Vote

Does my vote matter? Good question, but until state laws change, the answer is YES, it is our primary way to have a voice in how we govern ourselves. Do we support giving every citizen an equal voice, or do we allow the wealthiest among us to decide our fate? On November 3, 2026, we have an opportunity to answer these questions.

Citizens United

In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court in the Citizens United vs FEC case effectively blocked the ability to enact limits on campaign spending. The Citizens United decision opened the floodgates to the billions of dollars that have since poured into the election system, enabling those with access to concentrated wealth to have vastly more influence over our political system than the average American.

Citizens United stifled democracy, and we now witness historic wealth inequality and a system of government that serves the interests of the wealthy few, and enables politicians to gain and abuse their power.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Bernie Sanders and other Democrats have none-the-less proposed a 2% annual tax on wealth over $50 million, rising to 3% for wealth over $1 billion. Why shouldn’t the very wealthiest among us pay the largest percentage of tax? If I had 50M+, would I miss 1M? Hardly.

Unfortunately, because of Citizens United, Warren's tax proposal has little chance of passing. Our elected officials (pawns of the wealthy) understand who butters their bread.

As informed citizens, it is our responsibility to try to discern the truth about how our political system works and how the decisions made by our elected officials shape the world in which we live.  We can either delve into the weeds, or float in whatever contaminated air blows above the ground. Even in the face of Citizens United, as long as we have a free press, we, the people, can effect the manner in which we are governed by casting an individual vote.

Budgetary spending

Let’s take a look at how all our tax dollars are spent.

• Defense: 13 percent of the budget, or $872 billion, was spent on national defense activities. About 95 percent of the spending in this category reflects the underlying costs of the "War Department", largely for operations and maintenance; military personnel; procurement of weapons; and research, development, testing, and evaluation.

There are many issues to consider before we vote, but for me, there is one that I consider to be of greatest importance: the WAR Machine and its cost. We are presently in a prolonged war with Iran, without permission from Congress, that has an estimated cost of $43.6 billion through early September 2026 according to the Pentagon, and ongoing estimated operations of $2 billion to $3 billion per month.  In addition, according to Moody’s Analytics, the broader economic toll averages about $2,000 per US household. Also, let's not forget the amount of arms sales that we make to other countries that sometimes lead to genocide. Who is responsible for the deaths of children in Iran and Gaza? Trump, Netanyahu, Hegseth, and those who support the war machine developed in the United States.

On November 3, 2026, I will vote for candidates who oppose this costly war with Iran and the war machine that supports genocide. I will vote for candidates who will prioritize spending more for Education; Transportation; Natural Resources and Agriculture; Science and Medical Research; and who will oppose ICE and the unlawful and inhumane deportation of undocumented immigrants. It is past time for us to suppress the influence of the wealthiest among us.

Join me.

CPW