San Francisco’s pro-billionaire march draws dozens

In a spectacle that seemed more like a scene from a satirical comedy than a real-life protest, a small group of demonstrators gathered in California to march in support of the state’s billionaires. The so-called “March for Billionaires,” organized by Derik Kauffman, founder of the AI startup RunRL, drew only about three dozen attendees, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. Another dozen counter-protesters showed up, adding a layer of irony to the already bizarre event.

Despite the low turnout, the idea of the march sparked a significant buzz on social media, with many users poking fun at the notion of rallying for the ultra-wealthy. Mission Local reported that journalists nearly outnumbered the actual demonstrators, a testament to the event’s unexpected media appeal. Marchers carried signs with messages like “We ❤️ You Jeffrey Bezos” and “It’s very difficult to write a nuanced argument on a sign,” blending humor with their cause.

The march was ostensibly organized to protest the Billionaire Tax Act, a proposed state ballot measure that would impose a one-time, 5% tax on the total wealth of Californians worth more than $1 billion. Governor Gavin Newsom has already stated that he would veto the measure if it passes, but the protest aimed to draw attention to what organizers see as an unfair burden on the wealthy.

Kauffman, who is not a billionaire himself, framed the protest as part of a broader critique of California’s policies. “California is, I believe, the only state to give health insurance to people who come into the country illegally. I think we probably should not be providing that,” he told reporters. However, this claim is factually incorrect—fourteen states currently offer health care to undocumented immigrants, according to the California Health Care Foundation.

The event’s low turnout and the humorous tone of the counter-protesters highlighted the challenges of mobilizing support for such a niche cause. Yet, the march succeeded in generating conversation, if not action, about wealth inequality and tax policy in California. Whether it was a genuine protest or a tongue-in-cheek commentary, the “March for Billionaires” will likely be remembered as one of the more unusual demonstrations in recent memory.

Tags: March for Billionaires, California billionaires, wealth tax, Derik Kauffman, RunRL, Gavin Newsom, Billionaire Tax Act, Jeffrey Bezos, health care for undocumented immigrants, wealth inequality, satirical protest, California politics, viral news, tech startup founder, one-time wealth tax, ironic demonstration, social media buzz, California ballot measure, undocumented immigrants, health insurance policy.

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