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On Mon, 18 Jan 2016 19:29:45 -0500, wrote:

On Mon, 18 Jan 2016 18:11:54 -0500, "Mr. Luddite"
wrote:

Bernie is a communist and you can parse it anywhere you want but it is
true.

Disagree. He's a Democratic Socialist. It's a real thing and ideology.
My lawyer friend is also a Democratic Socialist and he and I often
discussed what it means and what the differences are as compared to
"socialism" and "communism."

Bernie is neither a socialist or a communist.

You sound like Harry quibbling about the difference between an athirst
and an agnostic.

Sanders's LUP platform called for the nationalization of all U.S.
banks, public ownership of all utilities, and the establishment of a
worker-controlled federal government. Add to that, he wants to
nationalize the entire health care industry and regulate salaries of
the companies that are left, redistributing what he thinks are "excess
profits" he sounds pretty "communist" to me.

===

It's a heck of a good start. I already live in a city with
essentially a worker controlled government and frankly it leaves a bit
to be desired. The employees union is very strong, they vote, and
there are a lot of them. Any elected official, or high ranking
appointed office, goes up against the union at their own peril.

Canada, our neighbor to the north, has a totally regulated health care
system. Patients hate it because non-emergency care is tightly
rationed. People wait a long time to see specialists, even people
with fractures who need an orthopedic surgeon. It's the same with
people who need cataract surgery or joint replacement. Doctors hate
it because they can't treat their patients the way they should be, and
every thing they do is second guessed by the system. Doctors have
left the system in droves to retire or go to other countries. It is
illegal for patients inside Canada to go outside the system but those
who can afford it go to other countries at their own expense.

That said, Bernie is a likable guy who has a few good ideas, mainly
his plan to get big money and special interests out of politics. Of
the four major candidates at this time, I might be tempted to vote for
him. At least he respects the second ammendment, is not an
inexperienced blow hard ego maniac, is not in bed with the religious
right, and not a proven liar surrounded by past scandals. I think our
system of checks and balances would keep him from nationalizing any
major businesses, and hopefully keep from implementing a nationalized
health care system.