The Politicians Aren’t Coming to Save You

So Biden isn’t seeking re-election.

Color me shocked.

And although the news of his decision to ride off into the sunset come January isn’t surprising (not many things that politicians and pundits do surprise me these days), I was a little surprised by just how emotionally attached to Biden a lot of his supporters seem to be.

I spent a few minutes scrolling through a hundred or so of the thousands of comments on his tweet announcing he wouldn’t seek reelection and sharing his support for Kamala Harris.

The responses were a roller coaster of emotions. People were really in their feelings.

Many Democrats were literally in tears, pledging to “vote blue” no matter what, and Trump supporters were equally fervent—pouring their hearts out in staunch support for their candidate.

Seeing this intense emotional investment in political figures got me thinking about where we place our hopes and dreams.

It seems like a lot of people believe that their freedom and happiness depend entirely on the success of a politician.

Both sides are guilty of this.

But not only is it a totally flawed way of thinking about politics, it’s also dangerous. 

I once heard it said that freedom ends whenever you require someone else to support you.

That stuck with me—it’s a really powerful idea.

It applies to personal relationships in which we might willingly sacrifice some of our “freedom” in order to have a shared life with someone; it applies to the crippling power of debt and how it robs of us our agency; it applies to dependence on government assistance; and, of course, it applies to politics.

When we pin our hopes for a good life on politicians, we give away a slice of our autonomy.

True freedom and independence come from self-reliance and mutual cooperation within our families and communities—not from men and women who seek to govern.

Across the political spectrum, there’s a persistent belief that the right politician will save us and make our lives better. This idea pervades both the left and the right. Every election cycle we hear promises of sweeping reforms, grand plans, and transformative policies.

And every election cycle, millions of people pin their hopes on a candidate who they believe will finally deliver on these promises.

But here’s the truth: no politician, no matter how well-intentioned, can truly save us or make our lives better in the way we hope.

Real, lasting improvement comes not from the top down but from the ground up. It’s found within our families, our communities, around our dinner tables, and with our friends.

Think about the most meaningful moments in your life.

Chances are, they didn’t happen because of a political decision or a government program. They happened during shared meals with loved ones, in conversations with friends, and through the support and care of your community.

This is where real change happens, where true freedom is cultivated.

When we place our faith in politicians to solve our problems, we often overlook the power we have within our own circles. We forget that we can create positive change by strengthening our families, supporting our neighbors, and fostering a sense of community.

These are the foundations of a free and prosperous society.

At the Tuttle Twins, we believe in empowering individuals and families to take control of their own lives and destinies.

Our books and resources are carefully crafted to inspire a sense of independence, critical thinking, and personal responsibility in the kids who use them.

We want to teach the next generation that they have the power to shape their own futures. We want them to know that their freedom and prosperity and happiness isn’t dependent on someone else. 

By teaching kids about the importance of self-reliance, personal responsibility, and strong families, we can build a society where true freedom flourishes.

We want to show them that their lives are enriched, not by the promises of men and women in fine hats, sitting in the so-called hallowed halls of government, but by their own hard work and the love and support of those closest to them.

So the next time you hear a politician promising to make your dreams come true, remember that the real power to create a better life lies within you, your family, and your community.

And then, gather around the dinner table with the people you want to build a life with and share these important ideas with them. 

Because that’s where the real magic has always happened.

— Connor