Guest Column: Bernie Sanders headlines ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ tour across Midwest
By Sam Goodman
Editor’s Note: Guest Columns and Letter to The Editors are published as submitted.
Utahns had a once in a lifetime to hear several prominent political figures speak about the change they believe in, and the hope for our country.
This year, Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders has been traveling across the country to give a series of speeches opposing the current presidency and its policies that have been enacted this year. Titled his “ Fighting Oligarchy Tour,” Sanders visited California, Arizona and this past Sunday, April 14 arrived in Salt Lake City to address Utah.
The attendance was over 20,000, all packed in the Utah University Huntsman center, featuring live music, along with other speakers before the Senator. Bernie Sanders heavily criticized Donald Trump over his policies and his relationships with Billionaires.
“For many years I have been talking about Oligarchy in America,” Sanders said. “I have to thank Trump for educating the American people on what Oligarchy is,” he said.
Sanders also went after the President’s relationships with the Billionaire’s Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuccherberg.
“Right behind him are the three wealthiest people in America,” he said.
With the doors opening at three, and speakers starting at six, fans of Bernie Sanders waited in line for hours to hear his words. Student Coco Harward and her friends were eager to hear how they can make a change.”
“I have loved politics since I was a kid, I am really passionate about finding little ways to change the world,” Harvard said. “I was the kid telling adults about the ballot.”
In a state that voted red, there was no shortage of Bernie Fans in attendance, complete with signs and shirts to cheer on their idol.
“I’ve been a fan of Bernie Sanders for his entire professional career and standing up for what he believed in, even though there were so many external barriers, he fought for people,” Harward said.
Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was also in attendance, and the youngest woman in Congress ever had some strong words for the President, addressing the fiery Utah crowd.
“We have known that our political system has slowly but surely become dominated by big money and billionaires,” Ocasio-Cortez said. “Time after time we see how our government and laws are more responsive to lobbyists than to the will of everyday people,” She said.
Other speakers included activist Caroline Gleich, who ran for a Utan Senate seat last year unsuccessfully. She addressed recent events in Utah, as well as her support of a different healthcare system.
“If you work hard you should be able to breathe clean air, you should be able to see a doctor, you should be able to buy a home, and you should be able to retire with dignity. That is the promise we are fighting for, “ Gleich said. “ I ran because I saw our State and our Country going backwards.”
Attendees travelled from afar to hear the rally, including USU student Mya Karbasi, longtime fan of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Sanders.
“I love the way he speaks and holds himself. Things should be for the people by the people. He doesn’t put himself on a pedestal,” Karbasi said. I felt hope, looking around seeing everyone with a similar mindset, ready to make a difference,” She said.
Ocasio- Cortez has been praised by Sanders and other colleagues for humble beginnings, and her quick impact on national politics. Mya Karbasi also sang her praises.
“I was getting full body chills when she was talking about her upbringing, coming from a family of immigrants, I felt really empowered,” Karbasi said.
One of the key points in Sanders’ speech was the wealth disparity in the nation, citing that Tesla CEO and Billionaire Elon Musk spent over 290 Million dollars on this past election, in which Donald Trump beat out Kamala Harris to win the presidency.
“We are living in the most dangerous moment in the modern history of this country,” Sanders said.
Sanders, being religious himself, also cited the sermon on the mount, and addressed Utah directly.
‘“treat others how you would want to be treated, be kind to other people so they will be kind to you. I know that in Utah and Vermont there are Millions of people try to do the right thing,” he said
On Monday, they continued the tour to Idaho, and with over 12,000 people in attendance, it was the biggest democrat-run rally since 2008