u/Embarrassed-Fig-6795

I know this might not be the best crowd for this argument, but I agree with Robert Reich, "There is no center between a government of oligarchs and a government of the people.

It has been increasingly difficult to identify what the Democratic party has to offer. The fact that they spent nearly 10 years telling us that Donald Trump was the greatest threat to our country, but in the 4 years Biden was president no one was able to do a single thing to prevent him from being eligible for reelection or hold him accountable in any way for the insurrection. It was the single most disappointing thing I have experienced in my lifetime. His reelection broke my brain. Figuring out everything I was raised to believe about this country was nothing more than a fairy tale was a jarring experience. We knew ahead of time exactly what they planned to do and how they would do it with Project 2025 and, again, somehow there was absolutely no way to stop any of it. We're supposed to believe this is the greatest country in the world? That our form of government is superior to others in some way? Why, exactly, is that? Because we all have a vote? A voice? Because we all have chance to succeed? That's pretty laughable given the last week, isn't it? Christ, man. They overturned Roe. They killed the VRA. They're torturing people in concentration camps. People can't afford to eat. They're celebrating exploding credit card debt. What the hell are we doing?

We need to see somebody from the Democratic party step up who can make us believe that we can be proud to be American again. Bring dignity back. Make us believe we have a voice by giving it to us. Show us that the dream can be real. Show us the promise of a future for our kids. This government is supposed to be of, by and FOR the people!

Sometimes, I try to do things

And it just don't work out the way I want it to

And I get real frustrated

And it's like, I take my time

And I try real hard, but no matter what I do, and no matter what I try

It never works out

It's like, I concentrate on it real hard, but it never works out

It's like, I need some time to figure these things out

But there's always someone there going

"Hey Mike, you know, we've been noticing you've been having a lot of problems lately, you know?

And like, maybe you should talk about it, you'll feel a lot better"

And I go, "No it's okay, you know, I'm having some problems

I'll figure it out myself"

And they go, "Well why don't to talk about it? You'll probably feel a lot better"

I go, "No I don't want to! Just leave me alone, I'll figure it out myself!"

And they keep on bugging me, and it builds up inside

It builds up inside

So you're gonna be institutionalized

You'll come out brainwashed with bloodshot eyes

You won't have any say

They'll brainwash you until you see their way

I'm not crazy! (Institution!)

You're the one that's crazy! (Institution!)

You're driving me crazy! (Institution!)

They stick me in an institution

And said it was the only solution

To give me the needed professional help

To protect from the enemy, myself

I was sitting my room

And I was like, staring at the walls thinking about everything

But then again, I was thinking about nothing

And then my mom came in, and I didn't even know she was there

And she called my name and I didn't hear her

And then she started screaming, "Mike! Mike!"

And I go, "What? What's the matter?"

She goes, "What's the matter with you?"

I said, "Nothing, mom"

She goes, "Don't tell nothing, you're on drugs!"

I go, "No mom, I'm not on drugs, I'm okay, I'm just thinking, you know? Why don't you get me a Pepsi?"

She goes, "No! You're on drugs! You're crazy! Normal people don't be acting that way!"

I go, "Mom, I'm alright, I'm just thinking, ya know? So why don't you get me, like, a Pepsi?"

And she goes, "No! You're crazy!"

All I wanted was a Pepsi

Just one Pepsi

And she wouldn't give it to me

Just one Pepsi!

They give you a white shirt with long sleeves

Tied around your back, you're treated like thieves

Drug you up because they're lazy

It's too much work to help a crazy

I'm not crazy! (Institution!)

You're the one that's crazy! (Institution!)

You're driving me crazy! (Institution!)

They stick me in an institution

Said it was the only solution

To give me the needed professional help

To protect from the enemy, myself

I'm sitting in my room, and my mom and my dad came in

They pulled up a chair and they sat down

They go, "Mike, we need to talk to you"

And I said, "Okay, what's the matter?"

They go, "Well me and your mom, we've been noticing lately you've been having a lot of problems

And you haven't been acting like yourself

And we;re afraid that you're gonna hurt somebody

And we're afraid you're gonna hurt yourself

So we decided that it would be in your best interest if we put you somewhere you could get the help that you need"

And I said, "Wait! What are we talking about?

We decided?! My best interest?!

How can you know, how can you say what my best interest is?

What are you trying to say? I'm crazy?!

When I went to your schools

I went to your churches

I went to your institutional learning facilities!

So how can you say that I'm crazy?!

They say they're gonna fix my brain

Alleviate my suffering and my pain

But by the time they fix my head

Mentally, I'll be dead

I'm not crazy! (Institution!)

You're the one that's crazy! (Institution!)

You're driving me crazy! (Institution!)

They stick me in an institution

Said it was the only solution

To give me the needed professional help

To protect from the enemy, myself

It doesn't matter, the insurance money's about to run out anyhow

I don't know what, exactly, this means, but I don't trust these turds at all.

From the Notice:

The Department is soliciting comments on the proposed information collection request (ICR) that is described below. The Department is especially interested in public comment addressing the following issues: (1) is this collection necessary to the proper functions of the Department; (2) will this information be processed and used in a timely manner; (3) is the estimate of burden accurate; (4) how might the Department enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (5) how might the Department minimize the burden of this collection on the respondents, including through the use of information technology. Please note that written comments received in response to this notice will be considered public records.

https://www.regulations.gov/document/ED-2026-SCC-1420-0001