By Lucian KUGLER

Last Friday, at the Alex Theater in Glendale, Senator Bernie Sanders spoke to a full audience about his new book “It’s Okay To Be Angry About Capitalism.” Senator Sanders has served as a United States senator from Vermont since 2007 and is the longest serving independent senator in America’s history. He was also a candidate for the Democratic nomination for President of the United States in 2016 and 2020. As he mentions in his book, Sanders is known for his political views and advocacy for issues such as universal healthcare, free college education, reduction of the US military activity abroad and a worker’s livable wage. He has been a vocal critic of economic inequality and corporate power in America and has often challenged the political establishment. Sanders has a reputation for being authentic and consistent in his beliefs and his grassroots, people-driven campaigns have mobilized a diverse coalition of supporters.

In his book “It’s Okay to Be Angry About Capitalism,” Senator Sanders argues that capitalism in its current form is a deeply flawed economic system that perpetuates inequality, exploits workers and undermines democracy. He suggests that it is time for a hypothetical “political revolution” that will fundamentally transform the economy and create what he believes is a more just and equitable society. He encourages readers to channel their anger about capitalism into activism and to push for systemic change. The overall theme of the book is a call to action for anyone who is concerned about the future of the US economy – and democracy.

Some members of the audience shared that issues that mattered most to them included healthcare and wealth inequality. All interviewed people were in agreement that Sanders addressed these issues well, with one calling it “refreshing, since you won’t hear many other politicians saying the truth like he does.”

Prominent issues that Sanders spoke of that received applause from the crowd included addressing “that the average citizen (every man, woman, and child) spends $13,000 per year on healthcare costs. We spend the highest price in the world for prescription drugs and, as a result, one out of four people cannot afford to keep their prescription refilled. The average American spends twice as much on healthcare in a year than an average citizen of most developed nations, yet the quality of service they will receive is far below the service that the average citizen of most other developed nations will receive.”

His proposed solution was the creation of a universal healthcare system, similar to that of Canada, most EU nations, Australia and the UK. Sanders concluded the segment by arguing that any increases in taxes to cover this would still cost the average American less than the current system.

Another major portion of Sanders’ speech that was important to many members of the audience was addressing wealth inequality. He said “that there are three people in the United States that own more wealth than 50% of the country combined. The wealthiest 1% of Americans has more wealth than the bottom 92%. Fifty years ago the average CEO made 30 times what their average worker made, now it’s 400 times.”

Sanders advocated for economic restructuring, insisting that the current system makes the rich richer, the poor poorer and nothing is done because the wealthy influence the country’s elections. Sanders quoted Greg Palast, calling America “the best democracy … that money can buy.”

For those who missed the event, more can be read about Senator Sanders, the issues in America he addresses, and his proposed solutions in his new book, “It’s Okay To Be Angry About Capitalism.” The book is now available in most bookstores both online and in person.