Senate Candidate Connor Burbridge: No more forever wars

"What has become of the Democratic Party, which once housed the peace movement of the 1960s and 1970s and galvanized young people all over this country?"

“Many Rhode Islanders are resigned to a type of politics that prioritizes forever wars over universal healthcare, quality jobs for all, and affordable housing. It is the politics of forever wars that fueled the most recent illegal attack on Venezuela, that, alarmingly, even Democratic Senator Jack Reed called “well-conceived.” Conflict now threatens to engulf our hemisphere, with Trump foreshadowing U.S. military action from Greenland to Cuba to Mexico to Colombia. The Administration has stated that America will “run” Venezuela, “maybe for years.” Meanwhile, the wealth of our nation and the lives of our young flow into wars that last for decades and cost trillions of dollars. Too many of our politicians–from both parties–continue to support these forever wars, fueled by political donations from the world’s largest weapons manufacturers like Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.

“Unfortunately, too many Democratic politicians – including Senator Reed – have enabled the forever wars by voting across the aisle to support military bills that gave billions more to the military-industrial complex than Trump even asked for. Those bills targeted LGBTQ+ soldiers and failed to remove soldiers illegally deployed in American cities. Democrats could have used the appropriations bill to constrain Trump’s illegal bombing of boats in the Caribbean, but did not. The failure to do so ultimately gave the green light to the Administration to illegally bomb Caracas and kidnap a foreign leader. Except for a few Democrats, such as Senators Warren and Sanders, the party largely missed an opportunity to stand up to Trump. Meanwhile, some Republicans - like Tucker Carlson and Marjorie Taylor Greene - have taken up the banner of “peace,” while preaching hate against immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community. We’re ceding moral authority as the anti-war party. What has become of the Democratic Party, which once housed the peace movement of the 1960s and 1970s and galvanized young people all over this country?

“Let us say no more!

“Let us recommit to building a Democratic Party that says no to forever wars and fights to take care of all working people here at home. Let 2026 be the year that we say it is okay to dream – that we don’t have to resign ourselves to a cynical politics of fear, might-makes-right, and forever wars. Let us dream that our factories build instruments of abundance that make life better for the working class, instead of weapons of war. Rhode Island is well-positioned to be a leading manufacturer of heat pumps, offshore wind turbines, photovoltaic cells, and electric vehicles. We can revitalize industry and create well-paying, stable union jobs. Let us dream of quality and affordable healthcare for every American, from the newest generation to the oldest. Let’s ensure that every American who works hard has a home to call their own.

“Let’s roll up our sleeves and fight. We need leaders who are driven by principles, not those who are bought and sold to the highest bidder. We need leaders who dare to do bold things that deliver for working-class Americans.

“This is why I’ve decided to run in the Rhode Island Democratic Primary for the U.S. Senate. I’ve been waiting to see our leaders deliver policies that will make life better for my family and friends who struggle with affording housing, healthcare, and energy, but many in the Establishment have grown tired, stale, and cynical. They guarantee nothing for regular, hardworking Americans except forever wars. Just like many Rhode Islanders, I was waiting for someone to step up and run an unabashedly progressive campaign – yet, no one did. So I am standing up. I am fighting for all those who have been failed by our leaders from both parties over the last forty years. I am taking on both Trump and the complacent Democratic Establishment. And I won’t stop until we deliver dignity, respect, and quality of life for every Rhode Islander.”