The Practical Patriot

November 4, 2026

I woke up sad this morning. Not from a private loss, but from the conviction that I had just watched the beginning of a slow decline for the country I love. On November 3, 2026, voters handed control of both the House and the Senate to the Democratic Party.

This is the same party that, in its previous turn at the wheel, increased America’s dependence on foreign oil, opened the southern border, and then rewarded the millions who crossed it illegally with housing, healthcare, cash assistance, and in some cases free phones—benefits often paid for by the taxes of citizens who follow the law. Many of those who entered have since been charged with serious crimes. The same party looked the other way while billions of taxpayer dollars were lost to fraud, and remained silent as federal spending flowed overseas to programs that did nothing for American workers or families.

I keep returning to the evening of February 24, 2026. During his State of the Union address, President Trump looked out at the chamber and said:

“So tonight, I’m inviting every legislator to join with my administration in reaffirming a fundamental principle. If you agree with this statement, then stand up and show your support: The first duty of the American government is to protect American citizens, not illegal aliens.”

Not a single Democrat rose. Yet those same members, and more of their colleagues, were returned to office in greater numbers.

For months I listened to Democratic candidates. Almost none offered a clear plan for making daily life better for working Americans. The dominant message was that they would stop Donald Trump. A few went further and spoke of jailing him, his wife, his children, his staff, and his cabinet. That is not a platform. It does nothing for the price of groceries, the safety of a neighborhood, or the value of a paycheck.

Some members of my own family are celebrating today. They are glad that power has shifted to people who have promised to reverse the very policies that put more money in their pockets: the elimination of taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits. They have also pledged to abolish Immigration and Customs Enforcement, effectively reopening the border.

To those who are celebrating, I have a simple request. Start a scorecard.

1. Between January 3, 2027, and January 20, 2029, place a checkmark every time the new majority passes a law that measurably improves your daily life.
2. On December 31, 2028, as you ring in the new year, ask yourself a plain question: Do I feel safe and secure?

I’ll be checking back from time to time. Liberty and responsibility are not slogans; they are habits. We will see which ones take root over the next two years.

— The Practical Patriot