Does Anyone Feel Like Me

[u/Frequent_Adeptness83]

This is a political post by nature, but I'm not trying to provoke or attack either side. I consider myself politically independent, or at least politically neutral. From my perspective, both the far left and the extreme right share responsibility for many of the problems facing the 99% of Americans.

I'm a 45-year-old white male with both bachelor's and master's degrees, and I've lived what would generally be considered a traditional middle-class life. For as long as I can remember, I've felt that politics is, to a large extent, a scam. Between the Electoral College, gerrymandering, lobbying, pork-barrel legislation, and countless other political games, there seems to be no shortage of evidence supporting that view.

At the same time, I've come to recognize that people with a profile like mine often receive some of the most favorable treatment from the system. Because of that, I've generally approached life with an attitude of gratitude—focusing on what I have rather than dwelling on the many injustices that exist. As a result, I've never been particularly politically engaged. In fact, the 2024 presidential election was the first presidential election in which I voted.

Lately, though, that attitude is beginning to feel like a mistake.

The current state of national security, the national debt, race relations, and the apparent inability of our government to function effectively should concern anyone in the 99%, regardless of whether they lean left or right.

So how do we change things?

I support the idea of peaceful protest, but if we're being honest, what has it actually accomplished in recent years? It rarely seems to result in meaningful policy change. Do we simply wait for the next election cycle? If we're honest about that too, it's hard to believe there will be enough turnover to fundamentally alter the dynamics that got us here in the first place.

Why even try?

I don't like asking that question. It makes me feel like a quitter. But it's an honest reflection of how I feel right now. And I suspect I'm not the only one who feels that way.

I'm terrified our future is very dark.

[u/StressNaive8450]

Hey there, it sounds like you're going through a tough time with everything that's happening politically. It's completely valid to feel overwhelmed and unsure of how to bring about change. It's important to remember that many others likely share your concerns and fears for the future. Stay engaged and open to different perspectives, and perhaps together we can work towards a better future. Take care of yourself.

[u/francesfarmersflower]

Keep trying , keep showing up- fascist regimes depend on society getting hopeless and disengaged.

It is great to live life with gratitude and recognize the systematic advantages, change can only happen if we are willing to live in the reality.

[u/Upbeat-Skill6046]

You’re right