Understanding What’s at Stake
We’re at a pivotal point in American history, a fact that’s hard to ignore when you consider the gravity of the 2024 election. When Keith Giles and I sat down for a recent episode of the Heretic Happy Hour, the conversation went from laughter to deep concern quicker than you can say “Project 2025.” Why? Because this election is about more than policies—it’s about the survival of democracy and human dignity.
The Real Fear: Project 2025 and Beyond
Keith didn’t mince words when he mentioned the potential implications of Project 2025. This isn’t just some far-fetched conspiracy cooked up in an echo chamber. It’s a very real plan that could reshape America into a more oppressive version of itself. And trust me, neither Keith nor I are the type to cry wolf. But when you have a former president openly promising the largest mass deportation in American history and political strategies that target the marginalized, you have to pause and take it seriously.
The conversation quickly turned to our personal stakes. Sure, we joked about going on the run or hiding out like fugitives in a dystopian novel, but the undercurrent of that humor was real fear. Keith talked about the tangible, terrifying possibility of people being dragged from their homes. The kind of scenario where you look around your neighborhood and realize some of your friends or colleagues are suddenly missing.
Standing Up When It’s Easier to Stay Quiet
The irony is palpable. Here we are, two guys running podcasts, writing blogs, and daring to critique a system that seems untouchable to so many. And what do we get for our troubles? Pushback. People telling us to stay quiet or that we’re overreacting. It’s as if the lessons from history are written in invisible ink, and only a few of us bother to use the special glasses to read them.
Keith brought up the Confessing Church, the Barman Declaration, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer. For those unfamiliar, these were efforts to resist the rise of nationalism and totalitarianism in 1930s Germany. And here we are, nearly a century later, facing our own version of that struggle. Yet people look at us, podcasters and writers with what some might call “modest” audiences, and think we’re the problem?
Why We Can’t Afford to Be Neutral
This isn’t a time to stay neutral. I know some folks prefer to ride the fence, maintaining that both sides are equally flawed. It’s an easy position to take when your rights and existence aren’t on the line. But for marginalized communities—women, Black and brown people, immigrants, the LGBTQ+ community—this isn’t a game. Staying silent or “apolitical” is just another form of privilege.
Keith and I spoke candidly about the fatigue that comes with activism. We’re tired of talking about Trump, tired of analyzing the impact of far-right ideologies. But do you know what we’re more tired of? The fear of what happens if we stop speaking out. Because when the stakes are this high, silence is complicity.
This is Bigger than Politics
Our conversation veered into the economy, Trump’s dubious business record, and the myth of his economic prowess. I won’t bore you with the details here, but know this: if you’re banking on Trump to “fix” the economy, you might want to do some research beyond social media memes. This man isn’t your savior. He’s the embodiment of every failed get-rich-quick scheme, only this time, he’s betting the house on your future.
A Call to Action
So here it is: If you care about justice, equality, and preserving any semblance of democracy, make sure you vote. And don’t stop there. Encourage your friends, your family, even that annoying co-worker who always tries to change the topic to fantasy football. This election isn’t just about left vs. right. It’s about basic human decency.
And while you’re at it, subscribe to our podcast. Not because we want the clicks (though, sure, that’s nice), but because these conversations need to keep happening. The more people who engage, the harder it becomes for misinformation to take root.
Vote like your life depends on it—because for many, it does.
Also, if you’ve been digging my work on here, and want to see me be able to continue writing as close to full-time as humanly possible, please take a look at my Patreon page at www.patreon.com/mjdistefano. Even $1 a month helps bigly!
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