Mar. 7, 2025 7:30p; Updated 3-8
(WGTD)---Billionaires and running--and ruining--the country. That was the contention of Bernie Sanders at UW-Parkside Friday night.
The Vermont senator and one-time presidential candidate brought his "Fighting Oligarchy" tour to the school's fieldhouse. "For years I have been talking about how America has been moving toward an oligarchy," Sanders said. "Well we are no longer moving toward that oligarchy. Today we are living in that oligarchy and we say no."
The 3,500 capacity venue was filled, as was an overflow room down the hall with a big screen TV where supporters sat in a large room with artificial turf on the floor. According to a social media post, additional would-be attendees were turned away in the parking lot before they could get close to an entrance.
"We are living in a pivotal and dangerous moment," Sanders said to a roaring crowd. "We are going to fight back and we are going to win."
Sanders railed against Trump administration cuts to the Veterans Administration, the Social Security Administration and Medicaid. The latter, he said, will force many nursing homes to close.
"We have a president who has turned his back on democracy and aligning us with authoritarianism," he said.
Sanders urged the crowd to keep on fighting. "Despair is not an option. Giving up is not acceptable. None of us have the privilege of hiding under the covers. Real change only occurs when ordinary people stand against oppression and injustice." He listed several times in American history where it seemed the impossible was achieved.
"Yes, the oligarchs are powerful. But from the bottom of my heart I am convinced they can be beaten," Sanders said.
Sanders was introduced by Rep. Mark Pocan from Dane County. Pocan is a Kenosha native.
Several others spoke beforehand as well. "I am pissed," said Ellen Holly, a retiree and community organizer from Elkhorn. "I am furious because an unelected billionaire is dismantling our democracy. As a senior citizen, I depend on Social Security and Medicare so I can continue living independently in my home."
Sanders will hold additional rallies Saturday in Altoona near Eau Claire and in Warren, Michigan near Detroit.
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