Socialist group organizes anti-Trump event

In the past year, Pete Taylor has felt that enough was enough.

Taylor and about 50 other people reflected on President Donald Trump’s past year in office during an event at the Civic Media Center, located at 433 S Main St., Wednesday night. Socialist Alternative hosted the event, inviting Democratic Socialists of America and the Industrial Workers of the World to a free night of discussion about worker’s rights, felons’ voter rights, immigration and last year’s presidential election.

“One year is definitely enough,” Taylor said, reflecting on Trump’s presidency.

From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., participants listened to a panel from the groups that organized the events, which discussed a broad range of topics relating to socialism. Taylor said he hoped attendees left the event a little more inspired and engaged, as well as informed on perspectives of socialism.

“The standard of what we consider the left in the United States, the democratic party has simply not done enough,” Taylor said.

Petitions to restore voter rights to convicted felons and to ensure universal health care were also passed around and signed by attendees.

David Freeman, a UF mathematics sophomore, heard about the event through friends in the on-campus Youth Democratic Society of America chapter, which he is a part of.

Freeman said he enjoyed the event, especially the discussion on imperialism. He said he hoped other students become more politically aware.

“Get involved and find a group on campus and talk to people who are likeminded,” the 20-year-old said.