Problems in our country haven't been caused by Donald Trump

Host: The room feels quiet, the soft evening light casting a reflective atmosphere. Outside, the world continues at its usual pace, but inside, the air feels charged with the weight of a deep, thoughtful conversation about politics, power, and freedom. Jeeny sits at the table, her fingers lightly tracing the rim of her cup, her expression contemplative. Jack stands near the window, arms crossed, looking out at the street below.

Jeeny: (her voice gentle, but with a hint of curiosity) “You ever think about how many of our problems—whether political or societal—come from the systems that govern us? How often the root cause isn’t just the people in power, but the structures and systems that allow them to remain in power?”

Jack: (glancing over at her, his voice dry, but intrigued) “Systems and power? Yeah, it’s easy to focus on the figures at the top, but a lot of the issues we face are really about the systems they work within. What made you think about it?”

Jeeny: (nodding slowly, a small smile forming as she shares her thought) “I was thinking about something Ksenia Sobchak said: ‘Problems in our country haven’t been caused by Donald Trump, America and its ambitions or CIA spies. Our problems are rooted in a bad government system, the lack of free elections, independent courts, and freedom of speech.’ It made me reflect on how the real issues in many societies aren’t just about the leaders or individual actions, but about the flaws in the very systems that govern us.”

Jack: (pauses, considering her words carefully) “So, she’s saying that the problems aren’t just about individuals or specific political figures like Trump or the CIA—it’s the system itself, the lack of democratic principles like free elections, an independent judiciary, and freedom of speech that are really to blame? That even if certain leaders change, the system itself needs to be fixed for real progress?”

Jeeny: (smiling more deeply now, her eyes steady as she explains further) “Exactly. Sobchak is pointing out that, while individual leaders can have a significant impact, the real long-term problems stem from deeper, systemic issues. If a country’s system doesn’t support democracy, free speech, or a fair judiciary, it doesn’t matter who’s in power—those issues will persist. The focus needs to be on changing the system itself to ensure accountability, fairness, and freedom.”

Host: Jeeny’s words seem to linger in the room, creating a shift in the conversation toward understanding the deeper causes of political and societal issues. Jack stands still, his expression softening as he processes the deeper message behind Sobchak’s statement. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, the conversation feels rooted in a more profound understanding of the systems that govern us.

Jack: (his voice quieter now, almost reflective) “I see what she means. If the system is broken—if elections aren’t free, courts aren’t independent, or people can’t speak freely—no matter who’s in charge, those same problems will keep repeating. It’s not just about the people at the top; it’s about how the system allows or prevents change from happening.”

Jeeny: (nodding, her voice calm, yet filled with quiet strength) “Exactly. The real change comes from addressing the systemic issues, not just focusing on the individuals in power. A government system that lacks transparency and fairness will always lead to corruption and stagnation. If the system supports freedom, accountability, and fairness, it creates the foundation for lasting progress.”

Jack: (pauses, a small smile forming on his face as the idea settles in) “It’s empowering, isn’t it? To realize that the real power to change comes from improving the system itself, from creating a foundation that ensures freedom and fairness for everyone—not just changing the people at the top.”

Jeeny: (smiling warmly, her voice gentle, yet filled with wisdom) “Exactly. The focus should always be on strengthening the systems that support democracy and freedom. When those systems are in place, no matter who is in charge, the country will be better equipped to handle challenges, make progress, and give people the opportunity to thrive.”

Host: The room feels lighter now, as though the conversation has shifted into a deeper understanding of the importance of systems in shaping society. Jack turns from the window, his posture more relaxed, his thoughts clearly reflecting on the need for systemic change rather than focusing solely on individual figures. Jeeny watches him, content in the realization that true change comes not from shifting the people in power, but from reforming the systems that govern us. The world outside continues its rhythm, but inside, there’s a shared understanding that long-term progress requires systemic change to ensure fairness, freedom, and accountability.