James Talarico

And we all, you know, we're born into certain stories, whether it's religion, patriotism, masculinity.

These are stories that we're born into.

We grow up and we start to question these stories, which is natural.

I feel like my side is stuck on that second step.

We haven't made it to that third step, that reordering, that resurrection, reincarnation, where we're taking these things and we are understanding them anew because religion can be toxic, but it is not inherently toxic.

Patriotism can be toxic, but it is not inherently toxic.

Masculinity can be toxic, but it is not inherently toxic.

Like understanding that these are things that we can reclaim and be proud of, I think is something that hasn't quite seeped in on my side.

So we end up just rejecting all of it.

All religion is bad.

Patriotism is bad and naive.

And I just don't think those things are true.

So I do think our challenge on my side of the aisle is how do you get to that third step of –

feeling disillusioned, but then using that to rise and create something new and reclaim.

Yes, politics is corrupt, but it doesn't have to be.

Every system we have is a choice.

They're human systems.

We made them, right?

I mean, we can make it better if we make that decision to do so.

I do feel like right now cynicism is like the hottest thing.