Dear Friends -
In the midst of all of the crises currently facing our nation and the world, we recently asked our supporters to make suggestions as to how Progressives can best go forward in fighting for our values. Amazingly, we received over 4,000 responses.
Obviously, we can't print all of the statements we received, but the following represent a decent cross-section of what came in.
Thanks to all who shared their thoughts.
I hope you find these comments as interesting as I did.
"I think the most urgent focus should be on attacking climate change. If we don't have a liveable planet, we can't work on any of the other stuff. Also it seems like it would help with the economy and jobs a lot too. Thank you."
- Molly S. from South Easton, MA
"Give much higher priority to peace and antimilitarism — drastically cutting military spending. Speak out against Dem Party's automatic support for US war funding and imperialism. Mobilize progressives to add antimilitarism to its agenda. Protest war with Ukraine and stop NATO expansion."
- Paul S. from Austin, TX
"Democrats need to deliver on their promises or Trump will return. Biden should be putting meaningful pressure on Sinema and Manchin. Like LBJ did, to get us the Civil Rights Act and Medicare. Why is he not doing that? Democrats need to deliver. Thank you Bernie for trying to get us eyes, ears, and teeth. I am a senior on very low Social Security and have a terrible dental bill looming. Democrats need to deliver."
- Marin L. from Carson City, NV
"We're out of time. We need rent control and student loan cancelation to save futures. We need single-payer healthcare to save lives. We need aggressive climate action to save the world we live in. No more excuses."
- Anais F. from Fresno, CA
"I feel so defeated. Very little of what we were promised happened. No consistent messaging... Biden admin getting next to nothing done directly for the people... I worked so hard to get you elected... and still pushed for Biden. I'm so dang tired."
- Tammy M. from La Mesa, CA
"Biden needs to get out his pen and sign a bunch of Executive Orders. He also needs to come down hard on the Dems obstructing his legislation. Congress needs to kick Manchin/Sinema off their committees. Progressives need to participate in mutual aid, support the Squad, try to get more Squad members elected, and focus more on LOCAL races...because that is how members of the Far Right are infiltrating school boards, etc. Thanks for all you do, Bernie! We love you. :)"
- Kristy W. from Raleigh, NC
"The president can do some things with the pen, like student loan forgiveness. He is on his way to becoming one of the worst presidents. What happened to the FDR stuff? People are hurting and many are giving up. "
- Katherine S. from Cadillac, MI
"As Bernie mentioned, with the foundations of civil society under threat, we need our own left-aligned and working class institutions to fight back against the attacks on working people, democracy, and the planet. We need to rebuild and revitalize the labor movement and grow union density. And we need to support democratic organizations doing grassroots organizing work for progressive change, like the Democratic Socialists of America. Without strong and enduring institutions of our own, the corporate elite and their political lackeys will continue dragging us down this path towards oligarchy, authoritarianism and ecological collapse. Thank you for all you do."
- Curt R. from San Anselmo, CA
"We need to support a national strike to demand voting rights, and Build Back Better gets passed. There needs to be maximum pressure on Congress and Biden to get this done before we lose our Democracy. Bernie, we need you to campaign in Arizona, and West Virginia to call out Manchin and Sinema for blocking all of these bills. That pressure is the only way they will be persuaded."
- Daniel C. from Daly City, CA
"1. Bring back the Eisenhower-era tax brackets (adjusted for inflation, of course)
2. Bring back the Fairness Doctrine to the FCC and fund PBS so that all corporate sponsorship can be prohibited.
The billionaire class is destroying democracy and the planet. They must be stopped, and the sooner the better."
- Michael G. from Knoxville, TN
"Young people are right about so many things, but one thing they cannot see as well as older folks like myself is how far we have come in a very short time. Progressive activism in America has burgeoned since 2015 when you announced your first presidential bid. The Progressive Caucus is a decisive force in our legislative process, and progressives are winning down-ballot elections, and not just in liberal strongholds. The revolution, I keep telling my grandson, is in fact underway, whether the establishment likes it or not. But losing sight of that fact can result in flagging enthusiasm. Victory is not assured, but it is in our grasp. And the world desperately needs us to win, for the sake of peace and justice everywhere and for the sake of the survival of the human species."
- Joseph A. from Rancho Cordova, CA
"Well Bernie, I'm a 72 year old man who has always been a big supporter of yours. I'm on a very limited income, and I'm in need of hearing aids and teeth desperately, but can't afford them. So I guess most important issue for me is to pass legislation to include dental, vision, and hearing aid care, for me and millions of elder Americans. One of top priorities should be to unshackle the millions of Americans of their loan debts, with merely a stroke of a pen. If he's unable to do what's right, then I would to know why he even bothered to run for president. Thank you Bernie for all you do."
- John K. from Georgetown, TX
"Bernie — as always you said it all. We need a strong anti war movement like during the Vietnam and Iraq Wars. Unfortunately we are not there yet. In February 2003, 1.5 million people marched against the Iraq War on the east side of Manhattan yet we still couldn't stop that war. I am afraid that we won't be able to stop President Biden from listening to the military and getting us into a horrendous war in the Ukraine. So our first task is to build a strong anti-war movement. At the same time we need to fight growing inequality, climate change and racism.
The good news is there are signs of life in the labor movement. Unions are making inroads in Amazon, Starbucks and many other struggles. There is a potential for greater strikes. I was on the Steering Committee of NY Labor for Bernie in 2020. I was proud that you made unions the centerpiece of your campaign. As a result of your campaign we have seen growth on the left with DSA having 95,000 members and in OR."
- Lew G. from New York, NY
"Let's "breakup" Build Back Better into bite-size pieces and try to pass individual parts in isolation, like solo bills for universal pre-K, child care, eliminating co-pays and limiting deductibles for health care, 3 week paid leave, etc."
- Jay B. from East Meadow, NY
"Despite all the challenges facing Americans today, there is one that stands out the most for us...health care. As we have seen since the pandemic hit, we are sorely lacking in basic, consistent and cost-effective heath care for everyone. And, not just basic physical care but mental, dental, etc. Perhaps, by the government providing this one basic human right, we would then begin to see what other steps we could take to come together as a nation."
- Dan and Margaret W. from Albuquerque, NM
"1) Our government has to stop trying to work with people who refuse to work with us, aka the Republican Party and Sinema and Manchin. 2) then we need to celebrate very loudly our accomplishments, so we'll have more support from the American people who are still opposing us. 3) Then we can get down to work on all forms of inequality and climate change. Thank you!! "
- Jane S. from Appleton, WI
"Pass the "Build Back Better" legislation, raise minimum wage, establish realistic affordable housing program for under-$75,000 annual wage earners. Pass legislation to ensure equal civil rights for all."
- Frances H. from Pacifica, CA
"There is only one problem in America, from which all of our other problems emanate: our system of legalized political bribery and money in politics. Get all money out of politics — including getting rid of all the super PACs, go to publicly funded federal elections, and things would change overnight. "
- Ronald D. from Tacoma, WA
"I believe President Biden needs to call out those that are perpetuating "alternative facts", the "Big Lie" and give those that should be serving their constituents (instead of Trump) an ultimatum (that can be executed without opposition). Democrats need to stand behind the President and his agenda and get their messaging on point."
- Suzanne M. from Santa Rosa, CA
"It is urgent for the Democratic Party to pass legislation before the midterm elections that immediately impacts the lives of as many working people as possible. It is the only way to effectively fight the growing fascist movement in our country. If the Democrats lose Congress, it will be a major step in the direction of a fascist take over."
- Anthony M. from Houston, TX
"1) Expand the Supreme Court to put it back in balance; 2) Go after government employees that participated in the insurrection (Jordan/Greene/McCarthy) & bar them from ever holding office again; 3) Overturn Citizen's United; 4) Put laws in place that prevent another insurrection; 5) Voting Rights must be made permanent & without gerrymandering."
- Pam M. from Saxtons River, VT
"1. Fix voting rights.
2. Find and prosecute those behind the Jan. 6 insurrection and any other activity that obstructed the smooth transition of power in the last election."
- Ernest F. from San Diego, CA
"The system must be changed, but it can't be if voting rights are taken away. It is essential to protect these rights if we want anything else to be accomplished. Also, it doesn't matter if we can vote when representatives do the bidding of corporate interests instead of their constituents. We must also get money out of politics."
- Benjamin C. from Athens, AL
"We need Medicare for All now more than ever!! It would free up people to do the work they really want to do and try opening up their own businesses. Housing must be a right too! Housing for all that is affordable. "
- Linda W. from White Salmon, WA
"Raise taxes on the 1%.
Renew and enhance Child Tax Credit.
Medicare for All."
Joel L. from Evansville, MN
"Keep talking about all the good progressive do, build up the movement with more vigor than Trump used to tear us down. I'm a modern day socialist and proud of it."
- Kathleen S. from Fredonia, NY
"Voting rights, electoral reform, end Citizens United. Be fixed now before the right breaks our democracy entirely. Everything else can come after that."
- Andrew B. from Kansas City, MO
"Legalized corruption is killing the last vestige of our democracy. All political donations need to be limited and national campaigns federally funded. We ARE in an oligarchy. Constituents have almost no voice but corporations and lobbyists and wealthy donors sure as heck do."
- Charles J. from Terrell, TX
"Voice successes Dems made in first year; blame Republicans for their obstructions from help for middle class to voting! Vote Democracy or Chaos."
- Steve D. from Nampa, ID
"The only thing that can save us is grassroots organizing. One on one. Contact people, drive them to register to vote, drive them to vote."
- Mary L. from West Hartford, CT
"The material needs of the working class must be addressed via a minimum wage hike, debt relief, health care, etc. It is a moral imperative, and climate change and other looming issues cannot receive due attention when millions of us are preoccupied with the cruel reality of living paycheck to paycheck."
- Ethan B. from Cookeville, TN
"Protect voting rights, labor rights and work to address the climate crisis. Break up the social media monopolies. Cancel student debt."
- William S. from Lawrence, KS
"Climate, climate, climate!!! If we don't aggressively address climate change, nothing else will matter."
- Linda M. from Rumford, RI
"Local govs: they have suffered under Trump. Many took example and started authoritarian actions: public comments blocked, refusing to follow environmental laws, personal attacks (I got a death threat), trying to bully school boards...we must show up at city hall, school districts and county boards...and support our local elected officials. They need our support. The vast majority of Americans believe in democracy. We need to show up. Let everyone know."
- Nicholas D. from Poulsbo, WA
"The progressive community ought to focus on creating equality so that the average voice can be heard. Everyone needs to be able to vote, so we have to approve mail-in ballots across the country and allow all people to cast votes. Then we will know what the people truly want when we can hear their voices. That's how the Republican Party will lose their control seeing as most Americans are not conservatives."
- Luliana P. from Denver, CO
"Wealth taxes on billionaires; voting rights; eliminate student debt; eliminate taxes on social security; $20 minimum wage."
- Gerald J. from Memphis, TN
"We need Medicare for All now. We can't wait any longer. Keeping it separated from employment would not just help people but also small businesses from rising costs. We don't yet know the long-term effects of COVID and real access to affordable health care is essential. (To the staff compiling this data, keep up the great work, you are appreciated!) "
- Casey F. from Saint Paul, MN
"Voting rights! Ranked choice voting! Money out of politics!"
- Eli G. from Everett, WA
"We need to restore confidence in the Democratic Party and pass the Build Back Better Act so that the voters can benefit and see that Democrats can get something done."
- Robert B. from Waconia, MN
"We need the Child Tax Credit, low cost high quality childcare, low cost mass transit using renewable energy, we need tax code more equitable, free training thru community colleges in all the trades, renewable energy, computer security for mainly women and single parents, and we need paid family leave."
Bonnie C. from Boulder City, NV
"First, we need to ensure that voting rights and the ease to vote are safeguarded. I feel the younger generation(s) (I'm 62) recognise the inequities they face and will come out in force. Second, we need to correct the disaster of the 2010 Supreme Court decision of Citizens United. We all see how the $$$ influenced the votes of Manchin & Sinema. Only then will all the other social issues have a chance to be addressed."
- Garrick B. from South Elgin, IL
"Use the Bully Pulpit to get the Build Back Better Act passed. There is low confidence in our government and passing that might restore some."
- Mona G. from Reno, NV
"Our focus should be on the income gap, how inflation is going to exacerbate an already giant problem, climate change and growing America's green energy economy, Medicare for All and campaign finance reform. Thank you for all you do!!!"
- Ryan V. from Milwaukee, WI
"Most important is overturning Citizens United and not allowing corporations to donate funds to politicians. We need corporations to stop running our country and politicians/government and cater to the rich and powerful who put profits, power and ego over what's best for humanity. The other major focus is removing gerrymandering and the electoral college. Elected officials should not be able to invest in the stock market either, we all know why allowing it harms the People. These are the foundations for real change in the right direction."
- Desiree V. from Corona, CA
"Hi Bernie, thank you for all you continue to do to help move our country forward. I would like to see significant relief for student loan debt so generations of those stuck in debt can participate in the economy in a real way. I would love if there was a government sponsored training program for those who would like a career in sustainable energy as we transfer to renewable energy sources. I saw your speech on the floor regarding Ukraine, and would like to see more progressives speaking out about how to avoid getting into another war when we just got out of Afghanistan. Since Biden was elected, it seems as though no progressive policies are getting any traction so maybe some message from this segment of the democratic party giving us some direction on what we can do (besides voting) to help keep the movement going! For me I just see a lot of social media posts but nothing seems to get done. Maybe a message of what we've accomplished and how to keep pushing forward as morale is dwindling. Thank you for asking for input and reading. Bernie, you are amazing!! "
- Connie C. from Darien, IL
"Across the board we need policies and protections that empower and lift up individuals and families rather than the wealthy and corporations. We need localized, sustainable power grids. We need food forests and community gardens. We need healthcare, bodily autonomy and fair pay. We need meaningful environmental protections. We need to end insider trading and Citizens United and instead exhibit transparency, morality, and empathy in order to make our government work for the people. We need to invest in these things more than in the military because, ultimately, what are we really protecting? We need leaders with backbone, vision, and resolve to meet these moments."
- Marla C. from Pittston, PA
"We have to communicate with our neighbors and relatives. This is difficult to do because it is natural to want to avoid someone who is so arrogant that they discount your vote. My Trumpster neighbor helped me hang my American Flag on my porch. Now, I have to have a difficult conversation with him. I need to tell him why he is my enemy and yes as my neighbor I love him."
- Lynn C. from Dana Point, CA
"We need to learn how to work together, to listen and to discover commonalities as opposed to emphasizing differences. I know I will never vote Republican but I hope I can have a productive discourse with one and maybe influence them in some ways. The environment and climate crisis may be a good place to start!"
- Angela L. from Sedona, AZ
"Now is the time to pressure the Biden administration to implement Joe Biden's earlier call for publicly-funded civic elections. That is the best way to achieve campaign finance reform, and to have our elected officials serve the public interest, and not spend their time fundraising."
- Richard Y. from Los Altos, CA
"The message Democrats should've been pushing is solutions for our domestic ailments, Medicare for All, canceling students debt, 15 minimum wage, affordable housing, public investment in infrastructure, hold corporations accountable by making them pay their rightful share of taxes, tuition free colleges, comprehensive inmigraron reform, etc., instead of driving the country to military and economic conflicts abroad. If we loose sight of those issues, we'll be paving the road for the radical Republicans to come back, and it will be harder to dislodge them next time. Thank you for your hard work."
- Jose G. from New York, NY
"Climate action must be our first priority. Unless we do that, all other actions will be futile. We need to cease supporting and using fossil fuels. We need first to face and then to deal with the risks we run from sea level rise, heat, storms, and the other features of the new world we have fashioned."
- Allen T. from Jacksonville, FL
"Health care for everyone, moving to 100% renewable energy as soon as possible and cutting the sickeningly bloated military budget to spend more on education and social programs that will help all Americans."
- Marc M. from Westmont, IL
Thank you for reading.
In solidarity,
Bernie
Bernie is committed to creating a government that works for ALL of us, not just those at the top.
Please make a $2.70 contribution to stand with Bernie in fighting for our progressive agenda.
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