Don’t get fooled by political theatre — Here is a way to focus on what’s important
Limited time? TLDR Summary with Call to Action: I’m struck by the dysfunction in Congress and global conflicts, highlighting a need for unity and proactive leadership. Our core belief remains that we share more in common than what divides us. Watch my latest interview on 2x speed for more.
If you do have more time, the issues are complicated so I spelled them out in more detail:
Reading the headlines, it’s hard not to reflect on the current state of our nation and the broader global landscape. The dysfunction in Congress is more apparent than ever, with efforts to impeach the Secretary of Homeland Security over challenges at the border while simultaneously refusing to pass bipartisan legislation on border and immigration reform. There are many actors responsible for prioritizing political theater over addressing the very real world challenges of a dicey economy, President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, and the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, where Hamas continues to exploit Palestinian civilians against the Israeli Defense Forces.
In the midst of this chaos, I had the opportunity to join Charles Cormier on his podcast (watch on Linkedin or Youtube) to discuss a wide range of topics, from startups and business to geopolitics and American politics. Our conversation was a reminder of the core belief that motivated my campaign: despite our differences (and despite the influence of a political industry hell bent on establishing a tenuous majority no matter the cost), we share more in common than what divides us. Some highlights follow.
Throughout the discussion, several points resonated deeply with me, reinforcing the message I’ve been advocating: the importance of unity, the value of leadership, and the need for a proactive approach to solving problems. An entrepreneur is someone who wants to fix a problem, rather than waiting for someone else to do it for them. This mindset, cultivated during my years at West Point and in the Army, has been a touchstone through various challenges, teaching the significance of readiness, teamwork, and focusing on the mission.
We also discussed the crucial role of strength and preparedness in maintaining peace in the global arena. If you are presenting a position of strength potential adversaries are going to think twice before they throw a punch. The complexities of international relations and the need for a comprehensive approach — encompassing diplomacy, intelligence, military preparedness, and economic strength — remain cornerstones, but seemingly abandoned strategies by our current leaders.
I still believe in the power of individuals to effect change, especially when they have the courage to stand up for what is right, even at the risk of personal loss. Leadership means being able to not only stand up but accept the fact that you might be voted out of office or you might be fired from your job. If you’re stepping up for what you truly believe, you’re doing the right thing — that’s an example of leadership.
As we look ahead, it’s clear that the challenges we face, while daunting, are not insurmountable. The path forward requires us to embrace our shared values, to engage in constructive dialog, and to work together towards common goals. I intend to continue down this path and I’m grateful that you’ve stuck with me in this endeavor to find common ground and to build a future that reflects our collective aspirations for peace, prosperity, and unity.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement. Together, we can navigate these challenging times and emerge stronger, more united, and better prepared to meet what promises to be a brighter tomorrow.
If you’d like to hear the whole conversation, click this link. Your feedback is always welcome.
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Let me know what you’re seeing out there,
Joseph Kopser
Co-Founder of USTomorrow.us
PS– Right now I’m reading Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America. It’s about the plight of people barely getting by in America despite working hard. Learn more about it here on my reading list.
