The big ass rally
I was too busy to make a weekly link post, partially because I was at The Big Ass Bernie Rally yesterday.
My experience of it was pretty unusual... mostly because I chose to stand in line for a coffee for three hours and ten minutes, which sounds ridiculous but wasn't so ridiculous, actually. We got there at 9 AM and got in line for a coffee at 9:15. The line had well over 100 people in it and it took us three hours to get to the front. The entire time we were in line we could hear and even see the people on the stage via speakers and a gigantic digital screen, so it was pretty much the same as if we'd been standing anywhere else... except we were sunk-costed into a promise of future coffee. By the time we got to the front it was lunchtime and my needs had entirely changed. I entered the line expecting to buy a cold brew and came out with two drinks and food for lunch.
One of the big things I noticed about the rally is that the age breakdown seemed very different from one I'd attended in 2020. The 2020 rally was mostly young people; this one had a huge range of ages, including a substantial number of older folks. That was heartening to see.
The people-watching in general was incredible. I have no idea if the vibe will be different in other cities but the range of Types of Person you could see here in LA was truly fantastic. A real massive slice of humanity.
The range of guest speakers was also pretty interesting. I was particularly impressed by a speech from the president of SEIU, April Verrett. Loads of union organizers were present, and one of the biggest common calls to action from the speakers was: start a union!
Today I am utterly exhausted and sun-parched and probably should not be headed back out into the world to stand in the sun some more, but I am. I'll post links next week!