Too bad he hasn't been in Washington long enough to see several POTUS campaigns ....

....and to learn frmo them....oh wait....

[virtualobserver]

56. what did Hillary learn from the two campaigns with Bill

she learned that attacking Obama over Jeremiah Wright was good politics

In an interview with the editorial board of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review on March 25, 2008, Hillary Clinton commented on Obama's attendance at Trinity United Church of Christ, stating, "You don't choose your family, but you choose what church you want to attend." Later the same day, during a press conference, Clinton spoke on her personal preference in a pastor: "I think given all we have heard and seen, [Wright] would not have been my pastor."

Perhaps looking to the campaign of the "experienced" Hillary or anyone else would not be the place to learn.

[Sheepshank]

57. your claim that Bernie is a novice is ludicrous...he's been around a long time.

he's seen enough campaigns to know what tactics he wants to employ and what he doesn't what he thinks works and what doesn't. He's held enough stomp meetings to get a feel for what is going on specifically in this election cycle.

You can deflect to what Hillary is doing if you wish....i just don't inderstand the purpose except to cover up an inane statment that is less than fact filled.

[virtualobserver]

65. You were the one that said that he should have learned from campaigns past.

I just drew on Hillary's vast experience. It is not an "inane statement" to suggest that he is a novice at running for President. An actual "inane statement" would be to suggest otherwise.

[1StrongBlackMan]

60. Okay. n/t

[Armstead]

58. I am simply addressing the bogus implication being promulgated...

that he did not care about these issue before it was so politely "pointed out to him."

He's not a novice ...but presidential campaigns are a different ballgame. Sure he needed improvement in the organizing and message. But the reason he responded to pressure about this stuff is because it was already in his DNA.

It has always been important to Sanders, including those periods when social issues were being swept under the rug overall. It was not a very popular (or politically expedient) move to attack the War On Crime (including its racial aspects) as forcefully he did back in the early 1990's....(And this was long after his "irrelevant" involvement with the civil rights movement in the 60's.)

[1StrongBlackMan]

62. No one has said that Bernie didn't care about these issues ...

well, perhaps, not enough to develop a plan.

[Armstead]

64. That cute little "well perhaps" is typical of this phony controversy

Why the hell can't you just acknowledge that for decades -- including the periods when criminal injustice and racial issues were being swept under the rug -- Sanders has cared about this stuff? That video is one example. That's not some lily livered apathetic apologist for racism.

I am willing to admit that he needed to refine his campaign messaging. But that's the case with other issues too, in terms of HOW he gets the message out. That's campaign building. And he got a lot of visibility quick, and is still pulling the pieces together.

But it is a flat out LIE that he has not been engaged as a fighter for these issues all his adult life.

And yes it pisses the hell out of me and others who know what Sanders has been doing for YEARS, that certain factions (some with a political agenda) are keeping this phony controversy alive both blatantly and with innuendo, instead of moving on to form an actual united front that might actually bring some positive change for everyone.

And P.S. I don't give a shit if some prefer Hillary or some other candidate. But making hay out of a lie is just bogus.

[1StrongBlackMan]

66. I HAVE acknowledged his history!!! ... What more do you want? ...

Oh yeah ...

[Armstead]

67. My suggestion. Try to avoid things like "well perhaps" ...That's an innuendo that is not helpful...

Yes, I get emotional about this.

But have been following Sanders for years. In addition to his economic message, my admiration has been because of his ongoing commitment to and clear championing of social justice issues.

I can at least accept the argument of those who say he is "too far left" or some such criticism on that basis. That's at least a position based on honest differences.

But not when bogus claims are made that are 180 degrees removed from reality.

[1StrongBlackMan]

68. Okay. n/t

[Skwmom]

4. So what do you think the spin will be on the manipulation of the masses channels (aka cable news)?

I've made my list including Bernie is finally doing something for minorities but only after being pushed to do so etc - ignoring the fact that he has been a strong supporter of the Black Caucus for decades.

[passiveporcupine]

35. We need to keep getting this out there

He was already talking about it before NRN.

July 17
Iowa Democratic Hall of Fame Dinner

Bernie said:

And like everbody in this room. I want to see an America where when young black men walk down the street, they will not be harrassed by police officers. They will not be killed. They will not be shot.

July 18
Netroot Nations event disrupted by BLM.

[GitRDun]

5. Now THAT'S progress

Well done Bernie...now get your outreach teams squared away, lol.

[ismnotwasm]

8. Right on!

Figured Sanders would do something--he's not a man of inaction when he can take action.

[romanic]

10. Great news!

But my fear is, this will still be "not enough" in the eyes of radicals and black separatists.

[Cal33]

11. It's very likely that many of that Black Lives Matter group in Seattle never knew that Sanders

Last edited Mon Aug 10, 2015, 06:18 PM - Edit history (1)

had always been for racial equality for all. They never knew that as a young man he had
marched with Martin Luther King, that he had always been a Liberal. Then, of course, it's
also possible that Right Wing infiltrators might have been in there using the occasion to
stir up trouble against Bernie, just as I think there probably are some careful and very
subtle Right Wing infiltrators here at DU. RWs are well known for trying to put infiltrators
into all Democratic as well as every other political institutions.

[1StrongBlackMan]

27. What makes you think that ...

Black Lives Matter group in Seattle never knew that Sanders had always been for racial equality for all. They never knew that as a young man he had marched with Martin Luther King, that he had always been a Liberal?

Isn't that a tad condescending?

[Comrade Grumpy]

30. Well, they sure acted like they didn't have a fucking clue.

[1StrongBlackMan]

32. Because??? ...

Question ... do you really give a damn about what someone did yesterday (let along 50+ years ago) then the stuff you are talking about is happening today?

[Cal33]

33. It happened 50 years ago, and it's has been happening all along throughout his career. There

are periods where he has been talking about other problems and leaving off racial equality
because he has so much ground to cover as far as what's wrong with our nation is concerned.
If you just look at his whole background, you'll know what kind of a person he is. Just give
him some time, he'll be on this topic again.

[passiveporcupine]

36. So, I guess I will post it again

July 17
Iowa Democratic Hall of Fame Dinner

Bernie said:

And like everbody in this room. I want to see an America where when young black men walk down the street, they will not be harrassed by police officers. They will not be killed. They will not be shot.

July 18
Netroot Nations event disrupted by BLM.

[1StrongBlackMan]

39. Phew ... I feel better now. n/t

[Cal33]

43. Yes, if it is also an ongoing part of his philosophy throughout his 40-year political career. He

has always been consistent. I have also said that he had a big agenda, a lot of ground to cover, implying
that he had to spend a lot of time talking about other problems too.

[LeftOfWest]

42. This.

[bettyellen]

31. More like they have ASKED for him to do exactly what he is now doing. History only gets you so much

of a pass. His omission of SJ issues was glaring. Cannot wait to see a page on Women's rights too.

[passiveporcupine]

37. I wouldn't call July 17 "history"

[George II]

13. "Sanders' campaign posted the platform on his website on Sunday...."

FINALLY! Nice bullet points, how does he plan on doing those things mentioned on his site that aren't already being done?

[nxylas]

41. Do you need a hand with those goalposts?

They must be heavy.

[dotymed]

16. It is great and much needed

platform information. Black people have been especially targeted by "our" militarized police.
What really bothers me is that Bernie Sanders has the best record of any candidate (of any color) in working for civil rights and justice for ALL.
I really believe that the major disruptions of Sanders speeches by people claiming to be (probably are) members of black lives matters, have been given incentives to disrupt Bernie's speeches. This is my opinion. Why else would a great man whose record speaks for itself be targeted when obviously bigoted and racist republicans have been left alone?
This is the beginning (IMO) to paint America's best (last?) chance of an actual presidential candidate whose goal is to represent the vast majority of Americans. Actually work for us all. "They" want to portray him in any bad manner possible and they are willing to use any and all means possible. Still operating on the previously proven theory that most Americans will believe whatever the MSM tells them, they have begun. They fear that if enough Americans actually listen and check his voting record, he will become our next POTUS and IMO if Americans have any damned sense that will happen.
Get ready. This is just a mild opening salvo by TPTB to find any way possible to discredit this American treasure. Bernie wants to work for and represent us. the average and poor people of America. The wealthy, greedy, uninformed and power hungry will do anything to prevent all Americans being treated fairly and brought up to 1st world status. It is sad but very true. If Bernie loses so do we.

[1StrongBlackMan]

28. "Incentives" like actually wanting a candidate running for POTUS to hear ...

and understand their message?

[Armstead]

46. Again....

" target="_blank">

[stevenleser]

18. And there you have it. Another manifestation of the success of the BLM protests.

And well done Bernie, at least on its surface as I haven't read his proposals yet.

More well done's from me may ensue afterwards.

[1StrongBlackMan]

24. And I wonder how it tracks with/differs from Martin O'Malley's plan? ...

But this IS a welcomed development.

[Betty Karlson]

19. I think BLM needs to let this man speak.

His message is one that needs to be heard - and included in the democratic party platform.

[slipslidingaway]

21. knr n/t

[magical thyme]

22. so glad he pulled an all-nighter after BLM called him on his hypocrisy and forced a deadline

for him to come up with a plan. (not really sarcasm. more facetious. )

[Luminous Animal]

38. He has been working with Symone Sanders and these amazing BLM folks

since Net Roots Nation.

https://twitter.com/deray/with_replies

https://twitter.com/Nettaaaaaaaa

https://twitter.com/MsPackyetti

https://twitter.com/samswey

I sincerely doubt that "he pulled an all-nighter".

[Babel_17]

40. This campaign never fails to impress me

I guess I expected Sanders campaign to be more rough-hewn but it is progressing along in an extraordinary fashion. He's sweeping along whole swathes of the country, and his message is only just starting to penetrate into peoples consciousness.

[Romulox]

50. Good for Bernie. Good for America. Bad for "concerned" Hillary supporters, though. nt

[stone space]

52. Good for Black Hillary supporters, I would think.

Bad for "concerned" Hillary supporters, though. nt

Just as any positive step by Hillary in this area is good for Black Bernie supporters.

[Romulox]

53. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to work that way. This is more about "gotcha" politics than real

change.