I have understood, since I was 14, the lies, corruption, genocide and inequality our country has fostered upon the working class, non-white, women, LGBTQ+, etc. since its inception. The wealthy have ALWAYS controlled the agenda.

Now at 72 those truths are being exposed by the current administration as they push their agenda of white supremacy, christian nationalisms and the idea power should reside only with the wealthy. We do not live in a free country for anyone, but one that favors white men and the wealthy.

Like everyone else I have lost family and friends to the other side. Battled with despair as the DNC flounders for a message; pushes for centralist platforms and continue (except for a few) to adhere to what their wealthy donors want. Many have never experienced what the working class, poor, disenfranchised deal with every day. So they throw us a few crumbs and expect everyone to be satisfied. Because if they actually worked for the people their donors might walk away.

We need radical change of messaging, behavior and actually following through with supporting what most other modern countries have (national healthcare, worker protections, free state education) and focusing on climate change so we have a livable country. Instead we are just getting the same old song and dance routine of shoring up what exists instead of replacing it with what WORKS.

Whether I ever see it actually happen is unknown, but I will keep fighting for all the young people and those not yet born. I want seniors to retire and live with dignity, not wondering whether they can afford their medical needs or stay housed. I want everyone to live in a world where it does not matter the color of your skin, gender or size of your pocket book - where EVERYONE has equal rights and opportunities. A world where the planet is treated with the love and care it deserves, not exploited for profit.

We are all of one race - HUMAN and we only have one home - EARTH. Maybe we should start looking at the world that way, a single united entity. No borders, no superficial class or race, no hierarchy of power - just equality for all life on this planet we call home.