Thursday evening was a big night in the city.  Bernie Sanders the Independent United States Senator spoke at the Richmond Memorial Auditorium.  He led a discussion with Mayor Gayle McLaughlin and City Council Members.  Topics included money in politics, global warming, Medicare-for-All, Veteran care, and ending inequality.

It’s election season with many important races locally and nationally.  I’m a regular listener of The Thom Hartmann Program, which is the most listened progressive radio talk show.  Every Friday, he features an hour-long segment called Brunch with Bernie in which the Senator discusses current issues.  I’m hooked to his unwavering determination to fight for what’s right and remarkable work ethic.

Sanders: “While the middle class disappears and more Americans fall into poverty, the wealthiest people in our country are using their wealth and political power to protect their privileged status at everyone else’s expense.”  During his speech, the Senator went into depth about the billionaire Koch family and its devastating influence in politics.  Thanks to a horrible Supreme Court decision, buying elections is currently on steroids.  Companies like Chevron in Richmond, are flexing their monetary muscle.

It was a crowded event but well worth the time and effort.  There were familiar faces from the arts, neighborhood councils, and local activists.  As the Senator was speaking, I was monitoring the San Francisco Giants baseball game on my iphone.  Just as Mr. Sanders was rallying the crowd, Travis Ishikawa hit a walk-off home run to catapult the Giants to the World Series.

Overall, the evening was a win-win for everyone.  Couldn’t fall asleep due to the excitement.  It was inspiring to see the community together and work as a team for the greater good.  Go Bernie and go Giants!

The links:

http://www.sanders.senate.gov

http://www.sanders.senate.gov/koch-brothers

http://www.thenation.com/authors/bernie-sanders

http://www.thomhartmann.com