FOCUS: Racism in a Police State

During an in-depth investigation of the Sandra Bland case, some disturbing commonalities have come to light regarding police brutality and corruption nationwide. The widespread abuse by local law-enforcement in nearly every recent case from coast-to-coast seems to involve outright racism. After investigating this and many of the recent cases, it appears that we the people are at a crossroad. We must be diligent in stopping racism from infiltrating our local police. A problem that can no longer be ignored. Racism in positions of authority is quickly becoming a national security issue that must be addressed immediately. It's up to the American people to ensure this stops by fighting for accountability and implementing stricter standards nationwide.

The Initial Stop and Arrest

Anyone following the Sandra Bland case is well aware of the many discrepancies and errors in the way her arrest and incarceration were handled. From the initial arrest, to the day of her passing, to the Texas authorities seemingly covering something up. The facts still remain. She was an outspoken activist against police brutality. She was mistreated by the authorities that are constitutionally sworn to protect her. She was never threatening during the initial stop or while in jail. She never posed a threat to anyone’s life. Unfortunately, this has become the all too common similarity in the hundreds, if not thousands of police brutality cases in recent history. The commonality is racism.

Once the dash-cam video was released, manipulated or not, it shows many obvious legal violations as well as departmental policy violations by the state trooper. The Texas Department of Public Safety has admittedly stated that the trooper violated several policies in regards to his conduct. In doing so he willfully put Sandra Bland in harm's way and therefore should be held liable in participating in her injuries and possibly her death. It is certainly possible that her injuries may have contributed to her death. In both videos released by the Texas Department of Public Safety, we see a blatant disregard for the injuries caused by the officer.

In addition you can also hear the officer show refusal to acknowledge the possibility of causing seizures or any risk of injury by his actions. After she stated that she had been injured by him taking her down and that she has suffered seizures in the past, his reply was “good!” You can also hear the female officer state “you're fine” after Sandra stated “I can’t hear”. The potential of injury from his take-down of Sandra is what may have possibly contributed to her death. A possibility that was never addressed in the medical examiner's reports and remains a question for many. The extent of her injuries have yet to be discussed and remains a question that we must all ask.

It is every law-enforcement officer’s sworn duty to protect civilians from harm in any case. Aggressive or lethal force is to be used only as a last resort. In this case, aggression was used in response to her denial to put her cigarette out. Something that is not required of any civilian in any state. Sandra Bland did not deserve to be arrested, plain and simple. And there is nothing in this case that justifies Sandra losing her life. Certainly not for a ticket, or a warning, or her refusal to put out a cigarette. The officer bears responsibility in this case, however he does not bear it alone. This is a case where the entire system failed Sandra Bland, and she paid the ultimate price. It all started with someone who is nothing short of a bully and took things way too far.

Below is the video released by the Texas Department of Public Safety supposedly without any editing. It is worth noting that the video is the second video posted by Texas DPS, as the first one has since been removed. Both the first and second video are still being scrutinized by many for obvious editing anomalies. Regardless of whether there was any editing, it is obvious that the actions of officer Encinia are unjustified. In fact, the United States Supreme Court felt the same way in April of this year:

“The Government’s argument that an officer who completes all traffic-related tasks expeditiously should earn extra time to pursue an unrelated criminal investigation is unpersuasive, for a traffic stop “prolonged beyond” the time in fact needed for the officer to complete his traffic-based inquiries is “unlawful”

Source: Supreme Court of the United States

Official DPS Video:

There is also a video taken by a bystander who chose to remain anonymous for fear of retribution. The bystander video is one that the media refused to show initially, however it is now being widely reported thanks to many independent journalists. In the Texas Department of Public Safety video you can hear the officer instructing someone to leave. This is who he was speaking to. You will notice that after being asked to leave, the bystander steps into the driveway of what appears to be a church, although officers still ran him off shortly after starting to record the incident. This video shows officers trying to apprehend Sandra Bland as they were on top of her, which explains the injuries on her back reported in the medical examiner’s report.

Bystander Video:

Sandra supposedly committed suicide by hanging herself from a wall  that is about 5 feet tall. Which suggests that she would have had to be in a seated position. Additionally, in the “crime-scene” photos you can see that the trash-bag in the trash-can had been replaced. If the cell was to be treated as a crime scene, then whoever replaced the trash-bag by default contaminated the scene. These are examples of the many inconsistencies in the reports from the jail. From the time she was brought in, until now. While it almost sounds like a conspiracy theory, these questions are justifiably being asked by many that are following the case.

A larger majority are starting to believe racism played a role in the Sandra Bland case, along with the many other cases of police brutality in recent history nationwide. When looking at the facts, it is no surprise that more and more people are starting to see it that way. In October of 2006, the FBI issued a report that focused on the “White supremacist infiltration of law enforcement” and that it represented a significant national threat. The release of the dashcam video by the Texas Department of Public Safety was meant to prove the officer was justified in Sandra’s arrest. In releasing the video (edited or not) they inadvertently proved to America the injustice in her arrest, while opening everyone’s eyes to that same injustice being conducted in so many other cases. Because not only is America finally starting to see the similarities, the American people now have something tangible on which to judge for themselves.

Everyone is becoming more aware of the level of racism within the law-enforcement community nationwide. The video along with the many recent cases of racist cops are what fuels this level of thinking. Let’s take a look at a handful of reports from just the last year.

• 06/30/2015: Baltimore ex-cop Michael Wood Jr on brutality and racism
• 06/20/2015: Texas Officers Fired for Membership in KKK
• 05/15/2015: Police Keep Getting Caught Sending Racist Emails
• 05/08/2015: Police racism may have compromised 3,000 San Francisco cases
• 04/03/2015: 7 San Francisco Police Officers to Be Dismissed Over Racist Texts
• 04/02/2015: KKK Members Working in Florida Prison Arrested for Plot to Kill Black Inmate
• 10/03/2014: Former Cop Who Tortured Victims for Decades Released
• 07/14/2014: Florida Police Officers Linked to KKK by the FBI

Many of you reading this are aware of some of these cases, but when you look at all of them in their totality you begin to understand the magnitude of the situation. This is an issue that goes far and wide, stretching from coast-to-coast. Especially when you consider areas similar to Waller County and their history of racial intolerance at some of the highest levels of local law-enforcement. These counties are all over the country. Apparently, major cities and metropolises are not immune either. This is beyond ridiculous and it is something we need to attack first and foremost. It may just be time for an all out investigation of policies and procedures when it comes to background checks and accountability, regarding local law-enforcement. It seems that officers of the law must be held to a much higher standard than they currently are.

The Role of Racism

In 2008 Hempstead, Texas Police Chief Glen Smith was fired after a vote of no confidence by the Hempstead City Council. At the time, Hempstead residents had filed several complaints against Smith and several officers alleging racism and outright bad police work. In a major show of the ever present ‘Good Ol Boy’ network that runs rampant in Texas, neither the Hempstead mayor or anyone on the city council would confirm any specific reason for his termination. Yet somehow, not only was he allowed to run for Sheriff of Waller County, but not surprisingly he won in what is considered one of the most racist counties in Texas. It is safe to presume he won because he was running against Jeron Barnett. An African-American.

It is also worth noting that Jeron Barnett, now county commissioner of Waller County, was a former Harris County (Houston) deputy. He was serving in the Katy police department in Texas during the election. He was also named crime-prevention officer of the year in October of 2008. The same year he was running to be the first African-American sheriff of Waller County. Additionally, The Houston Press reported that Glen Smith was known for pranks involving the use of hand-grenades that resulted in an officer’s foot being blown off. Yet this guy won, and is still the sheriff of Waller County.

When the incident concerning Sandra Bland occurred, I made it a point to visit Prairie View A&M where she is reported to have gotten a job. We also covered nearly every corner of Waller county talking to the residents there, both black and white. In Waller County it is exactly as it has always been and we were not that surprised with what we found. There is a huge racial divide there and it all begins with the leadership of every small town within that county. They still have segregated cemeteries in Waller County if that is any indication of the racial divide there.

The fundamental flaw in the way the police-state functions became very apparent in our investigation while in Waller county. As long as the leadership in any American city is as racist your local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan, then you can rest assured that it will trickle down to their respective subordinates. The problem seems to be that police officers, including police chiefs and sheriffs, are not being scrutinized enough prior to being employed or elected. Think about that when you think about the sheriff of Waller County, Texas. He is the same man who was run out of Hempstead, a small town in Waller County, for being racist.

As a matter of fact, at the time of the incident that occurred concerning Sandra Bland, there had been calls for his resignation along with some other officers. As we constantly suggest at NPNI to find a solution in a peaceful and civil manner, I believe we may have just uncovered where the solution lies. While we were investigating the Sandra Bland case, we began to see these scary commonalities in law-enforcement nationwide. We then began to focus on every other case across the country as well. We have most certainly discovered what many of us have been warned about for decades.

While every case has a wide variety of differences, we have found but very few commonalities with these cases. The biggest commonality is obviously racism. While not every case involves direct ties to white supremacist groups, they do involve an infiltration of white supremacists in some level of leadership or another. This leads to a level of acceptance within the ranks of what appears to be nearly every law-enforcement agency across the country. Which leads to a lower bar when looking at the expectations of local law-enforcement. We should not live in a world where the populace has to adapt knowing that we could lose your lives when dealing with police. Yes it is a national problem.

This is an issue that goes far beyond being respectful or submissive. Without saying anyone should be submissive to an officer that is no more superior than anyone else. No matter how respectful you are or may be to an officer of the law, if the officer is a good cop you should have no problem. But if the officer is from within a department that has been infiltrated by white supremacists, you don’t stand a chance, regardless of how nice or respectful you may be. We are seeing many cases that involve corruption on these levels that just get covered up. With national attention however, we should begin by demanding accountability. Racism should be a part of any investigation involving aggression towards minorities as this trend cannot be ignored.

This is not to incite anyone into doing anything crazy. We do not condone rioting nor are we suggesting any form of aggressive protests. We at NPNI fully support peaceful protests and civil disobedience. We promote civility amongst each other and expect the same from everyone else. We must be diligent in finding solutions to the problems we face as a country, and I hope that we have found a great place to start with this report regarding these hate crimes. The problems are far and wide but they are not isolated.

Law-enforcement officers must be better scrutinized prior to even entering their respective academies for training. We can not continue to allow certain elements to poison entire departments with the toxicity of racism and intolerance. We must call on our elected officials to take action and bring more accountability to the forefront of these issues. It is only at the highest levels that this can be solved, and it is up to us as people of a free-society to ensure it happens. In the end it comes down to one thing. United we stand, divided we fall.

The Iran Agreement, Politicians, and The Media

Photos: Creative Commons, design by Uri Fintzy - JTA

The Obama administration along with other world powers have reached a deal with Iran regarding their nuclear program. Today the President held a press conference to address many of the questions and misinformation surrounding the agreement.

The source of such misinformation comes from many politicians around the world as well as partisan media. The spread of such rhetoric is to simply instill fear and maintain the special interests of the Military-Industrial complex. In fact when looking at it in more detail, the politicians participating in fear-mongering and lies all have ties to military contractors. With Halliburton being the biggest player in all of this.

While it does not seem as though it is entirely scripted, the motivations are certainly apparent. It's funny what money does to an elected-official's individual interests. As we have written before many times here at New Politics Nation, once these people get into office they no longer represent the people that elected them.

Instead they focus on spreading misinformation to their respective constituents to assist in promoting their individual special interests. Which we can directly point to as being responsible for the biggest problems in America today. This behavior going unchecked is exactly why things have gotten out of control.

President Obama's press conference seemed to address many of the issues and misinformation regarding the Iran deal. It is very easy for anyone to simply claim he is lying, and spin the whole thing to appease the special-interests of politicians. As Obama said in today's press conference, "it's what politicians do".

Now don't get me wrong here. I do realize the President is himself a politician (duh), nor do I agree with all of his policies. However I do agree that something had to be done in regards to Iran. This deal seems to give the United States more power over Iran's future military aspirations than ever.

Regarding sanctions, we can now take unilateral action against them moving forward. While still allowing the U.S. to take action with other nations as well. As the agreement gets presented to Congress and becomes public, we will be able to read it in its entirety. Thus allowing everyone the opportunity to understand it in its totality. Not just the understanding of our elected-officials, who just quote certain aspects of it for their own political gains.

As a Nation we can not allow politicians to dictate what we decide on or act on. It is these same 'elected-officials' that continue to keep us divided. This has not been an issue of party-politics for a long time. It is becoming more apparent every day that they are all in on this scam together. The scam? Letting you think you still have a voice. When in fact we only have a voice when we all come out in massive numbers. Civil Disobedience.

The longer they keep us divided while they drive policy as a united group, we as people will remain on the losing end of every issue. If you listen to Netanyahu, it becomes obvious that he would prefer a perpetual war with Iran and the rest of the Middle-East. Because it comes with great financial gain for him, not so much for Israeli people. At a great financial cost to Americans.

This suggests that he is putting his own people in danger. Much like the actions of our elected officials keep us in perpetual danger. They promote great fear among the people of this country and around the world. In turn keeping companies like Halliburton in business. In case you are wondering, yes their primary goal is to promote fear and danger to the people of this great Nation while lining their pockets.

There are many things to be concerned with around the world, but politicians continue to muddy the water to keep our attention from the cause of many issues. Allowing them to drive policy that benefits their own special interests and political careers. It's entirely up to us to ensure that this behavior is not the standard of a successful political career.

Many politicians leave office and go into private practice using their political connections and influence to drive policy in America. The only reason this has become acceptable practice is due to the complacency of the vast majority of American citizens. We must get involved in the political process in massive numbers. This is the only way to ensure the safety, sovereignty, and unity of this great Nation.

The agreement with Iran appears to be a good deal that is a win-win for both sides. It is still too early to say that it is the perfect deal, but it is certainly a step in the right direction. Remember this agreement only covers the issue of Iran's nuclear capabilities.

This was not a negotiation for the four U.S. citizens that are currently jailed in Iran, nor were they a part of this agreement. It also does not address the issue of Iran's human rights record or any other seedy dealings they are involved in. This is an agreement that only deals with Iranian nuclear capabilities and only deals with sanctions that are directly related.

Don't believe the hype when politicians come out saying we let Iran slide on anything. We live in an age where we elect politicians, and yet we must dictate for ourselves if they are being truthful. We must research for ourselves to find the truth, and base our decisions on facts.

If we don't, we may never gain the power back from the money that dictates policy in this country. If we fail, we will remain divided against our each other. We have all been involved in many political conversations with personal friends. Most, if not all of them, start the conversation with some preconceived idea that they got from the media or some politician.

Which ultimately leads to a long drawn-out discussion that should have been quite simple. Instead it turns into an ugly mess because the media doesn't do their jobs anymore either. They are so focused on being the first to report on something, that the primary concern is no longer whether they are right or wrong. The only thing most journalists care about is that they are the first to report something.

Source: Creative Commons - historycommons.org 

Some of you reading this may remember the 'Iran-Contra' scandal. In short, this happened in prior to 1980 when the Reagan administration was caught selling weapons to Iran. In addition, the Reagan administration and President George H.W. Bush (Reagan's Vice-President and successor) authorized the sale of equipment for commercial and military use as well as biological agents such as Anthrax and Bubonic Plague to Iraq.

Here are some other points related to Iran such as Israel began selling U.S. made arms to Iran under the Carter Administration. Then there's of course when Israel, Turkey, and the US collaborate in supplying arms to the Islamic fundamentalist regime in Iran for use in the Iran-Iraq war under the Reagan Administration. You can view the whole timeline relating to the entire Iran-Contra affair here in case you need a refresher. Will any politician remind you of this? What about the media? Anyone? Of course not.

Much like the politicians in office today, journalists don't seem to do anything for the greater good anymore. They do it for self-promotion and some sort of self gratification. Whatever it may be, it's sickening to think that misinformation comes before getting it right. Even if it's at the expense of so many people who rely on the media for information.

When you discuss the issue of Iran (or anything) with anyone, do so lightly. Chances are you got bad information whether it's from a politician or the media. There is a good chance that it is all driven by money, power, and/or personal career motives. Whether you have the right information or not, doesn't concern any of them, as long as they get paid.

When we report on something here at New Politics Nation, we are not concerned with being first. In fact, many times our reports come out days after the initial hype has died down. We pride ourselves on reporting the facts. We include links and access to our sources. Which are typically government documents, proposed bills, press releases and many other sources.

The concept that drives our reporting falls under the same principles as those that are the foundation behind New Politics and New Ideas. To provide factual information that is then used to keep the conversation going, so that we can create policy ideas and present them to our elected officials. We pride ourselves being an open to everyone 'Community Think-Tank', that is intently focused on progress in America and around the world.

New Politics Nation was created to provide you factual reporting and the information used to write those reports. If it happens to be a large document, we will tell you where to look to find the information we are reporting on. Simply put, we do not just quote other media outlets, we cite facts. The best part of our reporting is that we benefit from the convenience of the truth.

No bullshit.

OPM Hack: A Precursor To Much Bigger Problems

Photo: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

The recent data breach at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), indicates our government's lack of ability in protecting personal data. At a time when politicians are allowing for the bulk collection of everyone's information. How is it that we are supposed to feel safer? Many Americans are (supposedly) willing to give up their individual civil liberties based on the idea that the NSA is protecting the country. When in fact it seems that they are endangering every American instead. Due in part by the very fact that they can not protect even the most sensitive data on any scale, let alone a massive one.

As I have reported previously, this is a major problem for Americans today. As politicians continue to push more policy that allows the collection of even more data, none are proposing any policy when it comes to protecting that data. We are now seeing the second coming of the Cyber Intelligence Sharing Information Act (CISA formerly known as CISPA). The bill gives legal immunity to companies that share personal data with the government in the name of cyber security. Read more about CISA here.

Currently our elected officials are using the data breach at the OPM as an excuse to pass CISA. Citing that had it been in place they would have been able to detect the intrusion. This could not be farther from the truth. In reality, the government would use the data they receive under the bill in a scheme to justify warrantless mass surveillance of domestic Internet traffic. It’s purely a surveillance bill, as nothing in it is actually designed to improve security.

“Under CISA, organizations aren’t required to hand over information on cybersecurity threats directly to the federal government. Instead, it would use a common system to share information while granting immunity from privacy laws, when users’ personal data is made available by organizations, such as service providers. Many privacy advocates see CISA as a serious blow to privacy rights. As it will open a door to hacking by government and private companies, allow service providers to perform surveillance on their users, and place more personal data on Americans in government hands”. - New Politics Nation

The recent hack at the OPM is evidence enough that the bulk collection of data must end. The personal information of nearly 22 million people has been exposed. Everything from past addresses, employment history, social security numbers, and in some cases even fingerprints. While elected officials have been calling for the resignation of OPM Director Katherine Archuleta, this is not an issue the lies on the shoulders of one individual. This is a system-wide issue that falls on the improper use of technology.

FBI Director James Comey told a congressional committee that the database included highly sensitive Standard Form 86 documents, which also include information on family members and close friends, extending the tally beyond just federal employees.

"I'm sure the adversary has my SF 86," Comey said, noting that the form includes information on his family and friends. "The numbers quickly grow far beyond the number of federal employees — which is millions over the last 20 years." - FBI Director James Comey

Applicants for security clearances are required to complete and submit the federal government’s Questionnaire for National Security Positions known as Standard Form 86 (SF-86) to the OPM.  At more than 100 pages, the SF-86 includes a significant amount of sensitive, personal information that must be submitted in order for a federal employee or contractor to receive a security clearance and serve in a national security position. Applicants must submit information regarding their mental health records, personal finances, and family members’ work history.

In a press release from Congressman Mike Turner (R-OH) on June 9th titled: Massive Data Breaches Could Be Devastating to Our National Security Personnel.

"Today’s announcement by OPM that a significant amount of sensitive information was taken from SF-86’s could be devastating to our national security personnel and their families. OPM estimates that more than 1 million fingerprints, in addition to current and past addresses, family member names and dates of birth, and other personal information has been put at risk. I remain committed to getting answers from OPM on how this happened, and exactly how they intend to help these employees, retirees, and their families in the wake of this crisis.”

Photo: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

To think that the public has surpassed the U.S government’s technological capabilities seems absurd. However, when the establishment is pushing to prevent individuals from protecting themselves through various forms of encryption, speaks volumes. As of this writing Katherine Archuleta has resigned, and Washington is intent on passing yet another bill granting the NSA the power to now share all of your information with every other government agency.

Meanwhile the deputy director of the OMB, Beth Cobert has been named as the interim replacement. Changing of the guard will not offer any protections. This just shows the detachment of the current establishment from the reality that is the real world. Somehow they feel justified in collecting more data and then sharing it across all departments. Yet continuing to fail in offering any protections. Aside from the fact that CISA annihilates the Fourth Amendment, our government will now be giving our information away to hackers worldwide as owner of the largest database of personal information anywhere.

This is precisely the reason the federal government of the United States has become such a successful target of millions of hackers. Some of these hacks are being traced back to many governments around the world. For every time our government detects a hack of this magnitude, they can not prevent another from happening. Yet somehow private companies can protect themselves from future intrusions. For a government to continue to request additional information from the American public, yet proving they can not protect it, is a scary thought.

In the end they are instituting policy that is asking you to allow hackers access to your personal information. While violating your civil rights to privacy. The bulk collection of data is not just an attack on the Fourth Amendment, but we are opening the door for hackers to access that information. Only to be used in nefarious ways that can potentially destroy individual lives. At no point in our history has our government been tasked with the gathering of so much personal information. Not even under the guise of the Patriot Act.

The Army Times reported that President Obama's top cyber security assistant Michael Daniel, who sits on the National Security Council, told reporters that the cyber threat continues to grow.

"Unfortunately, this incident is not without precedent," Daniel said. "Cyber security threats are growing broader as we hook more and more stuff up to the Internet, and our adversaries are becoming more sophisticated and ... more dangerous."

I find it comical that Michael Daniel tries to soften the impact by stating the attacks are because we hook more “stuff” up to the internet. Not because the federal government is a poor steward in protecting such data. The inability of our government to protect that data is just one of many reasons they should not be allowed to collect such information. The idea that they are using the OPM breach as an excuse to allow CISA to pass is complete deception.

The ACLU has written that in its current form CISA "empowers the military, including agencies like the NSA, to collect the Internet records of Americans' everyday Internet use" and that "It is a long-established principle that the military is not permitted to spy on Americans."

Politicians however, are ignoring the rights and the voices of the American people. CISA does not and will never protect anything, as that is not the intent behind it. The intent is to collect more information from service providers, while granting them immunity from legal recourse. This has to end immediately. If they are conducting this attack on your right to privacy now, you can rest assured that more attacks on your civil liberties are just around the corner.

Don’t be fooled America. Write your elected officials today and demand that they block the passage of CISA. Before it’s too late.

GOP Double Standards Fuel Donald Trump's Campaign

Photo: Gage Skidmore, Creative Commons

The GOP’s double standards are what keeps Donald Trump in the race as a seemingly viable candidate. Plain and simple. Trump has lashed out against the Latino community on a seemingly global scale. The lines he has drawn with his racist opinion are blurred at best, and the impact is not only felt by Latinos but by all minorities. All minorities have dealt with a level of intolerance at one point or another throughout their lives. Then you have Trump's beliefs, which are only feasible due to the basic standard of the Republican Party.

When every Republican candidate ignores the invitation of the Latino community, including the self-proclaimed Latino candidates, the immoralities of the current GOP establishment are inherent. The GOP would like to distance themselves from Donald Trump’s rhetoric. However the double-standards of the party’s platform won’t allow it. Especially when they ignore the Latino voters on such a large scale. One would think that with so many candidates running on the GOP ticket, surely one of them would have accepted the invitation.

Thus leaving the vast majority of Latino voters to wonder just how much value the Republican Party really puts into the Latino community. As a Latino, it shows blatant disregard for how my people feel. A disregard for our voices as one. As a singular community of people that counts for a large portion of the vote. One that the GOP claims counts for so much. Yet they currently show a complete and total disregard for. Surely, when the time comes they will be begging for those votes as the Latino community has played the part of the difference maker in recent elections.

As a minority group, we have many commonalities with other minorities in this country. As long as the GOP allows this type of rhetoric and intolerance within their party, other minority groups will take notice. All of which will assuredly begin to wonder if this is the kind of intolerance we want representing any of us as a Nation. The answer is quite simple, and goes without saying. The double standards of the GOP promote only one thing, division. A division that allows them to force the individual extremist views that the party currently represents on the entire Nation.

A great example of the double standards and the quandary the GOP faces was reported by the New York Times:

Some Republicans, according to three people briefed on the debate planning, have nudged Fox to clarify its broad requirement that candidates file "all necessary paperwork." They are said to be seeking a specific reference to the personal financial disclosure that presidential candidates must submit to the Federal Election Commission within 30 days of beginning their candidacies, the theory being that Mr. Trump would be unwilling to disclose his full worth. - The New York Times

However, many other candidates have yet to disclose their “personal finances” leaving candidates such as Jeb Bush out in the cold as well. Which leaves the Republican Party no other choice but to include Donald Trump in the first debate. Meanwhile the Latino voters are left wondering exactly what the GOP has to offer them. It is now being widely reported that the Republican National Committee Chairman, Reince Priebus has asked Trump to tone it down. Although Donald Trump denies this.

The Trump carnival has become a source of deep concern for the GOP, which fears that his views, which have been criticized as racist, may be mistaken for the party's as a whole, hurting the eventual nominee's chances with Latino voters, among many others. It has gotten so bad that Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus got Trump on the phone to tell him to "tone it down," - The Washington Post.

Instead Donald Trump has taken to Twitter, and other Social Media to continue his rants. In his mind, justifying his words. The big question lies in who exactly they think they are appealing to. The vast majority of Americans know within their hearts that this behavior can not be tolerated. Particularly at such high levels of government. Surely Republicans know that they can not win appealing to such a small minority of voters. This is real-world politics, not some fantasy of the extreme right.

Trump hitting the ground with such controversy only to rank as one of the highest polled candidates, certainly speaks volumes. However this early in the race, the polling depends on who you’re asking. While Donald Trump may not represent the GOP as a whole. The Republican Party certainly allows for this kind of attitude and thinking, towards driving policy in America. Simply put, this is the kind of policy that is used to take your attention away from the real problems we face as a Nation.

Republicans need a divided country, they want to maintain the stranglehold on the American people. So that they can force their will and individual beliefs on an entire Nation. When in reality the division is within a Republican Party who has gone so far right that they are not sure what they represent anymore. Meanwhile the American people have voiced their opinions. As a majority, Americans have clearly voiced what they want for future generations. It is amazing how far the views of politicians are from the people of this great Nation. The only requirements of any politician, are to listen and then act upon what the people are asking for.

What we are witnessing, is the framework which will lead to the downfall of the Republican Party.

Why Bernie Sanders Will Win

Photo: White House, Creative Commons

As he energizes more and more Americans everyday, Bernie Sanders has created a movement that is becoming so large at such an early stage in the game. If the current establishment of corrupt, sold-out politicians is saying they aren’t nervous. They are most certainly lying to you. Hillary Clinton is feeling the heat, and any additional incoming candidates will only bolster Sanders campaign. With such a dramatic start, the question is no longer about whether he can win. It is now a question of how big will this movement be when the elections come around?

Most would probably agree that when you start thinking about a post-Obama America, you look at the current playing field and can’t help but think... Really? This country is already somewhat of a mess. The current candidates all but confirm just how messy it really is. There are so many of them that are viewed negatively by a large majority, yet some of them believe they stand a chance. If they’re lucky, half of the Republicans will even get invited to any of the debates. The Democrats certainly aren’t getting anyone excited. Well there is this guy, Bernie Sanders. Have you heard about him?

When looking at the entire playing field, you have to ask yourself. Can we trust any of these people to inherit a potential new Cold War with Russia? What about the Middle East? China? More importantly, what about the problems here at home? Immigration? Poverty? Unemployment? Our options are to keep doing the same thing? Do we expect a different result this time? Shit. I think I’m starting to black out…

Just kidding... But not really... It happened...

In all seriousness. Is it me or does it all of sudden feel a little like the same old shit? Is that what we really want for America? We’re just going to hear the same opportunistic rhetoric by these money-hungry candidates. It has been the same puppet-show for decades, with the same people pulling the strings. The Republican Party is such a mess that they are trying to figure out who they have become as a party. Every one of them has the deer in the headlights look. The only ones talking are the ones spinning the same old talking points, going from one extreme to the next based on which candidate your talking too.

Sanders so far has been the front-runner on his detailed campaign policies and ideas. He has a clearly devised plan to finally start moving America forward again. It’s the same plan he has been proposing for decades. One that makes sense, one that resonates with most Americans and is intently focused on the success of the American People. How does someone with such great ideas get past the current political environment? The same environment where politicians turn and look away from the American people, to ensure 'special interests' are taken care of.

Source: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

He will not do it with corporate special interest dollars. But instead, he will do it by empowering the the people in massive numbers. By re-energizing a populace that has become complacent in the eyes of our forefathers. He will do it by getting Americans involved in the political process again. He has opened himself up to his fellow Americans, to “The People” he wishes to serve. In doing so, he is showing America that there is still hope and plenty of opportunity, and that there are still some “good guys” out there. Bernie Sanders exemplifies every one of us, he is an American just like you and I.

You don’t look-up at Bernie Sanders like you would most politicians. The rest of the candidates consider themselves above the rest of us. When it comes to Bernie Sanders, you look directly at him because he is on the same level as all of us. He doesn’t carry the ego that all the other candidates have. He also knows he will be greatly outspent in an election that some are saying could cost as much as 7 billion dollars. But he also understands the amount of power The People can still wield on politics, especially in massive numbers. He is quickly becoming the leader of a political revolution that this country so desperately needs. He is what I now call the “People’s Champ”.

Currently, it looks like we will see as many as 20 Republicans running for President. My thoughts on the motivation of what many have called the Republican “clown car” seems obvious. Quite simple really. They already know there will be nearly 2 billion dollars up for grabs from just two families alone. These families, Sheldon Adelson and his wife (over 600 million dollars), as well as the Koch Brothers (nearly 1 billion dollars) have total control over the Republican Party. When I look at these extreme amounts of money by so few people, and how they dictate elections, I begin to feel somewhat of a “cartel” effect.

People joke that many Republicans are off their rocker. That they have lost touch with the American People. That most, if not all of the Republican Party has gone too far to the right. The reality is, you have two families in control here. Then when the inevitable contributions from corporations start coming in, there’s so much more to be had for the candidates. It would be foolish to think we won't see more Republican candidates. Any Republican with any experience is probably thinking about it. It’s the equivalent to winning the lottery, with much better chances.

We all know that there is personal financial benefit to all of this as well. No one would spend billions of dollars for a job that pays a little over 200,000 dollars a year. Especially, if it didn’t come with the promise of personal financial gains. Bill and Hillary Clinton claimed to be broke upon leaving the White House, yet they are now worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Not including the contributions from corporations to The Clinton Foundation and Hillary’s Presidential war chest. Add all that money and they are suddenly worth billions. Now, all of a sudden, we have other Democrats entering the race, thinking they can bring Hillary down and get some of that proverbial cash. As if they have a chance against that much political influence, errr money.

While it is still early, and no one wants to start picking favorites just yet. It would be a pretty safe assumption to think that it will look something like Jeb Bush vs. Bernie Sanders when it comes down to it. Sanders’ campaign, as of this writing, has generated about a third in contributions compared to the Clinton campaign. He has garnered about 15 million dollars to her 45 million dollars so far. While it seems like a huge difference, you have to keep in mind that Sanders has generated all of his contributions from individuals donating as little as 5 dollars ($33.00 dollars the average per person).

See that? His contributions are coming from regular people. People with hope. People who believe in him. In the end that's another reason he will win. Because his campaign will be outspent, but he will generate enough to put up one hell of a fight. His money will not come from corporations, billionaires, or any special interest groups.

In fact, generating that much money from individuals while fighting off the Clinton corporate money machine, speaks volumes. Hillary’s campaign is riddled with special interest money, which brings up many moral questions about her obvious double-speak. If you don’t think it’s going to be Jeb and Bernie, then you probably think it will be Jeb and Hillary. Currently that seems to be the most agreed upon prediction, so I could totally see that. In fact, I don’t think Bernie just has a shot in this election. I believe that he will win it all. Especially, given the current trend.

I expect Bernie Sanders will continue attracting the attention of more and more voters, and his base will to continue to grow. As more people begin to sour on Clinton and her corporate ties, they will turn their attention to Sanders. And with Sanders already attracting the attention of key demographics, those critical votes will make it easy to topple any Republican candidate. For example, early indicators show that he has the attention of the Millennials. This generational demographic is becoming one of the most popular among Sanders’ supporters, while being widely overlooked by nearly every other candidate. And he is just getting started.

Scott Galindez of Reader Supported News, reported on July 2nd from the Sanders rally in Madison, Wisconsin that took place the day prior to his report, on July 1st. Where 10,000 people showed up in support of Bernie Sanders.

“There have been many insurgent campaigns that fizzle out, but many feel that this time is different. If you consider the timing of these rallies, the campaign is just getting started – rallies of the size Bernie is drawing usually happen for a party nominee in the weeks leading up to the election. Sanders has seven months to build on them before the first votes are cast. The crowds also go a long way in convincing people that he is viable. The next step will be getting some key endorsements that will help build the momentum. Bernie’s opponents have to be nervous about an endorsement that will be announced Friday in Cedar Rapids. One of the nation’s most prominent union organizers, Larry Cohen, who was the president of the Communications Workers of America until he retired three weeks ago, will not only endorse Sanders but will go to work helping him get elected.” - Scott Galindez, Reader Supported News

The support of Larry Cohen is a very big deal. So you can stop kidding yourselves before you even get started. In fact it’s a huge deal. Scott Galindez goes on to say, “Cohen’s endorsement is a big domino that could lead to major union endorsements”. Which is very true as Cohen can generate a ton of support. With his popularity and his experience, he could very well be the last little push Sanders needs to get past a corrupt Hillary Clinton. This is the dawn of a new age in American Politics. With Democrats increasingly edging towards the “middle-right” and Republicans further to the right than ever. It leaves us without representation to challenge the current system in place. One that is corrupt and misleading the people with intent. Sanders by default brings that accountability to the conversation. Should the rest of the field be afraid? Absolutely, they should all be very afraid.

Source: Wikimedia, Creative Commons

Most Americans know that the system is rigged, and most are starting to realize that those we have elected do not represent us or our communities. They get corrupted by corporate money and greed as soon as they get into office. Americans are starting to grow weary of this current system, and are beginning to show signs of distress. The constant division between groups of the American people, is motivated and driven by rhetoric and misinformation. All perpetrated by current elected officials themselves. To put it in simpler terms, Americans are just tired of this mess. Admit it, we all are. Bernie Sanders is the breath of fresh air we have all been looking for. While you may not know it yet, it's only a matter of time before you do.

During the last elections we witnessed a huge majority (over 60%) of the voting population not participate in the electoral process, for various reasons. This shows signs of an obvious lack of faith in America’s electoral system. While also amplifying that there is a most certain level of distrust with the process. With many feeling like their votes wouldn’t count regardless of participation. These perceptions are wholly predicated by the level of greed in Washington. With the Citizen's United ruling serving only to empower an even higher level of greed.

Just take a look at ALL of the other candidates diving into the mix while completely ignorant of any policies, and certainly not coming anywhere near what the American people have wanted. And now those same Americans, are demanding it. Yet somehow these elitists continue to laugh in our faces as they get rich.

And then once again there's this guy, with foolish ideals who doesn't stand a chance. Bernie Sanders’ policies and speeches are getting these very voters excited about future prospects for America. Instilling the fact that the system may in fact still work for the people. Nearly everything he is proposing appeals to the vast majority of Americans. Plain and simple. And while, many voters are not yet expressing their commitment one way or the other to any candidates. The fact that those same undecided voters are paying attention, is just one more reason the Sanders campaign is picking up steam. Enough steam to 'take it to the house'... The White House.

While all the other candidates began expressing their displeasure with the recent Supreme Court rulings, and Hillary's puppet strings seemed ever so entangled. All.of sudden much to their surprise the American people came out in massive numbers to show their support for those rulings. Most of the presidential candidates that were so vehemently and vocally against the court, began to backpedal from statements.

Speeches that were really only appealing to the extreme right. There were many comments of deception, that were made in apparent haste. Completely ignorant of the protections ou our Constitution. All of a sudden they realize represent a minority of voters, and that their base isn't as broad as they thought. Then the millions of Americans who came out and took up the fight against all the propaganda. Social Media was on fire.

And the only beacon of opportunity, the shining light for the people remained Bernie Sanders. The reason is simple. He has always agreed with what the vast majority of Americans only came to realize in the last decade. Yet nearly all of the politicians currently in office are way off the reservation when it comes to politics for the people.

Suddenly they began to tone down the rhetoric and lies about the attacks on “religious liberties”. With oxymoronic statements claiming “judicial tyranny” on religious freedom. Some may eventually go as far as Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, with a complete about face on marriage equality. Who knows...These people do weird things

One thing that is certain, Bernie Sanders has always been ahead of the pack when it comes to the working class and equal rights. Particularly, the same issues the Supreme Court voted in favor of. I can only think of one he disagrees with, and that's the Affordable Care Act (ACA). What is his problem with the ACA you ask? It's quite simple. He, like many of the downtrodden, don't believe it does enough.

But when it comes to that "crazy guy" and his meager 15 million dollars, he doesn't have a chance right? I know, I know, here we go with that guy again right? Well one thing is certain, you're not going to see any backpedaling or changing stances from Good Ole Bernie. He has always fought for the people, the people he chose to represent. And he's still waging war on corrupt political dealings, and fighting to get the money out of politics.

He stands by the same moral standards that are, and have always been, a perfect example of how elected officials are expected to act. He stands for the same issues he has always stood for. Everything from income inequality, corporate taxation, investing in infrastructure, investing in America, and fighting for the American people. He has always been the voice of the people.

Bernie Sanders is a staunch supporter of the American dream, and the American way of life. He has remained loyal to his beliefs for over 40 years, to which he has always shared commonality with the vast majority of Americans. Bernie Sanders doesn’t really have much to prove. If he ever had to prove anything, you would simply have to look at his track-record. He has always been a consistent voice of the people. Anyone in America would agree whether they like it or or not, he has consistently been a Champion of the People.

So in the end Bernie Sanders will win simply by being himself, and welcoming any challenge thrown his way. He is arrogant in all the right ways, and about all the right things. And that’s what America wants, because that’s what America needs. Someone to stand up for her and her people, while staying true to the core foundation of this country.

In the end, the reasoning behind my thinking falls in line with that of Sanders. Just as it seems to be with most Americans. Because he is our best chance at moving this country forward again. He believes it is his moral obligation as an American citizen. In the same way that the very core principles behind Politics and New Ideas, is because it is the moral obligation of all Americans to stand up for what's right.

The days of complacency are coming to end. And it's time for everyone to get involved in the political process, the way it was meant to be. For it has already been said.

"One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors". - Plato

It's about time to foster change. And this time we have a truly credible chance at gaining control as a people. For we have something we can get behind to create massive momentum. Because this is not about a singular candidate, or partisan politics. This is something that makes sense for America, and we have an opportunity vote with conscience. As the voice of the people.

This is our chance to be a part of something bigger than all of us. This is a political revolution. One that is long over due.

Watch more on Bernie Sanders right here.