In a dark office, not too long ago, and on the eve of Star Wars: The Revenge of the Sith returning to theaters, I was thinking about the current political climate in the United States….. (Imagine this in yellow text, scrolling toward the top of the screen with a black star-filled background, dissolving into nothingness.)
I remember when I first cast my vote, some 30 years ago, it seems like a time long long ago. I remember the hope I felt, the belief that we were choosing someone who would bring balance to a broken system. They promised justice, reform, and a future where we wouldn’t have to live under the weight of corruption and unchecked power. We believed in them—not just as a politician, but as a leader who could stand against the forces that sought to control us.
They were the Chosen One.
But power changes people. Or maybe it just reveals who they were all along. At first, the compromises seemed small and easy to justify: a little more executive power here, a little less transparency there—necessary moves, they told us, to fight against the threats to our democracy. And we wanted to believe them. After all, what is a leader without our trust?
Then the language shifted. Those who questioned them became enemies. The opposition wasn’t just wrong; they were dangerous. Critics weren’t concerned citizens; they were traitors. And with every move to consolidate control, we were told it was for our good.
The lifelong politician takes the newly elected official and places his arm around his shoulder like a loving father or trusted confident.
Supreme Chancellor: Remember back to your early teachings. Anakin. “All those who gain power are afraid to lose it.” Even the Jedi.
Anakin Skywalker: The Jedi use their power for good.
Supreme Chancellor: Good is a point of view, Anakin.
Anakin Skywalker: The Sith rely on their passion for their strength. They think inward, only about themselves.
Supreme Chancellor: And the Jedi don’t?
Anakin Skywalker: The Jedi are selfless… they only care about others.
Supreme Chancellor: Or so you’ve been trained to believe.1
I ignored the warning signs for as long as I could. I wanted to believe we were still on the right path. The Overton window moved to a position with a deepening dark view. But the moment that shattered my hope came not in a single speech, nor a single policy, but in the applause. The roaring cheers of people who didn’t see what was happening, or worse, saw it and didn’t care.
“So this is how liberty dies… with thunderous applause.”2
And just like that, the democracy we had fought for, the leader we had trusted, was no longer recognizable. The idealist had become the tyrant. The protector had become the oppressor. They had become the very thing they swore to destroy.
By the time the betrayal was complete, I could no longer defend them. The justifications had run dry. And in their wake, I was left with the same hollow feeling as someone watching a friend turn into a monster before their eyes.
“You were the Chosen One! It was said that you would destroy the Sith, not join them!”3
“You have allowed this Dark Lord to twist your mind until now… until now you have become the very thing you swore to destroy.”4
But they had joined them. Whether through fear, greed, or the belief that they alone had the answers, they had embraced the very forces they once opposed. And in doing so, they burned down everything they had promised to protect.
“.. you are breaking my heart! You are going down a path that I can’t follow.“6
Now, like Padmé, I find myself standing in the wreckage, unable to fight anymore. I no longer believe the system can be saved. I no longer believe the leaders we elect will do anything but betray us. And I’m tired of pretending otherwise.
“Medically, she is completely healthy. For reasons we can’t explain, we are losing her… She has lost the will to live.”7
So I step away. I protect what little I have left—my family, my future—and hide my children from the world they’ve created. Because I no longer believe it belongs to them.
Because the Republic is dead.
Because I have lost the will to fight for it.
And because I will not let them take my children, too.
Feature Photo by Inkredo Designer on Unsplash
- 20th Century Fox ; Lucasfilm ; written and directed by George Lucas ; produced by Rick McCallum. Star Wars. Episode III, Revenge of the Sith. Beverly Hills, CA :20th Century Fox Home Entertainment, 2008 ↩︎
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Mike Kieffer – Editor-in-Chief, Cedar Valley Sentinel
Mike Kieffer is a dynamic leader and community advocate based in Eagle Mountain, Utah. He serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the Cedar Valley Sentinel, a local publication dedicated to informing, inspiring, and elevating the Cedar Valley community through honest and accurate journalism. With a passion for fostering connections, Kieffer has made it his mission to highlight local businesses, provide reliable news, and support community development.
Beyond his editorial role, Kieffer is the owner of Lake Mountain Media, LLC, a company specializing in media and communications, and the co-owner of Quail Run Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming and community engagement. He also actively contributes to the local economy and culture as a member of the Eagle Mountain Chamber of Commerce.
Kieffer’s dedication extends to preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Cedar Valley area. He often participates in community-centered events and media, including podcasts that explore the unique aspects of life in the region. Through his varied endeavors, he remains a steadfast advocate for the growth and enrichment of the local community.