3/31/2026
There exists a common cultural misconception across the United States, that of how deeply our systems shape our lives, and how reluctant we are to admit when those systems fail. Take a moment to think about that. It’s an initially disruptive and unsettling idea to many, and for many fundamental reasons pertaining to agency, identity, meaning, and of course worldview. Rightfully so, its aims expose the very core of our beliefs and actions to confront a reality that contradicts what has been prepared in advance for us to consume. Or, in other words, that it really is positing that the experience of lived reality is molded and shaped by institutional involvement and thus that we are not nearly as decisive as we believe ourselves to be.
Now, that’s a lot to take in and consider. This I understand. But, it is ever more a position that invites opportunity to influence the direction of change in a society. This is brought up for many reasons, but it is also clear that our very institutions are experiencing a legitimacy crisis; one to be ever grander since the financialization of society that began under the George Bush and Obama administrations and that culminated in the financial collapse from 2007-2009. The framework of our society is undergoing a rapid restructuring bringing out the very worst in human behavior. The affluent are continuing to benefit at the behest of the poor. Wealth disparities are growing and the bedrock of our society is being excavated. Change is ever constant, but this type of change is unwelcomed by many.
It’s important to take a moment to reflect whenever possible, as there are numerous social facts to be analyzed. In essence, often institutions are structured through policy; policy is implemented to affect the daily lives of those the institution serves. Confronting this type of bureaucratic monster may seem daunting, but it begins with the lived reality of those that the policy serves. That is always my starting point. Because policy is power, a malleable force that deserves attention. I aim to confront that power.
To answer my own question though, I write to influence my readers to action. I bring up situations that, although at times may bring more questions than answers, address people seeking such questions of the authorities that be and that apply to grounded experience. My natural bend is toward analyzing social systems and structures, translating their existence into a digestible form to be understood.
Understanding public policy is important because to change it we must identify where we can do so. The journey toward change begins with first identifying the structural influence that is perpetuating the issue; the systemic oppression, the exclusion of constituents from active participation in the policy making process, the prejudice our institutions thereby exert. My analysis stems from a class-based analysis; an organizing principle that unifies shared economic and cultural problems. I aim to provide analysis, transparency, and translation of social issues because I write with the aim of empowering my readership. I am a public servant devoted to providing support to a public body that is fragmented, siloed, and frustrated, and this project aims to support and provide hope where it is needed in an area where individuals are yearning for purpose and connection. Share with me in this journey and, if compelled, take these ideas and make a change. If nothing consider them, take action, organize, and spark conversation. You’ll find that we as the working class share economic, cultural and political interests. Let’s make change actualized.
Toward clearer thinking, together,
Jake
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