I’ve spent the first part of my working life alongside unions in New York, many rooted in construction and the trades. If you’ve ever walked a picket line or stood in a packed meeting hall with union members, you’ve felt the electricity in the air. It is a shared pride in collective action and the strength that comes from standing together. But that same energy is often mixed with frustration.

These are workers who pour their energy into long, backbreaking days, only to face stagnant wages, rising costs, and negotiations that chip away at their hard-earned rights. It is no wonder they vent, question, and sometimes doubt the power of their union and the systems meant to protect them.

I’ve heard it too many times: “What good are unions? What are my dues paying for?” These questions are valid but misdirected, as the real blame lies with employers and union busters actively working to undermine workers’ rights.

Why bring up unions in an article about the rise of Donald Trump’s power? Because the frustrations workers express reveal a much deeper issue.

Far too many Americans are breaking their backs for this country while actively voting for candidates who are happy and willing to strip away their freedoms. Trump is a prime example of a candidate with a well-documented history of union-busting and anti-worker policies. Many don’t realize how much harder they make it to negotiate fair contracts and protect their rights, both at work and outside of it, by supporting billionaire, out-of-touch candidates.

These are the people who build this nation and keep it running, from construction, to schools, to hospitals. They work not just to earn a paycheck but to provide for their families, all while juggling the stress of bills, debt, health concerns, and the constant pressure of simply getting through the week. Yet, their votes too often empower those who undermine their livelihoods, destabilize their communities, and prioritize the interests of the ultra-wealthy over those of the working class.

In the midst of all this, vague promises of a better tomorrow can feel like a lifeline. Politicians who don’t truly have workers’ backs exploit this, crafting messages that sound like progress and hope. And in that brief moment of relief, they secure votes. But when the dust settles, those promises often turn out to be empty, leaving workers with no real progress and even greater challenges.

Trump’s history with labor is no secret. He has stiffed contractors, many of them small, family-owned businesses that relied on union labor. In New York, we’ve known this for decades. Yet somehow, he has managed to sell himself as a champion of the working class. The truth is, Trump and his billionaire allies are not looking out for you. They are looking out for themselves.

The working class is the largest demographic in this country, but many don’t vote as workers. It’s a disconnect that speaks to how deeply the billionaire class has embedded itself in the psyche of the average American. They present themselves as relatable: family-oriented, church-going, and hardworking, while subtly convincing you that their success could be yours if you just work hard enough. It’s a manipulation designed to win your trust and your vote while they quietly dismantle the systems meant to protect you.

It’s the whispers and the propaganda: “I’m just like you. I have a family too. See? I go to church just like you!” A picture is painted and then sold to you—American Gothic, pitchfork and all. If you work hard, listen to God, and do right by your country, this billionaire will have your back.

Here’s the reality. You are being swindled for your trust and your vote. You are not like them, and you never will be. They are the ruling class.

I grew up with a father who built a modest electrical company and my family owned a small dive bar. I have also built a business of my own. I consider myself an entrepreneur, with a passion for success and a desire to lower the barriers to financial achievement. I work closely with business owners every day, helping them grow and thrive. But no matter how much wealth I may build or how many businesses I help succeed, I know I will never be part of the ruling class. And neither will you.

So, stop voting in their interests.

Becoming part of the ruling class, the one percent, is not in the cards for any of us in the working population. This is not about hating the rich. It is about seeing through the lie. The idea that you can work your way into the ruling class is a false promise, dangled in front of you to keep you chasing a dream that will never materialize. The real goal should be building a system that works for everyone, not just the ultra-wealthy.

The problem is bigger than Trump. Under his leadership, the Republican Party has become a tool for billionaires. Figures like Peter Thiel, Elon Musk, and the Koch brothers pour money into shaping policies that protect their fortunes while leaving workers in the dust. Labor rights are chipped away, agencies like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are undermined, and the courts are filled with judges who favor corporations over people.

Bernie Sanders, the U.S. Senator from Vermont, brought national attention to the growing class inequality in the United States during his campaign for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2016. His warnings, once dismissed by many as alarmist and too progressive, are now unfolding before our eyes. Sanders has consistently conveyed a clear message: if we fail to advocate for the working class, billionaires will tighten their grip on power, and the integrity of our democracy will be at risk.

Most Americans don’t grasp the critical importance of class consciousness. Without it, the systems working against the interests of the working class while enriching the ruling class remain hidden. This is about much more than jobs; it’s about the very foundation of our lives. Many of the protections we take for granted today, such as health and safety standards, were won through the collective action of the working class.

The weekend, the forty-hour workweek, child labor laws, OSHA, and even protections like Social Security were not gifts from the ruling class. They were hard-fought victories, achieved through blood, sweat, tears, and, in some cases, lives lost. These rights were secured by workers who stood united, demanding fairness and dignity.

But these hard-won protections are not guaranteed forever. They can be taken away if the American working class continues to be divided by politics, propaganda, and fear. A divided working class is easier to manipulate and exploit, and it’s the ruling class that benefits when workers are too fractured to act collectively. Recognizing this shared struggle is essential to preserving the protections that form the backbone of our society and to building a future that works for everyone.

Recognizing shared struggles and embracing the power of collective action is crucial. Class consciousness isn’t about creating division. It’s about uniting the majority to demand justice, equity, and a brighter future for everyone. Without it, we risk remaining stuck in a system designed to divide and weaken us, while the ruling class continues to tighten its grip. It’s time to see the bigger picture, come together, and fight for the dignity and security that every person deserves.

It’s also everyone’s responsibility to ensure marginalized groups are protected. This is not just about fairness or justice, though those should be reason enough. It’s about preserving the richness and diversity that make life worth living. And it’s about understanding a simple truth: once one group is targeted, it’s only a matter of time before others, including you, are in their sights. Standing together is not just moral; it’s practical. Solidarity is the strongest shield we have.

Moving forward, the working class, which makes up the majority of the population, must start voting as a collective bargaining unit. At present, billionaires effectively rule this country, shaping policies to serve their interests and further entrench inequality. We can’t afford to let this continue. It’s time to reject empty promises and stand united to build a system that truly works for everyone.

This means voting for candidates who are pro-union and who understand the realities of social justice, labor laws, and the struggles of the middle class. It means supporting teachers, public defenders, healthcare workers, and others who represent and fight for the backbone of our communities. It also means showing up—not just on Election Day, but at community board meetings, school boards, and local discussions where decisions that shape our lives are being made.

Building collective power also requires moving our money, attention, and support away from corporations, entities, and individuals who actively weaken our communities and undermine worker rights. It’s about aligning our actions with our values, supporting businesses that treat their workers fairly, and holding accountable those who do not.

By voting smart, participating locally, and standing in solidarity, we can take back the power that has been stolen and create a future rooted in fairness and equity. It’s not just possible—it’s essential if we want to protect our freedoms.

In solidarity,
A believer in the power of the people

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