Sanders’ agenda can bring real change
The United States is at a pivotal time in its history. The Establishment is under attack like never before. Whether Democrats or Republicans control our government, the great majority of Americans are beginning to understand just how rigged our system is in favor of Big Money and corporate America. Consequently, two of the leading candidates for president are not from the Establishment wing of their respective parties.
While Donald Trump has shaken the Republican Party, Sen. Bernie Sanders is the only anti-establishment candidate that has presented an agenda for real change, which would benefit most Americans. Sanders’s proposals for a $15/hour minimum wage, universal health care, free public college tuition and campaign finance reform, all paid for the most part by raising taxes on the very wealthy, would be major steps toward leveling the playing field in this country.
Millions of Americans are angry and desire fundamental, long overdue improvements in our political system. Sanders has been fighting his entire political life for progressive issues. No other candidate can be trusted to take on the Establishment and not buckle under the pressure of Big Money. But, as Sanders himself has said, he can’t do it alone. We all need to stand with him at this critical time in the election process and go the extra mile to ensure he wins the Democratic nomination. Moreover, we need to persuade a great number of disaffected Americans that their participation in the political process will make a transformative difference if they get out and support Sanders. Together, we can revive democracy in America and make our government work for all the people, not just the very rich and powerful. A retired, public sector attorney, Bruce Berlin is the author of the new book “Breaking Big Money’s Grip on America” (www.breakingbigmoneysgrip.com) and a former U.S. Institute of Peace Fellow.