Out of concern for environmental destruction, as a child I worked diligently to conserve the resources I used since my miseducation told me consumer habits could make a difference. But with independent reading, I learned big businesses, not consumers, are to blame, producing over 99% of U.S. solid waste.

The 2000 presidential elections shattered any illusions I held that I lived in a democracy. It was clear, as one working-class voter I could do nothing, but must organize.

The Iraq war came, again decided by the aristocracy despite world-wide protests. As the goal of the war was obviously profit for the super-rich, I started to question capitalism, the system run for profit.

Demonstrations ended the Vietnam War, but could not remove the capitalist thirst for profit which makes war inevitable. Capitalism is also responsible for pollution, as it is unprofitable for corporations to be environmentally sustainable.

Capitalism causes enormous social and economic problems, including homelessness, lack of healthcare, and sexism. Therefore, working towards a democratic socialist world, run for the needs of the majority, not for the profit of a minority, is the only way these issues can be addressed.

Revolutions throughout international history demonstrate a socialist world is possible.