Bernie Sanders: ‘Trumpism does not believe in democracy’
Bernie Sanders: ‘Trumpism does not believe in democracy’
Summary
Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) is organizing grassroots events to oppose Trump’s policies, arguing that “Trumpism does not believe in democracy.”
In an op-ed, Sanders criticized Trump’s ties to Elon Musk, federal budget cuts, and media influence, warning of authoritarianism.
He cited Trump’s recent post likening himself to Napoleon and accused him of disregarding the rule of law.
The White House dismissed Sanders’ concerns, accusing Democrats of authoritarian tactics.
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That’s why I’m saying bernie should be calling for it and leading the organization. He has the social clout and following. Many disillusioned with him (myself included) would see this as an actual action instead of the equivalent of just another sternly worded letter which is all the democrats and Bernie seem to be capable of doing for most of the past decade.
And fuck Bluesky. I’m not moving over to another monopoly. I never liked Twitter to begin with I don’t see why I’d like Bluesky even if it was genuinely defederated and not a corporate owned imitation of the fediverse.
You mean he should be saying something like this?
Trumpism will not be defeated by politicians inside the DC beltway. It will only be defeated by millions of Americans, in every state in this country, coming together in a strong, grassroots movement which says no to oligarchy, no to authoritarianism, no to kleptocracy, no to massive cuts in programs that working people desperately need, no to huge tax breaks for the richest people in our country.
Oh, wait that's a direct quote from Bernie, discussing what he's doing right now.
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/feb/19/trumpism-bernie-sanders
A bunch of vague mealymouthed progressive feel good bullshit? He’s been saying the same shit for decades.
All talk. Let’s see the walk. Organize with the labor unions and call for a general strike directly and in no uncertain terms. Not that say nothing garbage.
He's literally touring around the country organizing people and you from the comfort of your chair want to yell about how you want to "see the walk"?
Jesus fucking Christ.
Organizing people for what? to add themselves to the democrat mailing list where they beg for donations while doing nothing to stop fascism? Or to conveniently protest in the least annoying and ineffectual way possible from x time to y time with signs and chants? Because that’s been working so well. 🙄
By the way, less you think I hate the man, I worked for his campaign in 2016. I’m completely disillusioned with him. All he did was sell us out to corporate democrats. Literally. They won’t stop begging me for money like a bunch of junkies in the street although I have more respect for the fucking junkies than I do these clowns - at least the junkies are honest.
look, I think I understand your anger and disappointment - I am fucking angry as well, but defeating maga fascism is going to take a concerted push from all angles. a firebrand aoc; a measured and consistent bernie; a judiciary that pushes back with bared teeth. outside groups that inform, organize and march, putting willing bodies on the line.
bernie is a part of the solution. his message of real solidarity and collective power is a vital part of any resistance. please dont belittle his vital contribution of the past and the now. the man is actively reaching out to a growing body of people across the poltitcal spectrum in ways that only a bernie can.
AOC is hardly a firebrand as she kowtows to fucking pelosi.
Al I hear is excuses about how the democrats can’t do shit and I’m done hearing it. They don’t want to fight fascism they want to cynically fucking fundraise off it.
Again, where are your alternatives? If these leaders suck as badly as you say they do, then who should people be looking to instead?
Here's what I find really telling; throughout this conversation there have been plenty of opportunities for you to say who it is you think people should be looking to for leadership instead. The fact that you haven't tells me that you don't have an answer to that question. You want to tear down the people who are stepping up, but you don't want to build anyone up in their place. Where does that leave you?
I said bernie should organize a general strike. How more direct can I fucking be? I’m tired of the strongly worded letters I want fucking action.
No, see, that's just your excuse for why you're tearing down this particular leader.
You didn't come in here saying "I stand with Bernie, but I wish he'd call for stronger action like a general strike up front." You came charging in with your laundry list of grievances to tell everyone why you think Bernie is a pathetic coward and no one should listen to him.
But, and this is key, you're not offering any alternatives. Are you the leader organizing the general strike? If so, it might be time to share some info on that. If not, then who the fuck is it? Because if all you're able to do is complain that none of the people stepping up are perfect enough for your personal standards, you're just another part of the problem.
I’m a fucking nobody with no clout and banned from corporate social media for being anti fascist. I live in a state with few unions, mostly government workers unions and not much else. Too sparsely populated.
Bernie is a popular household name politician with strong union connections and a mailing list worth millions he sold off to the democrats.
Who has more power in this situation?
I forgot I’m on lemmy world full of shitlib takes where snarky comebacks on Bluesky and performative bullshit and strongly worded condemnation is seen as real resistance ^tm
You have the power to build up leaders rather than tearing them down.
And if nothing else, you have the power to say nothing. If you're not going to offer better alternatives, at least make the positive choice not to attack the people taking action.
And, just to be absolutely clear, if you carefully read back through everything I've said here, you'll see that I never said "don't criticize." Criticism can still build up, can still inspire others to join a common cause. But you're not doing that. You're just cutting down what's there and planting nothing in its place.