Where We Go From Here, by Bernie Sanders: on Homeland Security


Bernie Sanders: Undertake comprehensive audit of Department of Defense

On domestic policy, there are major differences between the Democratic Party and the Republican Party. On foreign policy, not so much.

Several months ago, Democrats, with virtually no opposition, gave President Trump every nickel that he wanted in increased defense spending. At a time [of great domestic needs], there were very few Democrats opposed to Republican efforts to increase military spending by $165 billion over two years.

Democrats, for good reason, vehemently oppose almost everything Trump proposes, but when he asks for a huge increase in military spending, there are almost no voices in dissent. Why is that? Do we really have to spend more on the military than the next ten nations combined--most of which are our allies? Why do we dramatically increase funding when the Department of Defense remains the only government agency not to have undertaken a comprehensive audit? Why is there so little discussion about the billions in waste, fraud, and cost overruns at the Pentagon?

Source: Where We Go From Here, by Bernie Sanders, p.182-3 Apr 16, 2018

Bernie Sanders: Global War on Terror has undermined our moral standards

Terrorism is a very real threat, as we learned so tragically on September 11, 2001, and many other countries knew already too well. But as an organizing framework, the Global War on Terror has been a disaster for the American people and for American leadership. Orienting US national security strategy around terrorism essentially allowed a few thousand violent extremists to dictate policy for the most powerful nation on earth. It responds to terrorists by giving them exactly what they want.

In addition to draining our resources and distorting our vision, the war on terror has caused us to undermine our own moral standards regarding torture, indefinite detention, and the use of force around the world, using drone strikes and other airstrikes that often result in high civilian casualties.

A heavy-handed military approach, with little transparency or accountability, doesn't enhance our security. It makes the problem worse.

Source: Westminster College speech in Where We Go From Here, p.105-6 Sep 21, 2017

  • The above quotations are from Where We Go From Here
    Two Years in the Resistance,
    by Bernie Sanders    .
  • Click here for definitions & background information on Homeland Security.
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  • Click here for more quotes by Bernie Sanders on Homeland Security.
2020 Presidential contenders on Homeland Security:
  Republicans:
Gov.John Kasich(OH)
V.P.Mike Pence(IN)
Pres.Donald Trump(NY)
Gov.Bill Weld(MA) 		Democrats:
V.P.Joe Biden(DE)
Sen.Bernie Sanders(VT)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren(MA)

2020 Third Party Candidates:
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Howard Schultz(I-WA)
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Page last updated: Apr 10, 2019