A Grounded Philosophy for America

Soilism is a philosophy rooted in the literal ground we stand on—the geographic and physical reality of America.

Soilism asserts that America’s unique strength lies in its geography, its states, and its communities. We must reconnect to what truly matters: the land, the people, and the tangible resources that sustain us.

When we unify around this grounding principle, we strip away the layers of performative politics that distract us from real problems and solutions. Soilism encourages Americans to focus on what they can see, feel, and influence. That will result in naturally cleaning up our water, soil, and communities. Otherwise, these divisive ideological battles or unattainable global abstractions will destroy us. Soilism is about being rooted in the here and now. People must begin fostering responsibility at every level. This will build a future that reflects the strength of America’s land and its people.

Strengthening America’s Core: Soilism as a Framework

Soilism isn’t an ideology; rather, it’s a framework for how Americans can work to strengthen the country’s core. More specifically, it helps us uphold the Constitution while also allowing us to exercise freedom in meaningful ways. In this sense, you can think of it as rebuilding the muscle of freedom. Moreover, that muscle grows stronger only through intentional practice and consistent focus.

Instead of rallying around slogans like “Make America Great Again,” we need a different mindset. It’s about making America stronger than ever before. This isn’t about reclaiming an idealized past. It’s about getting back to basics so we can grow into a future we’ve never experienced before. To do this, Americans must recognize when they are voting against their own interests. This often happens when people focus on issues far outside their own lives and communities.

Soilism: A Core Ingredient, Not an Ideology

Soilism shouldn’t become an ideology in the way people adopt “Socialism” or other labels. Instead, it’s a philosophy or exercise—a foundational ingredient in the melting pot of American life. You might think of it as the protein in the nation’s diet.

• Too little of that protein—meaning people spread their interests and opinions too thin, ignoring their local needs—and the nation becomes weak.
• Too much of that protein—expressed as jingoism or unhealthy territorialism—and the bond that unites us as Americans begins to break down.

At times, America needs to bulk up on this kind of thinking, focusing more on its core strengths and communities. Other times, it’s about refining the balance, like getting into fighting shape. This metaphor might seem unconventional, but the point is clear: Soilism is something we apply, not something we “are.” It’s a lens to assess when individuals or leaders are failing to focus on what truly matters—like their own soil—or when they’re misapplying it in ways that harm others.

A Period of Reintegration

The concept of Soilism stems from a current need in American society. It’s not meant to define us forever but to guide us through this critical period. Soilism is about reconnecting with something fundamental we’ve lost to find our way to something entirely new. Once America has reintegrated itself—grounded in its geography, communities, and core values—Soilism can become a marker of this era, a time when we rediscovered our foundation to create a future unlike anything before.

But to get there, we must let go of the outdated leadership that holds us back. Figures like Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Donald Trump, the Bushes, the Clintons, and even Obama and Biden are tied to antiquated cults of personality. Their power relies on brinkmanship, but they lack the skill or vision to wield it effectively anymore. Perhaps they can become helpful voices in time, but for now, we must cut them off from the power teat. Their influence is not only dangerous—it’s stagnating.

These leaders, and the dynasties they represent, embody a politics that keeps us locked in cycles of argument without resolution. Soilism challenges this status quo by calling for action, responsibility, and results rooted in the needs of the people and the land.

Bernie Sanders and the Starbucks Strike: A Folk Hero or a Folk Zero?

Bernie Sanders’ recent promotion of the Starbucks workers’ strike highlights a clear disconnect between performative politics and grounded leadership. At first glance, his support of union workers might appear to be an admirable commitment to core Democratic principles. Furthermore, many people even regard him as a “folk hero,” as Timothée Chalamet recently described him on Theo Von’s podcast. However, Soilism reveals the flaws in this approach.

The Reality: Vermont Is Almost Devoid of Starbucks

Sanders was elected to represent the people of Vermont—a state with just 12 Starbucks locations. At most, the strike impacts a few hundred of his constituents out of a population of over 600,000. Yet Sanders has devoted significant time and energy to this issue, ignoring the more pressing needs of the state he was elected to serve.

The Disconnect: Performance Over Results

Soilism rejects this kind of performative activism. While Sanders captures headlines and applause for standing with Starbucks workers, he is failing to deliver meaningful change for the people of Vermont. His leadership focuses on rhetorical arguments rather than tangible results, drawing attention to himself instead of addressing real issues like affordable housing, clean water, or local economic development.

Sanders’ brand of politics isn’t about solving problems—it’s about perpetuating cycles of debate. As a result, he’s not a “folk hero.” He’s a folk zero. His actions serve as a prime example of how leadership that prioritizes image over substance can leave communities unsupported and disconnected from meaningful progress.

Bridging Federal and State Relations

One of Soilism’s key principles is fostering better relationships between federal and state governments, particularly when it comes to national security, disaster response, and resource management. The current dynamic often pits federal and state authorities against each other, with overlapping jurisdictions and competing priorities creating unnecessary tension. Soilism provides a framework for cooperation that respects the distinct rights and responsibilities of each level of government.

Coordinating for Security

National security requires seamless collaboration between federal agencies like the Coast Guard, FEMA, ICE, and the military, as well as state and local authorities like law enforcement and the National Guard. Soilism emphasizes the importance of working together without overstepping boundaries.

A Path Forward

Soilism isn’t just a philosophy; it’s a roadmap for reintegration, a way to reconnect Americans to their land, communities, and future. By focusing on local soil, fostering state identity, and rejecting performative politics, Soilism provides a framework for a stronger, more unified America. This is the era for building something real—a future where America isn’t just great again but stronger than ever before.