By Michael Smith
Congratulations, America. Another election has come and gone, and here we are—divided, angry, and convinced the other side is the root of all evil. For Trump voters, there’s a sense of triumph: you won. But did you? Let’s unpack the consequences of your so-called victory and the illusions keeping us all distracted while the real enemy tightens its grip.
A Society Fractured by Design
Here’s the hard truth: Society is not a zero-sum game. It’s not about your team crushing the other. It’s about collaboration, the delicate art of building something better together. But those in power don’t want you to see that. They thrive on division—red vs. blue, native vs. immigrant, working class vs. marginalized communities. Why? Because the more fractured we are, the less likely we are to turn our collective gaze upward and challenge their dominance.
While we squabble over who’s to blame for our stagnating wages, crumbling infrastructure, and inadequate healthcare, the real winners—corporate oligarchs and power-hoarding elites—continue to profit from our distraction. They’ve mastered the art of misdirection, keeping us busy with culture wars while they rig the system in their favor.
The 1% and the Illusion of Progress
Let’s talk numbers, shall we? The top 1% own 35% of the wealth in this country. The bottom 50%? They’re left fighting over scraps. Since 1979, the average income for the top 1% has skyrocketed by 138%, while the wages for 90% of Americans have barely budged. If your grocery bill feels heavier while your paycheck remains light, that’s not the fault of immigrants or marginalized groups. That’s systemic inequality at work.
And who benefits from this imbalance? The same billionaires and corporations who fund political campaigns on both sides of the aisle. The same CEOs who outsource jobs and suppress wages. The same elites who profit from a divided, distracted populace.
The Cost of “Owning the Libs”
Voting isn’t just a political act—it’s a moral decision. When you cast your vote for policies that cut social safety nets, weaken labor protections, and perpetuate inequality, you’re not just hurting “the other side.” You’re hurting yourself, your neighbors, and your future.
And let’s address the myth of “change” under Trump. His administration wasn’t about draining the swamp; it was about restocking it with corporate lackeys and self-serving insiders. His policies favored the wealthy, dismantling regulations and protections that were put in place to shield working-class Americans from exploitation. If your life hasn’t drastically improved despite the political promises of the past several years, it’s not a coincidence—it’s a symptom of a system designed to prioritize the powerful over the people.
The UnitedHealthcare CEO and Viral Outrage
Recently, a viral story highlighted the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson—a man who made over $10 million a year denying healthcare to those who needed it most. While his death sparked a wave of condemnation, it also unveiled a grim truth: people are fed up. They’re not condoning violence, but they’re refusing to sympathize with someone whose wealth came at the expense of others’ lives. It’s a sobering reminder of the simmering resentment toward systemic exploitation.
But here’s the rub: This isn’t a left vs. right issue. It’s a top vs. bottom issue. The outrage over Thompson’s death shows that people across the political spectrum understand where the real problem lies. And yet, the media—owned by the same elites who profit from our division—spins the story to keep us distracted. “Look left. Look right. Just don’t look up.”
Privilege, Apathy, and the Cost of Sitting Out
Let’s not forget another group: those who sat out the election entirely. Whether from apathy, privilege, or cynicism, disengagement is its own form of complicity. Choosing not to vote or stay informed doesn’t insulate you from the consequences—it amplifies them. Democracy isn’t a spectator sport. Sitting out doesn’t make you neutral; it makes you passive in the face of systemic injustice.
The Path Forward: Look Up, Not Left or Right
So, what’s the solution? It starts with a shift in perspective. Stop viewing your neighbors as enemies and start recognizing the real adversaries: the corporations and billionaires who profit from our division. Collaboration is our greatest strength, but it requires breaking free from the narratives that keep us apart.
Support policies that prioritize people over profits. Demand fair wages, affordable healthcare, and robust labor protections. Advocate for accountability at the top. And most importantly, engage—not just during election season, but every day. Real change comes from sustained collective action, not momentary victories.
Final Thoughts: Choices Have Consequences
America’s greatest strength has always been its people—diverse, resilient, and capable of extraordinary progress when united. But unity requires effort. It requires seeing beyond the distractions, questioning the narratives, and holding power to account.
To those who voted for Trump, those who stayed home, and those who see politics as someone else’s problem: The future of this country depends on what we do next. So look up. The real fight isn’t left vs. right. It’s all of us against the systems that hold us back.
The choice is ours—but as always, choices have consequences.
Action Items and Links for Further Reading
Educate Yourself on Systemic Inequality
Support Economic Reforms and Policies
- Learn about living wages: Fight for $15 Campaign
- Advocate for healthcare reform: Healthcare Now
Engage Locally and Nationally
- Get involved: Indivisible Guide - Take Action Locally
- Contact representatives: USA.gov - Elected Officials
Support Responsible Media
- Learn how to spot media bias: AllSides Media Bias Chart
- Support independent journalism: ProPublica
Work Together for Collective Change
- Join a grassroots movement: Democracy Initiative
- Learn organizing skills: Midwest Academy’s Training
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