Category: Immigration

  • The 70% Blueprint – Big Ideas for Big Coalitions

    The 70% Blueprint – Big Ideas for Big Coalitions

    What would it take to win the next presidential election with over 70% of the vote?

    In the middle of 2025, as U.S. forces moved into another conflict in the Middle East, protests swept across America. Millions of people—young and old, left and right—took to the streets under the banner “No Kings.” It wasn’t just about one party or one president. It was a rejection of government by ego, profit, and power.

    At the same time, former President Trump was making headlines again—not for policy, but for launching “Trump Coin,” a cryptocurrency wrapped in controversy and self-enrichment. Add to that a new immigration bill he called “Big and Beautiful,” which cut healthcare for working families while giving more breaks to the rich.

    It all begs the question: is it even possible for any candidate to win in 2028—not just barely—but with over 70% of the vote?

    It is. But it would take more than promises or party loyalty. It would take leadership that meets Americans where they are—tired, divided, and deeply unsure if the system works for them anymore.

    Here’s what that kind of candidate would need to offer:

    1. A Fair Shot at a Better Job

    Right now, too many Americans are stuck in dead-end jobs—or jobs that barely pay enough to survive. College is too expensive. Trade programs are hard to access. And many don’t even know where to start.

    That’s why a winning candidate should offer a Skills Guarantee: Every adult gets free, job-ready training every five years—no matter where they live or what they do. Think welding, solar, cybersecurity, nursing, logistics. No debt. No red tape.

    For rural voters? It’s a lifeline.
    For young people? A real future.
    For working-class voters across all races? A reason to believe again.

    2. Bring Democracy Back to the People

    Trust in government is at an all-time low. Many Americans feel like they vote, then nothing changes. Some believe elections are rigged. Others just feel ignored.

    So let’s change that with a Civic Infrastructure Plan:

    • Hire trained Democracy Fellows in every county to explain laws, host community meetings, and answer questions—face to face.
    • Teach real civics and media literacy in every high school—so kids learn how democracy works and how to spot misinformation.
    • Upgrade voting systems to be open-source, fully auditable, and easy to trust.

    This isn’t about Republicans or Democrats. It’s about giving everyone a real voice again.

    3. When Businesses Win, Workers Should Too

    America’s biggest companies are doing great. Stock markets are up. CEOs are richer than ever. But millions of workers haven’t gotten a raise that keeps up with the cost of living. That’s not fair.

    So let’s fix it with a National Upside Dividend:
    If a company grows, adds jobs, and treats workers fairly—they get tax breaks. But only if they share profits with employees making under $80,000. Bonuses. Stock. Real money.

    That way, business success becomes everyone’s success.

    4. Clean Up Politics—for Real

    After scandals like “Trump Coin” and secret deals, Americans are done trusting politicians to police themselves. A winning candidate must promise to:

    • Ban politicians from launching or profiting from crypto, stocks, or business ventures while in office.
    • Publish real-time financial disclosures online, visible to every voter.
    • Enforce strict rules on campaign money, lobbying, and family business ties.

    Corruption isn’t a partisan issue. It’s a democracy issue.

    5. Fix Immigration with Heart and Logic

    People want secure borders—but they also want a system that works, respects human dignity, and helps our economy grow.

    A smart, fair immigration policy would:

    • Fast-track residency for immigrants who start businesses and create jobs.
    • Offer work-based pathways to legal status, especially in health care, farming, and tech.
    • Modernize border security with tech, not just walls—while keeping families together and safe.

    6. Fight Fake News and AI-Driven Lies

    One of the biggest threats to our democracy now? Lies that spread faster than facts.
    AI can generate fake videos. Social media platforms show us what keeps us angry—not what’s true. And bad actors—from political groups to foreign governments—are gaming the system.

    A 70% candidate would:

    • Push social media companies to disclose how algorithms work—and let users choose chronological feeds, not manipulated ones.
    • Require watermarks and disclosure labels for AI-generated content in political ads and videos.
    • Create a nonpartisan Digital Integrity Office to review and report major online election threats in real time.

    This isn’t about censorship. It’s about protecting truth.

    7. Lead the World by Example—Again

    The world is watching. From the war in Iran to crackdowns on free speech in allied countries, America’s moral leadership is being questioned. Human rights, once our proudest export, are fading from our foreign policy.

    A candidate who earns a super-majority must restore that leadership by:

    • Holding allies accountable on democracy and civil liberties.
    • Doubling down on humanitarian support and rule-of-law institutions.
    • Living the values we claim—transparency, fairness, and freedom—right here at home.

    Final Thought: This Isn’t About Left or Right—It’s About Forward

    To win 70% of the vote, you don’t need every voter to agree with everything. You just need enough of them to believe you’re fighting for them, not for yourself.

    That means offering real solutions—not blame. Respect—not spin. And proof—not just promises.

    The protests, the scandals, the wars, the chaos—they’ve left Americans tired. But not hopeless. There’s still time to run not as a king, not as a brand, but as a builder. A restorer. A listener.

    That’s how you get not just a win—but a mandate.

    And maybe, just maybe, a country more united than we ever thought possible.

  • Impact of a Second Trump Presidency, March 25

    Impact of a Second Trump Presidency, March 25

    Climate Policy

    • Paris Agreement Withdrawal: Plans to exit the Paris Agreement, reversing previous climate commitments.​
    • Fossil Fuel Promotion: Intends to expand oil and gas production, including drilling in sensitive areas like the Arctic.​
    • Regulatory Rollbacks: Aims to dismantle environmental regulations, potentially increasing greenhouse gas emissions by billions of tonnes.​

    Foreign Policy

    • Ukraine Conflict: Claims to swiftly end the war in Ukraine, though specifics are unclear; critics fear potential concessions to Russia.​
    • NATO Relations: Expresses willingness to reduce U.S. involvement in NATO, potentially weakening the alliance.​
    • Middle East Strategy: Plans to strengthen U.S.-Israel relations and confront Iran more aggressively.​

    Public Health

    • Vaccine Skepticism: Appointment of vaccine skeptic Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to a key health position could lead to decreased vaccination rates.​The Guardian

    Economic Policy

    • Tariffs: Proposes imposing tariffs on foreign goods, which could lead to short-term price increases and long-term economic challenges.​The Guardian
    • Inflation: Economic strategies may contribute to inflationary pressures.​The Guardian

    Immigration

    • Mass Deportations: Plans to deport millions of undocumented individuals, involving significant humanitarian and fiscal costs.​The Guardian

    Judicial Appointments

    • Supreme Court: Potential to nominate additional conservative justices, further shifting the Court’s ideological balance.​

    Government Restructuring

    • Executive Power Expansion: Intends to centralize executive power, potentially undermining traditional checks and balances.​Time

    Trade Policy

    • Protectionism: Advocates for tariffs on imports to boost domestic production, which could increase consumer prices.​

    Allied Relations

    • Global Alliances: Potential reduction in support for traditional allies, prompting them to seek alternative partnerships.​WSJ

    Abortion Rights

    • Policy Uncertainty: Aligns with those advocating for further restrictions, despite mixed referendum outcomes in several states.​The Guardian

  • State of The Union, March 25

    State of The Union, March 25

    As of March 18, 2025, President Donald Trump’s administration has taken several actions. These actions have significantly affected various aspects of U.S. governance. They also affected international relations and domestic policies. Notably, recent developments indicate a potential shift in U.S.-Russia relations, which could have profound implications for longstanding alliances and global stability. ​

    1. Democratic Institutions:

    • Project 2025 Implementation: The administration is advancing “Project 2025.” It is a comprehensive plan aiming to restructure the executive branch. The goal is to align more closely with conservative ideologies. Critics argue that this initiative could undermine checks and balances, centralize power, and erode democratic norms. ​

    2. National Security:

    • Erosion of NATO Commitments: President Trump’s recent statements have cast doubt on the United States’ willingness to uphold NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense clause. They have created uncertainty about America’s commitment. This is particularly concerning for allies not meeting defense spending targets. This ambiguity has raised concerns about the credibility of the U.S. commitment to collective defense and the potential weakening of the alliance. ​
    • U.S.-Russia Engagement: The administration is working to improve relations with Russia. This includes discussions about reducing hostilities in Ukraine. These efforts have unsettled NATO allies. These moves are perceived as a shift away from traditional U.S. foreign policy and have led to apprehension regarding the alliance’s unity and effectiveness. ​

    3. Liberty and Freedom:

    • Assault on Media and Academic Institutions: The administration has taken unprecedented actions against media outlets. It has also targeted academic institutions. These actions include lawsuits against networks. There have been funding cuts to universities hosting protests. Such measures are viewed as attempts to suppress dissent and undermine freedoms of speech and assembly. ​

    4. Economy:

    • Trade Policies and Tariffs: Tariffs have been reintroduced on imports from key trading partners like Canada, Mexico, and China. These actions have led to increased inflation. They have also slowed economic growth. Economists forecast a decrease in U.S. economic growth to 1.6% in 2025, down from 2.3% previously predicted, attributing this slowdown to the administration’s trade policies.

    5. Education:

    • Threats to Academic Freedom: Policies targeting universities, particularly those perceived as opposing administration views, threaten academic freedom. Funding cuts and other punitive measures could stifle open discourse and critical thinking within educational institutions.

    6. Human Health:

    • Healthcare Policy Shifts: Efforts to dismantle existing healthcare frameworks without viable replacements have raised concerns. These concerns include increased uninsured rates and reduced access to medical services. This situation could potentially lead to poorer health outcomes.​

    7. World Peace:

    • U.S.-Russia Negotiations on Ukraine: President Trump’s engagement with President Putin has led to a preliminary agreement to reduce missile and drone attacks in Ukraine. However, the exclusion of Ukraine from direct talks raises concerns. The lack of comprehensive conflict resolution also raises concerns about the effectiveness and sincerity of these efforts. ​

    8. Law and Order:

    • Justice Department Restructuring: The administration is making moves to assert greater control over the Department of Justice. This includes the dismissal of inspectors general. These actions have raised alarms about the potential erosion of judicial independence and the rule of law. ​

    9. Relationships with Allies:

    • Strained NATO Relations: The administration’s unpredictable foreign policy has strained relationships with traditional allies. A perceived pivot toward Russia also contributes to this tension. European leaders express skepticism about the reliability of U.S. security commitments, prompting discussions about increasing defense spending and developing independent defense capabilities.

    In summary, the current administration’s policies and actions have introduced significant shifts in both domestic and international arenas. The potential U.S.-Russia rapprochement poses challenges to established alliances. It could lead to a realignment of global power structures. This has far-reaching implications for democratic institutions, economic stability, and international peace.

    Sources:

    ​Financial Times
    CBS News
    ​Vox
    Vanity Fair
    Wikipedia
    Business Insider
    ​Vanity Fair