By: Jordan Beaubois, New Editor
Photo taken by: Jordan Beaubois, News Editor
On Oct. 6, 2024, the City of Grand Rapids allocated Rosa Parks Circle to be the stage for Senator Bernie Sanders to give a speech on his positions, beliefs, endorsement for the coming Presidential election, and to bring a rousing wave of optimism.
Opening around quarter after 10:00 A.M. The rock band, The American Hotel System, begins to play numbers to be a powerful starter to get the blood of intent listeners pumping throughout their system.
The mood amongst the crowd was palpable with enthusiasm, most participants there commented positively and their excitement for the coming election. However, most did express complaints about the lack of the Senator’s appearance in the beginning.
The event started at 10:21 A.M., but Senator Sanders did not take the stage until 11:43 P.M. This resulted in many of those present slightly disappointed. A disappointment exacerbated by the fact that the Senator only spoke for a mere 28 minutes, from 11:43 A.M. – 12:11 P.M.
Despite this; Senator Sanders reached a number of topics that were clearly resonating with his audience. Discussing the importance of the rights of the union and to combate corporate greed in a struggling economy.
Proceeding his brief address of the rights of workers, he moved to the discussion of saving democracy from the palms of former President Donald J. Trump. He discussed the importance of elections and accepting the outcomes of elections instead of “inciting insurrection”.
Senator Sanders did speak about his respect for former Vice President Mike Pence for standing up to protect the Constitution and not subverting or undermining democracy for the former president. Something which seemed to have a mixed response in the audience, but a good three fourths appeared to share the Senator’s message and respect for the former Vice President.
Following the discussion of democracy he expressed the worries of Climate Change and the devastation it has presently incurred in North Carolina, California, Florida and other locations. Stating the importance of cutting carbon emissions.
To which the Senator transitioned to the importance of women’s rights and the need to treat them as “First Class Citizens” and expressed the controversial decision of overturning Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court. His talks on this issue received the most uproarious applause and cheers, hinting at it potentially being the issue the crowd felt most strongly tied to.
For a brief pause, Senator Sanders took a moment to express his thanks to all essential workers, medical staff, bus drivers, law enforcement officers, and everyone involved in keeping the country functioning during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Using this as a bridge to call for universal health care, expressing that healthcare is a “human right” and not to be a luxury of those more affluent and more fortunate than others. Discussing the cost of drug prices, especially insulin which is a necessity for those with Diabetes (particularly Type I Diabetes).
Mentioning how those with Diabetes, a chronic condition that has no direct cause (Type I) or current cure, who require insulin so they may continue to live; struggle to afford the life providing insulin due to the inflated prices.
Afterward he allocated time discussing the need for a “Living Wage” as opposed to a “Minimum Wage” and the request for tuition free public college education along with canceling student debt.
Finally before he took his leave off the stage, Senator Sanders called for the rich to “pay their fair share” a chant echoed by many of the participants. Afterwards he thanked the crowd, encouraged them to elect Vice President Kamala Harris as President of the United States.
Departing from the stand, people slowly began to trickle out though few remained. There was a two protestors directly outside the rally with a 4-5 foot sign that read; “Warning: Drunkards, Thieves, Homosexuals, Liars, Forniactors, Atheists, Potty Mouths, Drug Users, Muslims, False Religions, Racists, Transgenders, Baby Killers, Sin Approvers – All Unrepentant Sinners – Hell Awaits – Judgment is Coming – Don’t Go To Hell!” During the entirety of the rally he chanted remarks about damnation and repentance. His chants were drowned out throughout the rally by a woman who rang a cowbell over his vocal protests to quelch him from interrupting the speaker.
The disruptive protestors – Photo by Jordan Beaubois
An incredibly respectful rally; free of any violence, and conversations were free flowing and mutual. All, save the protestor, felt a rising sense of optimism and patriotism from the speech. Many felt a deep love of their country they live in and were proud to take part in such political interest as such to display support.
Being politically literate is a skill, one that some do not have the time or luxury of studying. With the statement being made, it is the expectation and duty of every eligible voter of these United States, should take time to; listen, learn, and look for the optimistic future.
The Saint 