Sanders urges Congress to invest in renewables
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders said Congress' failure to implement carbon taxes or invest more in renewables is "immoral."
The candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination told The Desert Sun mechanisms already exist to lower carbon output. He pointed to home solar panel loans in his own state, adding that he's been pushing a similar solar program in Washington, D.C., but without success. To lower carbon emissions on a large scale, he cited much-needed investments in rail and public transit.
Later, during a speech at a packed Riverside Municipal Auditorium, Sanders said climate change is causing huge problems in California and beyond.
Sen. Bernie Sanders aims to maximize impact on Democratic platform
"We are the custodians of this planet," he said, adding the oil industry's greed must be challenged.
Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide
"If we continue to destroy nature, as we’re doing, we’re ultimately destroying the human species," Sanders said.
We owe the Native American people a debt that we can never really repay, Sanders said. Their lesson: As human beings we're a part of nature.
Sanders hit on his customary topics of student debt and conditions on Native American lands, which he said are worse than those in some Third World countries.
Sanders requests a recanvass of Kentucky results
His talk quickly broadened to wealth inequality, the influence of big money in politics, equality for women, and the need to provide a path to citizenship for the undocumented in America, punctuated through and through with applause.
"How is it that the 20 wealthiest people own more wealth than the bottom 150 million?" he said and later added: "Whether you're conservative or progressive, you should run for office without having to beg billionaires for money," urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Citizens United. "When you take riches from the wealthy, you do the bidding of the wealthy."
He also earned loud cheers when he said the undocumented live in the shadows.
"Our immigration policy should be unite families, not divide families," Sanders said, adding that if Congress does not pass comprehensive immigration reform, he will use his executive powers when he is president to do what he can.
Democratic presidential contender Hillary Clinton crossed paths with Sanders later Tuesday in Riverside as the two continue their respective tours of California, ahead of the June 7 primary. It’ll be a make-or-break outcome for Sanders, who needs a major win if he has any real hope of taking the nomination.
The Vermont senator, an Independent running for the Democratic nod, has vowed to keep fighting until the last ballots are cast June 14, despite complaints from Clinton cheerleaders that he's doing more harm than good. The problem: Sanders keeps winning. Although he's interested in another debate, a Clinton spokeswoman announced Monday night that the former secretary of State is not. The campaign is turning its attention on the remaining primaries and presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump.
By noon Tuesday, a line stretching several blocks outside the auditorium, was bustling with anti-Trump chants, musicians and T-shirt vendors. Inside, the venue filled quickly, two hours before the program was slated to begin — a sign that not everyone who showed up Tuesday would get a chance to listen to the senator.
Sen. Bernie Sanders faces long odds in quest for open primaries
Larry Rutherford, a retired copy editor from Menifee, seemed a rare voice in the auditorium: Still undecided with the primary a mere two weeks away. He said he always liked and respected Sanders and, although doubtful he'd actually take the nomination, was hopeful he'd stay in the race until the convention.
Sanders, he said, has engaged voters who wouldn't normally participate in politics. "Some," he said, "would stay Democrats for life."
In recent weeks, the Democratic National Committee, eager to avoid a chaotic convention in Philadelphia in July, has indicated a willingness to give him a choice of seats on key platform committees. He’s called for a $15 minimum wage, among other progressive policies.
If last Saturday’s visit to National City was any indication, Sanders will focus largely in California on the economy and immigration. He also met last weekend with Cathedral City Council member Greg Pettis in an attempt to sway the undecided delegate to his side.
Two days later, the campaign announced a rally in Cathedral City. It’s set for 10 a.m. PT Wednesday at Big League Dreams baseball stadium — a location that Pettis said he suggested because of its parking and "security advantages." But he also noted that Sanders' people were looking at three other sites in town, including the lawn in front of City Hall.
"The campaign certainly wants my vote, but I think the demographics of the city fit his message plus our staff and the (stadium) staff are easy to work with," Pettis said.
Clinton’s schedule Tuesday included another appearance in Orange County and a taping on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. After wrapping up in Riverside, Sanders was due in San Bernardino, a city that has suffered prolonged economic hardship and a terrorist attack in December.
Follow Jesse Marx on Twitter: @marxjesse
