Bernie calls for a ‘political revolution’ – wearing a Gator cap

Even before the sun rises, the air surrounding the UVS field at UF is infiltrated with an energy unlike no other. Bernie Sanders is here.

People are lined down the street, anxiously and excitingly awaiting the arrival of the man of the hour, the man of the political revolution. As people file in, the atmosphere seems to exhale the message of “here are my friends.” Ringing in the day with Tracy Chapman’s “talking about a revolution”, this crowd is in for a treat they know they deserve.

Some dance, many laugh, and all smile. The atmosphere of this field is drenched in hope and an eagerness to progress in all areas of life. All ages, ethnicities, sexualities, and genders are here and ready to cheer on the man who speaks of true peace and love founded on equal opportunity. Only here can a beard and a skirt exist on the same body without facing ridicule and hostility (or at a Trump rally, expulsion). Only here can a woman wearing a Hijab and a man wearing traditional American Indian dress receive more smiles and positivity in 5 minutes than probably they’re past week alone.

With just a one day notice, dozens of volunteers arrived early to help out and support the Bernie campaign in any way they can. Despite the apparent media claim that Bernie appeals overwhelmingly to millennials, a decent portion of volunteers and attendees mirror Bernie’s own angelic white hair. One such volunteer said he was here because he thinks Bernie “represents the best of his generation.” While the older and younger generations experience enormous social and political gaps, here I see a population of agreement and inclusivity. Bernie provides conversation for every person. The technological renaissance of recent years may have divided the population by age, but this revolution leaves no one behind. The impressive age spectrum represented at this rally reminds us we are all indebted to a common cause of understanding.

‘Feeling the Bern’ is exactly as it sounds: a feeling. A feeling of noticing and understanding the wrongs in our worlds but realizing we can make them better. A feeling of acceptance: of yourself and others for how we are and who we choose to be. A feeling of incomparable want of peace and love to rule over every aspect of human life, the way it should be.

The numerous amounts of families roaming the field makes even the most miserable smile. Kids run around, toddlers in diapers laugh and play, and the setting rests into festival mode. We are all here relaxing in this space waiting to hear the music to our ears. The album of change, songs of hope, by the artist of the revolution. The Bern we all feel today is the fire of our hearts and minds becoming one. No one made new friends in this crowd today, but met people who were already friends they didn’t know we’re there.

When Bernie came to the stage the crowd roared with applause and cheers. To further cheers, he told us: “democracy is not a spectator sport”.

Then the talk of policy began. “We are going to invest in jobs and education not jails and incarceration,” he said. Turning to the criminalization of marijuana, Bernie said, “I think that is dumb…nobody thinks marijuana is equivalent to heroin,” and added “Take marijuana out of the federal controlled system”.

Bernie advocates for closing the wage gap, raising minimum wage, and protecting our veterans.

As he pulls out and puts on a blue Gators ball cap, the crowd simultaneously erupted in cheers and the gator chomp.

Bernie says he wishes to create an economy for all of us not just some, and said climate change is real. “We have a moral responsibility …to transform our energy systems.”

He also told the crowd:

• “I plead guilty to thinking too big. America is a great country.”
• “A country is judged by how we treat our weakest and most vulnerable people.”
• “I have been criticized for saying this so let me say it again” “I believe healthcare is a right to all people.”
• “No president can do what has to be done alone.”

After he spoke he waved and went down to greet the front row around the stage. He spent at least 10 minutes taking pictures and meeting with his supporters. Then Bernie drove off in the black shiny cars with thunderous applause as he continues his tour throughout Florida.