Profit, Power, and the American Psyche:
Democracy at a Crossroads
by Adam Rangihana
Democracy at a Crossroads
by Adam Rangihana
Democracy at the Crossroads:
Why I Believe We Can Still Make It
Democracy at the Crossroads:
Why I Believe We Can Still Make It
America stands today at a profound and uncertain crossroads. From heated debates about the controversial legislation known informally as the "Big Beautiful Bill," to rising public anxiety surrounding the political future of the country, the challenges can seem daunting. Recent discussions by prominent figures such as Chris Cuomo and Scott Galloway underscore the tensions between profit-driven governance and the foundational principles of democracy. But amid this turmoil, I hold onto a deep belief rooted in personal experience: that we are strong enough to endure, learn, and ultimately grow from this crisis.
The Current Crisis: Profit, Power, and AnxietyChris Cuomo and Scott Galloway recently explored the state of the nation, observing how the relentless focus on economic growth and profitability can sometimes come at the expense of democratic ideals, trust, and social stability. According to recent Pew Research surveys, public confidence in government is at historic lows. The American Psychological Association notes a substantial increase in societal stress directly tied to political uncertainty and polarization.
These stresses are not isolated; they ripple globally, impacting economic stability and the collective mental health of millions in the Western world. Critics, myself included, observe that current U.S. policy initiatives—like the Big Beautiful Bill—while marketed as solutions to fiscal challenges, may instead concentrate political and economic power among the elite.
Yet, history tells us this isn't the first time America has grappled with such tensions between wealth, power, and democracy. Each generation faces challenges that seem overwhelming, and yet, time and again, individuals and communities rise to meet them.
Why I Believe We Can Make It: A Personal PerspectiveMy belief that we can survive and grow from this period of instability is deeply personal. Having endured significant tragedies—including a severe traumatic brain injury at 18, extensive hospitalization, and the lifelong journey of recovery—I understand the strength required to navigate uncertainty and hardship.
When I fell five stories onto concrete through steel beams, doctors predicted slim chances for my survival, much less recovery. Yet, here I am today, writing, creating, and advocating through my organization, Neuro-Wellness, helping others find their resilience amid trauma. My life is living proof that even the darkest, seemingly insurmountable challenges can be met with courage and determination.
In reflecting on these experiences, I see clear parallels with our collective societal struggles. Just as personal trauma demands resilience, perseverance, and adaptation, so too does our political and civic turmoil call forth our inner strength. I believe that, individually and collectively, we possess the strength not merely to endure but to transform adversity into growth.
Neuro-Wellness and Our Collective ResilienceMy personal journey informs the philosophy behind Neuro-Wellness, an initiative that prioritizes mental and emotional well-being as central to personal and societal health. Our current political and economic stresses—mirrored by heightened anxiety, fatigue, and disengagement—are akin to collective trauma. Acknowledging this shared experience is critical to finding healing.
Just as my recovery depended on embracing uncertainty, rebuilding trust in myself, and leaning on a supportive community, our society now needs similar strategies. By prioritizing wellness alongside fiscal and political policy, we foster resilience and rebuild social trust. Countries like New Zealand have demonstrated the power of integrating well-being directly into governmental budgeting, highlighting a path America could follow.
Drawing Hope from Our Own StoriesScott Galloway argues that our current struggles reflect deeper systemic issues, particularly unchecked capitalism and political power dynamics that erode fairness. Chris Cuomo similarly advocates openly confronting these societal wounds. While recognizing their warnings, I also choose optimism, believing that confronting our challenges head-on, much as I confronted my own personal crises, offers opportunities for profound renewal.
This belief stems from my core conviction that human beings are innately resilient. My life has shown me repeatedly that even when circumstances seem bleakest, hope remains possible. The moments that initially appeared to be defeats—accidents, injuries, setbacks—ultimately became powerful catalysts for personal growth, healing, and empathy.
Similarly, the challenges we face today—politically, economically, socially—might become turning points if we commit to addressing them with honesty and courage. History suggests that American society has the capacity for renewal after periods of intense turmoil. Our collective "injury" today, manifested as political polarization, declining trust, and mental fatigue, might ultimately inspire a societal shift toward a more compassionate, balanced, and inclusive future.
Conclusion: We Are Lucky—And Stronger Than We KnowAs we navigate this challenging historical moment, I find solace and optimism in my personal journey. Despite everything I've faced, I consider myself incredibly lucky—lucky to have survived, to have grown, and to have connected deeply with others along the way. Each day reminds me that resilience is not only possible but deeply embedded in us.
I believe the same is true of America and, indeed, our broader global community. Beneath the current struggles lies profound potential. Just as my own darkest hours eventually led to meaningful healing and growth, our current collective adversity may propel us toward more thoughtful, empathetic, and resilient governance.
Ultimately, what my life has taught me, and what I believe strongly about our shared future, is that we possess both strength and luck enough to navigate through uncertainty. Our challenges, while substantial, are also opportunities to transform. With courage, clarity, and commitment to wellness and fairness, we can emerge from this crossroads stronger, wiser, and perhaps more united than before.
Democracy at the Crossroads:
Why I Believe We Can Still Make It
America stands today at a profound and uncertain crossroads. From heated debates about the controversial legislation known informally as the "Big Beautiful Bill," to rising public anxiety surrounding the political future of the country, the challenges can seem daunting. Recent discussions by prominent figures such as Chris Cuomo and Scott Galloway underscore the tensions between profit-driven governance and the foundational principles of democracy. But amid this turmoil, I hold onto a deep belief rooted in personal experience: that we are strong enough to endure, learn, and ultimately grow from this crisis.
The Current Crisis: Profit, Power, and AnxietyChris Cuomo and Scott Galloway recently explored the state of the nation, observing how the relentless focus on economic growth and profitability can sometimes come at the expense of democratic ideals, trust, and social stability. According to recent Pew Research surveys, public confidence in government is at historic lows. The American Psychological Association notes a substantial increase in societal stress directly tied to political uncertainty and polarization.
These stresses are not isolated; they ripple globally, impacting economic stability and the collective mental health of millions in the Western world. Critics, myself included, observe that current U.S. policy initiatives—like the Big Beautiful Bill—while marketed as solutions to fiscal challenges, may instead concentrate political and economic power among the elite.
Yet, history tells us this isn't the first time America has grappled with such tensions between wealth, power, and democracy. Each generation faces challenges that seem overwhelming, and yet, time and again, individuals and communities rise to meet them.
Why I Believe We Can Make It: A Personal PerspectiveMy belief that we can survive and grow from this period of instability is deeply personal. Having endured significant tragedies—including a severe traumatic brain injury at 18, extensive hospitalization, and the lifelong journey of recovery—I understand the strength required to navigate uncertainty and hardship.
When I fell five stories onto concrete through steel beams, doctors predicted slim chances for my survival, much less recovery. Yet, here I am today, writing, creating, and advocating through my organization, Neuro-Wellness, helping others find their resilience amid trauma. My life is living proof that even the darkest, seemingly insurmountable challenges can be met with courage and determination.
In reflecting on these experiences, I see clear parallels with our collective societal struggles. Just as personal trauma demands resilience, perseverance, and adaptation, so too does our political and civic turmoil call forth our inner strength. I believe that, individually and collectively, we possess the strength not merely to endure but to transform adversity into growth.
Neuro-Wellness and Our Collective ResilienceMy personal journey informs the philosophy behind Neuro-Wellness, an initiative that prioritizes mental and emotional well-being as central to personal and societal health. Our current political and economic stresses—mirrored by heightened anxiety, fatigue, and disengagement—are akin to collective trauma. Acknowledging this shared experience is critical to finding healing.
Just as my recovery depended on embracing uncertainty, rebuilding trust in myself, and leaning on a supportive community, our society now needs similar strategies. By prioritizing wellness alongside fiscal and political policy, we foster resilience and rebuild social trust. Countries like New Zealand have demonstrated the power of integrating well-being directly into governmental budgeting, highlighting a path America could follow.
Drawing Hope from Our Own StoriesScott Galloway argues that our current struggles reflect deeper systemic issues, particularly unchecked capitalism and political power dynamics that erode fairness. Chris Cuomo similarly advocates openly confronting these societal wounds. While recognizing their warnings, I also choose optimism, believing that confronting our challenges head-on, much as I confronted my own personal crises, offers opportunities for profound renewal.
This belief stems from my core conviction that human beings are innately resilient. My life has shown me repeatedly that even when circumstances seem bleakest, hope remains possible. The moments that initially appeared to be defeats—accidents, injuries, setbacks—ultimately became powerful catalysts for personal growth, healing, and empathy.
Similarly, the challenges we face today—politically, economically, socially—might become turning points if we commit to addressing them with honesty and courage. History suggests that American society has the capacity for renewal after periods of intense turmoil. Our collective "injury" today, manifested as political polarization, declining trust, and mental fatigue, might ultimately inspire a societal shift toward a more compassionate, balanced, and inclusive future.
Conclusion: We Are Lucky—And Stronger Than We KnowAs we navigate this challenging historical moment, I find solace and optimism in my personal journey. Despite everything I've faced, I consider myself incredibly lucky—lucky to have survived, to have grown, and to have connected deeply with others along the way. Each day reminds me that resilience is not only possible but deeply embedded in us.
I believe the same is true of America and, indeed, our broader global community. Beneath the current struggles lies profound potential. Just as my own darkest hours eventually led to meaningful healing and growth, our current collective adversity may propel us toward more thoughtful, empathetic, and resilient governance.
Ultimately, what my life has taught me, and what I believe strongly about our shared future, is that we possess both strength and luck enough to navigate through uncertainty. Our challenges, while substantial, are also opportunities to transform. With courage, clarity, and commitment to wellness and fairness, we can emerge from this crossroads stronger, wiser, and perhaps more united than before.
