Reclaiming Our Future

My friends, what if I told you your vote is the antidote to a rigged system? We are living in an unprecedented moment in American history, in which a small group of billionaires holds more wealth and power than ever before. America is turning into a playground for the top 1%. The American Dream is nearly impossible to achieve and will only become more difficult to pursue if we remain complacent. But, there is hope.

As America feels like it's continuing to decay, more and more people feel further disconnected from politics than they have ever felt before. Trust is gone, and the people are divided and distracted. We must come together, we must organize, and we must vote because too much is at stake. Instead of letting the billionaires who control the media and politicians keep running this show be loud about what’s really happening. None of us can afford childcare. Or housing. We cannot afford prescription drugs. Families cannot afford to put their kids through college. But, we the People have the power to change the system and if we organize and vote, we can make a difference. Together.

When we vote, it should not be based upon party loyalty. Instead, we should be thinking about who has the guts to take on the political establishments of both parties to deliver tangible results for hardworking Americans. When we vote, let’s recognize the big thing we have in common. Whether you are progressive, conservative, or somewhere in between, we are all Americans first, and we are all getting the short end of the stick. This economy is rigged against the People, and unless you are in the top 1%, your vote matters now more than ever. Our democracy only works when we show up to vote and those in power are working hard to suppress American voters and are counting on you not showing up to vote. Those in power are trying to convince you that your vote does not matter and trying to flood the zone with terrible news and misinformation to give you voter fatigue and convince you that it is hopeless. I am here to tell you that they would not have to work so hard to sell that message if it were actually true. 

Let ask you this, if voting truly did not matter, then why are they trying so hard to keep us from fulfilling our civic duty? It’s because they know the power of the People will always win. Democracy was built to reject kings, and showing up at the ballot box is how we keep paid politicians and billionaires from acting like royalty. But, it requires your participation.

“The power of the people is so much stronger than the people in power.”

Political experts will tell you a grassroots movement is no match for the war chests being built in Washington. What they don’t know is if people will care enough to actually show up to vote. If you ask me, I think they doubt the American people because right now, Americans are simply trying to survive amid massive income and wealth inequality. I think the People have had enough; we are tired of complaining, and now we are organizing. Grassroots, people-led campaigns are winning across the country, proving that when working people organize, they can win anywhere. 

In this moment of national crisis, don’t fall into despair. Do not succumb to hopelessness. Instead, fight back. Knock doors with me and meet your neighbors. Come to a phone bank and bring a little bit of hope to our community. Organize, act, and create the change you wish to see in the world. It is not enough to talk about what is wrong, we must fix it. 

We must vote for a better future and for policies that improve lives, not for cutting taxes for billionaires. Together, we can write a new chapter in American history. We can build a better future for our children and their posterity. So, my friends, if you are worried and want to protect the future of American democracy, you must show up, and the easiest way to do that is by voting. Here is a local example of how important your vote will be: on June 16th, you get to vote on whether or not Oklahoma should have a $15 minimum wage. On August 25, you can vote to protect Oklahoma’s voter-approved Medicaid, or Soonercare, expansion. If you want to elect one of the People into office, then on November 3rd, you can help ensure Tom Cole retires and vote for me.

Can I count on you? 

Go vote. First, on June 16th. Then, on November 3rd. Let’s win this.