Welcome to Real Hunger Games
This new reality show features you and the United States. However, rather than a high-stakes competition where contestants fight each other, this is—strangely enough—less dramatic yet more insidious. It involves targeting the poor and minorities for political leverage, pushing up the cost of living for everyday Americans, while the wealthiest watch from the sidelines.
Isn’t that something?
Recently, the administration in Washington announced plans to reorganize parts of the city to address homelessness. It seems like a distraction—perhaps even confusing—as they focus on their own comfort with taxpayer-funded travel around town.
I think this aligns with what was promised during the campaign: lowering prices, increasing wages, creating jobs, and—let’s say—making the country stronger. But when you look back at all the broken promises and overlooked words from that time, it’s pretty astounding. Trump, who once dismissed criticisms with a laugh, now seems to have abandoned some of those earlier claims.
Take grocery prices, for instance. Or consider the ongoing situation in Ukraine. Did he deliver on releasing documents related to Epstein? What about increasing domestic energy production, which is actually below where it was when Biden took office? And then there are fuel prices, which are currently inflated despite all the talk about $2 gas when he was in charge.
Now, as the tariffs he enacted start to affect the economy, raising prices and causing job losses and healthcare issues, it’s beginning to hit home for many. Yet, it doesn’t often lead to the self-reflection that maybe they were misled by a figure known for fake universities and bankrupt ventures.
People should reconsider who they vote for and why. There’s a need to focus less on party lines and more on the real issues at hand. Sure, Democrats might tout closing bank overdraft fees and ending predatory lending. But, was it really them who initiated those changes? Or, was it actually Republicans who did this after taking control?
It gets tricky. No, they didn’t fulfill the promises regarding the Epstein files or provide significant tax reductions. They’ve more so looked after their wealthy allies, leaving the average citizen to bear the brunt. For example, in Alabama, recent legislative sessions saw Republicans cutting overtime tax cuts—leading to higher costs for those working hardest. They’ve hindered small businesses and neglected vital gambling legislation that could have benefited education funding.
Consider this when you’re next in need of school supplies for your child. You may find them lacking because of insufficient funding. Meanwhile, wealthier families might enjoy substantial tax breaks, even without putting their kids in private schools.
Perhaps it’s time to awaken to the reality that those who often help with construction or other services aren’t the ones at fault. In fact, they might actually save you some money. It’s all too easy to let divisive tactics skew your views and choices.
Turning this around requires looking past the charlatans and prioritizing what really matters to you and your community. Until you do this, the odds may not be in your favor.
