GW College Democrats Host Sen. Sanders

BY EMMA FRANKLIN

Photo courtesy of The Office of Senator Sanders

The GW College Democrats hosted Sen. Bernie Sanders (D-VT) Wednesday night, in a one-hour conversation about major problems plaguing the United States today.

Before being elected to the senate in 2007, Sen. Sanders served as Mayor of Burlington, Vt. Sanders helped draft the provision of the Affordable Care Act that expands community health centers, and he serves on the Budget Conference Committee.

Sen. Sanders began by stating that, “Questions asked are more important than answers given. Anyone can give an answer to a question, but the question itself is the true measure of importance.”

He then asked students to identify the five most important issues in today’s politics. These issues included health care, education, climate change, social services, and national security.

Students shared their opinions surrounding the various topics, providing a young, fresh perspective to issues confounding many representatives. Sen. Sanders prompted explanations from students and thorough justification for their beliefs.

Following the discussion of major issues, Sen. Sanders asked students what they thought the trend in legislation since the Great Depression has been. Students responded that the trend has been to provide more equal opportunities for all citizens. Sen. Sanders also discussed the increase in inalienable rights such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid that go hand-in-hand with fundamental rights like freedom of speech.

Sen. Sanders ended the discussion with a question and answer session where students asked questions involving the Patriot Act, interest groups, and the role of government in the private sector.

“There are many people your age who think that politics is bullshit. And sometimes it is hard to argue with them. There are so many ugly things out there that it is very easy to understand why people…don’t like the political process and why so many don’t vote,” said Sanders at the conclusion of his address.

“There is no issue that impacts your life that doesn’t cross my desk, whether it is the affordability of college, whether you will have health care, the quality of the air that you breath, or the water that you drink... And if you don’t participate and actively help elect good people, the other side will win.”

The student opinion following the discussion was very positive. If the bursting conference room wasn’t enough of an indicator, the positive student feedback certainly was.

“Bernie Sanders was a phenomenal speaker. He didn't lecture the audience, but rather engaged in a discussion,” said freshman Lauren Hoffman. “Bernie Sanders gained my respect by saying what he believed in, no matter how radical it may be.”

Sanders is the longest-serving independent congressman in United States history.