This diary was inspired by the Killer Mike interview of Bernie Sanders. Killer Mike, a famous rapper, heard of Bernie's ideas and was intrigued. He tweeted Bernie that he'd love to have a conversation, Bernie responded and this is the result. They met in Killer Mike's barbershop in Atlanta. The bulk of what follows are snatches of the conversation that leapt out at me. I urge everyone to watch the video if you haven't seen it. It's awesome.
“We are taking on the world. We are taking on a corporate media that is much more interested in looking at politics as a baseball game or a soap opera rather than dealing with the issues.” ~ Bernie Sanders
“Nothing happens until people stand up.” ~ Bernie Sanders
“I got into politics because I give a damn.” ~ Bernie Sanders
“You seem to be the only politician who wants a smarter constituency.” ~ Killer Mike
“I need for my community to understand that your message directly impacts them.” ~ Killer Mike
“We black men get discouraged and pessimistic and we don't vote. I think there is a sleeping giant in this city, of African American men in particular, and women who have had uncles, nephews, sons, husbands and fathers involved in the prison complex...I believe there is a sleeping giant ready to wake up and support that candidate [who will end the drug war and reform the prison complex].” ~ Killer Mike
People should have the right to health care, economic justice and education. In the richest country in the history of the world, everybody should have a minimal standard of living and the dignity that comes from that.
In the richest country in the history of the world, we should not have the highest level of childhood poverty of nearly any nation.
Ordinary Americans deserve social and economic justice.
Would you rather live in a society where everyone is doing pretty well or one where there are people on the street and only a few billionaires doing well?
We have a rigged economy and almost all new wealth is going to the top 1% and there is an incredibly unequal distribution of wealth.
As a result of the disastrous Citizens United Supreme Court ruling, billionaires can now buy elections and that's what they're doing.
The Killer Mike interview is one of the best interviews I've ever seen. If you haven't seen it yet, please watch. At the end of each segment, the next one will load automatically. Watch them all. It's well worth your time, imo.
Many thanks to Bernie Sanders and Killer Mike. Here’s how Killer Mike introduced Bernie to Atlanta at a rally later on the day this interview took place. It’s awesome too.
