Setting Things Right: Why I Endorse Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for President
As the U.S. presidential election looms, our nation’s disillusionment with the major party candidates has plummeted to new depths. Choosing between them feels like deciding between a root canal and a tax audit. The shining city on a hill, the world's greatest Republic, seems dimmer, and few believe their candidate possesses the skills, experience, mental acuity, vigor, moral integrity, and guiding philosophy to help her shine brightly once again.
It's no mystery how we've ended up here. One candidate has reduced political discourse to that of a 4th-grade recess, while the other, visibly frail, is clearly too physically and mentally diminished to serve another term. Both have been mired in controversies unbefitting the leader of the free world.
This is what the two-party duopoly has yielded: candidates supported not because they embody the best America has to offer but because they are not "one of them."
Politics isn't my usual subject, and I don't plan to make it one. I normally write to think, to explore, and to record insights. Yet today, as a lover of liberty and a proud American, I feel compelled to make an exception. Modern politics tends to breed division rather than generate solutions, but I hope to rise above the vitriol we've become accustomed to. My goal is to offer a thoughtful (and truthful) perspective, and if these words find their way to just one open mind through the mysterious mechanisms of the web, I'll consider this departure worthwhile.
I was barely old enough to vote when I had my first disagreement about the role of third-party and independent candidates. Even as a teenager, I perceived an unsettling similarity between the two major U.S. parties — not just in policy but in essence. Despite the illusion of choice, the differences between the two felt insignificant on the most important of issues. When I decided to look beyond the Democratic and Republican candidates, my choice was immediately dismissed: 'You're wasting your vote.' Nearly two decades later, that same dismissive phrase reappears when I express my dissatisfaction with the two-party options.
But what is a wasted vote?
Is a vote wasted if cast for the candidate one believes is most capable of leading? Is it wasted if a citizen seeks to steer the nation back on course through the power of their ballot? Can a vote to break a cycle perpetuated by two groups more intent on defeating each other than governing be considered wasteful? Or is the truly wasted vote one that is submitted out of fear that the other party is worse?
Thomas Jefferson, one of our nation's founders, observed:
"Should things go wrong at any time, the people will set them right by the peaceable exercise of their elective rights."
Things have indeed gone wrong, and I intend to do what I can at the polls to set them right.
As a father, I think about the world my daughter will inherit. As an individual, I cherish the freedom to make my own choices. As an American, I seek a path that upholds our nation's values. And as a conscious being, I feel compelled to act on my convictions.
My decision to support an independent candidate isn't just a protest vote or a push for more diverse political options — though both are valid motivations. I'm casting my ballot because there is a candidate who will start to set things right.
I am endorsing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for President of the United States.
RFK Jr. aims to unite America. He rejects name-calling, phony soundbites, and the temptation to "own" the other side. He refuses to get bogged down in the same tired wedge issues that distract from the critical challenges we must address. Moreover, RFK Jr.'s independence frees him from the influence of party hardliners who prioritize winning above all else.
Kennedy built a career over four decades as an environmental lawyer, author, and advocate. He founded Riverkeeper, an organization dedicated to protecting the Hudson River, which became a model for water protection worldwide. His environmental work earned him recognition as one of Time magazine's "Heroes for the Planet."
Recently, Kennedy has drawn attention for opposing specific COVID-19 mandates and restrictions. He has argued that some of these measures are overly broad, potentially unconstitutional, and pose long-lasting threats to civil liberties. Whether confronting cheating corporations, questioning pharmaceutical interests, or challenging government overreach, he has shown a readiness to challenge power structures when they run afoul.
I'm aware that some have labeled Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as a conspiracy theorist and even a crackpot. By extension, his supporters, including myself, sometimes face similar characterizations. Such accusations would have stung in the past, but I've come to see them as symptoms of a deeper issue in our political conversations.
I don't expect universal agreement with Kennedy's ideas or my vision for the future. What I advocate for is a higher level of discourse. This means listening to people's words, reading their writing, and looking past baseless insults and headlines intended only to smear. If more people do that, I believe RFK Jr. will win the election in November.
Here are the primary reasons I support Kennedy for President:
The Merger of State and Corporate Power
One of the most alarming developments in my lifetime is the increasing fusion of government and corporate interests. This unholy alliance poses, in my view, the most pressing threat to our democracy, yet it remains largely unaddressed. One candidate promised to drain the swamp, only to be swallowed by it. The other shows no interest in closing revolving doors, disrupting perverse incentives, or ending the cronyism that defines this toxic marriage. Both are products of political machines tangled in a web of twisted interests, lobbyists, and back-room deals.
With decades of experience confronting both corporate malfeasance and regulatory capture, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. brings a unique perspective and proven commitment to this fight. His track record suggests he not only recognizes the depth of this problem but also has the tools to address it.
This merger of state and corporate power is particularly evident and troubling in our broken healthcare system. Pharmaceutical giants manipulate studies and suppress negative findings. They withhold information from the public and mislead regulators. And yet, they maintain a cozy relationship with the government. Consider these examples:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) collaborated covertly with Biogen to modify previously conducted trials of its $56,000-per-year Alzheimer's treatment. Then, the FDA approved the drug even after an advisory committee voted 10–0 against it.
In 2017, it emerged that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) acting director for heart disease and stroke prevention had been covertly communicating with Coca-Cola, offering advice on how "to influence global health authorities on sugar and beverage policy issues."
The pharmaceutical industry's influence on American politics and healthcare is troubling. Big pharma pours millions into lobbying efforts each year, effectively buying the power to shape legislation that protects and expands its interests. In 2023 alone, the pharmaceutical and health products industry spent $378 million on lobbying, outpacing all other sectors. Coupled with nearly $1 billion in monthly ad spending, the industry wields a war chest of influence.
This financial clout is amplified by the notorious 'revolving door' between the pharmaceutical industry and the Beltway regulatory agencies. It's disturbingly common to see executives step into key regulatory positions only to return to lucrative corporate roles after their public service. This creates a cycle of mutual benefit, where regulators and the regulated share interests — at the expense of public health. The result is a bitter pill to swallow: as profits soar, Americans get sicker.
Another alarming development is the collusion between our largest technology companies and the government to censor the digital public square. This might initially sound like a conspiracy theory, but the evidence is undeniable. The Twitter files have unveiled the depth of this collaboration, revealing interactions between tech giants, government agencies (including the White House), special interest groups, and academic institutions. And that's just what we've uncovered so far.
This partnership operates under the guise of limiting misinformation, but in reality, it also suppresses legitimate debate and criticism. This alliance directly threatens the open exchange of ideas that is fundamental to a healthy democracy.
RFK Jr. has battled both parties of this illegitimate union, and I believe he will continue to do so as President. With the power of the presidency, he can dismantle this collusion more effectively and swiftly from within.
The Military-Industrial Complex
Another constant throughout my life is war. Whether under Bush, Clinton, Bush, Obama, Trump, or Biden, the military-industrial complex that Eisenhower warned us about has persisted. No president since Bobby Kennedy's uncle, John F. Kennedy, has had the will or courage to confront the intelligence apparatus and the military-industrial complex that has drawn America into unethical, illegal, and unwinnable wars.
Our servicemembers deserve far better than to be treated as pawns in geopolitical games and corporate jockeying. They should be honored and deployed into combat only when necessary to defend America from genuine, direct threats.
Can RFK Jr. even begin to disentangle such a mess? I don't know, but he possesses a perspective that makes him more likely to confront this challenge head-on. He remembers JFK’s emphasis on direct diplomacy, such as installing a hotline with Soviet leaders to prevent miscommunications that could lead to conflict or even nuclear war. More critically, he understands the dangers of overly relying on military advisors, as evidenced by the Bay of Pigs fiasco, where his uncle was led astray by military brass who could only envision military solutions.
Warren Buffett famously said, "Don't ask the barber whether you need a haircut." In this case, we could modify the phrase to: "Don't ask a General for a non-military resolution."
Immigration
America's story is one of immigration. Since our nation's inception, people from across the globe have sought these shores, driven by the promise of freedom and the hope for a better life. These immigrants have been the lifeblood of our country, fueling its growth, enriching its culture, and continually renewing the American dream. Today, with declining birth rates, welcoming these seekers of opportunity is more crucial than ever to our nation's vitality and future prosperity. However, to truly honor our nation's promise, we must ensure an orderly and lawful process.
We've witnessed the consequences of a de facto open-border policy in recent years. The situation at our southern border has become increasingly chaotic and dangerous, straining resources and creating humanitarian crises in border communities. The current administration's initial approach — attempting to downplay or ignore the issue — proved untenable. Only when confronted with overwhelming evidence and declining public approval did the President take action, signing an executive order that was ironically similar to his predecessor's policy.
We need immigrants. The spirit, work ethic, determination, and resolve of people seeking to improve their lives by coming to America are unmatched. Bobby Kennedy understands this. But he has witnessed the border situation firsthand. He has engaged directly with those on the front lines: law enforcement, immigration officials, and citizens of border communities. He knows that our current approach is failing — causing a humanitarian crisis and threatening the well-being of all Americans.
Kennedy's approach rejects the false dichotomy between completely closed or entirely open borders. He understands we don't need to abandon our compassion or values to address this challenge. At the same time, he acknowledges that uncontrolled immigration poses challenges that cannot be ignored. I believe RFK Jr. will forge a middle path — a common-sense, balanced solution that upholds our tradition as a nation of immigrants while ensuring the security and prosperity of all Americans.
Economics
In 2024, U.S. government interest payments on debt are projected to reach $892 billion, surpassing our defense budget. To put this in perspective, our defense spending already dwarfs that of other nations — we spend three times more than China, the second-highest defense spender, and account for over 40% of global defense expenditures. The fact that our debt interest now exceeds even this enormous sum is alarming.
Both President Trump and President Biden promised economic revitalization, but instead, they have delivered soaring deficits. This fiscal irresponsibility is not merely a statistic; it's a looming crisis that threatens the financial stability of future generations. This failure disqualifies them as serious candidates.
This is nothing new. Both parties continue to spend and borrow, unwilling to make tough decisions — to cut spending in one area to fund another. Instead, they borrow, kicking the can down the road. Some argue that we've been increasing the debt for years without severe consequences. However, this complacency is dangerous. Living in a floodplain that hasn't flooded in a long time doesn't mean you're safe. The longer we ignore our fiscal reality, the more severe the eventual reckoning will be.
The current administration's stance on cryptocurrency and digital asset innovation adds to these economic missteps. By fostering an environment of regulatory uncertainty and hostility, we are pushing some of the most promising technological advancements out of the U.S. These innovations have the potential to revolutionize finance, increase transparency, and provide new economic opportunities. Instead, other countries are seizing these opportunities, leaving America behind.
While I find myself in agreement with many of Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s core principles, it's important to acknowledge that our views on certain economic policies diverge. For example, he supports raising the minimum wage, which I believe prices the lowest-paid workers out of jobs. He also wants to cap interest rates on mortgages, which will only worsen the housing affordability problem. While I can't fully endorse his policies, particularly those that disrupt market efficiency, there's little chance he could do worse. More importantly, I believe Bobby Kennedy is willing to admit when he's wrong, listen to smart people, and remain open to ideas regardless of their source. That mentality more than compensates for our policy differences.
The Return of Nuance
We live in a complicated world yet find ourselves in a meme society. Complex issues are reduced to one-liners and catchy soundbites. Sadly, our politicians have exploited this, pushing America towards ideological extremes and away from thoughtful debate. We must rise above schoolyard tactics — bullying, personal attacks, and name-calling. Each challenge must be examined for what it truly is, not another opportunity to pit Americans against one another under different flags. Our country's strength lies in our diverse backgrounds, preferences, and ideas — we cannot allow such a valuable asset to be weaponized.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s campaign is built on the premise that authentic leadership is more than winning arguments or scoring political points; it requires a genuine commitment to listening, understanding, and addressing the concerns of all Americans. RFK Jr. aims to reunite America and steer it back toward its ideals by embracing nuance and rejecting the easy path of demagoguery.
In casting my vote for Robert F. Kennedy Jr., I'm voting for America as it might be, as it ought to be. In the coming months, I know I'll surely hear from both sides that my vote enables evil. I'll be labeled naive, unrealistic, and worse.
But I refuse to be deterred by name-calling or swayed by fear-mongering. The claim that supporting a candidate outside the two-party system will lead to our nation's downfall rings hollow. From where I stand, the two major parties have become mirror images of each other, both representing where 'things have gone wrong.'
It's crucial to recognize that 'the government' is not a monolithic entity but rather a collection of individuals. It derives its authority from the consent of the governed, not from divine mandate or inherent power. The quality, competence, and integrity of these individuals directly affect the outcomes and the overall effectiveness of governance. It's clear to me that we can't continue down the current path.
My support for RFK Jr. isn't born of blind optimism but of a clear-eyed assessment of our nation's needs and potential. It's a recognition that the challenges we face — from the erosion of civil liberties to the corruption of our institutions — require bold, unconventional solutions. It's an acknowledgment that the path to a better America doesn't lie in choosing between two sides of the same tarnished coin but in choosing a different direction.
I will heed Jefferson's call. I will do my part to 'set things right.'
