Sanders to grads: Get involved in politics

Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) on Saturday encouraged students to get involved in politics as he addressed graduates of Johnson State College.

Speaking at the school’s 150^th commencement, Sanders referenced what he dubbed the current “pivotal and dangerous moment” in U.S. history.

“Whether we are talking about the very survival of democracy, whether we are talking about economic justice, whether we’re talking about social justice, racial justice or global warming and the future of our entire planet, that future is in your hands. It is in the hands of your generation, not only in this country, but all over the world,” Sanders said.

“And I say to your generation, I beg of your generation, do not turn your backs on the struggles that are going on in this country today or around the world. And I say to you, if there was every a time in history for a generation to be bold and to think big, to stand up and to fight back, now is that time.”

{mosads}The senator, who last year ran against Hillary Clinton for the Democratic nomination, used much of the material from his rallies during the 2016 primary.

Sanders discussed the need to combat special interests groups, to establish a single-payer healthcare system, and to raise the minimum wage.

“My greatest fear about the future of out country and in fact the world, is that we are moving radically and rapidly in the direction of oligarchy,” Sanders said.

“What oligarchy means is where you have a small number of very wealthy and powerful people who control not only the economy, not only the media, what you see hear and read, but also the political life of this nation.”

Sanders said the Trump Administration’s agenda is to obtain tax breaks for the wealthy and railed against Republicans over healthcare and climate change.

“And despite the lies of the Trump administration and the fossil fuel industry, all over this country and here in Vermont, we are beginning the process to transform our energy system away from fossil fuel to energy efficiency and sustainable energy.”