Tower 22

Soldiers put everything into perspective about the "Democratic" Party.

“Gabriel stop! I don’t care. The Democratic Party doesn’t give a shit about us.” - Active Duty Military Member

These words were said just two short weeks ago, straight out of the mouth of a staunch Democratic voter/supporter and active duty military member. This wasn’t surprising given this sentiment has been felt and expressed from many of those the Democratic Party took for granted. This was, however, infuriating once you understand how we got here.

Jan 28th, 2024 – It’s the middle of the night in a remote corner of Jordan. The chilled desert air makes the world seem still and silent. At a small outpost which provides a sense of home and shelter for the many soldiers and temporary residence many are sound asleep in makeshift trailers and tents. The peace of the evening suddenly turns into chaos as a loud explosion and thunderous vibration violently jolts everyone awake. The moments and hours that follow turn into scenes full of horror and valor carried out by the men and women who define what it means to sacrifice.

Their families, unaware, would later receive communication.

“If you see anything on the news, I’m fine.”

Yesterday marked the anniversary of a drone attack on Tower 22. Three soldiers killed, 47 others injured and many others dealing with the trauma felt by not just those stationed at that small remote outpost, but by their family members back home.

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THE CAMPAIGN

In Oct 2023, I started running for President of the United States. My home state of Nevada was the first in the nation to have a deadline in the process that would eventually cost me a year of my life. It’s said that running in any campaign is not only hard on the candidate, but also on their family. I found that statement to be incredibly true as I was often away from the ones I love most, but my experience had another added element to making this even more emotionally challenging.

There’s a parallel with those families who have their loved ones deployed. It’s a sacrifice made and a real hardship by all involved. The unknowns, the emotional exercises challenge the resolve of a family. It can feel daunting, like a facade meant to be armor for public consumption only. It really is like running for office in that way. Turmoil may be happening, but the public must never see it.

That quote, “If you see anything on the news, I’m fine.” I’m sure it has been written or said to countless family members in America. It just so happened this one was sent directly from my partner at the time.

In Oct of 2023, she deployed to that remote outpost in the corner of Jordan. The one that was attacked. That attack happened during my campaign shortly after my appearance on the national debate stage.

With my Renovate America tour in full swing, I made a clear distinction that I am “The Voice for the Average American.” Having lived in 11 cities across two countries while being white, blue, and no-collared. I’ve been exposed and related to a lot of perspectives. This attack, creating emotions of desperation as I frantically scoured everywhere across the internet, would be yet another experience solidifying my relatability with average Americans.

Being helpless to protect the ones I love, unable to access information that those in privilege would have at their disposal (Of course, it's hard not to think that if we were privileged our loved ones wouldn’t be in these types of deployments to begin with).

Here we are, a year later and I’ve learned that the statement “I’m fine” may have been accurate only in the moment, but the truth isn’t in a vacuum though.

Recently, I was present at a small reunion of some of those deployed to Tower 22. Listening intently, it’s hard to conclude they are fine. They’re “handling it” replays in my head, over and over. Even now as I’m writing this, sadly, I learned at least one of those brave men and women deployed committed suicide on Christmas day. Adding more weight on those fortunate to return back home.

In conversation about effective PTSD treatment options I shared my interest in moving the Democratic Party to focus on this issue and provide my efforts to run for the Chair of the DNC. “Gabriel stop! I don’t care. The Democratic Party doesn’t give a shit about us.” was the unexpected response. In a lot of ways this felt like an indictment on my own naivety. Belief that with the right leadership people of all walks of life would feel that the country they’ve helped shape would equally feel valued in return.

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THE MESSAGE

While running for the Chair, I brought this message directly to the DNC members in my final email.

An argument could be made that this approach prevented me from meeting the 40 signatures from elected members required to be placed on the ballot. My goal wasn’t simply to be allowed on the ballot, I wanted to make sure the Party heard us. The Party needs to understand how expansive their trust restoration project needs to be. I explained in my introduction video, step 1 admitting we have a problem, then elect people into leadership who know what it’s like to walk a mile in the shoes of those they need to earn back the trust of.

I closed my efforts by pointing out that while running for President how the Party blocked all candidates from the ballots in Florida, North Carolina, Tennessee and a few others, then blocked all candidates from being a challenger for the Democratic nominee prior to the DNC in Chicago. While in the generals the Party also blocked ballot access for Presidential candidate Dr. Jill Stein from the Green Party and me while running for Congress in Nevada. I argued, the Party which proclaims to be the protectors of democracy and the Party of inclusion has the opportunity to practice what they preach in order to start restoring trust and rebuilding prosperity. Alas, this argument fell on deaf ears and I will not be on the ballot for the February 1st vote.

Much like the soldiers of Tower 22, I’ve seen no reason to believe the Democratic Party is going to look out for us, as average Americans. Lip service will no longer be tolerated. When you’re ready to hear us Democratic Party, we may not be here. Actions speak louder than words, and we’re watching.

- “The Voice for Average Americans”