SANTA BARBARA — Bernie Sanders brought his campaign to Santa Barbara City College on Saturday morning. According to NPR radio, about six thousand plus people turned out on what was a very ‘gray May’ day.
As I stood in a very long line to the event location, a Sanders volunteer approached. While he declined to answer any personal questions, he provided a card that spells out, The Bernie Sanders Plan.
Bernie’s Plan
Get money out of politics; Trust science; End unfair pay; Create new jobs; Rebuild infrastructure; Get off fossil fuels; Make college affordable; Expand Social Security; Enact single-payer healthcare; End systematic racism; Close tax loopholes (“fair share”).
Long before Senator Sanders spoke, I asked two basic questions to people waiting for Bernie to appear.
Why did you come out to see Bernie?
Which of Bernie’s positions resonates most strongly with you?
“I’m in high school. My brother is in college. My parents can afford very little for our education. I’m going to have to take on a lot of student debt.” Maggie.
“I’m very socialist. I support everything Bernie says…especially about the environment and women’s issues.” Hanna.
As I was about to move forward Maggie added, “My family is from Canada. Why can’t we have single-payer universal health care like Canada?” Hanna chimed in, “Like all other developed countries.”
“Bernie’s honest…. He’s the only candidate that’s a real voice for the middle class.” Dave.
“I always end up voting for the lesser of two evils…. The number one issue is that Bernie is not bought by any corporation…. We’ll never fix (our problems) until we get greed out of the system.” Rider.
“Bernie is the strongest person to lead us….It’s all about money in politics. If we don’t take care of that, we can’t get much else done.” Erin
“Women getting equitable pay and control over their bodies.” Sarah.
“Bernie’s environmental platform and his socially equitable economic message.” Aiden.
“Bernie’s ability to attract mostly small donors.” Nick.
“We’ll definitely vote even if Hillary is nominated.” Nick, Aiden & Sarah.
“If Trump is elected, I’m moving to Italy or Croatia. I’m not kidding.” Kathy.
“Free tuition.When I graduated high school I was forced to go to work….(With free tuition) my life would have turned out very differently.” Kathy.
“I have two kids and $30,000 in student loans to pay off…. I want a better life for my children.” Gina.
I support Bernie’s immigration policies and raising the minimum wage.” Gabby.
“Free tuition.” Miles
“I just turned 18. My number one issue is free tuition…. I disagree with Bernie’s stand against the death penalty. I support it.” Miles.
“I think that I support him. I came here today to learn more about what he stands for.” Willow.
“Support for higher education.” Richard
“…. It’s a shame that today’s generation does not get the same advantages that I had for an advanced education.” Richard.
“Bernie is the only humble candidate with a real grassroots movement….He brings a democratic socialist agenda like many of the countries in Europe.” Kelly.
“Bernie’s a politician who tells the truth…He’s a disruptor.”
The two party system supports only cronies and elites…..If Hillary runs, I’ll vote for Trump….He’s a disruptor.” Patrick.
“On environmental issues, Bernie is right on point.” Daniel.
Global Warming should not even be a political issue — it’s an existential one.” Gary.
“I support Bernie because he addresses Global Warming. He’s the only one who takes it seriously. Gary.
“My main issues is the overall economy- progressive tax rates so that everyone pays their fair share.” Ryan.
“Bernie has unimpeachable integrity. Howard.
“[This race is in] a very dynamic situation; don’t give up right now….My number one issue is a moral economy and income inequality….My dad was a socialist; my mom a Republican. Their exchange of fire gave me my [political-economic] education.” Howard.
“We support Bernie’s legislation to prevent operation of any private for-profit prisons.” Elena and Martin.
“Bernie supports rebuilding our infrastructure and a just economy.” John.
“On the economy, [Bernie’s] head and shoulders above all the other candidates…. If Hillary is elected, I’ll probably vote for the Green Party. It’s more in line with Bernie’s anti-corporation stance.” John.
The view from the back as Bernie Sanders spoke to an enthusiastic crowd.
