Every generation faces its share of challenges, but what makes ours different is how quickly things can change — often without the public even realizing it. As citizens, we have a responsibility to pay attention to the direction of our government and hold those in power accountable. Under the current federal administration, there are two major areas of concern that deserve serious attention: privacy and the rising cost of living.
One of the most troubling issues is the expansion of government surveillance and the loss of privacy. Over the years, laws such as the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) have allowed federal agencies to collect data without warrants. Although these programs are often described as targeting foreign threats, the reality is that the personal data of American citizens is frequently swept in, analyzed, and stored. Reports have shown that agencies have even accessed social media and financial information during investigations without proper oversight.
While these actions are often justified as “national security measures,” they raise a deeper question — how much privacy are Americans willing to give up in exchange for safety? Once the government has access to citizens’ private data, it rarely gives up that power. The danger lies in how that information could be used in the future, especially if political motivations become part of the equation.
The second major concern is the ongoing rise in the cost of living. Everyday Americans are paying more for groceries, housing, utilities, and healthcare, yet wages for many workers haven’t kept up. The government reports that inflation is easing, but the numbers don’t match what people see in their daily lives. Families are stretching paychecks further just to maintain the basics, and many are falling behind.
Part of the issue lies in how the federal budget is prioritized. A large share of government spending goes toward servicing national debt and funding programs abroad, leaving less for infrastructure, education, or community investment here at home. This imbalance means that even as citizens struggle, there’s limited flexibility for policies that could provide real relief.
Both of these issues — privacy and the cost of living — share a common thread: a growing disconnect between government decisions and the daily lives of ordinary people. When citizens stop paying attention, power shifts away from the people and toward those who benefit from keeping the public uninformed.
Now more than ever, Americans need to stay aware, ask questions, and demand transparency. Protecting our privacy, ensuring accountability, and addressing the real economic struggles of families are not partisan goals — they’re the foundation of a healthy democracy.
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Marvin Dixon/Founder
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