As Republicans target vital public services to offset a massive deficit caused by tax cuts for the rich, Bernie Sanders is taking action. His “National Tour to Fight Oligarchy” aims to empower Americans against the rise of authoritarianism and kleptocracy. #FightOligarchy
The bar is so low for politicians that doing the bare minimum—like not actively sabotaging the public good—is framed as heroism. Sanders doesn’t need to “identify as a Democrat” to play his part in this charade. His roadshow distracts from the fact that systemic change isn’t on the menu; it’s bread and circuses for a disillusioned electorate.
What would I have him do differently? Stop pretending the system can be reformed from within. Use his platform to expose the rot instead of legitimizing it with performative outrage. But that’s the catch, isn’t it? The machine only rewards those who keep its gears turning, not those who would smash it to pieces.
If we had elected Bernie we would have something approaching systemic change. People need to see something else is possible; I can’t see this hurting.
The illusion of “systemic change” through Bernie was always a mirage. Electing him might have slowed the bleeding, but the machine would’ve swallowed him whole, just like it does to anyone trying to reform it from within. People don’t need to see that change is possible—they need to see that this system isn’t.
Hurting? That’s the point. Pain keeps people compliant, clinging to false hope instead of demanding something real. Bernie wasn’t the answer; he was a pacifier, a way to channel outrage into something manageable. The only way forward is to stop playing by their rules.