Everything You Wanted to Know About Maintaining the Status Quo (But Were Afraid You Already Knew)

Trust your instincts more and establishment politicians less. Much less.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Maintaining the Status Quo (But Were Afraid You Already Knew)

by C.A. Matthews

From time to time The Revolution Continues (TRC) likes to do a “man on the street” interview to get a finger on the pulse of the public. What’s on the ordinary person’s mind lately? Here is the transcript of our latest meet-up with an Average American Voter (AAV).

TRC: Thanks for agreeing to speak with us today. You told us earlier that something is really bothering you. You suspect it’s also worrying others, and you want to hear our thoughts on the matter. What’s your concern?

AAV: Well, it’s hard to put into words, but here goes: Why does it seem the more Americans vote the way they tell us to, the worse things get? I mean, why aren’t the Democrats doing anything to stop Trump and his cronies from ruining the economy or stopping arms sales to Israel? I thought the Dems were different.

TRC: Different? In what way are they supposed to be “different”?

AAV: I expected them to take a more active role in protecting ordinary people like me. You know, protect us from being taken advantage of by the billionaires. But they’re just letting Musk tear the government apart. You’d think they’d stand up and stop him from destroying so many social programs, not just talk about it and do nothing of consequence.

TRC: And this inactivity on the Democrats’ part worries you?

AAV: Yes, it does. I’d like to be able to retire and collect my Social Security in a few years if possible.

TRC: Completely understandable. To re-state your concern, you’re wondering why the opposition party doesn’t seem able or willing to challenge the actions of the party in power currently. The Democrats seem to be cooperating more with the Republicans than actually challenging them. Is that right?

AAV: Right. That’s not what I voted for. I want change. I want them to challenge the status quo, not go along with them.

TRC: I see. I think that’s where your misinterpretation of the DNC’s inactivity comes in. Because the Dems have, in fact, been quite active as of late.

AAV: They have? They’re working to shut down DOGE?

TRC: How can they do that when they’re busy taking their message on the road… Taking it on the road in big, exciting rallies to…. (echoing effect) FIGHT THE OLIGARCHY!

AAV: (Frowning) Yes, that’s all very nice, but how is this going to help people like me exactly?

TRC: Can’t you tell from their messaging? They’re... (echoing effect) FIGHTING THE OLIGARCHY!

AAV: But what does that mean in real life? Are they locking up billionaires like Musk?

TRC: Oh, no, no, no! That’s not the Dems’ style. They’re much more subtle. You’ve got the older, distinguished politician and the very pretty young up-and-comer rallying the troops in cities all over the country. Don’t you feel great knowing that they’ll point out Trump’s fascist agenda while raising millions of dollars for the DNC for the next election? Now, that’s what I call activity!

AAV: Yes, but what are they actually doing? Both the old guy and the young up-and-comer voted to send arms to Israel under Biden, and they’ve done the same under Trump. The pretty young thing even cried in front of ICE cages full of migrant children a few years back, but she hasn’t done anything to prevent this sort of inhumane situation from happening again. What has actually changed?

TRC: Changed? Why they’re… (echoing effect) TAKING ON THE OLIGARCHY!

AAV: (Rolling eyes) Sure they are. Are they taking steps to end the genocide in Gaza?

TRC: Shh! They don’t ever use the “g-word” at their rallies to take on the oligarchy. It might upset the pro-Israel Democrats out there. They’re just content to be against whatever it is that Trump is doing without upsetting their mutual donors in AIPAC and the military-industrial complex.

AAV: How can they take money from the same groups as the Republicans and say they’re against Trump?

TRC: (Shrugging) It’s magic! Rest assured, the Dems taking billions in lobbyist money from AIPAC and others won’t affect how they vote in Congress—and it certainly won’t affect our good friends, the government of Israel, “the only democracy in the Middle East” (TM).

AAV: Uh, how “democratic” is bombing schools and hospitals? I read the IDF bombed the very last of the functioning hospitals in Gaza the other day. How is starving people in Gaza, especially children, “democratic” in the remotest sense? I agree with what the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, has been saying. I like what Pope Francis said in his Easter address. This is a genocide, and it needs to end today.

TRC: And the Democrats are very actively not using that “g-word” in order to make you and your fellow Democrat Party voters feel “safe” from antisemitism.

AAV: I think folks would feel a whole lot safer if the Dems would just stop going along with the Republicans whenever it comes to selling weapons to these rogue states.

TRC: But Israel is “the only democracy in the Middle East” (TM) and our very good friend. It’s not just any rogue state. Ask our friends in Great Britain and Canada. The selling of a multitude of weapons to Israel is very necessary for everyone’s safety in the West.

AAV: How is arming a country that’s bombing and starving children keeping us safe? I’d think it would just make more enemies for the US.

TRC: And that’s what makes us safe! It gives us a good reason to keep up those arms sales to Israel and keep bombing Yemen, which only helps our economy by keeping arms factory workers busy. Win-win!

AAV: What about causing resentment and creating more cause for terrorism?

TRC: But the Dems are addressing that even as we speak… There are terrorists making comments on social media platforms, saying horrible things such as the Israelis are antisemitic because they’re ethnic cleansing the Palestinians, a Semitic people. As if! The Democrats feel they must do all they can to keep you and their AIPAC and ADL sponsors safe from those nasty online comments by supporting the removal of those commentators from the country.

AAV: Wow. That reminds me of something I learned in childhood: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but names will never hurt me.”

TRC: Names like “antisemitic” can hurt a candidate’s chance of winning an election, however.

AAV: Probably, but I’d sleep better knowing US bombs aren’t being dropped on refugees and children living in tents. And I’d sleep better knowing we allow those seeking asylum a chance to make their case before shipping them back where they could be killed. Shouldn’t we all try to get along with our neighbors?

TRC: And the DNC is actively getting along with their neighbors in Congress. Just look at how Democrat Cory Booker spoke for a whole 25 hours straight and then graciously voted to confirm Trump’s nominee just ten minutes later. Now, that’s bipartisanship! No hard feelings there.

AAV: Uh, sure, but shouldn’t the two parties be challenging each other and not taking the same side? Booker couldn’t even bother to mention what’s happening in Gaza in that long speech. He didn’t say the “g-word” or anything about what Israel is doing.

TRC: As well he shouldn’t! Israel is our great friend, you know, “the only democracy in the Middle East” (TM).

AAV: Yeah, right. It’s like politicians are purposefully ignoring the public opinion polls. Most Americans want the killing to stop in Gaza. We don’t like the idea of due process being taken away from immigrants—and US citizens—simply because they express ideas that aren’t to the current administration’s liking or because of their ethnicity or race.

TRC: But Booker was actively saying that Trump’s agenda isn’t good for Americans. Isn’t simply vocalizing those things challenging enough for you?

AAV: No, it isn’t. Words without actions are meaningless.

TRC: Then, of course, you yourself took action recently at your local Hands Off (TM) protest rally, right? You got out in the streets with your “Trump is Putin’s puppet!” sign and marched around and yelled stuff like, “The people united will never be defeated!” Right?

AAV: (shrugging) I did.

TRC: Now, don’t you feel better? Don’t you feel inspired after all that exercise and fresh air?

AAV: Inspired to do what? What are we actually supposed to do? Protesting by itself doesn’t solve anything. What’s their plan?

TRC: But weren’t you told to start phoning your Congress members and send them letters telling them how mad you are?

AAV: Yeah, but sending post cards and making phone calls to our Congress members doesn’t result in any actual change. They’ll just ignore us. That study done by Princeton University in 2014 demonstrated that Congress doesn’t listen to their constituents, just their rich donors.

TRC: You feel those kinds of actions are just ways to distract ordinary people away from what our leadership should be doing on our behalf?

AAV: Yes! They work for us. It’s not like ordinary Americans have the power to shut down arms sales to Israel or stop DOGE from destroying social programs or stop ICE from violently kidnapping people. That’s why we vote for politicians—they’re the people who are supposed to take on the status quo and knock it down when it’s doing wrong. That’s their job.

TRC: Ah, I see where you’re coming from now. You expect politicians who are a part of the current establishment, like Mr. Booker, Mr. Sanders and Ms. Ocasio-Cortez, to actively take on that same establishment and “knock it down” for you because it’s their “job”. Is that what you’re saying?

AAV: Yes, that’s it! These Dems, who are a part of the establishment, are supposed to knock down the other establishment politicians for us because… (AAV pauses and frowns.) Hey, wait a moment! What am I saying?

TRC: You tell me. I think you’re on the right track.

AAV: They’re on the same team—the same friggin’ team! How could I’ve been so blind! Red or Blue—they’re all taking money from billionaires and lobbies like AIPAC. There’s no reason for them to challenge each other in Congress or the White House. They’re all in on the take!

TRC: (Nodding) Very good. Go on.

AAV: Why would the Dems want to challenge the status quo if they’re a part of it? It’s why the billionaires keep getting tax breaks. Dems and Repugs alike are getting filthy rich at We the People’s expense. Their job is to fill their own pockets with loot!

TRC: You’ve answered your own questions. You said you wanted change and action, but you were doing as you were told by members of the corrupt status quo—the duopoly, better known as the DNC and RNC. The end result is nothing changes for the better for ordinary Americans. It’s not surprising since the duopoly doesn’t do change for those who have no money or power.

AAV: (Sighing) It seems so.

TRC: (Putting an arm around AAV’s shoulders.) Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity. Voting over and over again for the duopoly in the US will never change anything to help the ordinary people because they support the status quo. The duopolists feel free to abuse and use the most vulnerable. Nothing will ever change until you and other Americans think outside the box and boldly take actions that you determine for yourselves

AAV: We have to do something by ourselves and for ourselves? But does this mean I have to vote Republican next election?

TRC: (Shaking head.) Uh, no. We can discuss that later. But here is a link to an article with some suggestions of actions you can take, such as boycotts, sit-ins, walk-outs, and lightening strikes.

Thank you, Average American Voter, for your insights. You’re smarter than you think, but you’re going to have to trust your instincts more and establishment politicians less. Much, much less. Until next time...

Articles to Break Open the Status Quo (and other interesting links)

Citizenship Will Not Save Us https://austinkocher.substack.com/p/citizenship-will-not-save-us

Wiz Acquisition Puts Israeli Intelligence In Charge of Your Google Data https://www.mintpressnews.com/oogle-wiz-cybersecurity-data-deal/289413/

"I Want A Death That The World Will Hear" — Journalist Assassinated By Israel For Telling The Truth https://www.caitlinjohnst.one/p/i-want-a-death-that-the-world-will

"Israel Has A Right To Defend Itself" Is A Genocidal Slogan https://www.caitlinjohnst.one/p/israel-has-a-right-to-defend-itself

American Concentration Camps https://chrishedges.substack.com/p/american-concentration-camps

Appalled at Funding Genocide, Over 2,000 US Taxpayers Turn to the UN for Redress https://truthout.org/articles/appalled-at-funding-genocide-over-2000-us-taxpayers-turn-to-the-un-for-redress/

Whitewashing Genocide, Again https://marginaliasubversiva.substack.com/p/whitewashing-genocide-again

420,000 Palestinians newly displaced in Gaza since Israel shattered ceasefire: UNRWA https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/20250418-420000-palestinians-newly-displaced-in-gaza-since-israel-shattered-ceasefire-unrwa/

US airstrikes in Yemen lay groundwork for 'ground invasion' by UAE-backed militias https://thecradle.co/articles/us-airstrikes-in-yemen-lay-groundwork-for-ground-invasion-by-uae-backed-militias-report

With Yemen Attack, US Continues Long History of Deliberately Bombing Hospitals https://www.mintpressnews.com/us-bombing-hospitals-yemen-history-war-crimes/289368/

The US Just Massacred Civilians In Yemen Without Even Claiming They're Military Targets https://www.caitlinjohnst.one/p/the-us-just-massacred-civilians-in

New Guidance Encourages Judges to Toss Out Asylum Claims Without a Hearing https://austinkocher.substack.com/p/new-guidance-encourages-judges-to

ICE Seizes Palestinian Columbia Student After Summoning Him for Citizenship Test https://truthout.org/articles/ice-seizes-palestinian-columbia-student-after-summoning-him-for-citizenship-test/

Tracking the growing number of U.S. CBP agents charged with smuggling drugs and migrants across the southern border https://lukeharold.substack.com/p/tracking-the-growing-number-of-us

The Great Human Rights Cover Up Begins https://austinkocher.substack.com/p/the-great-human-rights-cover-up-begins

Why Does “National Security” Always Mean More War, Not More Health Care? https://truthout.org/articles/why-does-national-security-always-mean-more-war-not-more-health-care/

Daniel Noboa’s electoral theft will cement cartel and corporate control over Ecuador https://thegrayzone.substack.com/p/daniel-noboas-electoral-theft-will

US: Palantir expanding immigrant surveillance tools for ICE to the tune of $30m https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/us-palantir-expanding-immigrant-surveillance-tools-ice-tune-30-million

The Pope Has Died, And The Palestinian People Have Lost An Important Advocate https://www.caitlinjohnst.one/p/the-pope-has-died-and-the-palestinian

Pope Francis dies after final address called for ending war on Gaza https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/pope-francis-dies-after-final-address-called-end-gaza-war

Trump Says He’s ‘Not in a Rush’ To Attack Iran Because Tehran Wants Talks https://news.antiwar.com/2025/04/17/trump-says-hes-not-in-a-rush-to-attack-iran-because-tehran-wants-talks/

Shut Down BP: It Is Complicit In Israel’s Genocide In Gaza https://popularresistance.org/shut-down-bp-it-is-complicit-in-israels-genocide-in-gaza/

Western Nations Join The United States In Repressing Dissent https://popularresistance.org/western-nations-join-the-united-states-in-repressing-dissent/

Facing Prison Time in Germany for Criticizing an Israeli Journalist: The Case of Hüseyin Dogru https://www.mintpressnews.com/german-journalist-potter-israel/289421/

Lawsuit Aims to Broadly Halt Deportations of Foreign Students https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/19/us/politics/lawsuit-trump-student-visa-deportation.html?smid=url-share

EPA Deletes Pollution Tracking Tools as It Offers Exemptions to Polluters https://truthout.org/articles/epa-deletes-pollution-tracking-tools-as-it-offers-exemptions-to-polluters/

Land near Minneapolis lock and dam being transferred back to Dakota stewardship https://www.cbsnews.com/minnesota/news/federal-land-being-transferred-back-to-dakota-stewardship/

Trump fast-tracks Great Lakes oil tunnel, triggering outcry over water and climate risks https://www.nationofchange.org/2025/04/17/trump-fast-tracks-great-lakes-oil-tunnel-triggering-outcry-over-water-and-climate-risks/