this post was submitted on 24 Jan 2026
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[–] Guitarfun@lemmy.world 4 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (11 children)

I've been saying this for years. We need a Jesus or MLK like character to come in and lead. The majority of people on both the right and left agree on pretty much everything. It's the talking heads that divide us. I've worked in blue collar and white collar environments and I've gotten along with everyone, even though some blue collar people have very backwards beliefs. They aren't actually bad people, they're just extremely gullible.

There are millions of people ready to act on both sides they just need someone to inspire them. We need someone who can unite both sides against the true enemy. Until we have someone who can speak on all levels and inspire both the left and the right we are fucked.

Another problem is that people that are naturally talented or charismatic or driven are called tryhards. We berate talented people and we bring them down to our level. I've seen it happen so many times. There's a reason we don't see inspirational and awe-inspiring people as often as we used to. Unless the person is born in an upper class family and grew up very privileged, there's very little chance we'll find someone charismatic and talented enough to lead.

[–] itistime 3 points 2 days ago (10 children)

There are millions of his base that are victims of bad associations. People who would be more decent, if it weren’t for the natural pressure to conform to social groups for belonging. Most of these people don’t go to church to find the “truth” of the universe, but rather to socialize. They want human connection like everyone. In many rural areas, there are no secrets, so others know if you’re not “clicking” with them. Now take this tight-knit group who shares many identity traits, and mix in propaganda that plays the field well. Now you have a captive group. Anyone within the group will be ostracized if they’re not in lockstep. We must understand the gravity of it. They lose their complete social world, and are left alone in the boonies. I’m not sure how the situation can be helped, other than stopping the flow of lies showered onto them. How, at this point? I don’t know.

Bernie Sanders was a figure to unite us at a pivotal point in our history. There are many rural reds who supported Bernie. We missed that opportunity. Too many “white moderate” types were too dense/selfish to recognize the moment. Instead, we went for the status quo, who eventually revealed herself as a genocide denier type. Next chance to go for change, we install the status quo again, and he was incompetent in dealing with reality. He couldn’t make out the writing on wall.

I haven’t observed, or maybe recognized, what you mean by us pulling down rising leaders; who and how?

[–] Guitarfun@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago* (last edited 2 days ago) (6 children)

I agree, I grew up in a red state. Most of my family are republicans and I went to church regularly until I was about 13. You're exactly right. Churches bring people together. It's very much an opportunity to socialize for many people. I grew reading and studying a lot and it didn't take long for me to see through the bullshit. I know that most republicans are decent people, they're just afraid of anything different from them and that fear is used to manipulate and control them. Unfortunately, the only way for them to break free is to study and embrace what their afraid of. They have to get out and meet the people that fox news and other influences tell them to fear. There's really no other way and unfortunately Republicans tend to not travel at all. They rarely leave their safe space.

Bernie Sanders would have been an amazing president. We really fucked up not electing him. Not like we were even given a chance though.

As for what I mean by not supporting future leaders, you might have had a very different life than I have. What I've seen is that people are petty, jealous, selfish, and extremely unsupportive. I grew up very poor so I've always been around poverty, anger, and sadness. I can honestly say I've only ever met 1 really decent person and she unfortunately died of cancer not long ago. I've hardly ever seen people support each other or hold each other up. Instead I usually see the opposite of that. If someone starts to shine too brightly they get knocked down by family, friends, partners, and others. I've lived all over the US and I see it everywhere I go. Like I said, the only people who would have a chance are people who are well off and grew up in a supportive household and have a lot of connections and from what I've seen, that is very uncommon for most people.

[–] itistime 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Your friend can be honored by all who read and think about this comment. She was a light in the darkness, and a soft touch, when all you knew was pain. She left a mark on you, so honor her by making a mark on others. My guess is that you already have and are…

[–] Guitarfun@lemmy.world 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

She was an amazing person. She sacrificed everything for her family. She didn't date, do drugs, or drink. Instead she spent all of her time raising and supporting her 2 sons. I've never seen a parent sacrifice so much for their kids. She was always working, always doing something productive. I'm nothing like that. I know that I couldn't sacrifice that much so I'll never have kids myself. I do try to lift people up as much as possible though. I have a lot of pain and darkness, but I always try to bring people up or help people whenever I have the chance. I especially like to encourage people to follow their dreams and embrace their passions, because I know how empty life is if you ignore that part of yourself. I love music. Whenever I'm not at work, I'm practicing an instrument, singing, writing, or studying music. Adults often give up the things they love even if they don't have kids and I like to encourage people to find themselves again.

[–] itistime 2 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I love people like her. She reminds me of my cousin. The level of dedication to the wellbeing of her kids is unreal to me.

Deciding not to have children, because we can’t meet some ideals, seems a common trait with childhood trauma. I didn’t have a maliciously abusive upbringing, but a neglectful one. My siblings and I also have strong feelings against having kids.

You are a good person to encourage getting passion back into people’s lives. There are too many of us who feel like we are those nested matryoshka dolls; a shell of a shell, of a shell, with our passions replaced by empty depression.

[–] Guitarfun@lemmy.world 2 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago) (1 children)

I've seen far too many parents do the opposite. They have kids to use them for one reason or another or they completely regret having them and neglect them or abuse them. It was amazing to see a person who truly understood the weight of a parent's responsibility and I'm glad there are others like her out there. I hope your cousin has a long, happy life because she definitely deserves it.

Definitely. Most of my siblings will never have kids either. 2 of them did end up having 1 each accidentally. They both do their best to try deal with their problems and still try to be good parents. We talk about it sometimes. Some of the things we went through just seem unreal so long after the fact. I doubt they will have more kids. It's tough enough just existing on your own right now. The world seems like it's on fire and people are stressed and struggling. The future looks extremely dark. I couldn't even imagine trying to raise a child even without trauma. Did you and your siblings ever go to therapy to try to work through that trauma?

I appreciate that. I think it's one of the most important things you can do for yourself. When you are doing something you love and you really throw yourself into it you will feel more confident and comfortable with yourself. I know exactly how that feels. I've tried telling friends and partners that I felt empty inside before, but they never really understood and it just made me feel like I had to suffer alone. I'm doing better now, but I don't feel completely like myself. Sometimes when I look in the mirror I don't recognize the person there if that makes sense.

[–] itistime 2 points 10 hours ago (1 children)

I don’t think any of us have any had therapy. I haven’t. Some inner voice keeps telling me it won’t be useful enough for the hassle and liability of finding a therapist that is really therapeutic for me. Dumb reason probably, but it is such a strong force in my thinking for some reason.

Makes sense.

[–] Guitarfun@lemmy.world 1 points 8 hours ago

I'm in the same boat. It's a lot and I don't have much money or time as it is. It could help, especially if you're going through something right now. I know it helped my siblings quite a bit.

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