Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont published an op-ed emphasizing the urgent issue of oligarchy in America, urging voters to look beyond mainstream media distractions. He highlights the stark divide between the billionaire class and ordinary Americans, stating that while individuals like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg amass immense wealth, the majority of citizens struggle to meet basic needs like healthcare and housing. Sanders describes the emergence of two Americas: one thriving in wealth and power, and another where most people live paycheck to paycheck, with real wages stagnating despite rising productivity.
He argues that the political system is fundamentally broken, controlled by an oligarchy that undermines democracy. Sanders points out that the top 1% owns more wealth than the bottom 93%. He shares insights from his “Fight Oligarchy” tour, which has gained traction across various political landscapes. Despite the challenges posed by the current political climate favoring billionaires, he believes the fight against inequality remains crucial and encourages unity among the populace. In closing, he invokes Justice Louis Brandeis, asserting that America must choose between democracy and concentrated wealth, urging solidarity for justice and democracy.
