Liking AOC and Bernie Won’t Change Anything (But This Will)
Watching politicians “fight the system” is fun. Actually fighting the system is work.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders are great at calling out corporate greed, political corruption, and the absolute circus that is American politics. Their speeches go viral, their debates with billionaires are fun to watch, and they make people believe real change is possible.
But here’s the thing: liking them doesn’t do shit.
If all you’re doing is reposting AOC’s best one-liners or nodding along to Bernie’s speeches, you’re not actually changing anything. You’re just consuming politics like entertainment. And the system loves that.
Here’s why admiration alone won’t cut it—and what actually moves the needle.
⸻
1. Watching the News Isn’t Political Engagement
A lot of people mistake “staying informed” for doing something. Reading articles, watching political debates, and discussing it all online might make you feel involved, but knowing about the problem isn’t the same as fighting it.
Think about it: Do corporate lobbyists care if you watched a Bernie Sanders hearing? Does Wall Street shake when you tweet “🔥🔥🔥” under an AOC speech? No. But they sure as hell care when people start organizing, protesting, and voting in a way that threatens their power.
⸻
2. The System Won’t Change Just Because You Want It To
Politics isn’t just about electing the “right” people. It’s about pressure.
The ultra-wealthy and corporate interests don’t just hope things go their way—they rig the system with money, lobbying, and backroom deals. The only thing that ever beats them? Mass movements that refuse to back down.
That’s why progressive policies often stall, even when most people support them. AOC and Bernie can push for free healthcare or fair wages, but if millions of people aren’t applying real pressure—through strikes, protests, and relentless public demand—nothing happens.
Want proof? Look at history. Women’s suffrage, civil rights, labor laws—none of that happened just because a few politicians had a good speech. It happened because people forced the system to move.
⸻
3. Voting Once Every Four Years Isn’t Enough
Presidential elections get all the attention, but local and state elections are where the real power is.
• Think billionaires should be taxed? That starts with state tax policies.
• Want better wages? State governments control minimum wage laws.
• Want real criminal justice reform? Your local district attorney decides who gets prosecuted.
Skipping local elections because they’re “boring” is exactly what the system wants you to do. Billionaires aren’t worried about presidential elections—they’re buying up local power, where nobody’s watching.
⸻
4. The Most Powerful Thing You Can Do? Get Involved Locally.
If you actually want to make an impact, here’s where to start:
✅ Vote in Every Election – Local and state elections matter more than you think.
✅ Call & Email Your Representatives – Politicians track how many calls they get on an issue. Be loud.
✅ Join a Local Organization – Whether it’s labor unions, tenant rights groups, or climate activism, real change happens at the grassroots level.
✅ Support Candidates Who Aren’t Bought Out – AOC and Bernie started as outsiders. Help new ones win.
✅ Consider Running for Office – School boards, city councils—these seats have low voter turnout and huge influence.
⸻
The Harsh Truth: The System Loves When You Feel Powerless
The biggest trick oligarchs pull is convincing people nothing will ever change. They want you to believe your vote doesn’t matter, that all politicians are the same, and that it’s pointless to try.
Because the second you believe that, they win.
So yeah, AOC and Bernie are great. But if you actually care about what they stand for, it’s on you to do something about it. Otherwise, you’re just another spectator.
About the Creator
Not Rogu
I write about anything and everything: politics, social issues, work, sports, self improvement, special education, and current events.
Thinking Machines Cofounder’s Office Relationship Preceded His Termination
The departure of a cofounder from Thinking Machines has raised eyebrows in the tech industry, not just for the suddenness of the termination but for the circumstances leading up to it. Reports indicate that an office relationship played a central role in the chain of events that culminated in the executive’s exit. While workplace romances are not uncommon, they often bring complications, particularly in high-stakes startup environments where power dynamics, corporate governance, and reputation intersect. The Controversy Unfolds According to sources familiar with the situation, the cofounder was involved in a relationship with another employee at the company. While the exact details of the relationship remain private, insiders suggest that the pairing breached company policies or raised concerns about professional conduct. Thinking Machines, like many tech startups, operates in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. The company has grown rapidly over the past few years, and its leadership team has had to navigate challenges ranging from product development and investor relations to employee retention and internal culture. When personal relationships cross professional boundaries, they can introduce conflicts that affect team dynamics and corporate governance. The Role of Workplace Relationships Workplace romances are notoriously complicated, particularly when they involve executives or cofounders. According to HR studies, relationships between employees at different levels of hierarchy can create perceived favoritism, conflicts of interest, or power imbalances. While many companies allow consensual relationships under disclosure policies, the key is transparency and adherence to rules designed to protect all parties involved. In this case, the cofounder’s relationship reportedly came under scrutiny because it involved someone in a position that could influence decisions affecting the cofounder. Whether the termination was a direct result of the relationship or a culmination of multiple factors remains unclear. What is evident is that the incident highlights the fine line leaders must walk when personal matters intersect with professional responsibilities. Corporate Governance and Policy Startups often struggle to codify policies that address workplace relationships effectively. Larger corporations typically have formal HR guidelines that require disclosure of relationships between employees, particularly if one party has managerial influence over the other. Violations can result in disciplinary actions ranging from reassignment to termination. Thinking Machines, while innovative in its technical pursuits, is not immune to these challenges. The situation serves as a reminder that even founders and executives are subject to corporate governance and internal policies. No matter how critical an individual is to a company’s success, compliance with rules and standards remains paramount. Industry Reactions The tech industry has reacted with a mix of sympathy, criticism, and analysis. Some industry insiders argue that startups often fail to prepare leaders for the personal consequences of workplace relationships. “In a small company, personal and professional lives inevitably overlap,” says Priya Shah, a tech HR consultant. “The key is having clear, enforceable policies and ensuring everyone understands them, regardless of rank or seniority.” Others contend that the cofounder’s termination sends a strong signal: no one is above company rules, and startups must maintain professional boundaries to protect both employees and the organization’s reputation. In a sector where culture can define success as much as technology, upholding standards is essential. Broader Implications for Startup Culture The Thinking Machines incident raises larger questions about startup culture, accountability, and the human side of business. Tech startups often pride themselves on casual environments, open communication, and unconventional leadership structures. While these traits foster creativity and agility, they can blur the line between personal and professional conduct. Founders and executives, in particular, face heightened scrutiny because their behavior sets the tone for the company. When leadership engages in personal relationships with employees, it can inadvertently create perceptions of favoritism or undermine trust. Even when consensual, such relationships require careful management to avoid conflicts of interest or the appearance of impropriety. Lessons for Employees and Leaders Several lessons emerge from this high-profile termination: Transparency Matters: Disclosing workplace relationships where there’s a potential conflict of interest is crucial. This protects both employees and the organization. Policies Are Non-Negotiable: Regardless of rank, adherence to corporate policies is essential. Violations, even if unintentional, can have serious consequences. Company Culture Shapes Outcomes: A company culture that encourages open discussion, clear boundaries, and accountability can help prevent situations from escalating. Leadership Responsibility: Leaders must model professional conduct, as their actions influence employees and the broader organizational culture. The cofounder’s termination, while unfortunate, is not necessarily a cautionary tale about personal choices alone—it underscores the broader importance of professional boundaries, governance, and communication in startups. The Human Element It’s easy to focus solely on policy or corporate optics, but at its core, this story involves real people navigating complex personal and professional dynamics. Workplace relationships are a human reality, and handling them thoughtfully requires emotional intelligence, foresight, and adherence to agreed-upon standards. For startups that move quickly and operate under pressure, balancing empathy with governance is a continual challenge. Moving Forward For Thinking Machines, the cofounder’s departure may be a turning point. The company will need to reinforce policies, communicate clearly with employees, and maintain morale during a period of scrutiny. Meanwhile, other startups and tech companies will likely observe the situation closely, seeing it as a case study in how leadership behavior, personal relationships, and corporate governance intersect. For the cofounder, the termination represents a professional setback, but it may also provide an opportunity for reflection, growth, and future endeavors. In a sector driven by innovation and risk-taking, resilience is often as important as skill or vision. Conclusion The story of the Thinking Machines cofounder serves as a timely reminder that workplace relationships, even at the highest levels, carry real consequences. Startups must strike a careful balance between flexibility, culture, and rules to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability. While personal dynamics will always be part of the workplace, organizations that clarify expectations and enforce policies consistently can prevent conflicts and protect both employees and leadership. The incident underscores a fundamental truth in business: talent and position do not exempt anyone from the responsibilities and standards required to sustain a healthy, professional environment.
By Muhammad Hassan5 days ago in The Swamp
Gold & Silver Price Forecast: Will Gains Continue?
An in-depth look at the forces shaping precious metal prices and what investors should watch next. Gold and silver have once again captured the spotlight in global financial markets. After a period of strong gains punctuated by sharp pullbacks, investors are asking a familiar but pressing question: will the rally in gold and silver prices continue, or are the markets approaching another turning point? Understanding the outlook for these precious metals requires a close look at macroeconomic trends, monetary policy, geopolitical risks, and shifting investor behavior.
By Salaar Jamali3 days ago in The Swamp
Comments (1)
Nice work. I really enjoyed this article. Keep it up !!!