There is something I keep coming back to, and I believe we need to ask ourselves some hard questions.

What about the people?

People are struggling to put food on the table.

Families are feeling the pain at the gas pump. Gas prices have risen substantially this year, with the national average reaching levels above $4 a gallon amid the continuing disruption of global oil markets.

America is involved in an ongoing war with Iran—one that has already cost American lives and continues to affect energy markets and the global economy.

And healthcare?

For millions of Americans, affordable healthcare remains out of reach. The Census Bureau reports that 26.7 million Americans—7.9% of the population—were uninsured for the entire year in 2025.

Meanwhile, the current administration is pursuing major construction and other high-profile projects in Washington, including a proposed $400 million White House ballroom complex and plans involving a proposed triumphal arch.

And that’s where I have to ask:

What about the people?

What about the mother standing in the grocery store trying to figure out what she can afford?

What about the father watching the gas pump climb higher and wondering which bill he will have to postpone?

What about the senior citizen choosing between medication and groceries?

What about the person who is sick but afraid to seek medical care because of the cost?

What about the military families worrying about loved ones serving in a war zone?

What about the Americans who are working hard every day and still struggling to make ends meet?

These aren’t abstract political issues.

These are human beings.

I believe government should never lose sight of the people it exists to serve.

And that’s why I struggle when it appears that enormous buildings, monuments, renovations, and political legacy projects can command so much attention while ordinary Americans are struggling with basic necessities.

There is nothing inherently wrong with building something beautiful.

There is nothing inherently wrong with investing in infrastructure.

There is nothing inherently wrong with having ambitious national projects.

But there is something wrong when the people begin to feel forgotten.

Leadership, in my view, isn’t measured by the size of a building.

It isn’t measured by how impressive a project looks.

It isn’t measured by how much attention a president or politician receives.

Leadership is ultimately about people.

It’s about serving.

It’s about listening.

It’s about protecting.

It’s about making difficult decisions with the wellbeing of the country—not personal legacy—at the center.

And that’s why I believe Americans have a responsibility to pay attention.

Not just Republicans.

Not just Democrats.

Not conservatives.

Not liberals.

All of us.

We cannot afford to treat politics like a football game where we automatically defend our team regardless of what happens on the field.

Our allegiance to a political party should never be greater than our commitment to truth, integrity, our neighbors, and the wellbeing of our country.

So as we approach the November elections, please do your homework.

Don’t simply believe what someone posts on Facebook.

Don’t let a television commercial make your decision.

Don’t listen to only the people who already agree with you.

Look at the candidates.

Look at their records.

Read their policies.

Examine the spending.

Check the claims.

Look at what has actually happened—not just what someone promises will happen.

Listen to opposing viewpoints.

Ask hard questions.

And then—

pray.

Pray for wisdom.

Pray for discernment.

Pray for our country.

Pray for our military.

Pray for our communities.

Pray for the people who will be elected.

And perhaps most importantly, pray for ourselves.

Pray that we won’t be motivated by hatred.

Pray that we won’t be controlled by fear.

Pray that we won’t become so politically tribal that we can’t recognize truth when it comes from someone we disagree with.

Because the November election isn’t simply about political parties.

It’s about choices.

It’s about accountability.

It’s about the direction our communities and our country take.

And we each have a responsibility to participate.

So don’t just complain.

Learn.

Listen.

Question.

Verify.

Pray.

And vote.

Don’t vote because I told you how to vote.

Don’t vote because your neighbor told you how to vote.

Don’t vote because a political party told you how to vote.

Vote after you’ve done the work.

Because democracy requires more than passionate opinions.

It requires informed citizens.

And regardless of where you stand politically, I hope we can agree on one thing:

The American people should never become an afterthought.

People matter.

Families matter.

Our seniors matter.

Our children matter.

Our veterans matter.

Our sick and vulnerable neighbors matter.

And the people who are struggling today matter.

What about the people?

That’s the question I hope every candidate—and every voter—will be willing to answer. ~OC