Bernie Sanders campaign needs more money for New York and upcoming states

Sisters and Brothers -

I just got off the debate stage, and I hope you had the chance to watch.

We talked about some of the big differences in this campaign: I support a $15 minimum wage, Secretary Clinton does not. I have a plan to achieve universal health care as a right for every man, woman and child in America, Secretary Clinton does not. I have been fighting to hold Wall Street accountable for their greed, recklessness and fraud, Secretary Clinton has been taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from Goldman Sachs for paid speeches.

In five days New York votes, and we are doing everything we can to win. If we continue to fight, and turnout is high, I think we will. And that’s why I have to ask:

Can I count on you to make a $2.70 contribution right now? Thousands of supporters are responding to tonight’s debate with donations. With five days left before New York votes, it is so important that you add yours right now.

This is the most important stretch of our campaign. We have won eight of the last nine caucuses and primaries, but the result in New York this Tuesday and the five states voting the week after will go a long way toward determining whether or not our political revolution wins this Democratic primary, the White House, and takes our country back from the billionaire class. That’s why your contribution is so important.

In solidarity,

Bernie Sanders

Bernie Sander's team call volunteers to make 1 million phone calls a day in New York

Dear Bernie Supporter,

We’re just five days out from the New York primary. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment, so we’re setting a huge and ambitious goal that could be the difference between victory and defeat: calling two million voters over the weekend.

To reach our goal, we need 15,000 of you to sign up to call New York voters for at least an hour this Saturday or Sunday.

48 hours. 15,000 volunteers. Two million calls. Are you in?

YES, I'LL HELP BERNIE WIN NEW YORK

If we reach 15,000 callers between Saturday and Sunday, we estimate we’ll make more than a million calls a day, which is yuuuuge. In fact, as far as we can tell, this could be the biggest virtual phonebank ever!

We’ll be honest: this is such an ambitious goal that we might not reach it. But this campaign is, after all, about doing big things. And if enough of us get on the phones this weekend, Tuesday could deliver yet another historic upset victory for Bernie.

Sign up to call New York.

If you’ve never made phone calls to voters before, don’t worry. It’s easy. All you need is a computer or a tablet and a phone. There’s a simple script for you to follow, and there are volunteers standing by on livechat to help if you get stuck.

Right now, in lower Manhattan, the Wall Street bankers, corporate media types, and Democratic party establishment figures are hoping you’ll sit this fight out. They know that a win in New York would put us in a strong position to win the nomination – and threaten the entire rigged system that benefits them personally.

Let’s show them that we too know how high the stakes are – by setting a historic record right before Tuesday’s vote. Sign up to call New York.

In solidarity,

Team Bernie

An irritating experience with Sing Tel

I posted a blog about my frustrating experience getting help from Sing Tel's hotline. Their poorly designed interactive voice response (IVR) flow irritated me.

Sing Tel send this e-mail to me a week later.

Dear Mr Tan
I hope you are well.
First and foremost, I would like to introduce myself as a representative of the Social Media Relations team in Singtel.
I would like to follow-up on your recent blog post of 2 April 2016, regarding your experience our servces. However, I understand the blog post has since been removed.
Nonetheless, do let us know if you still need assistance with your Singtel services. I would be more than happy to look into your concerns.
In the meantime, please email to feedback@singtel.com if you have any questions on this matter. You may also reach me at 6801 4682 (DID) from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. I will be glad to assist.

Here is my reply

Dear
I have a Singtel SIM card in my dongle. I removed the SIM card to use it in my portable wifi.
I had trouble.
I called your hotline and had to waste a lot of time going through the complicated navigation in your IVR system.
I had to go through three times.
Finally, I got a message that your business care line operates only during office hours.
Your IVR system is frustrating to customers. Your "office hours only" service is bad.
I have since found the answer to my problem, but after spending a few frustrating hours with Sing Tel's poor service.
Thank you.

Like most organizations, Sing Tel continues to make life very difficult for their customers who has to go through their complicated IVR system.

It would be better if they get someone to take the call. If this person cannot find the solution, they can get an expert to look into the matter and call back the customer.

They should get away from their IVR navigation that is disliked by virtually all customers.

Announce which side the door open on MRT trains

During my stay in Tokyo in February, I took the Yamanote Line on a few occasions.

I was pleasantly surprised to hear a voice announcement in Japanese followed by English 

informing commuters about the name of the next station and whether the doors open on the

left or right side.

In the MRT in Singapore, there is a voice announcement in English only of the next station but

no announcement on which side the door will open. I often have to look at both sides of the train 

to decide on whether to move towards the left or the right side.

In some trains, there are displays to tell which side the doors will open, but there are no such 

display on other trains.

I hope that the management will update the voice announcement to include the opening of the door.

Our MRT system has been operating for 30 years already. We can learn from the experience in 

other cities on other ways to improve the ride for commuters.

Bernie Sanders will help many progressives to get elected into Congress

I’ve told you throughout this campaign, sisters and brothers, that no candidate for president, not Bernie Sanders, not the greatest president you could possibly imagine, can take on the billionaire class alone.

When I am elected president, I am going to need progressives in Congress who are willing to continue the fight we started in this campaign. Here are three:

Zephyr Teachout literally wrote the book on political corruptionand is running for Congress New York. Pramila Jayapal helped lead the fight for a $15 minimum wage and paid sick leave in Seattle, where she’s now running for Congress. Lucy Flores is a progressive champion running for Congress in Nevada and one of the most courageous people I’ve met on the campaign. I need them with me in Washington, D.C., and that’s why I have to ask:

Split a $2.70 contribution between Bernie 2016 and Lucy Flores, Zephyr Teachout, and Pramila Jayapal for Congress today and we are going to win this primary AND elect a Congress willing to stand up billionaire class of this country.

Change almost never happens from the top down, it almost always occurs from the bottom up. I will do everything I can from the White House, but what this moment requires is people in the streets fighting for change, and elects a Congress that is willing to stand with them.

If we are able to successfully combine those three elements, nothing will be able to stop us. That is the political revolution.

In solidarity,

Bernie Sanders

Demand for new HDB flats taper off

The government is now worried about a glut in new HDB flats as demand taper off.

http://www.todayonline.com/…/launch-bto-units-be-tapered-pr…

Robert Reich endorse Bernie Sanders

Watch this interview with Robert Reich, professor at the UC Berkerley and former Secretary of Labor under Bill Clinton's Presidency. He gave a good insight into the economic impact of Bernie Sander's ambitious goals and explains why they are achievable.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RSpMz6Snwk&nohtml5=False

He also gave an inside view of the role of Hillary Clinton in Bill Clinton's presidency. He is objective and balanced.

Bernie Sanders won the Wyoming caucus

Sisters and Brothers -

We just got word that we won Wyoming's caucus. This is huge.

This momentum is just what we need in order to win New York's crucial primary in 10 days. But we also must know that the billionaire class is more scared than ever, and they don't want to see us win again. They want to stop us here and now.

Contribute $2.70 to our campaign and we can keep our momentum going with another huge victory in New York. Your investment today in our movement will go a long way to taking back our country from the billionaire class.

Momentum is winning eight out of the last nine contests while bringing more and more voters and young people to our side as we talk about income inequality, climate change, universal health care, and our corrupt campaign finance system.

Momentum is proving again and again to the political and economic establishment that you don't need to have a super PAC in order to win the presidency.

This momentum is incredible – but you'll never imagine what our momentum can be if we win New York's primary.

Contribute $2.70 to our campaign and we can win New York's primary, win the Democratic nomination, win the White House, and take back our country from the billionaire class.

Thanks for being with us.

In solidarity,

Bernie Sanders

The issues to be faced if Bernie Sanders become the President of USA

Mr. Tan
You have followed Bernie Sander's campaign quite closely. Can you help to address these issues?

1) Is Bernie Sanders too old to run for President? Can he last 4 or 8 years?
2) Can he achieve his goals without the support of Congress that is dominated by Republicans?
3) Will his changes (for healthcare, education, economy and trade) be too disruptive?
4) Will his Presidency be good or bad for Singapore?

My reply

1) Is Bernie Sanders too old to run for President? Can he last 4 or 8 years?

Bernie Sanders is 74 years old. Donald Trump is 69 years. Hillary Clinton is 68 years old. Their ages are not too far apart. The front runners for this election are "old" candidates.

Bernie Sanders is more energetic than Hillary Clinton. He is able to give many more speeches at rallies than Clinton. When he was young, he was an athlete. So, Bernie Sanders health and fitness is not an issue.

2) Can he achieve his goals without the support of Congress that is dominated by Republicans?

Bernie Sanders has a chance to be elected as President if he is nominated by the Democratic Party. He will be able to get large number of young voters and older voters who are voted for the first time. He will attract the support of voters who are Independent. These new voters are likely to vote for Democrats into the House of Representatives and the Senate.

He expect the Senate will be controlled by Democrats. He is not sure about the House, but there is a good chance that it can also be controlled by the Democrats.

He has a strategy if the House and Senate obstructs his goal. He will get millions of voters out into the streets in support of his proposed legislation. The legislators will have to take heed of the popular mood. This is his "political revolution".

3) Will his changes (for healthcare, education, economy and trade) be too disruptive?

He will find a way to introduce them in stages, over a period of years, to reduce the disruption to the economy and the lives of the people. The people will have to adapt to the changed circumstances, but the overall results will benefit the people and give them a better standard of living.

When the income is distributed more fairly and the ordinary people get jobs with higher income, they will be able to spend. The economy will grow.

4) Will his Presidency be good or bad for Singapore?

Singapore suffers from the same high income inequality and a high cost of living. The policies promoted by Bernie Sanders will also be good for the people of Singapore.  

A consequence is that the "unfettered free trade" which exists now in favor of the corporations, will be replaced by "fair trade" that will tilt the balance in favor of workers. This will lead to new rules of the game. 

Singapore will also have to change and adapt to a new global environment, with its new challenges and opportunities. It will not be easy but it is better to live in a fairer world.

Bernie Sanders out a daily message to his supporters

Sisters and Brothers -

The truth of what's happening in this election is that the American people understand that you cannot change a corrupt political system by taking its money.

Another truth is this: if America wants a president who will truly do everything in his or her power to dismantle our corrupt system of campaign finance, then we need a president who can get elected without the help of Wall Street, fossil fuel lobbyists, and the billionaire class.

Our campaign doesn't owe anything to big banks, to campaign bundlers, or to lobbyists. The only people to whom I am beholden is our political revolution. Let's keep it that way.

Contribute $2.70 to our campaign to elect a president who isn't beholden to our corrupt system of campaign finance and show that we the people can elect our own president.

When I started this campaign, I had a choice: I could have a super PAC funded by millionaires and billionaires, or I could run for president without one. The political establishment dismissed us immediately. They thought it was impossible to win without money from the billionaire class.

They were wrong.

The bottom line is this: we've gotten this far with more than 6.6 million contributions from 2 million people, and we can win the White House that way too.

Help us show what's possible without billionaires and super PACs with a $2.70 contribution to our campaign right now.

They keep saying what we're doing is impossible. Let's keep proving them wrong.

In solidarity,

Bernie SandersSSa

National Democratic Nomination - a tight race

Bernie Sanders is now neck to neck with Hillary Clinton in the recent polls for the Democratic National nomination. This is really scary for Clinton.

Does Bernie Sanders have a plan to achieve his promises?

Can Bernie Sanders deliver on his promises if he is elected President of USA? Does he give hollow promises that cannot be achieved? Listen to his explanation on these issues in this interview with a newspaper in Wisconsin. The editors and journalists asked sensible questions. His explanations are clear and convincing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P25iloc14o&ebc=ANyPxKp1_LLOTZFZmU429YrzAl-JLbKaj10J9RsYeOTRVbQ9hXVx_VGMXhzz3WbJIxxoAbQuTF0_Q2CdyUqhFgAg2d1d0X9P7A

Satellite based ERP - issues to be addressed

The Land Transport Authority has carried out a study into the satellite-based ERP and has decided to spend $556 million to launch the system.

Han Fook Kwang (Satellite-based ERP: Great technology but what's the policy? 13 March)  said that we should discuss and decide on the policy before spending the money to implement this system.

I like to raise a few additional issues:

a)            Has the study simulated 1 million vehicles sending GPS data every 1 minute to a central server? This is a large volume of live data. Have we done the simulation to make sure that the system can handle such a volume considering the data bandwidth and immense storage that is needed?

b)            If some owners removed the GPS system from the vehicle, how will the satellite based system know that they are unauthorised vehicles on our roads? Under the gantry system, they have installed cameras to take pictures of the vehicle. What is the equivalent under the new system?

c)            Have we planned for days where the weather condition may hamper the reception of GPS signals?

d)            What about personal privacy? Who will control the access to the data about the movement of the vehicles and the personal privacy of the drivers?

I believe that the Land Transport Authority must have considered all of these issues. I like to ask them to share their findings. The new ERP satellite system is going to impact the people in many ways, beyond collecting of revenue for the government. Surely, the people should be allowed to give their views on this matter?

Concrete actions and change are needed

The Finance Minister talk about "long term viability" but he is essentially repeating the strategies of the past years, which did not address the core challenges - i.e. improving productivity and competitiveness, increasing incomes or reducing the cost of living.

It is easy to use grand words that do not reflect concrete actions.
http://www.channelnewsasia.com/…/going-for-lo…/2670574.html…

Key challenge for Bernie Sanders in New York

The next big challenge for Bernie Sanders is the primary election in New York on 19 April. He has to win that state, in order to catch up with Hillary Clinton on the delegate count.

The polls still show Hillary Clinton in the lead in New York. Some of the big names in the city are speaking in support of Hillary Clinton.

On the positive side for Bernie Sanders, he is able to draw out 20,000 people to attend his rallies, compared to 5,000 for Hillary Clinton. Will Bernie Sanders win this state?

It will be interesting to see if he can maintain his momentum to do well in the remaining states that are holding their caucuses and primary elections.

A better way to pass a message

Dear Mr. Tan

I am aghast at the NTUC placards at the counters stating "our staff are important to us too.....". The singapore way is to blame the citizens straight away. When I shop, I have not offended anyone so why must NTUC be so defensive and speak so definitively as if the customer is already wrong? Very poor EQ.

REPLY
Thank you for your observation.
Some organizations (not just NTUC supermarkets) encounter customers who scold or abuse their front life staffs over issues that are beyond the control of the staffs. They put up these signs to stop the abuses.

These organizations should replace their current messages (which offend some of their customers) with a more effective message, such as "If you have any problems with our service, please call XXXXXXXx or email XXXXXXXXXXXX".

This provides a better avenue to the customers to give their feedback. They do not have to vent their anger on the front line staffs.

This sign at the Jakarta airport shows a better way to pass the message.

Bernie Sanders appeal for contributions to fight in New York

Sisters and Brothers -

I want to talk about what we did last night: after starting in the polls in Wisconsin down more than 40 points, we finished the election with a HUGE margin of victory. We're also going to come away with a strong majority of the delegates.

We are on the path to the Democratic nomination for president. But I want to be clear: super PACs and the billionaire class want to block that path in the New York primary.

We very much expect an unbelievable amount of attacks and negativity over the next two weeks. But I also expect that if we all stand together, starting right now, we can come out of New York with another victory. That's why I have to ask you directly:

Contribute $3 to our campaign to help us continue our momentum from Wisconsin with a victory in New York in less than two weeks.

One of the first sentences I wrote to our supporters after we launched our campaign was something few people heeded:

People should not underestimate us.

They did underestimate us. They did not think it was possible for millions of people to come together and win 16 contests on our path to the presidency.

It would be a mistake to let up for even a minute. An impressive, unprecedented number of people have contributed to our campaign and helped us get this far. We cannot stop now.

We are only as successful as we are because more than 6.5 million times, people have contributed an average of $27 to our campaign. Now, with a huge battleground primary coming up in New York, we need you more than ever.

Rush your $3 contribution to our campaign now and keep us on this path to victory.

In solidarity,

Bernie Sanders

All savings insurance plans give a poor return

Dear Mr Tan.

Nowadays what savings insurance policy is worth looking at?
May i know when is your next talk about insurance policy and the effect of deduction? Thanks!

REPLY

All the savings insurance policies give a poor return - avoid them.

The next talk is 9 April. Register here:

http://fisca.sg/event_det.aspx?id=1

Make an appointment before calling a person in the office

My office telephone rang. Someone asked to speak to Mr. Tan. He had a question to ask why interest is not payable on CPF annuity that is not terminated.

TKL - "I do not take office calls without prior arrangement. I am now busy with my work. If you have a question, send an email to kinlian@gmail.com and enclose the relevant documents."

Caller - OK.

Bernie Sanders works very hard in Wisconsin

Bernie Sanders is going all out to win Wisconsin. He gave more than half a dozen speeches in Wisconsin during the past week. The polls put him several points ahead of Hillary Clinton.

Milwaukee
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwIQfYpT_BM
Appleton
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IUuf6fnW0VA
Madison
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-lPBU_KhTY
Kenosha
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UU1JxTy-mhw
Onalaska
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1dAJJk5qpA
Sheboyan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7YENakZ7lSo
Eau Claire
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlWDVHLTosg
La Crosse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHy838rbF3g


Some of these towns have a population less than 100,000 people.

The debate issue on fracking

The debate between Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton also concern fracking - the use of water to extract gas and oil. Bernie Sanders is against fracking. Hillary Clinton has promoted fracking for many years. Some people say that she has received generous donations from the fossil fuel industry.

Fracking is suspected to have caused contamination of water used for drinking. Here is an explanation:

http://www.theoec.org/campai…/fracking-impacts-water-quality

Inconsiderate civil servants in the Ministry of Manpower

I received a few auto-generated e-mails from the Ministry of Manpower. It said "You have not logged into the MOM website for work passes for a long time. Log in now and check if there are mails wanting to be attended".

These civil servants must think that the small business owners have a lot of time to waste on their time-consuming processes. It takes several tens of minutes to log into the complicated website using multiple passwords and to navigate through their confusing links to reach the mails waiting for attention.

It would be simpler for them to send an email directly to the public on matters that need attention, rather than expect the public to search for their mails in their complicated websites.

If our ministers and senior civil servants continue their unproductive and wasteful practices, business owners will continue to find it difficult to survive the costly environment in Singapore.

SingTel is inconsiderate and provide bad service to customers

ISSUE. I have an internet dongle provided by SingTel. I transferred the SIM card to my mobile hotspot. They asked me for the password, which I don't have. I called SingTel business care hotline to ask if my SIM card could be used for the hotspot and what the password is.

I find the voice response option to be very confusing. I do not know what button to press to speak to somebody. I had to call 3 times.

On my third attempt, they asked me for the telephone number that I am enquiring on. I do not know the number because it is on my internet dongle. So, they kicked me out of the system.

The people who designed SingTel call center process flow are inconsidrate. They make their customers waste so much time of the troublesome call center and still end up without the expected service. 

Pro-globalization trade policies have bad consequencies

PM Lee said that the anti-globalisation policies promoted by the US presidential candidates will pose challenges to the world. Thse candidates are Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump.

The pro-globalization trade policies have been a disaster for the United States and have led to high income inequality, loss of jobs and lower wages. This has not only affected the working class in America badly, it has also resulted in an unstable global economic environment.

It is time to change this bad global economic system. It is time for PM Lee to get into the right side of history.

Bernie Sanders revolution will change the US congress

Bernie Sander's revolution will not only bring him to the White House. He will also help many Democrats to win election into the House of Representatives and the Senate. The working class  and young voters that turn out to vote in November will also be voting to support Democratic candidates into Congress. He will find a Congress that is supportive of his policies.

Mr. Tan: What do you think of Medishield Life?

Dear Mr. Tan
Personally as a citizen, it is a real failure to address the real medical needs of the people. On the one hand they want to take care of the people whilst on the other they want private insurers to make money that is why they still have limits and no pre and post hospital consultations/testings which could be costly.

Just wonder how much private insurers are making over the years.

If our G is really concerned shouldn't they totally take care and managed the healthcare system. It is really wasteful seeing 6 insurers and G resources which could easily be centralised as 1 central resouce to manage our own healthcare system.

To prevent abuse they could have a minimal deductible for B2 and below and if G hospitals cannot cope with appointments and hospital beds, G hospitals refer patients to private and they will be charged based on G rates. The private hospitals will than charged their rates back to the G hospitals. This will keep the G hospitals on their toes instead of now they simply say no beds its national issue, waiting time 3 months. Patients are forced to go to private because of this.

If medishield life is really simple to understand just like initially the PGP etc, why are they spending $m on TV and printed advertisements and all seems to focus on elderly/Prioneers telling them that their medical is taking care of. What about non pioneers who just stick to Medishield Life only?

Looks like this is another failure on the G part - getting the 'wrong' people in the committee.

What will you do if asked to come up with a National Healthcare System?

REPLY

One large insurer is making a large profit on this class of business. The other two large insurers make a modest profit. Details can be read here:
http://tklcloud.com/MAS/publicview.aspx?class=16

I agree with your suggestion that the private hospitals should be allowed to treat patients at the same rates charged by public hospitals, and they can be given the same subsidy that the public hospitals get. This will expand the number of beds available to take care of more people that are now insured.

There are many changes that can be done to streamline and improve Medishield Life. They include the following:

a) Remove the deductible

b) Set the standard fees for treatment and cover them fully, instead of setting confusing limits

There are more items to be reviewed. I shall write them separately.

Talk on Financial Planning - 9 April

Register now for the talk on financial planning to be held on Saturday 9 April - just one week away.

http://fisca.sg/event_det.aspx?id=1

Bernie Sander's campaign received record contributions in March

Thank you, sisters and brothers. I am overwhelmed and I am moved by the fact that in March alone, our campaign received more than 1.7 million individual contributions from working Americans, and that it was our most successful fundraising month of the campaign.

Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that so many people would come together in a way that is not only unprecedented, but is transforming American politics. Since we started building this political revolution together, we have received more than 6.5 million individual contributions. And do you know what our average contribution is?

Just $27.

What we are doing through our campaign is proving that you don’t have to go around begging Wall Street, fossil fuel lobbyists, and pharmaceutical executives for outrageous sums of money in order to run a winning campaign.

I am very proud of that fact. You should be as well.

And building this kind of broad-based, grassroots movement is important because this moment in our history requires transformational change that no candidate for president, not Bernie Sanders or anybody else, can achieve alone.

That is why we are building a political revolution that is bringing millions of people together. Working people who have given up on the political process. Blacks and whites, Latinos, Asian Americans, Native Americans, straight, gay and transgender, female and male, people who were born in America and people who immigrated here all joining with each other.

And what we are saying loudly and clearly at every volunteer event, every rally, and with every contribution is that we believe this government belongs to all of us, and not just a wealthy few campaign donors.

That is what this campaign is about.

That is the political revolution.

In solidarity,

Bernie Sanders

Message from Bernie Sander's campaign regarding donation received by Hillary Clinton from the fossil fuel industry

Sisters and Brothers -

During a campaign stop and fundraiser in New York yesterday, Hillary Clinton was asked by a young woman if she’d stop taking money from the fossil fuel industry. It was a simple question, one she could have easily answered with a "yes," or, perhaps because of the way she funds her campaign, responded with a "no."

Instead, she said she was "sick of the Sanders campaign lying" about the donations she receives.

Now, here’s the truth — the hard numbers don’t lie. And it’s something everyone should know as this video spreads online and is covered in the news:The fossil fuel industry has given more than $4.5 million to Hillary Clinton’s campaign and her top super PAC, including 11 lobbyists who have bundled more than $1 million to her put her in the White House.

Earlier in this campaign, Bernie Sanders and Martin O’Malley signed a pledge to refuse money from fossil fuel interests. No Republican added their name, which isn’t surprising given that they don’t believe climate change is real. But neither did Hillary Clinton. It’s time for her to distance herself from the Republicans on this issue and add her name.

Ask Hillary Clinton to sign the pledge launched by Greenpeace USA and 20 other organizations asking all presidential candidates to reject fossil fuel contributions, because you cannot be expected to take an industry on while you’re taking their money.

ADD YOUR NAME »

When we talk about our responsibilities as humans beings, there is nothing more important than leaving this country and our entire planet in a way that is habitable to our children and grandchildren. Donald Trump may believe that climate change is a hoax being perpetrated by the Chinese, but for almost everyone else, the debate is over. The scientific community is unanimous on this issue.

And what the scientists are saying is that we must boldly transform our energy system away from fossil fuels and into energy efficiency. Unfortunately one of the biggest obstacles to realizing that goal is a corrupt system of campaign finance that enriches the CEOs of fossil fuel companies at the expense of average Americans and our planet.

The easiest way to reject their influence is to refuse their money. And it would send a powerful message if the leading presidential candidates in the Democratic Party both stand up and say ENOUGH is ENOUGH, we are tired of fossil fuel companies regulating Congress with their campaign contributions and not the other way around.

Bernie has taken that pledge. It’s time for Hillary Clinton to join him.

Ask Hillary Clinton to sign the pledge launched by Greenpeace USA and 20 other organizations asking all presidential candidates to reject fossil fuel contributions, because you cannot be expected to take an industry on while you’re taking their money.

The United States must lead the world in fighting climate change. CEOs are making record profits, while climate change ravages our planet and our people. Refusing their money is the first step towards combatting their obscene influence.

In solidarity,

Jeff Weaver
Campaign Manager
Bernie 2016

Bernie Sanders ask for additional debate before the New York primary election

We sent a letter to Hillary Clinton's campaign over the weekend asking for a debate in New York before its battleground primary on April 19.

Add your name to our letter to say you want to see Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders debate in New York.

ADD YOUR NAME »

You can read the full letter to Clinton Campaign Manager Robby Mook here:

Dear Robby,

I am writing to you about the remaining, agreed-upon Democratic primary season debates in April and May of this year. As you know, Secretary Clinton agreed to three additional debates – one in March, one in April, one in May – in return for our campaign agreeing to the late-scheduled debate in New Hampshire prior to that state’s primary.

At Senator Sanders’ request, the March debate was held in Michigan. As I understand it, there was previously agreement reached by our representatives for the May debate to be held in California. I trust that commitment remains on your part.

However, there has not been agreement on the April debate in terms of date or location. Our campaign continues to believe that the people of New York deserve to have the debate held in their state, and that it should be held prior to the New York primary.

Given the outcome of electoral contests since March 15th it is clearer than ever that New York will play a critical role in determining the Democratic nominee. However, your campaign has consistently chosen to deny the people of New York the opportunity to see Senator Sanders and Secretary Clinton debate in the Empire State.

It is difficult to understand your motivation. I have received calls from numerous news companies seeking to sponsor a New York debate so I know the media interest would be high. Can you please explain why New York should not host the April debate? Is the Secretary concerned about debating before the people who twice elected her to the U.S. Senate?

Perhaps there is some tactical advantage you are seeking by avoiding a debate in New York but I would remind you that Senator Sanders agreed to debate the Secretary in New Hampshire when he was well ahead in the polls.

I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience so we can schedule the New York debate in April.

Regards,

Jeff Weaver

Add your name to say you want to see Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders debate in New York before the April 19 battleground primary.

ADD YOUR NAME »

Bernie Sanders message to supporters ahead of Wisconsin election

Sisters and Brothers -

When our campaign first set foot in Wisconsin this past summer, we got a very warm welcome from the people of Wisconsin. I spoke to more than 10,000 people in Madison about our corrupt political system, our broken economy, and how our political revolution can take back our country from people like the Koch Brothers in the billionaire class.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and the Republican Party weren't as happy to see me. Governor Walker, who has been helped throughout his career by the Koch Brothers, issued statements against us, and the GOP even put up billboards calling me an "extremist."

Well, let's talk about extremism. Scott Walker has attacked the minimum wage, gutted unions, made it much harder to vote, and restricted access to abortion.That is extremism.

I can think of no better place for our political revolution to continue its momentum than in Wisconsin. The latest poll has us down just a few points, and I know that if we work together right now, we can pull off a huge victory.

With a huge FEC fundraising deadline on Thursday at midnight, there has not been a more important time for you to support our campaign.

Make a $3 contribution to our campaign now before Thursday night's deadline and we can shock the political establishment with a victory in Wisconsin.

Not only has Governor Walker been helped throughout his career by huge financial support from the Koch Brothers, but he has enacted their ideology while in office.

When you deny the right of workers to come together in collective bargaining, that's extremism.

When you tell a woman that she cannot control her own body, that's extremism.

When you give tax breaks to billionaires and refuse to raise the minimum wage, that's extremism.

Our views, which represent the views of the vast majority of the American people, are a little bit different. We believe that the time has come for the people of Wisconsin and all over the country to create a movement that tells the billionaire class: YOU CAN'T HAVE IT ALL!

And what we are saying to the Koch Brothers and Scott Walker is that this great country belongs to everybody, and not just a handful of very wealthy people.

Contribute $3 right now to say you stand with our political revolution and help us win in Wisconsin next week.

When the people stand together against the Koch Brothers and the billionaire class, we can win.

In solidarity,

Bernie Sanders

Waste of time to complete the immigration card

My friend from Malaysia told me that it is a big hassle to complete the immigration card when he enters Singapore. Why can't Singapore remove this card to follow what was done by Malaysia and Indonesia? He felt that the immigration card is unnecessary as the essential information could be obtained by scanning the passport.

I agree with him. The Straits Times had published my letter on this matter before, but the Home Affairs Minister then was asleep. Perhaps the new minister will do something?

The appeal of Bernie Sander's messages

For a few decades, Americans were told that America is the land of opportunity, a country where they can pursue the American dream. They were told that socialism is bad for the pursuit of the American dream.

Many people believed this ideology.

They did not realize that they were working long hours for lower wages, and have to do two or three jobs just to meet ends meet. Jobs became more and more difficult to find, as they moved to low cost countries.

They still believed that one day they could be a billionaire, like a few who have made it.

Bernie Sanders campaign told them the truth, that they were working long hours just to get by and the nearly all of the new wealth went to the billionaires. He said that young people should not be punished by pursuing a college education, and start work with a large debt that they have to spend 20 years or more to pay back. He also said that jobs had to be created to allow youths to be employed.

Young people agree with the message from Bernie Sanders and support him in great numbers. More than 80% for for Bernie Sanders instead of Hillary Clinton. They turned out in large numbers of vote. They were energized and got other people to vote for Bernie Sanders.

Bernie Sanders also said that health care should be a right for every citizen, and not a privilege. His universal health care plan provide that right and even save a few thousand dollars for working class families. For Americans who fear the high cost of health care, this is a message that touches their heart. They turned out in large numbers to support Bernie Sanders.

As Bernie Sander's message gets more known among the voters, thousands are coming forward to vote for him and to join his "revolution.

The momentum is with Bernie Sanders. The excitement is with Bernie Sanders. There is no turning back.

American will change and be more progressive. That is the code word for the brand of democratic socialism that is quite common in Europe. It will lead to a better world, a fairer world and a more peaceful world.

Many countries that had followed the American economic model, including Singapore, will have to change their model as well.

Bernie Sanders has a good chance to beat HillaryClinton

I expect Bernie Sanders to do well in the remaining states that will hold their primary election for the Democratic Nomination.

Here are my reasons.

a) His message is now getting to be known by the voters and the response has been resoundingly in his favor. This is shown by the results for Alaska, Washington and Hawaii.

b)  He will do better with the minorities. This is shown by the results in Michigan (non-white 20%) and Hawaii (non-white 75%).

c) His relatively poor showing in Florida and Ohio could be due to the Spring Break, where most of the young voters (who are strongly in support of Bernie Sanders) were on holiday

He still remain relatively weak among the African American community, but I expect that this will change as more people get to know his campaign messages and as time goes on.

All the best for Bernie Sanders. There is a chance that he can overtake Hillary Clinton in the delegate count, if the momentum continues.

Are you stuck with a bad life insurance policy?

Have you been sold a bad life insurance policy? Are you now stuck with it? What can you do about the policy?

Attend this talk, and learn what you can do.

http://fisca.sg/event_det.aspx?id=1

Looking for a place to stay?

Are you interested to rent a room or a flat. Check here.
http://leaseproperty.sg/home.aspx

Owners can also register their property for rental here. Listing is free.

Elections should be conducted through the Internet

Elections should be conducted through the Internet. There are risks but they can be overcomed through proper security measures. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

The current manual system adopted in nearly all countries also have its risks of manipulation and fraud. In fact, the risks are far higher and are more difficult to handle.

Here is a way to conduct elections through the Internet, including some measures to be taken to prevent abuse.
http://tankinlian.blogspot.sg/2016/03/voting-in-us-election.html

The cost of war

The Cost of War - an emotional message from the Congress Woman from Aloha. And Bernie Sanders won BIG in Hawaii.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QEy0mxfFaM

Landslide victories in Alaska, Washington and Hawaii

Together with a few million people, I get a message, sometimes two messages, from Bernie Sanders every day. Here is the message to tell about the landslide victories in three primary states - Alaska, Washington and Hawaii.

Sisters and Brothers -

We are on a path towards victory, and we took three more steps down that pathlast night with three YUGE wins in Alaska, Hawaii and Washington.

We won each of those states with more than 68 percent of the vote, same as we did last week in Idaho, Utah, and Democrats Abroad. We are significantly shrinking Hillary Clinton's lead, and we're going to keep it up.

You are the momentum for our campaign. When you vote, caucus, volunteer, or make a contribution, you are building our momentum. Every ballot, every phone call or door knocked, and every dollar moves us forward.

We are only doing so well because millions of people want us to do well. No billionaires, no super PACs. Just you, and the rest of our political revolution.

Make a $3 contribution to our campaign now to keep building our momentum before Wisconsin votes.

When working people and young people, when people who have given up on the political process get involved, that's how we win. They demand a government that represents them and not the 1 percent of our country. And if enough of us come together, they'll get it.

Right now we have the momentum. Momentum is having 14,000 people out in a rally in Salt Lake City about a week ago and 15,000 in Seattle on Mondaynight.

Momentum is in election after election, winning an overwhelming percentage of young people who are participating in the democratic process.

Momentum is having rallies and town meetings that have brought out more than one million people over the course of this campaign.

What we are seeing is that the people of this country want to make it a better country. They are prepared to stand up and fight and take on the major crises that we face. They want an economy that works for all of us, not just wealthy campaign contributors. They want the United States of America to join every other major country and guarantee health care to all people as a right.

Conservative, progressive, Republican, or Democrat — they are all embarrassed by a corrupt campaign finance system that allows billionaires to buy elections.

And so they are fighting back, with almost 6 million contributions from nearly 2 million people, at an average of about $27 apiece.

Make a contribution of $3 right now to continue to build our momentum so we can win the Democratic nomination, the White House, and take back our country from the billionaire class.

I'm glad you are a part of this with me. Thank you.

In solidarity,

Bernie Sanders

Voting in the US election

The Democratic primary election in Arizona was a disaster. Some voters had to wait in line for 5 hours before they are allowed to vote. Many gave up due to the long queue. There were also disputes regarding who were eligible to vote. On the other hand, many people were allowed to vote early by sending in postal votes.

These situations raise some interesting questions:

a) How do the election commission check on the authenticity of the postal votes?
b) Was it possible for another person to steal the voting paper and submit an unauthorized vote?
c) How do the election commission check that the same voter did not submit more than one vote by using duplicate ballot papers?
d) For people who vote in person, there has to be a way to verify who is eligible to vote and that this person did not vote many times?

The big question is - why does the election commission not move to the world of the Internet? This is how the election process can be managed.

1) All eligible voters are registered in a big database with their social security ID and the electoral district that they belong to.
2) They are given a unique password.
3) They sign in with their social security ID and password and submit their vote. They are allowed to vote at any time within the election period. It could be over several days.
4) Those who forget their password can visit any election center with their identification. The voting official can verify their identity and issue them with replacement passwords that they can use to vote.
5) If any person found that another person has stolen his identity and submitted a vote, the earlier vote can be deleted and a new vote entered.
6) The system can have safeguards to prevent unauthorized changes to the votes in the database.

With such a system in place, it is possible to count the votes quite quickly. It is also possible to have votes for many positions on the general election day, e.g. to vote for the President, members of Congress, state governors, members of state congress etc. The counting will be accurate and fast.

My question - why was the election commission not using the Internet system?