The Mask of "Joy": Emotional Manipulation in Political Campaigns

Introduction

Throughout history, political movements have frequently used the concept of "joy" as a tool to manipulate the masses. Joy, a powerful and positive emotion, has been co-opted by totalitarian regimes and political figures to obscure their true intentions—control, suppression of individual agency, and the erosion of freedom. This paper explores how the pursuit of joy through political campaigns has historically led to the loss of personal freedom and the rise of authoritarianism by governments and cultures that encourages emotional indulgence and suppresses critical thinking.

The Illusion of Joy in Political Regimes

Political movements that promise joy through their leaders often mask more sinister agendas. This facade of joy has been a hallmark of totalitarian regimes, used as a propaganda tool to conceal their oppressive policies. By promising collective happiness—an ideal often rooted in Eastern values, where the well-being of the collective is prioritized over individual rights—these regimes distract from the erosion of personal freedoms and the imposition of draconian controls.

Draconian, a term originating from the harsh legal codes of ancient Greece, refers to measures that are excessively severe or repressive. These controls are designed to maintain order and compliance at the expense of individual autonomy, often through fear, coercion, and the elimination of dissent. In totalitarian states, draconian measures are implemented under the guise of ensuring collective happiness, but in reality, they strip away the very freedoms that allow individuals to pursue their own happiness.

Interventionism, or the government's interference in various aspects of society, plays a critical role in maintaining this illusion of joy. By intervening in the economy, culture, and even personal lives, these regimes attempt to engineer a form of happiness that is uniform and state-sanctioned. However, this kind of intervention often leads to the suppression of individual agency and freedom, as the state imposes its version of happiness on the populace, leaving little room for personal choice or dissent.

The promise of collective happiness thus becomes a tool for control, where the state dictates the terms of joy, and individual aspirations are sacrificed at the altar of their version of the supposed greater good. This approach, while seemingly benevolent, is inherently oppressive, as it prioritizes the needs of the state over the rights of the individual.

Russia: Stalin and Socialist Joy

Under Stalin’s regime in Russia, joy was a manufactured emotion, promoted to obscure the brutal realities of life under socialism. Propaganda posters proclaimed, “We are warmed by Stalin’s affections!,” this message was designed to create a sense of collective happiness and loyalty to Stalin, while the regime systematically dismantled individual freedoms and agency.

China: Mao and Communist Joy

Similarly, in Maoist China, joy was a tool of the state. “Mao’s words bring joy!” declared propaganda, positioning the leader as the source of the people’s happiness. This emotional manipulation was a means to consolidate power, diverting attention from the widespread suffering and loss of personal autonomy under communist rule.

Germany: Hitler and Fascist Joy

In Nazi Germany, the concept of “Strength through Joy” was central to Hitler’s propaganda machine. The regime promised joy through national unity and strength, while simultaneously stripping away individual rights and freedoms. This facade of joy masked the horrors of fascism and the regime's totalitarian control over every aspect of life.

America: The Harris/Waltz Campaign of Joy

In more recent times, the concept of joy has surfaced in American politics. The "Campaign of Joy" led by Kamala Harris, often nicknamed "Commie-la" by critics, is an example of how modern political campaigns can use the promise of joy to garner support. However, this joy is often tied to policies that, upon closer inspection, threaten individual agency and freedom, much like the totalitarian regimes of the past.

The Illusion of Joy and the Dangers of Emotional Manipulation in Political Leadership

At a recent rally, Vice President Kamala Harris boasted about her tie-breaking vote on the Inflation Reduction Act—a piece of legislation that played a role in driving inflation to a 40-year high. Now, she’s advocating for a federal ban on price gouging as part of her economic plan. But this plan is fundamentally flawed and insults the intelligence of the American people.

In reality, profit margins in the grocery industry are typically well under 2%, a result of fierce competition in a market with abundant food supply. There is no food shortage in the United States, and the notion that monopolistic companies are price gouging is nothing more than a Jedi mind trick. Prices have risen not because of corporate greed, but because of reckless government spending. The government has expanded too much, doling out money to manipulate voters into supporting their platform.

The concept of price gouging is misleading. It can only occur in situations where a single supplier dominates a market with no competition, and even then, the consumer must be willing to pay the set price. However, without an official definition, progressives use the term to criticize prices they dislike. If Harris genuinely believes that price controls will reduce costs, she is ignoring historical evidence. Price controls have been tried before and they have consistently led to disaster. When the government artificially lowers prices, demand increases while supply decreases because there is no longer any profit in producing the goods. This inevitably leads to shortages and bread lines.

Every economist understands that price controls are among the worst policies a government can implement. The government should not interfere with free markets. Harris's assumption that Americans are too ignorant to grasp the consequences of price controls is condescending. The notion that the federal government can simply legislate lower prices is a political move, not an economic solution.

Historical Examples of Price Controls

Price controls have been used by various regimes throughout history, often leading to significant economic disruptions. Here are some notable examples:

1. The Roman Empire: Diocletian's Edict on Maximum Prices (301 AD)

   • Emperor Diocletian issued an edict that imposed strict price controls across the Roman Empire to curb inflation. However, it led to widespread shortages, black markets, and eventually, the policy was abandoned as it became impossible to enforce.

2. France During the French Revolution: The Law of the Maximum (1793-1794)

   • During the Reign of Terror, the revolutionary government in France enacted the Law of the Maximum to control inflation and ensure affordable food prices. However, it led to shortages, hoarding, and a thriving black market, contributing to social unrest and the eventual repeal of the law.

3. The Soviet Union: State-Controlled Pricing (1917-1991)

   • The Soviet government maintained strict control over prices as part of its centrally planned economy. Prices were set by the state, often resulting in severe shortages, poor quality goods, and inefficiencies that contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

4. Nazi Germany: Price Controls During World War II (1939-1945)

   • The Nazi regime implemented extensive price controls during World War II to manage the war economy. These controls contributed to shortages, black markets, and inefficiencies that hampered the war effort.

5. Argentina: Price Controls Under Peron and Subsequent Governments (1946-Present)

   • Argentina has a long history of implementing price controls, starting with Juan Perón's presidency. These controls often led to shortages, reduced investment, and economic instability.

6. Zimbabwe: Price Controls During Hyperinflation (2007-2008)

   • During one of the worst hyperinflation crises in history, Zimbabwe’s government imposed strict price controls, leading to widespread shortages and exacerbating the economic crisis.

7. Venezuela: Price Controls Under Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro (1999-Present)

   • The Venezuelan government implemented extensive price controls on food, medicine, and other essential goods, resulting in severe shortages, rampant inflation, and the collapse of the Venezuelan economy.

8. Cuba: Ongoing Price Controls Since the Cuban Revolution (1959-Present)

   • Since the Cuban Revolution, the government has maintained strict price controls, leading to chronic shortages, black markets, and widespread economic hardship.

These examples illustrate that while price controls are often implemented with the intention of stabilizing the economy or protecting consumers, they frequently lead to negative outcomes such as shortages, black markets, and economic inefficiency. The historical record shows that price controls, when disconnected from market realities, tend to do more harm than good.

The Biden-Harris Administration’s Economic Policies

The Biden-Harris administration has been plagued by rising costs, particularly in groceries, since the pandemic. Food prices have not soared because bread companies suddenly decided to collude and raise prices; they’ve increased because the Federal Reserve injected an unprecedented amount of money into the economy, and the Biden-Harris administration exacerbated this with further spending. The allure of free money is powerful, but as economist Thomas Sowell wisely noted, “There are no solutions; there are only trade-offs.” Free money is a dangerous illusion—nothing is truly free.

In the midst of this economic turmoil, Harris is proposing another giveaway: offering first-time homebuyers $25,000, funded by American taxpayers, modeled after Detroit’s down payment assistance program, which already requires federal assistance to continue. This comes at a time when the national debt stands at $38 trillion—or $156 trillion when including unfunded liabilities like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. This debt is a burden that our grandchildren will struggle to repay, yet Harris continues to hand out cash as part of her “strategy.”

Harris's housing plan is supposedly paired with tax credits to encourage the construction of three million new housing units, but this initiative is already flawed by the looming threat of rent controls on those units. This kind of interventionism panders to those who want freebies from the federal government. As mature, rational, and enlightened adults, we must recognize that these so-called "free" giveaways come at a significant cost—one that we, and future generations, will be forced to bear.

Despite all this, Harris has managed to avoid mainstream media scrutiny regarding her flip-flopping on socialist policies and her use of emotional manipulation through promises of free money. Yet, it’s all a facade, designed for the consumption of those who don't see the underlying economic realities.

The Dangers of Emotional Manipulation

Joy is an emotion, and emotions are powerful tools for manipulation. When politicians promise to deliver “joy,” they are engaging in emotional manipulation, creating a “feeling” that can cloud judgment and critical thinking. This tactic can lead people to support policies that ultimately undermine their own freedoms.

As George Orwell depicted in 1984, the central character is indoctrinated into the cult of Big Brother, eventually finding joy in his submission to the regime. Similarly, Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World illustrates a society where happiness is artificially manufactured to keep the population complacent. These fictional examples serve as stark warnings of how joy can be weaponized by those in power to control the masses.

Movements that seek joy via politicians are truly dangerous. This joy is nothing but a mask for control. It’s mandatory fun, a joy that is required by those in power. As H.L. Mencken aptly put it, “Democracy is the theory that the common people know what they want and deserve to get it good and hard.” The pursuit of joy through political leadership often leads to ugly outcomes, where control is exerted under the guise of happiness.

True Sources of Joy

True joy does not come from politicians or their promises. It comes from your family, your community, your divine commitments, and your virtuous actions in the world. Real joy is rooted in personal meaning and purpose, not in the fleeting emotions generated by political rhetoric meant to manipulate.

Moreover, love—the deep connection between your well-being and that of others—is far more profound than the superficial joy offered by political movements. This love is what truly binds communities together and sustains freedom and individual agency.

Don’t Fall for the Emotional Manipulation: The Importance of Character Over Identity

In today's world, where identity politics often dominate public discourse, it is crucial to remember that character should always take precedence over identity. Character—the sum of a person's moral and ethical qualities—defines who they truly are. In contrast, identity is often shaped by external factors like race, gender, or political affiliation, which tell us very little about a person’s true nature or values.

Identity, as it is commonly understood, can be deceiving. For example, skin color—or melanin level—is often emphasized in cultural and political discussions, but it reveals nothing about an individual's experiences, beliefs, or character. Melanin levels are a superficial trait, yet current culture frequently tries to box people in based on such characteristics. This tendency to revert to tribalism—lumping people together based on appearance or sexual orientation—is a base human instinct that we must rise above.

When political figures emphasize identity over character, it often leads to the erosion of integrity, honesty, and accountability in leadership. Policies and decisions driven by identity politics can overshadow the importance of individual merit, values, and actions. This focus on identity can obscure the more critical evaluation of a person's character—their honesty, their commitment to justice, their ability to lead with wisdom and compassion.

True leadership and personal integrity stem from character, not from the labels society assigns based on race, gender, or other external factors. To build a just and equitable society, we must prioritize character, rise above our instincts for tribalism, and recognize that a person's true worth is found in their actions and values, not in the superficial aspects of identity.

Policy Reversals, Shifting Stances, and Questionable Leadership

Throughout her career, Kamala Harris has exhibited a pattern of shifting positions on key issues, raising serious concerns about the consistency and authenticity of her political identity. These reversals highlight a political approach that appears more opportunistic than principled.

Medicare for All and Healthcare Reform

One notable example of Kamala Harris's shifting positions is her stance on "Medicare for All," a cornerstone of progressive healthcare reform. Initially, Harris was a strong supporter of the proposal, advocating for a single-payer healthcare system during her early political career. However, as her vice-presidential campaign progressed, she distanced herself from this position, opting for a more moderate approach. This reversal not only alienated some of her progressive base but also cast doubt on her commitment to the policies she once championed.

The push for a single-payer healthcare system like "Medicare for All" is often presented as a solution to America’s healthcare challenges, but the reality of such a system can be far more complex and problematic. The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) serves as a cautionary tale. While the NHS is frequently lauded for providing universal healthcare, it has been plagued by significant issues that highlight the potential pitfalls of a single-payer system.

The NHS is currently facing severe challenges, including long wait times, resource shortages, and overwhelming demand that outstrips capacity. In one particularly distressing case, a man who fell off a ladder was forced to wait so long for an ambulance that it began to rain, and his family was told to cover him with a tarp while they waited. Such stories illustrate the dire consequences of an overburdened system that cannot respond quickly or effectively to emergencies. Patients in the UK often endure months-long waits for essential surgeries and treatments, and the system struggles to provide timely and effective care. The bureaucratic inefficiencies inherent in a government-run healthcare system have led to widespread dissatisfaction and a decline in the quality of care.

This kind of policy, while well-intentioned, can lead to disastrous outcomes when implemented on a large scale. The promise of universal coverage is undermined by the practical realities of managing such a vast and complex system. As the UK’s experience shows, a single-payer system can lead to rationed care, limited access to cutting-edge treatments, and an overburdened infrastructure unable to keep pace with demand.

Harris’s initial support for "Medicare for All" raises concerns about her understanding of these potential consequences. The complexities and challenges of implementing a single-payer system should serve as a significant consideration in any discussion of healthcare reform in the United States.

Fracking and Environmental Policies

Kamala Harris’s stance on fracking reflects broader inconsistencies in her environmental policies. During her presidential campaign, she supported banning fracking, aligning with the progressive wing of the Democratic Party. However, her stance softened over time, acknowledging the need for fracking in certain contexts. This flip-flop illustrates the tension between environmental goals and practical energy needs.

Not utilizing the vast energy resources beneath our feet is a significant missed opportunity. The U.S. has the capability to extract these resources cleaner and more efficiently than many other countries, yet restrictive government regulations have left America increasingly dependent on foreign oil. This dependency ties us to countries that do not share our values of universal human rights and often harbor deep animosity towards the U.S., as evidenced by the frequent chants of "Death to America" in some of these nations.

Moreover, the Biden-Harris administration’s climate change agenda has set an ambitious and, some would argue, unrealistic deadline to transition to all-electric vehicles. This push comes despite the fact that the current infrastructure cannot support such a rapid shift. A glaring example of the administration’s flawed approach is the investment in electric buses. Proterra, an electric bus company heavily promoted by the administration, received significant federal support, including a portion of the $10 billion allocated from Biden’s infrastructure plan for zero-emission transit and school bus programs. Despite this, and additional grants and investments over the years, Proterra struggled with performance issues and eventually declared bankruptcy. This raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of such substantial taxpayer-funded support.

These policies, while well-intentioned, risk leaving the U.S. vulnerable both economically and geopolitically. By over-regulating domestic energy production and pushing an aggressive climate agenda, the administration may inadvertently undermine America’s energy independence and strengthen ties with regimes that do not align with our values.

Inflation and Economic Mismanagement

Kamala Harris's handling of economic issues, particularly inflation, exemplifies her problematic leadership. She played a pivotal role in pushing the Inflation Reduction Act, a piece of legislation that contributed to the highest inflation rates in 40 years. Despite this, Harris has promoted flawed economic policies, including support for increasing the minimum wage, which, while seemingly beneficial, can have detrimental effects on the economy.

Renowned economist Thomas Sowell has argued that raising the minimum wage can lead to higher unemployment, especially among low-skilled workers, as businesses may reduce their workforce or increase prices to offset the higher labor costs. This, in turn, can contribute to inflation and exacerbate economic inequality rather than alleviate it. Sowell’s work highlights that well-intentioned policies, such as minimum wage increases, can have unintended negative consequences, particularly in an already inflationary environment.

Moreover, Harris's continued support for expansive government spending, despite rising inflation, suggests a disregard for the long-term economic implications. Her policies reflect a preference for short-term political gains over sustainable economic strategies, ultimately placing a greater burden on the American people.

Criminal Justice Reform and California's Decline

Kamala Harris's tenure as California's Attorney General and her subsequent political career reflect the complexities and often unintended consequences of well-intentioned policies. While Harris initially adopted a tough-on-crime stance, defending the death penalty and resisting criminal justice reforms, her later shift to a more progressive approach has coincided with a series of policies that have contributed to California's current crises.

California has experienced troubling increases in crime rates in recent years. Major cities have seen spikes in violent crimes, including homicides and assaults. These increases have been exacerbated by policies aimed at reducing incarceration rates, which have inadvertently led to a more lenient approach toward offenders. The legalization of marijuana, intended to reduce criminalization and provide economic benefits, has contributed to increased public drug use and associated crimes.

Homelessness in California has reached crisis levels, with tens of thousands of individuals living on the streets in cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. The state’s permissive policies on drug use, coupled with a lack of affordable housing and mental health services, have created an environment where homelessness continues to grow unchecked. These well-meaning policies, such as decriminalizing certain offenses and providing minimal intervention, have only served to entrench the problem, leaving everyday citizens to deal with the consequences of rising crime and deteriorating public safety.

Immigration policies have also played a role in California's challenges. The state’s sanctuary policies, designed to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation, have led to tensions between local and federal authorities and raised concerns about public safety. While these policies are rooted in the desire to protect vulnerable populations, they have often resulted in legal ambiguities and enforcement challenges, complicating the state’s ability to address crime effectively.

The state, once a beacon of economic prosperity, is now grappling with severe financial difficulties. Misguided policies, rampant government spending, and burdensome regulations have contributed to California's economic decline, leading to a mass exodus of businesses and residents. Yet, despite these failures, many continue to hold California up as a model for progressive America, ignoring the stark reality of the state's unsustainable path.

These examples illustrate how well-intended policies, when not carefully considered or implemented, can lead to disastrous outcomes for ordinary people. California’s decline is a stark reminder that the road to hell is often paved with good intentions, and that policies must be designed with a clear understanding of their potential consequences.

Involvement in the BLM Riots and Bailout Activities

Kamala Harris’s involvement in the Black Lives Matter (BLM) riots further underscores her controversial and inconsistent stances. The BLM protests of 2020, while initially rooted in calls for justice, devolved into violent riots in many cities across the United States. The damage caused by these riots was extensive, with estimates ranging from $1 billion to $2 billion in insured losses, making it one of the most costly periods of civil unrest in U.S. history.

Rather than condemning the violence, Harris supported efforts to bail out those arrested during the riots. She actively encouraged donations to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, which provided bail for offenders, including those charged with violent crimes. This involvement aligns her with the more radical elements of the movement and raises questions about her commitment to law and order.

The aftermath of the riots saw significant public and private resources being directed toward rebuilding the affected communities. Estimates suggest that over $2 billion in federal assistance and insurance payouts were allocated to recovery efforts. This includes funds for rebuilding infrastructure, providing support to businesses, and restoring public services. This means that taxpayer dollars were used to address the damage caused by these events, further highlighting the extensive impact of the riots on the nation's economy and social fabric.

The BLM organization itself has been revealed to be a sham in many respects. Despite raising over $90 million in 2020 alone, much of the money was mismanaged or spent in ways that did little to support black communities. The organization has faced scrutiny over its financial practices, with allegations of misuse of funds and lack of transparency. Co-founder Patrisse Cullors, who has identified as a Marxist, was heavily criticized for using donations to purchase multiple properties. The organization eventually plunged into financial trouble, ending up in debt and on the brink of bankruptcy, with more than $8.5 million in the red.

Despite these failures, many individuals, driven by emotions rather than critical thinking, continued to support BLM, not realizing the divisive and ultimately destructive nature of the movement. Kamala Harris’s decision to publicly support this campaign raises serious concerns about the judgment of a national leader. A leader should not align with radical elements that undermine the unity and values of the nation.

In his book White Guilt, Shelby Steele discusses how the sense of guilt among white Americans has been manipulated by movements like BLM to foster division and push a particular political agenda. This guilt has been exploited by radicals who use it to justify their actions and further their causes, often at the expense of the very communities they claim to represent. Harris’s alignment with such a movement only amplifies the concern that our nation's leaders are choosing to support divisive and radical agendas rather than upholding sound principles and fostering unity.

Foreign Policy and Stance on Hamas and Palestinian Aid

Kamala Harris’s foreign policy approach, particularly regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict, has raised significant concerns. While she has not explicitly supported Hamas—a terrorist organization designated by the U.S. and other countries—her policies and rhetoric have sometimes appeared overly sympathetic to the Palestinian cause without adequately distinguishing between the Palestinian people and their governing body, Hamas.

Kamala Harris has consistently advocated for continued U.S. support to Palestinian civilians, often channeled through organizations like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). However, UNRWA has been implicated in supporting Hamas, with credible reports confirming that UNRWA teachers were involved in the hostage-taking of Israelis on October 7th. Moreover, Hamas has reportedly constructed tunnels directly underneath UNRWA schools, turning these educational institutions into tools of terror. The educational material provided by UNRWA is equally concerning, as it indoctrinates Palestinian children to view Jews as inherently different and inferior, glorifying violence and martyrdom against them. This indoctrination perpetuates a cycle of hatred and violence, funded in part by American tax dollars. The danger is that this mindset, once normalized, could eventually be directed towards others, including Americans. Link.

Hamas has been known to misappropriate funds intended for the welfare of the Palestinian people, redirecting them towards military activities and the personal luxuries of its leaders. Despite over $100 billion dollars in international aid, including substantial contributions from American taxpayers, Gaza remains in dire straits, with much of the region still in ruins. It is estimated that since 2008, the U.S. has provided over $5 billion in aid to the Palestinian territories, with significant portions of this aid funneled through channels that have been criticized for their lack of transparency.

While Harris supports humanitarian aid, critics argue that she should be more forceful in condemning Hamas and advocating for the Palestinian people to reject their oppressive regime. However, polls have shown that a significant portion of the Palestinian population supports Hamas, complicating the situation further. This raises the question of whether U.S. aid is truly advancing peace or if it is inadvertently bolstering a regime that perpetuates conflict, all while enriching the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic State beyond belief.

The broader issue is that leaders like Harris should be cautious about aligning with or funding regimes or organizations that oppose American universal values and contribute to global instability. The vast amounts of aid sent to Gaza, estimated at billions of dollars over the years, have done little to improve conditions for the people, primarily because of Hamas’s mismanagement and corruption. Harris’s continued support for UN agencies and foreign aid without stringent oversight raises concerns about the effectiveness of her foreign policy strategies.

Gender Ideology and Policies

Kamala Harris, Tim Walz, and Joe Biden have supported gender transition practices, including for minors, despite growing evidence of the harmful long-term effects. Their policies seek to enshrine gender identity into law, effectively codifying subjective feelings as legal standards. Mature adults, however, recognize the importance of being grounded in reality and not allowing emotions and feelings to dictate legal and societal norms. These policies raise concerns about prioritizing ideology over scientific evidence, with significant implications for society, particularly for the young and vulnerable.

The Danger of Following Failed Models

Harris's shifting positions and her alignment with failed policies—such as those seen in California—present a clear warning. The policies that have driven California into economic turmoil are not solutions to be replicated on a national scale. Instead, they serve as cautionary tales of what happens when leadership prioritizes political identity over sound, consistent principles.

Kamala Harris's record reveals a troubling pattern of political opportunism. Her frequent policy reversals, from healthcare and environmental issues to economic and criminal justice policies, reflect a leadership style that lacks the steadfastness needed to guide the country effectively. As Americans, it is crucial to critically evaluate these shifts and consider the broader implications of adopting similar policies on a national level.

Stolen Valor Accusation Against Tim Walz

Tim Walz, Kamala Harris's vice-presidential pick, has faced serious allegations regarding his military service that call into question his character and leadership. Walz served in the Minnesota National Guard for 24 years, but controversy surrounds claims he made about his military rank and service. Specifically, Walz has been accused of falsely claiming that he retired as a command sergeant major, a rank he did not actually earn because he did not complete the required coursework. When he retired, he reverted to his previous rank, but continued to imply that he held the higher rank.

Additionally, there have been suggestions that Walz implied he had combat experience, though he never deployed to a combat zone during his military service. These misleading claims have led to accusations of "stolen valor," a term used to describe when someone falsely claims military honors or service to gain recognition or advantage. Such actions raise serious concerns about his integrity and character, suggesting a willingness to embellish his record for personal gain.

Further concerns arise from Walz’s financial disclosures. According to an NBC report, Walz claimed to own no stocks, bonds, or real estate in his most recent financial disclosure. While this might seem inconsequential on the surface, it raises questions about his financial management and transparency, especially for someone in a position of significant public responsibility. This lack of investment could indicate poor financial planning or an attempt to avoid scrutiny, both of which are concerning for a leader who would hold one of the highest offices in the nation.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Walz implemented draconian policies that further demonstrated his tendency toward authoritarian governance. His administration’s handling of the pandemic has been criticized, particularly in light of a massive fraud case involving taxpayer-funded child nutrition programs, which his administration failed to prevent. This failure reflects a lack of oversight and responsibility, adding to the growing list of concerns about his suitability for high office.

Walz’s behavior during and after his military service, his questionable financial disclosures, and his authoritarian tendencies during the pandemic all point to a character defined by selfish ambition rather than the qualities of true leadership. This is not the kind of individual who should be entrusted with national leadership, as his actions consistently show a disregard for the responsibilities and ethical standards that come with such a role.

Harris's Political Beginnings and Influence

Harris's introduction to politics was heavily influenced by her personal relationship with Willie Brown, the former Mayor of San Francisco and a prominent figure in California politics. According to Brown's biography, their affair was a significant aspect of Harris's early political career, with Brown providing her with key appointments that helped launch her into the public eye. Harris was in her late 20s, and Brown was 60 at the time—an age difference that raises questions about the nature of her early political advancement.

However, the affair was not without its controversies. Brown's wife, as noted in his biography, ultimately ended the affair, which had become a widely known. This part of Harris's history raises further questions about the intersection of personal relationships, political identity, and character.

Character: The Foundation of True Leadership

In conclusion, the importance of character over identity cannot be overstated. Leaders who prioritize identity over character risk undermining the very principles that should guide their actions. Vice President Kamala Harris’s career, along with her choice of running mate Tim Walz, represents the most progressively radical political ticket in American history, exemplifying the perils of identity politics and the dangers of choosing leaders based on ideological alignment rather than character.

As citizens, it is our responsibility to look beyond identity labels and critically evaluate the character of those who seek to lead. True leadership is rooted in integrity, consistency, and a commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult. In the end, it is character—not identity or radical ideology—that defines a leader’s legacy.

The next time you are enticed by the promise of joy or identity-driven politics from a political figure, remember the lessons of history. Joy is a beautiful and powerful emotion, but when used as a tool of political manipulation, it can lead to the erosion of freedom and the rise of authoritarianism. Instead, seek joy in the enduring sources that truly matter: your relationships, your community, and your personal commitments. By doing so, you protect your agency and ensure that your joy remains genuine and untainted by the designs of those who seek to control.