Sen. Bernie Sanders recently held a rally in Chicago as part of his “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, focusing on wealth inequality and the influence of billionaires in politics. This event took place amid discussions of a potential federal takeover of the city due to crime issues—prompted by remarks from President Trump and reports of Pentagon plans for military deployment.
In his speech, Sanders condemned Trump as a “demagogue” serving the wealthy elite and criticized the administration’s focus on division rather than addressing issues like healthcare and climate change. He highlighted the overwhelming control billionaires have over the economy and political system, pointing to significant spending by wealthy individuals in elections.
Illinois State Sen. Robert Peters also spoke, expressing resistance to Trump’s potential actions and emphasizing community-driven solutions to crime. He argued against the idea of military intervention, asserting that public safety couldn’t be resolved through force alone.
The rally included workers from a striking packaging plant, advocating for better wages and workplace safety. Attendees shared skepticism towards military solutions to crime, calling for genuine community engagement and resources rather than superficial political gestures.
Additionally, Sanders addressed foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel and Palestine, asserting that U.S. taxpayers should not fund violations of human rights. The event overall showcased a strong unity among attendees in combating both local and broader political inequalities and injustices.
