Chapter 1: The Illusion of Freedom

It's hard to accept yet undeniable: many Americans are conditioned to believe that our nation is a pinnacle of freedom, democracy, and military strength. However, the actual situation diverges significantly from this narrative. A report from the Pew Research Center reveals that "65% of Americans often feel drained when contemplating politics."

What fuels this frustration? Personally, I find myself spiraling into anxiety and rage while scrolling through news feeds, reflecting on how our so-called "free" country was built on the sacrifices of Indigenous peoples and immigrants. It's ironic that we argue vehemently about immigration and basic rights like accessible healthcare, education, and housing, while inflation continues to soar, making even basic necessities a struggle.

Why do essential services like healthcare and education remain contentious issues? Wouldn't our leaders prefer a well-educated, healthy, and secure populace? The answer lies in control. Politicians often prioritize their financial interests and healthcare benefits over those of the average citizen. They seek to reduce their own tax burdens while increasing ours, and they deliberately foster discontent among us to distract from their failures.

The stark truth is that there are far more everyday Americans than there are politicians. History shows that oppressed groups can unite to challenge their government for meaningful change. Unfortunately, we see fragmented and divisive groups warring amongst themselves instead of standing against the true oppressors.

To emphasize this point, I will quote a significant passage from the American Constitution that should invoke fear in politicians:

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness..."

We possess immense power, yet we squander it in quarrels with one another instead of directing our anger at those who benefit from our division. Let's consider some compelling statistics.

The Pew Research Center indicates that "U.S. students consistently rank in the middle of the pack in international math and science assessments, lagging behind many developed nations." The Commonwealth Fund also highlights that the U.S. is the only high-income country without universal healthcare. Our healthcare expenditures are significantly higher than those of other wealthy nations, yet we face the lowest life expectancy at birth, and the highest rates of preventable health issues.

For instance, "health spending per person in the U.S. was nearly double that of Germany, and four times higher than South Korea." Additionally, the American Journal of Managed Care notes that U.S. health system efficiency is compared unfavorably to that of 38 high-income countries.

Another alarming issue is gun violence. The Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation reveals that the U.S. ranks seventh out of 65 high-income countries for firearm homicides. This alarming statistic is compounded by the repeal of Roe v. Wade and its repercussions, which have included restrictions on women's rights.

What does all this mean? While one might assume these are isolated shortcomings, we must consider the broader implications, including the persistent failures in gun control legislation. The U.S. leads in school shootings, with a staggering 288 incidents from 2009 to 2018, outpacing countries like Mexico and South Africa.

The hypocrisy is glaring: while many Americans advocate for women's rights and affordable education, policymakers remain unresponsive. The First Amendment guarantees our right to assemble and protest, yet peaceful demonstrators often face undue aggression.

Until it directly impacts them, policymakers show little concern for the public's grievances. Despite rising discontent, the reality remains that our leaders often disregard the needs of average Americans.

If they truly cared about the populace, the cost of college tuition wouldn't have skyrocketed by 179.2% over the past two decades, far surpassing inflation. If they genuinely valued our welfare, they wouldn't perpetuate systems that benefit the few while leaving the majority struggling to achieve the so-called "American dream."

Research reveals that the purchasing power of Gen Z today is 86% less than that of Baby Boomers in the 1970s. Tuition for both public and private education has surged by 310% and 245%, respectively, while wages have only increased by 80%, lagging behind inflation which has quadrupled. The median home price has skyrocketed from under $25,000 to $416,000.

If our leaders truly cared, they would take steps to regulate the availability of automatic weapons and prioritize the Affordable Care Act, which is essential for the health and well-being of Americans.

Unfortunately, the two presidential nominees are leveraging outrage over abortion restrictions and the repeal of healthcare reforms to secure votes. A KFF tracking poll shows healthcare as the foremost concern for Americans, surpassing even gas and food prices, with nearly 75% of adults expressing anxiety over medical expenses.

Let's take a moment to explore the implications of this reality further.

Chapter 2: The Unseen Struggles

In the video titled "The Government Doesn't Care About YOU," the speaker addresses the systemic neglect experienced by citizens and exposes the true motivations behind political decisions.

Another informative piece, "Government Doesn't Care About You (Nobody but YOU cares about YOU)," delves into the societal indifference and the urgency for citizens to advocate for their own rights and needs.

In conclusion, the disconnection between politicians and the American people is striking. If they truly cared, we would witness significant changes towards better healthcare, education, and overall quality of life. Instead, we are left to navigate a complex landscape where our needs are often overlooked.