What happens when a lifetime of political loyalty no longer feels like enough? Deborah Burgess, scholar and education leader, takes us on a deeply personal journey from dedicated Democrat to politically unaffiliated voter during one of America's most turbulent political eras.

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The decision didn't come easily. After returning from six years in China where she helped build educational opportunities for children with disabilities, Deborah committed herself to Democratic Party activism. She worked tirelessly as a volunteer, house district captain, and eventually secretary, believing in the power of civic engagement. But something changed after watching how Democrats responded—or failed to respond—to aggressive political tactics from the right.

"Democrats are too quiet," Deborah explains with characteristic frankness. "They sit back and let stuff fly." Drawing on her background as a judo champion, she compares the current political climate to a match where "Democrats are getting choked and they're not fighting." This observation comes from someone who's seen the political landscape from multiple angles and continents.

Our conversation explores the realities of voter suppression targeting Black and Brown communities, the alarming parallels between America's current situation and Hungary under Viktor Orbán, and the rise of Christian nationalism. We discuss how traditional Democratic messaging fails to resonate with younger generations and the importance of staying politically engaged even when party affiliation no longer feels right.

Deborah offers practical action items for concerned citizens: familiarize yourself with the Constitution, diversify your information sources, watch corporate media critically, and engage at the local level. Most importantly, she urges listeners to think independently and draw their own conclusions rather than accepting singular narratives.

Ready to rethink what political engagement means in today's America? Listen now, and join us for future conversations with Debra about DEI misconceptions and why more African Americans are considering leaving the US. Subscribe, leave a review, and visit shitwedonttalkaboutpodcast.com for an accessibility transcript and more resources.

About Deborah Burgess:

Deborah has 21 years of university teaching experience including teaching in Beijing, China at the University of Colorado Denver's Global Campus for six years. This was a tremendous experience teaching students courses in Business and Professional Speaking, Public Speaking, and Essential Communication in a Global Society. Additionally Deborah has consulting/training experience working domestically for non-profits, federal, state and private industry in Diversity Equity and Inclusion, Gender and Communication and Appropriate Business Communication in Corporate Settings. Deborah conducted training classes at Beijing Foreign Studies University in China teaching mid-level executives of China Construction Bank and China Southern Airlines skills/tools in the American Mass Media and Communication. Her belief is: “I’m not a teacher, but an awakener.” ~ Robert Frost

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