SBS: I Want an America Where Blacks are Not Harassed, Shot & Killed by Police, July 17, before NRN

[appalachiablue]

On July 17, Sen. Bernie Sanders calls for an America where young black men can walk down the street without being harassed, shot and killed by the police, at the Iowa Democratic Party Hall of Fame Dinner, two days before the Net Roots Nation appearance July 19.
Bernie also praises Pres. Obama for recently visiting a federal jail and talking about the absurdity of a criminal justice system where if we don't change it, today 1 out of 4 African American men born will end up behind bars. That's why it makes sense to invest in jobs and education, not jails and prisons Sanders says.

[HooptieWagon]

1. They just wanted personal attention.

It didn't matter who was on stage, or what their message.

[appalachiablue]

3. The NRN protest by BLM was so important esp. with the shocking, recent news of Sandra Bland.

But it could have seen managed better I think, yet made a real impact. Bernie's shortened time with the audience was a shame for BLM members, other guests and national viewers. The event was also used by elements to further falsely charge that Bernie is unconcerned with blacks, PoC and immigrants, out of date and other dishonest claims spread to try to diminish his impact. Bernie Sanders' true actions and record are known and evidence to the contrary.

Bernie's message is resounding now, and he's reaching people all over the USA. He's also being covered well by British and international news. Here's to the Stunning Summer of Sanders!

[awake]

2. Unfortuneitly some cant't handle the truth

Bernie has become a real theret to the corporate class that is why he is being swift boated with claims of being a racist.

[appalachiablue]

4. Fortunately the truth of Sen. Bernie Sanders actions, views and record exists to

blow the lies and false charges. Americans are recognizing Bernie's authenticity, concern and determination to improve the lives of working people. It's a very powerful, refreshing message and many are Feeling the Bern!

[Cheese Sandwich]

5. Bernie has fought for civil rights and racial justice his whole life

Yes he has room for improvement on the way he speaks about the issues. And he can update it for modern times a bit. But overall he is very strong.

I think maybe that's why some Clinton supporters have made a huge effort to paint him as racially dumb. They are scared Bernie fever might have spread to black people and threaten Hillary's support, so they need to inoculate against that.

I support the #blackLives protests, and most advocates are sincere. But there are also some cynical Clinton fans in the mix just trying to score political points.

This is not to excuse Bernie's faults, or to say he is perfect. But he is as good as any.

Bernie spoke out against over policing and mass incarceration when all the other Democrats and liberals were tripping over each other to throw black people in jail. That includes the Clinton, Clinton, O'Malley, and most of the rest.

Speaking about against mass incarceration and over-policing and racial injustices, in 1991, during the height of panic when most liberals were more worried about seeming "tough on crime"

Strong speech endorsing Jesse Jackson for president in 1988

President Obama did make a good step by visiting a prison and I would like to see Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton both follow his example and take a prison tour.

[appalachiablue]

6. Bernie's record & involvement exist, he just doesn't grandstand or howl like others, to his credit.

He's been on top of issues like the above 1991 Congressional speech against more crime bills for decades.

Early in his 2016 campaign, Bernie spoke about Black Lives Matter on June 6 in Keene, New Hampshire to a SRO, standing room only community center audience of 750 people. He covered recent tragic events in Ferguson, Baltimore and NYC, the need to hold police accountable for illegal actions, the growth of militarized police departments, the need for more 'community policing' in neighborhoods to build trust among residents, and other solutions.

[Doctor_J]

7. The nrn protesters are either self promoting grandstanders or dlc/hrc operatives

Obviously Sanders walks the walk on equal rights for all people, and that rubs some the wrong way.

[lark]

9. Don't think that's fair.

BLM have their own concerns, they aren't HRC tools.

[JDPriestly]

11. It only appeared that way because Hillary did not speak at Netroots Nation.

I fault the organizers of the event. Black Lives Matter is too important a group and they are speaking on an issue of too much importance to be just treated like a bunch of troublemakers. I would have liked to have heard a thoughtful, respectful reading of the names of the women who have been victims of institutional violence rather than the sort of inaudible, hurried reading amidst the yelling and awkwardness. The BLM movement was simply not given the seat at the table that it deserved.

Therefore it appeared that BLM was trying to interrupt and take away from Bernie and O'Malley, as if they were competing with the two candidates and taking time away from the candidates. That should not have been allowed. BLM should have had a good spot on the schedule with the candidates present.

[beam me up scottie]

14. I agree with lark and JDPriestly. Don't confuse the HC opportunists here with BLM.

HC supporters are using the protests to swift boat Bernie.

They can't attack him for his record so they're using Rovian tactics to claim he doesn't care about certain issues.

And if 2008 is any indication they're just getting started.

BLM protesters are just trying to be heard.

[MisterP]

8. while the papers and TV keep cycling the "Sanders has a race situation"

on all the forums and social media we're getting surges of his consistent positions, in full color and with date stamps

[appalachiablue]

18. See #13, #17 for more on this if you want. It's blatant stupidity and preposterous-

[JDPriestly]

10. K&R.

[appalachiablue]

13. Continuing his decades of support for American workers and people of all backgrounds,

including PoC and immigrants, Sen. Bernie Sanders headed the Rally for $15 to raise the minimum wage this past Wed., July 22 in Washington, DC. Along with Rep. Keith Ellison (MN-5th) and other lawmakers, Sen. Sanders met with hundreds of US Capitol and federal contract workers who marched down Constitution Ave. to the US Capitol Building for the $15.00 Minimum Wage Rally.

Many of the marchers carried signs saying, "$10.10 is Not Enough to Support My Family"; and it is common for employees to take a second or third job to get by. Sen. Sanders introduced a bill for a NATIONAL Minimum Wage of $15.00 the day of the Rally. The govt. contract employees are predominantly black and Latino, and work in federal govt. offices, buildings and facilities as cashiers, clerks, cooks, maintenance staff, and landscapers. They cook and serve meals to the US Congressmen and Senators in the Capitol Building.



Local ABC 7 *VIDEO Coverage, Rally for $15 at the US Capitol, Wed., July 22, 2015.

- Hundreds of Workers and Legislative Officials Gathered for the Weekday Rally Event on the US Capitol Grounds.



"I WORKED AT THE US CAPITOL AND KFC. COLONEL SANDERS PAID ME MORE THAN UNCLE SAM." Sonita Bailey, a Capitol café cashier tells her story in tears to those gathered at the Rally while comforted by Sen. Sanders.



Read More about the Rally and *Sonita Bailey, The Guardian, "Bernie Sanders Condemns 'Starvation' Pay at Rally to Raise US Minimum Wage, July 22, 2015:
http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2015/jul/22/federal-minimum-wage-rally-bernie-sanders-washington

[JDPriestly]

16. A minimum wage lf $10.10 may be OK in rural America, but in cities like D.C. or Los Angeles

or Chicago or New York, it is a starvation wage.

[WillyT]

12. K & R !!!

[appalachiablue]

17. The silliness that Bernie doesn't know and support black people, Latinos,

immigrants and PoC is preposterous. (See #13). Bernie has been working over 20 years in Wash., DC which has a large, diverse population and he continues to forge decades long, strong relationships and work with US Congress members like Keith Ellison of MN, Barbara Lee of CA, John Conyers of MI, Raul Grijalva of AZ and many more.



Sen. Bernie Sanders with US House of Representatives members including Keith Ellison (D-MN), Barbara Lee (D-CA), Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), John Conyers (D-IL), Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Elijah Cummings (D-MD).
These legislators are mainly members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC), originally founded in 1991 by Rep. Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Rep. Ron Dellums (D-CA), Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA), Rep. Peter DeFazio (D-VT) and others. The Progressive Caucus is currently chaired by Rep. Keith Ellison of MN and Rep. Raul Grijalva of AZ. Since 1991 the Caucus has grown steadily, added 20 members since 2005 and currently numbers around 70 members.

Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) website and List of Members.
http://cpc.grijalva.house.gov/caucus-members/

wiki, Congressional Progressive Caucus (PC)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Congressional_Progressive_Caucus
______



Democratic Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13th)

Barbara Lee is the US Representative for California's 13th District. She is a member of the Democratic Party, was the Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus and Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC). Rep. Lee is an outspoken voice for social and economic justice for her constituents and others across the US. Lee is a key leader of progressive action, has been a vocal critic of the War in Iraq and supports legislation for a Department of Peace.

Rep. Lee is a longtime colleague and friend of Sen. Bernie Sanders and stated recently:
"BERNIE SANDERS MESSAGE IS 'RESONATING', 'GALVANIZING PROGRESSIVES': "And I Think by the Turnout and by the Response of the People around the Country, We See That This Message is Resonating. So I Think it's a Good Thing He's Out There".
Buzz Feed News, July 7, 2015:
http://www.buzzfeed.com/andrewkaczynski/democratic-congresswoman-bernie-sanders-message-resonating-g#.ykvlYBbG6

More on Rep. Barbara Lee,
http://www.democraticunderground.com/128028445

wiki, Barbara Lee
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Lee



Rep. Barbara Lee and Sen. Bernie Sanders

[beam me up scottie]

15. KnR

Thanks, appalachiablue.

[appalachiablue]

19. For sure Scottie. What stupidity and preposterous commentary, the evidence to the contrary

is everywhere. How dense are people? In #17 added diverse Congress members and Barbara Lee who Bernie's been working with for years as you know.


~ Bernie Sanders 2016 The President We Need ~

[beam me up scottie]

20. Keep posting the truth, ab.

They've already moved on to claiming Bernie doesn't support Planned Parenthood.

Some folks sure are worried about the fringe candidate who can't possibly win.

[smokey nj]

21. Are you fucking kidding me?

[beam me up scottie]

22. Nope.

They didn't get very far with the meme because women on DU aren't that stupid.

We don't allow the GOP to manipulate us and I personally resent the hell out of it when those on the "left" try to do the same thing.

Despicable.

[smokey nj]

23. It seems there aren't any depths to which they will not sink.

[merrily]

24. He sent his donors an email asking them to donate to Emanuel AME for the survivors. That speaks

volumes.

He knows his donors are not like to have separate political donation budgets and separate "worthy cause" donation budgets. Even when they give to him, it's probably from their food budgets, because they can't cut from rent or mortgage or utilities. So, his immediately telling people to donate to the survivors of the Emmanuel AME shootings was sacrificial on his part.

If he did not get that--which is a ridiculous thought--his campaign advisors undoubtedly pointed it out. And he spoke about the shootings immediately, too, and plainly and authentically, as he has done most or all things during his political career. Not after he and his campaign advisers massaged the words for days so as to offend potential voters as little as possible. (Of the three frontrunners, Bernie is also the one who never said "ALL lives matter.&quot

Please see also: http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=view_post&forum=1280&pid=27615

I have a high degree of confidence that, whatever power Bernie gets, he will use as he has always used the power of his elective offices.

Back in April, I listed three reasons I could not support Hillary. http://www.democraticunderground.com/12777603 Applying the exact same standard to Bernie as I did to her, I can support Bernie. Two additional reasons I support Bernie: He does not change his positions or ask me to forget everything he's said and done before the Presidential primary campaign of 2016. Even the Presidential primary of 2008 is not supposed to count. (Are you kidding me?) As far as Secretary of State, if something negative gets posted, her supporters quickly post it's Obama's fault. He was her boss. But anything positive, like the trip to Burma, was her victory. (Are you kidding me?)

Also, I think Bernie has a better chance of winning the general than does Hillary.

Polls have long been showing that many people don't believe or trust Hillary. To that, her campaign manager stated falsely on national TV, there is no such poll, thereby winning the talking heads irony award of the year. Polls are also showing many think she does not really know or care about their needs. Now, what is the likelihood that people will elect as President someone they describe that way?

Sure, she was light years ahead in the polls before anyone else, Democratic or Republican, had announced. However, she fell below several Republicans in purple states, which are really the only ones that are going to matter on election day. New York, California and Massachusetts are not going to swing this election for Democrats.