I do this podcast like a radio show to discuss new information in real-time. Ultimately, this podcast may be a documentary-style time capsule about this election from one person’s point of view. We need to discuss new information based on the news that broke last night and today.

At my wise old age of 62, you think about things. If you’re like me and have a monkey brain that looks at existing models and thinks of how to apply them to new things, you look for through lines, points of connection, or meaning For me, a huge through line, for so many things, is intention.

Intention refers to a plan or aim that guides an action. It’s why someone does something or the goal they have in mind when taking a particular action. For example, if someone says, “I intend to help others,” their purpose or goal is to assist people.

That brings me to this interruption of our regularly scheduled discussion of the issues. We’ll pick that back up tomorrow. Today, we need to talk about intention.

Our collective consciousness has been traumatized and gaslit.

Collective consciousness refers to the shared beliefs, values, attitudes, and knowledge within a society or a group. It’s a concept developed by French sociologist Émile Durkheim to describe how a society’s collective attitudes and understandings can shape individuals’ thoughts and behaviors. In essence, the “social glue” binds people together, influencing how they see the world, prioritize, and interact with each other.

Here’s an example.

On April 20, 1999, I was five months pregnant, working as a contractor and preparing for my daughter’s arrival. I was listening to KGO810am, a formerly outstanding radio station out of San Francisco. Two students, Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, opened fire on their classmates and teachers. I flipped on the television to see absolute chaos. A future friend had just given birth the month before, and she would later tell me she couldn’t put Cassie down. She was so scared. We’d find out 13 people were killed and more than 20 injured before Eric and Dylan took their own lives.

From a historical perspective, the Columbine High School massacre was one of the deadliest school shootings in U.S. history. It marked a turning point in the national conversation about gun violence. The tragedy shocked the nation, bringing attention to issues like bullying, mental health, and the availability of firearms to young people. In the aftermath, schools across the country implemented stricter security measures, and the public began to scrutinize the role of the media, violent video games, and gun control laws.

It was a gut-wrenching, heart-wrenching catastrophe that illuminated an American failure. And we did nothing. But many of us suffered trauma and continue to feel gaslighted by GOP leaders who insist thought and prayers and a fortified, hardened school is the only answer. Bullshit.

Yesterday, Apalachee High School suffered the same tragedy—another American failure.

14-year-old Colt Gray tragically killed four people at Apalachee High School using an AR-style rifle. In Georgia, there are few restrictions when it comes to firearms. Georgia’s laws, considered among the weakest in the country, allow minors to possess rifles and shotguns under certain conditions. However, the state does not require background checks for private gun sales or enforce regulations on safely storing firearms. Gray’s access to such a deadly weapon highlights these loopholes, raising serious concerns about how easily minors can get their hands on guns.

What if I told you all this was “intended.” What if guns, anger, hate, division, violence, political fecklessness, republican thoughts and prayers, what if all that is intentional? Welp, we found out yesterday it absolutely is. Allow me to clarify.

Putin’s Intention: I need to prove Russia is a consequential superpower.

In 2014, Russia made a bold move by seizing Crimea, a part of Ukraine that holds immense strategic and symbolic importance. This act of annexation was more than just a territorial grab; it was a calculated step in Vladimir Putin’s larger plan to undermine the expansion of Western democracy, mainly through organizations like NATO. According to NPR, Putin viewed NATO’s growing influence in Eastern Europe, especially Ukraine’s potential membership, as a direct threat to Russia’s sphere of influence. The annexation of Crimea allowed Russia to maintain its naval presence in the Black Sea and sent a clear message that Putin would resist the further spread of democratic ideals in former Soviet territories.

This violation of international law sparked widespread condemnation and resulted in severe sanctions from the United States and the European Union. These sanctions hit Russia’s economy hard, mainly targeting its energy, banking, and defense sectors. They cut off access to Western financial systems and technology and reduced Russia’s ability to trade freely with global markets.

In 2022, Putin escalated his ambitions by launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, aiming not just to expand Russia’s territory but to destabilize the pro-Western government in Kyiv. His goal was to stop Ukraine from aligning itself with NATO and the European Union, preventing the spread of democratic governance and values to a country Russia considers part of its historical sphere of influence. By destabilizing Ukraine, Putin sought to signal to other Eastern European countries that any movement toward democracy or closer ties with the West would be met with military force.

According to PBS News, this invasion led to even harsher sanctions, further isolating Russia from the global economy. Western nations cut off central Russian banks from the international SWIFT banking system, restricted exports of critical technologies, and placed personal sanctions on Russian oligarchs and officials. Faced with these crippling economic restrictions, Putin began seeking alternative ways to keep the Russian economy afloat, including deepening ties with non-Western countries and exploring the use of cryptocurrencies to bypass sanctions.

Putin’s Intention: I need to use my money without government oversight.

When sanctions hit Russia, Putin knew he needed to find a way to keep the Russian economy going without relying on traditional banks and financial systems. That’s where cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, come in. Cryptocurrencies operate outside of government control, making them hard to regulate. By 2021, Putin was openly talking about the potential of cryptocurrencies to help Russia avoid sanctions. According to a RAND report, Russia’s use of cryptocurrencies is part of its strategy to build a shadow economy that can operate without the interference of Western nations.

This shift toward crypto allows Russia to move money and resources without using traditional banking systems that sanctions could block. Many Russian oligarchs who support Putin’s regime have also used cryptocurrencies to protect their wealth from being frozen by international authorities. In doing this, Putin is finding ways to help his ambitions, including his military operations in Ukraine. But he’s not the only one that wants to conduct business in the dark.

Enter the Tech Bros.

Tech leaders Peter Thiel and Elon Musk appear to share similar goals with Vladimir Putin regarding undermining centralized control through financial systems or global communication networks. Peter Thiel has long championed Bitcoin to reduce reliance on government-controlled currencies, arguing it can weaken the dominance of the U.S. dollar and other centralized systems. According to The Intercept, Thiel’s investment in Bitcoin aligns with a broader strategy to challenge Western financial control, much like Putin’s attempts to bypass sanctions. Thiel sees decentralized currency as a way to limit state intervention, an ideology that fits with Putin’s vision of undermining democratic norms and the Western-led financial order.

Meanwhile, Theil’s buddy Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, has become a controversial figure in global affairs, particularly regarding his involvement with digital communications and cryptocurrencies. Musk’s Starlink satellite-based internet system, initially provided to aid Ukraine during Russia’s invasion, came under scrutiny when he refused to allow Ukraine to use the system for a critical military operation in Crimea in 2022. According to AP News, Musk’s refusal to extend Starlink’s capabilities raised questions within the Pentagon about the implications of relying on commercial entities for military support, especially in conflict zones.

Musk’s actions, while framed as concerns about potential nuclear retaliation from Russia, cast a shadow over his role in shaping global technology and communications. His control over Starlink and involvement in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Dogecoin positions him as a figure whose technologies could benefit authoritarian regimes by bypassing traditional state-controlled systems. While Musk has not openly supported Russia, his decisions—like the Crimea incident—have broad implications for transparency, democracy, and global security. This raises concerns about how individuals like Musk, with immense control over powerful technologies, could influence geopolitical outcomes that undermine democratic norms.

Understanding the intentions of these two men shows us that it isn’t about democracy, which is interesting because it’s democracy that’s allowing them to behave like traitors.

Putin’s Intention: I need to divide America and prove democracy is a failure.

One of Vladimir Putin’s long-term strategies has been to destabilize democracies, especially the United States, by exacerbating existing divisions. A key tactic has been spreading disinformation, fueling heated debates on hot-button issues like race, immigration, and gun control, and according to the Department of Justice indictment, Russia Today (RT) played a covert role by secretly funding U.S. companies to produce videos that spread Russian narratives. These videos shared across platforms like TikTok and YouTube, helped amplify polarizing views, sowing confusion and deepening divisions in American society.

Putin’s organized oversight of American useful idiots to broadcast these messages has been highly effective. The alleged involvement of Senators, House Members, and U.S.-based influencers has created the appearance of domestic debate, while covert Russian influence is at play. In 2016, Russian operatives used social media platforms to target voters with divisive content. The Senate report highlighted how the National Rifle Association (NRA) acted as a “foreign asset,” allowing Russian nationals to access U.S. political leaders. This manipulation of domestic organizations to spread disinformation has destabilized democratic discourse, making it harder to discern truth from fiction and undermining trust in democratic institutions.

Furthering this destabilization, Russia has engaged in extensive spying operations to gather data on American candidates, political leaders, and the general population. This data, including personal preferences, has been weaponized to influence U.S. elections and shape public opinion, turning American citizens against each other. These tactics are part of Putin’s larger strategy to prove that democracy is a failed system, incapable of uniting its people.

Putin’s Intention: I want Americans to care about guns more than anything else.

So now we’re back to where we started—school shootings. Sure, the person who pulls the trigger is the killer, but there’s more than a shooter responsible here, and that’s what makes pro-gun enthusiasts so angry. They think they love their guns. They don’t realize they’ve been played. I’m not talking about sensible gun owners. I’m not worried about them. They lock their guns; they probably have every serial number recorded, and they know how to dispose of a firearm when they’re done because it’s a freaking GUN!

I’m talking about the people who’ve lost their minds and who pose with them in Christmas photos. Who thinks nothing of letting a kid handle a gun in a non-gun setting (you know, like the living room or front yard)? The reason their gun love is so strong is because of Putin’s intention: he wants us to kill each other. Let me explain.

Putin has skillfully manipulated the American gun debate to deepen the cultural divide, which in turn weakens the country from within. The NRA, once considered a domestic champion of gun rights, has been deeply influenced by Russian interests. According to a Senate investigation, the NRA acted as a “foreign asset” for Russia in the lead-up to the 2016 election, allowing Russian nationals like Maria Butina and Alexander Torshin to connect with powerful U.S. politicians. This relationship helped fuel the extreme pro-gun agenda that now dominates the discourse in America. But more than that, it provided Russia with another tool to destabilize American society.

Republican lawmakers, many of whom benefit from NRA backing, have fought tooth and nail to prevent sensible gun legislation from being passed. Some have even worn AR-15 lapel pins as symbols of their support for unrestricted gun ownership despite the alarming increase in mass shootings. Meanwhile, the NRA and its political allies continue to oppose measures like universal background checks, assault weapon bans, and safe storage laws—policies designed to reduce gun violence. This prioritization of gun rights over national security and societal welfare is precisely what benefits Putin. It creates a divided America, where the meaning of “freedom” is twisted, allowing for internal conflict that detracts from democratic values.

Our Intention: Preserve democracy and stop foreign interference.

Putin’s ultimate goal is not just to destabilize the U.S. but to undermine the entire Western democratic system. His long-term vision includes reclaiming former Soviet territories, like Ukraine, and diminishing the global influence of Western democracies. One of the ways he has done this is by embracing cryptocurrencies and other decentralized financial systems that allow Russia to bypass traditional sanctions. By reducing reliance on centralized banking systems, Putin hopes to keep the Russian economy afloat even under heavy sanctions imposed by the West. This move mirrors his effort to distance Russia from Western oversight and establish a self-sustaining, authoritarian regime.

In parallel, Putin has leveraged relationships with tech leaders who share a similar interest in decentralizing control. Peter Thiel’s vocal support for Bitcoin and Elon Musk’s ventures into digital currencies and global communications networks like Starlink are examples of how technological advancements can serve authoritarian regimes by circumventing traditional accountability systems. Musk’s refusal to extend Starlink’s support during Ukraine’s military operation in Crimea, for instance, highlights how the control of global technology can shape geopolitical outcomes. Both men, knowingly or not, contribute to an environment where transparency and democratic oversight are weakened, making it easier for authoritarian leaders like Putin to achieve their goals.

And we haven’t even started talking about China, North Korea, and whatever interference Trump is providing by violating the Logan Act* and talking to leaders in other countries while acting as if he has a role in our government.

How we can manifest our intention.

Start by setting the intention.

I may come from the land of fruit and nuts (Santa Cruz, California), but I know setting an intention is essential. Here are some key benefits of setting an intention:

1. Clarity and Direction: When you set an intention, you clearly understand your goal. This helps guide your actions and decisions, making staying focused on your goals easier.
2. Purpose and Motivation: Intentions give meaning to actions. Instead of doing things aimlessly, you’re driven by a sense of purpose, which boosts motivation and engagement.
3. Mindfulness and Awareness: Intentions bring a sense of mindfulness to everyday actions. When you’re intentional, you’re more aware of your choices, behavior, and the impact you’re trying to create.
4. Accountability: Setting an intention holds you accountable to yourself and others. When you’re clear about your intentions, you can measure whether your actions align with your desired outcomes.
5. Positive Change: Intention-setting allows for deliberate, thoughtful progress. Whether in personal growth, societal efforts, or political movements, intentions provide a blueprint for creating the change you want to see.

In short, setting an intention provides a roadmap for purposeful action, helping you navigate challenges while staying aligned with your values and goals. My intention is, “I want the Democrats to win every election possible based on enthusiasm for change.” To manifest it, I get up every day and do this podcast.

It also requires active involvement.

Here’s what you need to do: Always check your sources. Be curious and skeptical, especially when something seems too outlandish to be true (here’s looking at you Trump assassination attempt). Don’t just accept things at face value. I’ve discussed the importance of low-key fact-checking, and that’s key here. Before you share something on social media, do the homework—dig into it and ensure it’s credible. This is how you protect yourself from misinformation campaigns orchestrated by Putin and his enablers.

It requires accountability.

We must hold ourselves accountable for the information we share, but equally important, we must hold our elected leaders and institutions accountable. This is how we ensure democracy works for everyone and doesn’t fall prey to manipulation by people like Putin or Trump, who thrive on undermining trust in these systems.

Resolved: When we fight, we win!

First, vote. It sounds simple, but voting in every election—local, state, and federal—is one of our most powerful tools. Please pay attention to who your leaders are, and make sure they’re representing your interests. If they aren’t, vote them out.

Second, stay informed and engaged. Write letters or emails, make calls, attend town halls, and ask questions. Leaders need to know you’re watching and that you care about what they’re doing in office.

Third, demand transparency. Follow the money—know where campaign donations are coming from and where policies are being influenced. Support organizations and journalism that investigate and expose corruption, conflicts of interest, or shady dealings.

Fourth, support organizations that promote accountability—groups like Democracy Docket or the ACLU that actively work to protect voting rights, investigate misconduct, and oppose those trying to undermine democratic institutions.

Finally, hold institutions accountable by supporting reforms. I give to groups supporting sensible gun laws. You choose what works for you. Whether it’s advocating for changes in campaign finance laws, pushing for stricter regulations on lobbying, or fighting for greater oversight of law enforcement and other public services, reform helps create a system that can’t easily be exploited. Or act locally and support causes that support American norms. I give to the Second Harvest Food Bank because I don’t think my neighbors should be hungry.

Holding leaders and institutions accountable isn’t a passive act. It’s something we actively do by participating, speaking up, and refusing to let complacency take root. By doing this, we strengthen democracy and build a future where foreign actors like Putin or domestic ones like Trump can’t destabilize what we’re working to protect. And maybe, just maybe, we can send our kids to school without worrying if they will make it home.

*The Logan Act (1 Stat. 613, 18 U.S.C. § 953, enacted January 30, 1799) is a United States federal law that criminalizes the negotiation of a dispute between the United States and a foreign government by an unauthorized American citizen.