Unveiling corruption and inspiring action—because accountability starts with us!
Let me start by setting the record straight. I’m not a “personality,” an influencer, or a politician. My worth isn’t tied to wealth—especially since I don’t have any. My self-value comes from the people I help and the good I strive to do. That’s not hyperbole; it’s how I’ve lived my life.
I’ve served in combat. I’ve been elected to public office twice. And at every stage of my life, I’ve aimed to contribute meaningfully to society—not just through donations but through the simple yet powerful act of being a decent human being to others.
I’m what happens when someone dedicates themselves to serving their country and community without ulterior motives. I’ve never accepted a dime from anyone for my campaigns. I’ve been attacked, insulted, conspired against, and threatened. Those threats didn’t stop with me—they extended to my wife and children.
Even the politicians I initially thought were kind and principled lacked the moral courage to do the right thing when it truly mattered. For someone like me, who doesn’t aspire to personal wealth or political gain, you quickly become a threat to the establishment. When you’ve been behind the curtain and seen how things operate, the last thing the establishment wants is for you to retain credibility, should you decide to speak out. I know this firsthand. It’s what happened to me, and it’s what happens to any independent candidate who makes real headway.
The system adapts, creating rules to make it harder—and sometimes nearly impossible—for independents to compete in future elections. Over the years, I’ve become burned out, distrustful, and unable to serve in most organized capacities. Decades in the trenches have taken their toll.
Still, I can’t shake the compulsion to contribute. The world—and particularly the American world—has been in a constant state of transformation for a few decades now, toward oligarchy and hoarding of resources and wealth. While I may no longer be on the front lines, I still have a brain and the drive to play my part.
That’s what this project is about.
I hope you’ll join me on this journey.
The First Report
My first report was a trial run—a way to rebuild momentum and reestablish the discipline of studying and researching. Healthcare and health insurance dominate the minds of many Americans today, so tackling pharmaceutical price hikes felt like an obvious starting point. Martin Shkreli, the unapologetic pharmaceutical executive notorious for his greed, became my subject. Even after his time in prison, he remains remorseless.
Video report – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od7KkasNTkM
Blog Post – https://ragecognito.digital/?p=75
I feel good about the job I did in presenting the facts in that report, but I’m especially grateful for the independent fact-checker who signed on to keep me accurate and focused. Their contribution gave me a solid foundation to build on, as well as insight into deeper issues worth exploring.
For example, through this fact-check, I identified two areas I want to delve into further: the regulatory environment that enables such price manipulations and the broader trends within the pharmaceutical industry.
Looking Ahead
I want to draw a line between my reports and my commentary. My reports should be grounded in facts, free from sensationalism. My commentary, on the other hand, is where my personality and perspectives will shine through.
This first report was just the beginning. With each new piece, I’m striving to improve, refine my approach, and tackle increasingly complex topics. I hope my journey inspires others to think critically and engage meaningfully with the world around us.
So, here’s to the next step. Let’s see where this road takes us.