Bernie Sanders, the refreshing choice (Seattle Times endorsement)

Authenticity and consistency are so rare in politics these days — no wonder a strong number of voters are supporting U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders’ bid to become the Democratic candidate for president.

Sanders’ signature candor is a refreshing change from status quo politics.

Many Americans share his frustration over the fact that more and more power is being concentrated today in the hands of a few.

He is the only candidate in this race, on either side of the aisle, who has spoken forcefully — and over years — against Wall Street’s willingness to take enormous risks while expecting public bailouts.

Sanders advocates for breaking up big banks now and bringing back a new version of the repealed Glass-Steagall Act that would prevent financial institutions from spending customers’ money so recklessly in the future.

Sanders bravely calls out the role of big money in politics and supports a repeal of the U.S. Supreme Court’s disastrous Citizens United decision. He has long warned about the dangers of media consolidation, which limits the range of information citizens need to maintain a strong democracy.

Overall, Sanders is not as politically experienced as Hillary Clinton, who knows the ropes in both the executive and legislative branches. She is right to call out Sanders’ impracticality (with the current Congress) in wanting to move the U.S. toward a single-payer health-care system.

But she comes with increasing challenges, not the least of which are ongoing questions about her home email server when she was secretary of state.

At this time, Sanders’ strength lies in his ability to generate important discussions on topics other entrenched politicians are too timid to touch.

http://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/editorials/the-seattle-times-editorial-board-recommends-john-kasich-bernie-sanders/