In the coming months and years, our job is not just to respond to every absurd statement that Trump makes. That is what the Trump world wants us to do. They want to define the parameters of debate and have us live within their world. That’s a trap we should not fall into.
Our job is to stay focused on the most important issues facing the working families of our country, provide solutions to those crises and demand that Trump responds to us.
Let me mention just some of them:
Yes, healthcare is a human right and we must join every other major country in guaranteeing healthcare to all people through a Medicare for All, single-payer program.
Yes, we must take on the greed of big pharma and substantially lower the cost of prescription drugs in this country.
Yes, we must build millions of units of low-income and affordable housing.
Yes, we must make sure that all of our young people have the ability to get a higher education by making public colleges and universities tuition-free.
Yes, we must work with the global community to combat climate change by cutting carbon emissions and transforming our energy system away from fossil fuels and into sustainable energy.
Yes, we must pass legislation to raise the absurdly low federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour to a living wage of $17 an hour.
Yes, we must pass the Pro Act, and make it easier for workers to join trade unions and grow the union movement.
Yes, in order to help fund the needs of working families in this country, we must demand that the wealthiest people, including those multibillionaires sitting right behind Donald Trump, start paying their fair share in taxes.
Yes, we must end a corrupt campaign finance system, which allows a handful of billionaires to buy elections and move us rapidly into oligarchy.
Bottom line: as we enter the new Trump presidency, we have got to remain focused. We can’t panic. No matter how many executive orders he signs and statements he issues, our goal remains the same. We have got to educate. We have got to organize. We have got to bring people together around an agenda that works for all, not just the few.
Now more than ever, we have to fight to create an America based on economic, social and environmental justice. Let’s get to work.
Bernie Sanders