By Nancy Grimes
Photos by Keith Grimes
Las Vegas hosted Presidential hopeful Senator Bernie Sanders, U. S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and San Juan, Puerto Rico Mayor Carmen Yulin Cruz Soto Saturday night in the packed shoulder-to-shoulder Chaparral High School gym. An estimated 3,500 enthusiastic supporters cheered them while a dozen or so Trump supporters waved flags and chanted slogans outside. The crowd seemed to reflect Las Vegas, mostly young, evenly divided by gender, and a racial mix never seen at Trump rallies.
A group of local staffers led things off with short speeches describing how they came to be Bernie supporters. The most entertaining was a speech by Kamaru Usman, an MMA fighter who recently fought an opponent all decked out in Trump gear. Mr. Usman, a recent immigrant to the USA, and a Bernie supporter knocked the Trump gear-bedecked fighter out early in the first round.
Mayor Carmen’s theme was essential, “enough is enough.” Naturally, she emphasized the Trump administration’s neglect of Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. Education as a way to create a better future was also an important theme.
AOC endorses Sanders as both called for a new focus on what they say most Americans want—a return to sanity and economic policies that work for all of us, not just the wealthy 1%.
Progress is seen as dangerous or too radical by those in power, and AOC assured the crowd that caring about the environment, a living wage, education for all, and economic justice is not radical. Not only do the majority of Americans support progressive solutions to the country’s problems, but the truth is to oppose plans to clean up the environment, deny people a living wage, putting our children in massive debt as they begin their adult lives, and denying people a living wage are the radical positions.
Bernie, of course, was Bernie. He, like AOC, brought the house down. He touched upon all of the familiar themes, perhaps with a Hispanic twist.
All in all, an exciting night to be a Democrat supporting Bernie, AOC, Carmen, and all Progressives trying to make a difference.
All in all, an exciting night to be a Democrat supporting Bernie, AOC, Carmen, and all Progressives trying to make a difference.
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