At a recent event in Kalamazoo, Michigan, part of Senator Bernie Sanders’s “Fighting Oligarchy Tour,” attendees expressed concerns about America’s perceived oligarchal state, where power and wealth are concentrated among the top 1%. Many participants, including Zoe Reyes, sought hope and guidance in addressing what they feel is a widening gap between the wealthy and the average citizen.
Attendees like Jena Thorp criticized the government for prioritizing the rich and called for more support for everyday people. Gloria Pitsch highlighted the need for constructive messages and solutions, rather than just stirring anger.
Sanders emphasized the frustrations of constituents, asserting that both major political parties are influenced by big money. He proposed initiatives like “Medicare for All” and restoring public education by advocating for better teacher wages. He condemned recent tax legislation as detrimental to working families.
The event also touched on international concerns, particularly U.S. support for Israel amid ongoing military actions in Gaza, which Sanders critiqued for contributing to humanitarian crises.
Endorsed by Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed, Sanders called for courageous action within the Democratic Party against entrenched power structures. While attendees responded positively, some critics, including former Congressman Mike Rogers, argued against Sanders’s tax proposals as harmful to working families. Ultimately, attendees like Reyes expressed a commitment to community discussions as a way to move forward.
