Sen. Bernie Sanders appeared at a signing event recently for his book “The Speech: A Historic Filibuster on Corporate Greed and the Decline of Our Middle Class.” In accord with the neanderthal tactics of right-wing journalism, Jason Mattera showed up pretending to be an autograph seeker.
Mattera is not your run of the mill, immature, ignorant, Internet videographer (ala James O’Keefe). He is also the editor of the uber-con magazine, Human Events. Mattera proudly posted the video of his encounter with Sanders apparently with the impression that he proved some point:
In this video, Mattera embarrasses himself by asking a singularly stupid question: “How does an avowed socialist go about selling a book?” What Mattera fails to understand is that there is no prohibition on bringing books or other products to market under many implementations of socialism. Is he really so dumb that he is unaware of the thousands of books available by and about socialists? Perhaps someone should turn the tables and ask Mattera “How does an avowed capitalist go about collecting Social Security, attending college on GI or Pell grants, driving on interstate highways, or eating food that has been inspected by the USDA?”
Then Mattera lands what he seems to believe is his finishing blow by asking where the profits from the book will go. Sanders advises him that they will be donated to the children of Vermont. But Mattera snidely implies that this isn’t true because the charity hasn’t been selected yet.
All in all, Mattera’s video shows him to be uninformed and arrogantly dismissive. Yet he is so proud of his shoddy performance he posts it publicly for all to see and laugh at. The truly sad part of this is that since he is the editor of Human Events, how much more out of touch are the losers he supervises?
Question for you Mark. Why is it your video clips don’t appear on my iPod touch? I hate this thing as it is, but it’s what I use to browse and post on your site. Just asking.
Sanders is my senator. I voted for him and barring something huge from the right or from Sanders himself, I will again. As far as I’m concerned, my state has the best federal representation in the union. I remember when Leahy visited my middle school social studies class one day in Rutland, we were super quiet and nervous because of all the cameras and reporters and staff members of his. I also remember when Sanders visited my high school and spoke about never giving up and staying in school and shit, (if I remember correctly that is). Welch actually taught at my middle school as a physical sciences teacher. These guys are good at what they do and they’re great for the country. We’ve actually got Montpelier working on a statewide universal healthcare plan. I’m really happy with my state’s decisions at this point (most of them that is, I’m sure I could find something to dislike). Also, it’s a remarkably beautiful state. No billboards does that. I’m gonna have to pick up his book at some point.
I love me some Bernie Sanders. I wish we had one like him here in Ak.
Your’re lucky to have Sanders as a Senator. I agree that he is the best representive, at least in the Senate, in the country. I live in the midwest and have a right-wing senator and a very conservative democratic senator. I would gladly trade both for one Sanders. As a US citizen Sanders represents my interests, eventhough he is from Vermont and I live in the midwest, better than my state’s entire delegation in Washington. I guess that makes him my senator as well, eventhough we reside in different states.
The biggest question not being asked here is if Bernie Sanders is an “avowed socialist”? He’s liberal and believes in a strong social safety net, but I don’t think I’ve ever (as in EVER) heard him disavow capitalism.
Sanders is indeed socialist in the great tradition of American socialism that has produced popular programs like Social Security and public schools and libraries. However, he has never disavowed capitalism. And unbeknownst to right-wing morans, socialism and capitalism are NOT mutually exclusive.
Who controls the wealth and the enterprises that generate this wealth in your desired ‘American socialist’ society?
It would be exactly as it is now and has been for most of the history of this country. The United States has always been a hybrid of socialism and capitalism, even before those terms were applied.
There has never been a pure form of either, nor should there be. Pure socialism would constrain individual achievement and pure capitalism would permit corporate tyranny. What’s brilliant about America is that it strives for an elegant balance that preserves individual liberty, promotes social programs, and prevents abusive business practices.
You appear to be more fearful of corporate tyranny vs. government tyranny given that you mentioned one over the other when both are possible but I would consider government tyranny a greater threat.
“I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our moneyed corporations, which dare already to challenge our government to a trial of strength and bid defiance to the laws of our country.” ~ Thomas Jefferson
Wow, you are actually using Thos Jefferson to convince yourself only corporate tyranny is the danger and government tyranny is not really a concern.
Are you really as dense as you present yourself?
Where did I ever say that government tyranny is not a concern? Seriously, where? The truth is I think any tyranny is a concern and I said so explicitly. That’s what I meant by an “an elegant balance.”
The sad thing is that you know you’re being disingenuous, and rather than having an honest discourse, you choose to abandon any intellectual integrity and make stuff up that was never even implied. What a waste of time.
And furthermore, those European “socialist” countries are also capitalist/socialist hybrids and not purely socialist countries.
Mark, I’ve not posted in a while, although I certainly still read and enjoy your posts. I’ve been avoiding comment sections lately, but I’m glad I read this one. I dont know how you find the time to locate all these ridiculous clips you post or even seek out the news yourself, but I’m very glad you do. thanks for all your work.
Senator Sanders is a good man, and it’s a damn shame there arent more like him in office.
Steve in York fears the direct power of government, but seems entirely nonplussed by indirect power by corporations, which clearly control a majority of those actually running government. I find that rather sad, if only becuase someone is paying attention, just not enough.