By Judy Kaplan
People from all over the state greeted Maine Senator Bernie Sanders when he arrived for the town hall meeting in Grant Park on October 18. Senator Sanders spoke at the Communications Workers of America’s union hall. People who attended recognized familiar faces from action groups, peace marches, and the movement resulting in the Affordable Care Act.
Senator Sanders focused on the fight for economic justice. Once again, it became apparent why he has been successful as a supporter of working people, their great achievements, and their needs. The Senator reminded the audience that almost all Americans are or have been working people and that every family has the same basic goals, no matter what their party. Parents seek good jobs, solid educations for their children, affordable healthcare, and a retirement in which they will not live in poverty.
The Senator pointed out that what are called entitlements are actually earned benefits. Senator Sanders discussed the current distribution of wealth in the United States. He told the audience that the upper 1% of Americans own 38% of the wealth, and the lower 60% of Americans own 2.3%. This distribution of wealth has not been so disparate since 1920.
A question-and-answer period allowed people to introduce themselves and ask questions. During that part of the meeting, it became clear that numerous political action groups had sent representatives to hear Bernie Sanders speak. Antonio Castelone, a young man who is the president of The American Dream movement, spoke about the young people who were schooled in the U.S. and whose goal is to become citizens. Erica Young spoke as a representative of the Protect Your Care Coalition whose objective is to make affordable healthcare available to all. Roger Seitz introduced himself as part of the Jobs with Justice group. One man, a doctor who suggested that the audience could remember him as Dr. Ed, said he was running as the Democratic candidate for Saxby Chambliss’ seat.
It was heartening to all who attended to know that there are representatives in Congress who speak up for the working class.
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