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John Ranta's avatar

Vermont did consider and then reject a single payer health care plan. Bernie didn’t “pass it”, he was working in Washington at the time (not Vermont).

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Annie D Stratton's avatar

Sanders had a very large role in building support for Universal health care when he was holding office in VT, and after as our Senator. Universal health care is still supported in the state, and is being reprised. The original bill set up a task force to examine the options for universal health care that would cover all Vermonters, and propose three alternatives that would accomplish that. Then a governor who had been elected specifically on his promise to see universal health care enacted announced right after he was elected to a 3rd term that he was dropping his commitment to that promise. The backlash was fast and hard, and people wanted him to resign, calling for a new gubanatorial election. To avoid that, he had to agree not to run for a 4th term (our gov terms are two years) even before he was sworn in for his 3rd. In essence, he was a lame duck for that entire term, and now lives in another state. And Bernie is still honored and recognized for the work he did in the background to make life better for ordinary people. Nope, not perfect, but admired because he never gave up.

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Pamela's avatar

I love Bernie even though he isn't my US senator because he works for all of us

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Annie D Stratton's avatar

Pamela, one of my daughters came to VT to go to college, fell in love with a local guy, and stayed. I came to VT in her wake, taking a job here so I could bet to know her on a woman to woman basis. One of the perks was actually getting to vote for Bernie, and then getting to meet him in person working on Dem/Prog issues. I meant to stay a few years and go back to the NW, but I'm still here. Still admiring Bernie and the people in this state who opened their minds and gave things some real thought, thanks to Bernie's persistence. Unlike other places, persistence is an admired virtue here.

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Pamela's avatar

sometimes it is not about what you get passed, but what you accomplish in making people consider and act. https://www.thedailybeast.com/what-bernie-sanders-really-got-done-in-his-29-years-in-congress

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John Ranta's avatar

The spirit of Bernie infuses all that is good in the world. Can I get an amen! /s

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John Ranta's avatar

I’m joking.

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Joan Levine's avatar

Amen.

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Jeff Carpenter's avatar

Thanks for this article.

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