Bernie Sanders in Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders


On Abortion: Women have the right to choose, regardless of income

The Rutland Herald ran a detailed article contrasting my views on abortion with [my opponent Susan Sweetser]. My position is that a woman's decision whether to have an abortion is a private one, and that this principle must hold true for all women, regardless of income. Sweetster describes herself as pro-choice. On the surface, our positions appear similar. But there is one significant difference. She supports a woman's right to an abortion, but only if that woman can afford to pay for one.
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.159 Jun 17, 1997

On Civil Rights: 1964: civil rights activist in Congress on Racial Equality

I spent one year at Brooklyn College and 4 years at the University of Chicago, from which I graduated with a BA in 1964. I was not a good student. I learned a lot more from my out-of-class activities than I did through my formal studies. At the university I became a member of the Congress on Racial Equality (CORE), the Student Peace Union (SPU), and the Young People's Socialist League (YPSL). I participated in civil rights activities related to ending segregation in Chicago's school system and in housing, and I marched against the proliferation of nuclear weapons. I also worked, very briefly, for a trade union, the United Packinghouse Workers. At the end of my junior year I worked in a mental hospital in CA as part of a project for the American Friends Service Committee.
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 14 Jun 17, 1997

On Civil Rights: Never accept racism, sexism, nor homophobia

It is vitally important to the future of this country and our state that we defeat the Republican agenda, and that we prevent the republicans from recapturing the Congress and taking the White House. That is enormously important. But it is even more important that we as progressives and as Vermonters hold on to that special vision that has propelled us forward for so many years.

A vision which says that we judge people not by their color, their gender, their sexual orientation, their nation of birth-- but by the quality of their character, and that we will never accept sexism, racism, or homophobia.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 50 Jun 17, 1997

On Corporations: Cap deductions for CEO pay; count perks as profit

In 1995, I introduced HR 2534, the Corporate Responsibility Act, which contained many of these provisions. While the fight against corporate welfare has been led by progressives in Congress, we've also had support from honest conservatives who are rightfully appalled at this waste of taxpayer dollars. As a result, the concept of corporate welfare is now filtering into the mainstream, and some legislation has been passed which is beginning to chip away at this outrageous waste of money.
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 208-10 Jun 17, 1997

On Corporations: In 1980s, wealthiest 1% got 2/3 of all wealth increases

When I first ran for Congress, I asked the people of VT to send me to Washington so that I could fight for those people who can't afford to attend $500-a-person fundraisers; and who can't afford to have well-paid lobbyists in Washington protecting their interests. That's the promise that I made, and that's the promise that I've kept.

During the 1980s, the top 1% of wealth holders in this country enjoyed 2/3 of all increases in financial wealth. The bottom 80% ended up with less real financial wealth in 1989 than in 1983--and that trend continues. Today, tragically, the US has the most unfair distribution of wealth and income in the entire industrialized world.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 47 Jun 17, 1997

On Corporations: The needs of the rich & large corporations are never ignored

The problem with Washington, and politics in the US, is NOT that ordinary people have too much power and influence. It's not that the needs of the rich and large corporations are ignored. The problem is that groups representing the wealthiest people in this country are able to decisively influence the legislative process so that public policy reflects the interests of the privileged few and not the needs of the general population.
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 75-6 Jun 17, 1997

On Corporations: Stop $31M Pentagon payments for corporate mergers

One of Burlington's largest employers was Martin Marietta. When that defense contractor merged with Lockheed to form Lockheed-Martin, I was more than usually attuned to the implication of that deal--the downsizing of 17,000 American workers. For making the "tough decision" to fire all those workers, the executives of the newly merged company decided to pay themselves $91 million in executive bonuses. $91 million as a reward for obliterating 17,000 jobs.

Now, a $91 million bonus for executives who were laying off 17,000 workers is obscene enough. Fully 1/3 of that money, $31 million, was to come from the Pentagon as "restructuring costs." As soon as I learned about this outrageous federal giveaway, I drafted an amendment to prevent the Pentagon from paying the bonus. Imagine: workers thrown out of their jobs paying taxes so that the bastards who fired them could stuff their pockets. We termed the legislation the "payoffs for layoffs" amendment. The amendment passed by voice vote.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.103-4 Jun 17, 1997

On Education: 1976: produced educational filmstrips on New England history

In 1976, as the now "perennial candidate" of the Liberty Union, I ran for governor again. But enough was enough. My political career was over. With politics behind me, I set out to make a living and began building, reasonably successfully, a small business in educational filmstrips. I wrote, produced, and sold filmstrips on New England history for elementary schools and high schools. It was a lot of fun. In the process, I improved my writing skills and learned something about photography, marketing, and door-to-door salesmanship. I also met a lot of fine educators around Vermont.

Although I now had a business career, in an important sense my political work had not ceased. I was educating people, not from a podium or in a radio interview, but by resurrecting the heroes of our nation's political past.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 21-2 Jun 17, 1997

On Energy & Oil: Gas tax increases are regressive

Clinton's 1993 budget included a largely PROGRESSIVE tax proposal which fell disproportionately on the wealthiest people in the country.

Unfortunately, there WERE elements of regressive taxation in that proposal, including a 4.3% increase in the gas tax. That's about $30/year for the average Vermonter, not much but still regressive in that it hits the average working stiff who travels 100 miles a day to and from work.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.196 Jun 17, 1997

On Environment: Cut subsidies of wealthy farmers; increase grazing fees

In 1995, I introduced HR 2534, the Corporate Responsibility Act, which contained many of these provisions. While the fight against corporate welfare has been led by progressives in Congress, we've also had support from honest conservatives who are rightfully appalled at this waste of taxpayer dollars. As a result, the concept of corporate welfare is now filtering into the mainstream, and some legislation has been passed which is beginning to chip away at this outrageous waste of money.
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 207-10 Jun 17, 1997

On Environment: City residents often frozen out of development decisions

Even though my campaign was geared towards lower- and middle-class people, a number of Burlington's upper-income citizens voted for me. One reason for this was that I attacked a plan to build high-rise condominiums along the choicest sections of the waterfront, located on the eastern shore of Lake Champlain, with stunning vistas of the lake & the Adirondack Mountains.

[Our Mayoral campaign poster] boldly proclaimed, "Burlington is not for sale." Our campaign reminded the people of Burlington that the incumbent mayor and his local Democratic machine were in cahoots with the downtown business community and irresponsible "pro-growth" forces, and out of touch with the concerns of the average citizen. My basic campaign message was that if I were elected mayor, I would open City Hall to ALL the people. I would run the city by responding to the best interests of working people, low-income people, and the middle-class --the very folks who had largely been frozen out of the decision-making process.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 31-2 Jun 17, 1997

On Foreign Policy: War is a local issue because local youngsters fight and die

Burlington had a foreign policy because, as progressives, we understood that we all live in one world. We understood that just as actions taken outside of our city affected us, we could have an impact on national and international developments. If children in Nicaragua were suffering because of US policy, it was our responsibility to try to change that policy. If children in the US were going hungry because the federal government was spending more than was necessary on the military, we also had a responsibility to work on changing that.

As the mayor of Burlington, and someone committed to grassroots democracy, I saw no magic line separating local, state, national, and international issues. How could issues of war and peace not be a local issue? It is local youngsters who fight and die in wars. Ultimately, if we're going to revitalize democracy in this country, local government will have to assume a much stronger and more expansive role.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 70 Jun 17, 1997

On Free Trade: US trade policies represent interests of corporate America

I am certainly not a big fan of Bill Clinton's politics. As a strong advocate of a single-payer health care system, I opposed his convoluted health care reform package. I have helped lead the opposition to his trade policies, which represent the interests of corporate America and which are virtually indistinguishable from the views of George Bush and Newt Gingrich. I opposed his bloated military budget, the welfare reform bill that he signed, and the so-called Defense of Marriage Act, which he supported. He has been weak on campaign finance reform and has caved in far too often on the environment. Bill Clinton is a moderate Democrat. I'm a democratic socialist.

Yet, without enthusiasm, I've decided to support Bill Clinton for president. If Bob Dole were to be elected president, there would be an unparalleled war against working people.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 24 Jun 17, 1997

On Free Trade: Agreed with Ross Perot's critique of trade policy

Although I agree with his critique of American trade policy and his opposition to NAFTA, I am no great fan of Ross Perot. There's no way he would be a major political leader if he weren't a billionaire. But I think that he is getting a bum rap from the media when they refer to his half-hour speeches as "infomericals" and make fun of his use of charts. Instead of putting 30-second attack ads on the air, he is trying to seriously discuss some of the most important issues facing the country. You may not agree with his analysis or his conclusions, but at least he's treating the American people with some respect. What's wrong with that?
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.168 Jun 17, 1997

On Free Trade: NAFTA was a sellout to corporate America

At the very same time as health care was on the congressional agenda. Clinton pushed another issue to the forefront. And on the major initiative, Clinton was just plain wrong--very wrong. His support for the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was a sellout to corporate America. Pure and simple, it was a disaster for the working people of this country.

The US currently has a trade deficit of $114 billion. Economists tell us that $1 billion of investment equates to about 18,000 (often decent-paying) jobs. Connect the dots. Our current trade deficit is causing the loss of over 2 million jobs. Over the last 20 years, while the US has run up over a trillion dollars in trade deficits, millions of American workers have been thrown into the streets.

The function of trade agreements like NAFTA is to make it easier for American companies to move abroad, and to force our workers to compete against desperate people in the Third World.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.179-80 Jun 17, 1997

On Free Trade: NAFTA, GATT, and MFN for China must be repealed

What about the hemorrhage of jobs abroad? Can we do anything about the disastrous effects of the global economy on American workers? According to the experts, no. But the experts echo the message their employers want us to hear.

We need to address the issue of trade forthrightly and understand that our current trade policy is an unmitigated disaster. Our current record-breaking merchandise trade deficit of $112 billion is costing us over 2 million decent paying jobs. NAFTA, GATT, and Most Favored Nation status with China must be repealed, and a new trade policy developed.

Let's look at some of the components of a sensible trade policy. First, we must recognize that trade is not an end in itself. The function of American trade policy must be to improve the standard of living of the American people. America's trade policy must be radically changed, by committing ourselves to a "fair" rather than "free" trade policy.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.237 Jun 17, 1997

On Government Reform: Low-income workers don't vote because it's irrelevant

Today, most low-income workers do not vote, and many have very little understanding of the relationship of politics to their lives. The average American worker has come to accept that he or she has no power on the job. The company is moving the plant to Mexico. How can I stop it? The CEO earns 173 times more than the average worker. Who am I to contest management prerogatives? Corporations are asking for give-back in health care, despite record profits. What authority do I have to challenge big capital? In our "democracy," the vast majority of working people feel helpless-- ARE helpless given the current political structure--to protect their economic interests or chart their future.

Why bother to vote? And millions don't.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 26 Jun 17, 1997

On Government Reform: Competitive bidding saves government money

During the first term, I discovered that the city was wasting substantial sums of money on its insurance policies. Local companies, year after year, were getting the city's business at substantially higher than market rates. I instituted a radical socialist concept, "competitive" bidding, which saved the city tens of thousands of dollars. We were showing that to be "radical" did not mean that we wasted taxpayer dollars. Quite the contrary. For those of us committed to the idea that government should play an important role in the life of our community, it was absolutely necessary to show that we could run a tightfisted, cost-effective administration. There is no excuse for wasting taxpayer money.
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 59 Jun 17, 1997

On Government Reform: Publicly fund elections, or small individual contributions

This whole campaign fundraising situation stinks to high heaven. In the past, I have fought hard for campaign finance reform which limits the amount of money that can be spent in an election and which emphasizes public funding of elections and small individual contributions. Ordinary Americans should have a chance to win elections, not just the rich or representatives thereof. If reelected, I will accelerate my efforts in this area.
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 73 Jun 17, 1997

On Government Reform: Receives more contributions, but fewer dollars, than GOP

As the only Independent in Congress, I face unique fundraising handicaps which my campaign works very hard to overcome. Unlike Democrats and Republicans, I do not receive any funds from a political party. I do not benefit from the coordinated campaigns that Democrats and Republicans utilize. My campaign does not get support from a party organization which provides staff, polling, literature, offices, mailings, voter checklists, and other services.

Most importantly, the vast majority of my contributors do not have a lot of money and are unable to give large amounts. In campaign after campaign, I receive MORE individual contributions from Vermont than my opponents, but FEWER total dollars. Our average campaign contribution is less than $35. My Republican opponent will always have a much higher average contribution.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 73-5 Jun 17, 1997

On Government Reform: Accepts PAC money, but not from special interests

As a Progressive, I have adamantly refused financial support from Big Money interests. Throughout my political career, I have never accepted one penny from a corporate PAC. (Of the Banking Committee's 52 members, only 2, including myself, receive no PAC funds from interests associated with the corporate financial community.)

While I will not accept PAC money from corporate America, I gladly accept PAC contributions from organizations fighting to improve life for ordinary people. Over the years, my campaigns have received strong financial support from PACs associated with organized labor, the environment, women, senior citizens, human rights, and the needs of children. My opponents call me a "hypocrite" for accepting PAC money. How can I accept PAC money, they say, and then claim that I am fighting against "special interests"? Isn't a PAC, by definition, a "special interest"? [It does] make a difference who the PAC represents--the problem is NOT that ordinary people have too much influence.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 74-5 Jun 17, 1997

On Government Reform: Same-day automatic voter registration & 3-day voting

Revitalizing the electoral process is, in some ways, a simple matter. If the goal is to get more people to vote--and that certainly should be one of our goals--then it is high time we establish automatic voter registration for every American who is 18 or older. Given the growth of technology through the "information highway," a social security card or driver's license should be all that is required for voting. Same-day registration, allowing every American to register up until election day, would substantially increase voter turnout.

Similarly, we must make it more convenient for people to vote. We can open the polls, as is done in other nations, over a 2- or 3-day period--including at least one weekend day-- so that working Americans will have more time to vote. Oregon has shown us another possible route: in that state, voting can be done by mail over a period of up to 4 weeks, and as a consequence voter turnout has risen.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.226-7 Jun 17, 1997

On Gun Control: I'm pro-hunting, but no one needs an AK-47 to hunt

During the 1994 campaign the NRA had played a very forceful role against me. They distributed widely a "Bye, Bye, Bernie" bumper sticker.

Vermont is a rural state in which tens of thousands of people enjoy hunting and own guns. VT is an "outdoor" state--and hunting is a key part of that way of life. I am pro-gun, and pro-hunting. But I don't believe that hunters need assault weapons and AK-47s to kill deer. I voted for the ban on assault weapons, which brought the wrath of the NRA down on me.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 38-9 Jun 17, 1997

On Health Care: 1972: Pushed for dental care for low-income children

In the general election of 1972, I ran for governor of VT. This time, I ended up with only 1% of the vote. However, the issues that I and other Liberty Union candidates raised during that campaign resulted in changes in public policy.

Thomas Salmon, a Democrat, very shrewdly and effectively picked up on 2 issues that the Liberty Union was fighting for: property tax reform and dental care for low-income children. Under the Salmon administration, a popular property tax rebate program was established, as well as a "tooth fairy" program which went a long way toward improving dental care for kids. Despite our paltry 1%, the Liberty Union made an impact on major legislation.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 18-9 Jun 17, 1997

On Health Care: Civilized societies provide healthcare for the poor

I have always been a proponent of a national health care system. It just seemed eminently fair and right. How can we call this a civilized society when the children or parents of the rich get the medical attention they need in order to stay alive, while members of working-class families, who lack health insurance, have to die or needlessly suffer--or go hopelessly into debt to get the care they need? This is an outrageous injustice and it cannot be rationally defended.

The fight for a national health care system today is not basically different than the struggle for universal public education which took place in this country 100 years ago. At that time, children of the well-to-do received an education; most of the children of working people and the poor did not. After enormous struggle, our society concluded that all children, regardless of income, were entitled to at least a high school education. Some day we will also accept that all people, regardless of income, are entitled to health care.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.175-6 Jun 17, 1997

On Homeland Security: Oppose outrageous boost in military expenditures

I played a leading role in opposing the Republican Defense Authorization Bill, which supplied $13 billion MORE for defense than Clinton's budget had allocated. And Clinton's budget was already way too high.

In terms of the defense budget, 75 House Democrats--out of 197--supported the outrageous boost in military expenditures. Of course, almost all of the Republicans (including those fierce "deficit hawks") backed the increase. The Cold War is over, we spend many times more than all of our "enemies" combined and, with very little fanfare, the defense budget is significantly raised.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 8-9 Jun 17, 1997

On Homeland Security: End nuclear weapons and B-2 bomber production

And these are only SOME of the savings that I, and other members of the Progressive Caucus, came up with. There was no question that we could move this country forward to a balanced budget without decimating the safety net on which tens of millions of Americans depend.
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 207-10 Jun 17, 1997

On Homeland Security: 1991: Billions should improve human life, not destroy it

In 1991, I spoke on the House floor: "A few months ago the entire world rejoiced that the Cold War had finally ended, and that the hundreds of billions of dollars being spent on bombs and tanks and missiles could finally be used to improve human life, not to destroy human life. I predict that this Congress will soon be asked for more money for bombs, but there will be no money available to reindustrialize our nation so that our working people can have decent-paying jobs, or to house the homeless..."
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.113 Jun 17, 1997

On Homeland Security: Pentagon lied about Iraq; expect same for future wars

[In 1991], the government ANNOUNCED that it was censoring the news. Three weeks into the Persian Gulf war (and a massive media campaign), the overwhelming majority of Americans supported it: we achieved our objectives with very little loss of American life. Ever since the war, the Pentagon has lied and attempted to conceal almost all information about the devastating effects of the war on American soldiers. It took 5 years for the military to even acknowledge that American troops had been exposed to chemical warfare agents. Even today, it is difficult for those of us in Congress who are demanding adequate treatment for these hidden casualties to get the truth from the Pentagon.

Given their enormous success in selling the Persian Gulf debacle, there is no reason to expect that the government and the media will behave any differently when the next war comes. If they could win massive public support for defending "freedom" in Kuwait, they can use the same techniques to build support for ANY war.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.116-7 Jun 17, 1997

On Immigration: English-Only, based in xenophobia, hurts legal immigrants

As in other countries with economic problems, xenophobia is intensifying. The issue for some can be summarized by the writing I recently saw on a t-shirt: "If you can't speak English, get the f--k out of the US."

The "English Only" bill mandates that all official communication by the federal government be in English. This means that members of Congress from a heavily Hispanic or Polish district, for instance, would be prohibited from communicating with their constituents in Spanish or Polish. Election, tax, and other information needed by millions of citizens would be available only in English. President Clinton indicates that he will veto this legislation, and the bill will not go anywhere--not even to the Senate. But it passes in the House by a vote of 259 to 169. 8 Republicans, 160 Democrats, and I vote against the bill.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.136 Jun 17, 1997

On Principles & Values: 1971: Ran for Vermont Senate seat under Liberty Union Party

Vermont's senior senator, Winston Prouty, had died on September 10, 1971. The small Liberty Union Party was not exactly overflowing with individuals who were interested in running. So, full of enthusiasm for what I believed was right and just, I raised my hand and offered my views on education, the economy, and the war in Vietnam. An hour later, I had won the nomination as the Liberty Union candidate for the open Senate seat. Talk about grassroots democracy.

When I say "won" I am being very overly generous to myself. I was chosen as the candidate unanimously because there was no competition. By day's end, I had embarked on the first political campaign of my life. Despite such inauspicious beginnings, I enjoyed the experience of running for office very much.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 15-6 Jun 17, 1997

On Principles & Values: Revolution will not start at "progressive bastion" Harvard

In the fall of 1989, I taught at the Institute for Policy Studies at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. They offer a sensible program which brings real-life politicians (not infrequently folks who have lost their last election) to the campus to give students a sense of real-life politics. I taught a course on third-party politics which was well attended. Jane took some courses at the Kennedy School and 2 of our children, Carina and David, attended the local public schools. I went to more football games that fall than I had in 20 years, and became addicted to the cinnamon raisin buns at Au Bon Pain at Harvard Square. I know that conservatives worry a great deal about Harvard. They see it as a bastion of progressive thought, the brain trust for the revolution. Trust me. They can stop worrying. Harvard has many wonderful attributes, but the revolution will not start at Harvard University.
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 83 Jun 17, 1997

On Principles & Values: First Independent elected to Congress in 40 years

Our campaign slogan was, "Making History in VT." That's what we were about to do--and everyone knew it. Our support was amazingly strong all over the state, and we carried 13 of VT's 14 counties.

We had come such a long way, against such incredible odds. 20 years before, I had run for statewide office and had received 2% of the vote. As I climbed onto the platform for my victory statement, I was now the congressman-elect from the state of VT, the first Independent elected to Congress in 40 years. It was almost incomprehensible.

There were radio, TV, and newspaper interviews to do all across the country. I was a true novelty: the only Independent in Congress AND a socialist.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 88 Jun 17, 1997

On Principles & Values: GOP convinces middle class to vote for interests of the rich

There are only so many millionaire voters, and Republicans know that their agenda--the agenda of rich folks and corporate leaders, and what the Republicans are paid to deliver--is not going to win points among middle-class and working people--the people who determine the outcome of elections. Slashing Medicaid and allowing corporations to pollute our drinking water are not the kind of achievements that can be celebrated in 30-second campaign ads for all the world to see.

Their real ideology--not the sham philosophy of "states' rights" or "personal responsibility" created for public consumption--reflects the interests of a tiny and very privileged segment of the population. Republicans are faced with the dilemma: How to convince working people and the middle class to vote AGAINST their own best interests. Or, equally important, how to get them not to vote at all. Further, how to deflect attention AWAY from the issues that affect the vast majority of people and around which they could UNITE.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.128-9 Jun 17, 1997

On Principles & Values: Progressive movement fights for social justice

As an Independent, functioning outside the 2-party system, I have worked hard throughout my political career to bring people together into the progressive movement in the fight for social justice.

In 1991, I was the only Independent in Congress, the only person outside the 2-party system. I decided to try to bring together the most progressive members so that we could more effectively fight for economic justice.

We formed the Progressive Caucus. Over the years the group grew slowly and steadily, so that by the time our largest battle took place--against Newt Gingrich and his reactionary "Contract with America"--we were 52 members strong. I was elected chairman of the Caucus in 1991 and have held that position since.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.152-4 Jun 17, 1997

On Social Security: It's regressive to increase taxable Social Security income

Clinton's 1993 budget included a largely PROGRESSIVE tax proposal which fell disproportionately on the wealthiest people in the country. 90% of the total tax increase fell on the UPPER 4%, those people then earning $100,000 a year or more. Only the top 1.2% saw an increase in income taxes. In fact, as a result of a substantial increase in the earned income tax credit included in that budget, 20 million low-income families, including 26,000 families in VT, saw a DECREASE in their federal taxes. For the middle class, and the vast majority of Vermonters, there was almost no tax increase at all.

Unfortunately, there WERE elements of regressive taxation in that proposal. Clinton increased the amount of taxable Social Security income. That hike affected the upper 13% of Social Security recipients, many of whom live on only $44,000/year. I opposed these aspects of the legislation when it was debated because I have always been a strong proponent of fair taxation.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.196 Jun 17, 1997

On Tax Reform: Cap the home mortgage interest deduction at $300,000

Could WE, the progressives in Congress, balance the budget in seven years in a way that was fair and would not hurt the kids, the elderly, the sick, or the poor? Damn right we could! I showed how we could save more than $800 billion over 7 years by dealing with SOME of the giveaways in corporate welfare and tax breaks for the rich. This illustrative list gives some details.
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 207-8 Jun 17, 1997

On Tax Reform: Property taxes are highly regressive & hurt poor & seniors

[In the 1981 mayoral race] one of my most widely noticed positions was strong opposition to a huge increase in the property tax proposed by Mayor Paquette. He calculated that with only token resistance (mine), he could slip the tax hike by without suffering any negative political effect. I kept stressing my opposition not only to this particular tax increase but also to the very concept of the property tax. Property taxes are highly regressive and hurt, in particular, low- and moderate-income citizens, especially senior citizens. During the campaign, I proposed that Burlington break its dependence on the property tax and develop a fair and progressive tax system to fund municipal services and local education.
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 30 Jun 17, 1997

On Tax Reform: 1% room-and-meal tax instead of property tax

The property tax, the major source of funding for education and municipal services in VT, is regressive because it is not based on ability to pay. Many senior citizens and working people were (and are) paying far more in property taxes than they can afford on their limited incomes. For 7 straight years I did not raise the general property tax for homeowners in Burlington. At the same time, I fought hard for more progressive forms of taxation.

We did become the first municipality in Vermont to develop alternatives to the property tax. After a major struggle against many of the restaurant owners, we implemented a 1% room-and-meal tax. We also passed a classification system of taxation which raised to 120% the tax rate on commercial and industrial property.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 62 Jun 17, 1997

On Technology: Sued cable TV company to pay city for damaging streets

[As mayor of Burlington], after a court battle, the utilities were forced to pay for the damage done when they tore up our streets for utility work. Following a heated battle with a cable TV company, and an effort on our part to create a municipally owned system, we managed to get substantial revenue from them and reduced rates for seniors.
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 62 Jun 17, 1997

On War & Peace: 1983 war against Nicaragua was illegal and immoral

Many Burlingtonians, including myself, supported the Sandinista government in Nicaragua. President Reagan did not. We disagreed with him. We expressed our displeasure.

Somewhere in the Reagan archives, or wherever these things are kept, is a letter from the mayor of Burlington on this subject. There are also official proclamations from the Burlington Board of Alderman, made after long and emotional public hearings. "Stop the war against the people of Nicaragua! Use our tax dollars to feed the hungry and house the homeless. Stop killing the innocent people of Nicaragua."

This was an issue that many of us in the progressive movement felt very strongly about. Not only was the war against Nicaragua illegal and immoral, it was an outrageous waste of taxpayer money. As a mayor, I wanted more federal funds for affordable housing and economic development. I did not want to see taxpayer dollars going to the CIA for an appalling war.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 67 Jun 17, 1997

On War & Peace: 1990: Opposed authorizing all-out war in Kuwait with Iraq

On Aug. 2, 1990, Saddam Hussein, a former ally who was well supplied with American equipment, invaded Kuwait. On Aug. 9, US troops sent by Pres. Bush began arriving in Saudi Arabia to prevent further Iraqi aggression. Now, in early January Bush was seeking congressional authority for an all-out war with Iraq. I was opposed to giving him that authority.

From the very beginning of the Persian Gulf crisis, I was of the belief that the US could push Saddam Hussein out of Kuwait without having to resort to war. Diplomacy, economic boycott, isolation, financial leverage: we had many means for reversing the invasion. I was not only opposed to the war because of the potential destruction and loss of life, but also because I believe it IS possible for the major countries of this planet, and a virtually united world community, to resolve crises without carnage. If this matter could not be solved without massive bombing & killing thousands of people, then what crisis could ever be solved peacefully?

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.110-1 Jun 17, 1997

On War & Peace: 1991: instead of Persian Gulf War, spend on America

On January 18, 1991, I spoke on the House floor: "A major war in the Persian Gulf, costing us thousands of lives and tens of billions of dollars, could well be a disaster for the people of our country--especially the working people, the poor people, the elderly, and the children. I predict that this Congress will soon be asked for more money for guided missiles, but there will be no more money available to house the homeless. I predict that this Congress will soon be asked for more money for tanks, but there will be no money or effort available to develop a national health care system, guaranteeing health care for all of our people--as virtually all of the industrialized world has. I predict that in order to pay for this war, there will be more cutbacks in Medicare for the elderly, and even an effort to cut back on Social Security payments."
Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.113 Jun 17, 1997

On Welfare & Poverty: Economic insecurity is pivotal in how one lives one's life

I grew up in a lower-middle-class home in Brooklyn, NY--and knew what it was like to be in a family where lack of money was a constant source of tension and unhappiness.

My father worked hard as a paint salesman--day after day, year after year. There was always enough money to put food on the table and to buy a few extras, but never enough to fulfill my mother's dream of moving out of our 3-and-a-half-room apartment and into a home of our own.

While I had my share of hand-me-downs, there was enough money for decent clothes, but only after an enormous amount of shopping to get the "best buy." At a very young age I learned that lack of money and economic insecurity can play a pivotal role in determining how one lives life. There's a lesson I've never forgotten.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 13 Jun 17, 1997

On Welfare & Poverty: Land Trust: affordable housing by resale below market rates

We developed some very innovative concepts in affordable housing. Against opposition from a segment of the local real estate industry, we became the first city in America to fund community land-trust housing. Through the Burlington Community Land Trust, working-class people were able to purchase their own homes at a lower cost than offered on the commercial market. The housing remains affordable in perpetuity because the owners must agree not to resell the property at market rates, accepting only a reasonable and limited return on their investment.

Working with a tenant organization and nonprofit housing groups, we prevented the largest subsidized housing development in the state, Northgate, from being converted into expensive condominiums.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p. 65 Jun 17, 1997

On Welfare & Poverty: Opposed cutting food stamps

There is now NO major political party that represents the poor and the vulnerable. There is no question about it. Beating up on the poor is now "good politics." As Rush Limbaugh has told us: "The poor in this country are the biggest piglets at the mother pig and her nipples. They're the ones who get all the benefits in this country. They're the ones that are always pandered to." Congress and the president have heard Limbaugh's message, studied the polls, and clambered aboard.

If, 5 years before, someone had suggested that a Democratic president and the vast majority of Democrats in Congress would have supported legislation that cut food stamps by over $20 billion, and terminated a child's right to minimal economic support they would have been laughed at. Gingrich became Speaker, and Rush Limbaugh's brutal attitude toward the poor had permeated both parties. The bill accepts the brilliant proposal that poverty is caused by the poor.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.139-40 Jun 17, 1997

On Welfare & Poverty: U.S. has highest income inequality in industrialized world

The Democratic convention was heavily scripted and entirely poll-driven. They made emotional appeals on several issues where the polls showed they had significant support. 75% of the people supported the ban on assault weapons. So they focused on the tragedy of Jim Brady, and support for gun control.

Perhaps more remarkable were the issues NOT talked about. There was virtually no discussion of class, despite the fact that we have the most unequal distribution of wealth and income in the industrialized world, and real wages of workers continue to fall. There was no discussion of our huge trade deficit, nor of corporate investment in China, Mexico, and other Third World countries, which is causing the loss of millions of decent-paying jobs. There was no mention of the fragility of a democracy in which half the people no longer vote and have given up on the political process.

Source: Outsider in the House, by Bernie Sanders, p.166-7 Jun 17, 1997

The above quotations are from Outsider in the House
by Bernie Sanders and Hank Gutman.
Click here for other excerpts from Outsider in the House
by Bernie Sanders and Hank Gutman.
Click here for other excerpts by Bernie Sanders.
Click here for a profile of Bernie Sanders.
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