Our entire lives we’ve been told what to think, which topics to care more about, and which “side” to pick. Every story is filtered through a political lens, and every tragedy is overshadowed by one agenda or another. Somewhere along the way, we abandoned our morals, our values, and our ability to think freely. We stopped looking at people and started looking only at parties. That is not how we find truth, and it is not how we heal our nation.

I started this blog because I believe we need to take the blinders off. We cannot keep ignoring the bigger picture, the deeper issues, and the struggles that stretch beyond red or blue. Mental health, foster care, workplace inequity, public service employee injustices, and the neglect of our veterans are only a few of the problems that rarely get enough of the spotlight they deserve. When we refuse to see them, we’re refusing to fix them.

This is my space to speak out, to call things as they are, and to give a voice to issues that matter. You may not agree with everything I write, but at least you will know it’s real. No spin. No blinders. Just truth that needs to be stared directly in the face.

At CJ Speaks, I promise to shine a light on the issues that get buried. Whether it’s corruption, injustice, or something that simply needs a voice, this is your space to speak without fear as much as it is mine. If you have topics you want to see here, send them to voice@cjspeaks.org. Your identity will always remain private, and I will make sure the issues you care about get the voice they deserve.

Truth deserves to be told. Let’s take the blinders off, together.