By Glynn Wilson and Walter Simon –
MOBILE, Ala. — About 100 people rallied and marched downtown on Saturday, taking to the streets along with 70 other local groups nationwide in support of Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders, the Senator from Vermont.
Speakers and chanters called for economic equality, demanding an increase in the minimum wage to $15 per hour, citing a winning battle in Seattle where the increase will be phased in from the current minimum wage of $11 over several years. They also called for campaign finance reform and judicial reform, protesting overcrowded prisons and the privitation of prisons, as well as decriminalization of marijuana as other states have done, including Colorado, Oregon and Maryland as well as Washington, D.C. Some also support Sanders for of his pro-environment advocacy, the opposite of all the Republicans in the race, pro-big business conservatives all.
Peter Daigle of Mobile carried a sign saying, “Fight against money in politics.”
“Money and politics clog democracy and that’s why I like Bernie Sanders so much because he’s a true democratic candidate,” Daigle said. “He’s completely funded by the people for the people.”
Mobile for Bernie, the University of South Alabama Students for Bernie and Mobile Bay Socialist Alternative organized the rally and march.
“It’s a race up until March 1st to get as many people out as possible,” Ryan Littlefield, a biology professor at USA and faculty advisor to the university group, said to the crowd.
After about an hour of speeches in Cathedral Square Park, activists marched in a peaceful demonstration around a predetermined and permitted route of about a mile, then returned to the park for more speeches and organizing (see video).
Sanders enthusiasts are planning other political actions prior to the Alabama primary vote on Super Tuesday, March 1. The delegates in 12 states are up for grabs. They have been holding phone bank events and will have a Bernie Sanders watch party at the Merry Widow bar on Tuesday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
More Photos
Before you continue, I’d like to ask if you could support our independent journalism as we head into one of the most critical news periods of our time in 2024.
The New American Journal is deeply dedicated to uncovering the escalating threats to our democracy and holding those in power accountable. With a turbulent presidential race and the possibility of an even more extreme Trump presidency on the horizon, the need for independent, credible journalism that emphasizes the importance of the upcoming election for our nation and planet has never been greater.
However, a small group of billionaire owners control a significant portion of the information that reaches the public. We are different. We don’t have a billionaire owner or shareholders. Our journalism is created to serve the public interest, not to generate profit. Unlike much of the U.S. media, which often falls into the trap of false equivalence in the name of neutrality, we strive to highlight the lies of powerful individuals and institutions, showing how misinformation and demagoguery can harm democracy.
Our journalists provide context, investigate, and bring to light the critical stories of our time, from election integrity threats to the worsening climate crisis and complex international conflicts. As a news organization with a strong voice, we offer a unique, outsider perspective that is often missing in American media.
Thanks to our unique reader-supported model, you can access the New American journal without encountering a paywall. This is possible because of readers like you. Your support keeps us independent, free from external influences, and accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for news.
Please help if you can.
American journalists need your help more than ever as forces amass against the free press and democracy itself. We must not let the crypto-fascists and the AI bots take over.
See the latest GoFundMe campaign here or click on this image.
Don't forget to listen to the new song and video.
Just because we are not featured on cable TV news talk shows, or TikTok videos, does not mean we are not getting out there in search engines and social media sites. We consistently get over a million hits a month.
Click to Advertise Here
It has been a pleasure watching Bernie inspire Americans. Good luck Mister Sanders.