I am writing this on Tuesday, the 3rd of November 2026. Midterm elections are today, and if you’ve been following American politics, you may understand the weight of this election.
I don’t believe genuine revolution can happen by merely voting alone, but I do believe our votes matter because, even if the system is broken (and I believe it is), we can still fight for some good to happen within it. Because of this, I’ve always been a “lesser evil” voter. I respect the sentiment behind third party voters, but until we achieve a complete overhaul of the system, I’d rather vote for less harm in this system until the system itself can be overthrown.
Yes, I believe Democrats and Republicans are two fins on the same Nemo, but I also believe we have experienced way more suffering and struggling under the narcissistic orange manchild than we would have under almost anyone else.
I’m not an expert in any of this, and I don’t like voting for anyone whose policies could rightly be considered an “evil,” whether such evil is the “lesser” version or not. Voting third party seems to me like a waste of a vote, aside from appeasing one’s conscience. I’d rather vote for an option that has the chance of actually winning. We are under a two-party system. Want real change? Remove the two-party system.
Like I said, I don’t believe revolution can happen by voting alone. Systemic overhaul requires more than that. Real change requires more than casting a vote every couple years. Real revolution is far more than peaceful gatherings where we dress in costumes and sing songs about having no kings.
That’s not to say we shouldn’t do it. Knowing that so many other people in the country believe as we do is encouraging. Sending a message is important, but if we can be ignored by the powers that be, we will be ignored by the powers that be. They don’t care what we think or say unless we make them.
Again, I’m no expert, and I’m open to hearing ideas. All I can do is fight in my own way, with what little power I have. I try to be careful where I spend my money. I speak out with the small voice I have. I gave up fast food. I reject all the A.I. that’s being forced on us. I read books. I don’t separate the art from the artist if the artist is both a terrible person and still benefitting from their art (Yeah, I’m lookin at you, Joanne). I don’t engage in celebrity worship. I definitely don’t participate in venerating politicians.
I believe those we put into power need to be held accountable, and they should be given all the side-eye until they prove themselves. And even then, we shouldn’t let up on them. People with power who are not held accountable tend to abuse that power and turn on the people.
At the very least, power leads to privilege, and privilege always leads to a level of disconnect from the struggles of the regular people. That’s why, above all, I try to listen, empathize, and understand what others are dealing with in the world. Empathy, contrary to what some might claim, is not a sin. It’s a necessity.
As a heterosexual white man with all the privilege that comes with those identities in this country, it’s taken me a long time to even slightly understand the experiences of marginalized people, and I’m still working to overcome my ignorance.
“Knowledge itself is power.” — Kevin Francis Bacon
So let’s get less ignorant together. Here are the books I’m working my way through currently…
Fight the power.
