2016 Postmortem
In reply to the discussion: Do you know a really rich person? [View all]LibDemAlways
(15,139 posts)claimant at his under construction beach house in Malibu not long ago, and I tagged along. The house is on a gated street, and the guy who owns the property also owns the house next door, which he bought from a well known actor. Rich doesn't begin to describe this guy's wealth - numerous real estate holdings in affluent communities in addition to the new construction. He showed us around and I was struck by the sheer unabashed no apologies over the top opulence of the place. One piece of custom curved glass, he proudly proclaimed, cost him $500k. He intends to occupy the place himself, but estimates if he put it on the market, it would sell for 40 million. He took great delight in pointing out all of the rich and famous people who are his neighbors.
OK, so what's my point? The entire time I was in that house and speaking with that man, I was incredibly uncomfortable. I knew I was completely out of my element and so did he. He was only briefly allowing us into his world because it was business. Otherwise the gate at the entrance to the street would have remained firmly shut. Ordinary mortals keep out.
I have never been a fan of White House banquets where the President and First Lady wine and dine the upper crust. Most politicians only come calling when they want our vote. Otherwise, we get no seat at the table.
With Bernie it's different. He is not a man of great wealth. He never forgot where he came from, and he's always championed the cause of the ordinary citizen. And he's not in it for the glory. He's truly in it for us. That's why he has my vote.