Don't Say Fuck Biden & Trump Without Saying Fuck The System
What better way to test a theory than by publishing? One of our last articles discussed how America's lust to scapegoat Trump in a system designed for him to excel by simply operating in the ways it has asked. And yet, the dialogue, which is much appreciated, emphasizes Trump and further proves our point. By no means are we Trump apologists, just ordinary people who recognize oppressive systems that attempt to hide behind brazen people who can do their bidding for them. The disillusionment of Americans that the President holds unilateral power is palpable. Let's remember basic checks and balances: we have a three-branch system, but the President isn't the only position in the executive branch. The fact that too many feel we MUST vote Democrat or Republican and anything else is a throwaway....is WILD and SCARY and FEEDS INTO THE WHITE SUPREMACIST AND CAPITALISTIC SYSTEMS THAT OPPRESS.
Let's be clear: it is fuck Biden and Trump, but the conversation has to be big-picture. And it can't be "fuck Biden & Trump" without "fuck this system." America has a patriarchal, imperialist, systemic racism problem, and the reason Trump succeeds is because of it. "Success" by no means considers Trump's failed businesses or political victories, but it is credibility in areas he certainly doesn't belong. If Trump is so terrible and is a convicted felon, why does America grant him legitimacy? If Trump led an insurrection into one of America's most sacred institutions, which prompted an entire committee to bring charges, how the fuck is he even still allowed to be in a Presidential race?
America runs on white supremacy. And it's designed to work for people like Trump and Biden. It's easy to get disgruntled about comparing the two candidates, but we seem to gloss over the fact that Biden has and still takes advantage of the same system Trump excels in. At face value, Biden is in a winning position, simply having a tamer temperament than Trump. Yet, there are more problematic historical policies that Biden has supported that haven't been in the interest of the people he's attempted to guilt into voting for him. Whether it be the flip-flopping stance on busing regarding segregation in schools, which the NAACP called an "anti-black amendment" and "the greatest symbolic defeat for civil rights since 1964," or the support and praising of segregationists, Senators Thurmond & Stennis, or the funding of a genocide, Biden has a hell-of a-nerve to suggest that "you ain't Black" if a person of color chooses not to vote for him.
The question has to go beyond "If not Biden, then who?" or "Who will beat Trump?" The question must be, "Why do people like Biden and Trump excel in these systems?," Why is it that after initial and primary elections, America is stuck deciding between the "lesser of two evils?" "Why is it that we're gaslighted into voting in a two-party system that is often bought?" "How is this considered democracy?" And why is it whenever we prompt conversations like this, we're told that these questions are of utopian origins and have no place in American politics?"
The President is a representative of the people, and the other branches of government are filled with individuals who also represent the same people. Yet, we find ourselves with similar options: getting the song and dance routine about how to stick with the plan, or the other party will wreck Havok. And if this is true, how can an entire party, branch of government, or President wreck-havok if they're representing the same people? It would seem that we're already in a utopian political sphere, but it's not in the best interest of the general American population; it's for those already benefiting from an oppressive system.
Isn't it ironic that America has many surface-level "checks and balances" established, yet they can't seem to dismantle oppressive institutions? We police people, but not white supremacy. The fact that America can police Black and brown people, and social media can censor posts that highlight truth, yet there is nothing in place that polices or censors white supremacy, is enough for any average, reasonable, middle-of-the-road voter to become cynical of whoever gets elected President.
At some point, all one's left with is a feeling of "fuck this bullshit"! Yes, we must be responsible and perform our civic duties during elections. But in the same way that we must be accountable, those running for term also need to be. There can't continue to be a veil of fear every four years, and saying that this began with Trump/Biden is foolish. This seems to be the running narrative for as long as our millennial asses can recall. This is supposedly the Greatest Nation in the world—a shining beacon of hope, yet we vote from a place of scarcity. Aren't we curious why we insist on being in this cycle? We have to do better. We must do better. And doing better is fucking uncomfortable. Doing better means holding our leaders ACCOUNTABLE NOW, not after November 5th.
The problem that we continue to overlook, almost blissfully at this point, is that the imperialistic system of the United States must, too, be held accountable, and it is not. These systems that make America "run"—the racism, capitalism, sexism, patriarchy, etc., empower these heteronormative, patriarchal leaders who happen to become President. We understand the desire to say, "No, we cannot allow these people to hold office; they are fascists!" but how do these individuals continue to get through the many checks and balances along the way to become valid political figures? Trump aside, American politics is colored with many figures who are morally and professionally unfit to hold public office.