This smokejumper says the US has lost its empathy. That’s why he’s running for Congress

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-09-06T14:15:25.289Z • Permanent link

Smokejumpers have long been the unsung heroes of the US firefighting community, parachuting into the wilderness to battle raging blazes. However, for Sam Forstag, a Montana-based smokejumper, the experience has left him disillusioned with the US system. In a shocking move, Forstag has announced his candidacy for Congress, seeking to shake up the status quo and bring empathy back to the table. As a former college student, Forstag was no stranger to activism, but it was his time as a smokejumper that ignited a fire within him. He recalls the camaraderie among fellow jumpers, the sense of purpose in their work, and the feeling of being part of a larger community. Yet, when he returned to his home state, Forstag was disheartened by the seemingly insurmountable wealth gap and the lack of representation for working-class Americans.

Forstag's concerns are not unique to Montana. A 2020 report by the Economic Policy Institute found that the top 1% of earners in the US hold over 40% of the country's wealth, leaving the remaining 99% to fight for scraps. This stark inequality has led to a growing sense of disenfranchisement among Americans, particularly those in rural areas like Montana. As Forstag points out, the US has lost its way, and the system is rigged against the very people it claims to serve. He cites the 2013 death of Trayvon Martin, the subsequent acquittal of George Zimmerman, and the subsequent Black Lives Matter movement as catalysts for his decision to run. Forstag believes that the US needs a fresh perspective, one that prioritizes the needs of the working class over those of the wealthy elite.

Forstag's candidacy is also a response to the growing distrust of institutions in the US. A 2020 survey by the Pew Research Center found that only 16% of Americans trust the government to do what is right "just about always" or "most of the time." This erosion of trust has led to a rise in populism and a growing sense of disillusionment among voters. Forstag hopes to buck this trend, promising to be a voice for the voiceless and a champion for the rights of working-class Americans.

Forstag's candidacy has the potential to shake up the US political landscape, particularly in rural areas where his message of empathy and economic justice is likely to resonate. Companies like Koch Industries, which has significant influence in Montana politics, are likely to take notice of Forstag's candidacy. As a result, they may need to reassess their priorities and consider the implications of a more progressive agenda. Research communities studying poverty and economic inequality will also be watching Forstag's campaign closely, as his message has the potential to inform policy decisions and drive meaningful change. In the markets, a shift in the political landscape could lead to increased volatility, particularly in sectors like agriculture and manufacturing, which are heavily influenced by policy decisions. Finally, policy environments in the US are likely to undergo a significant shift, with Forstag's candidacy potentially leading to a more progressive agenda that prioritizes the needs of the working class.

The implications of Forstag's candidacy extend beyond the US borders, however. As a global leader in economic policy, the US has a significant impact on international markets and trade. A more progressive agenda could lead to increased tensions with countries like China and the EU, which have historically been at odds with US economic policies. Conversely, a shift towards greater economic equality could lead to increased cooperation and a more collaborative approach to global trade. As the world grapples with issues like income inequality and climate change, Forstag's candidacy serves as a reminder of the need for empathy and compassion in economic policy.

The rise of populism in the US has its roots in a long history of economic inequality and social discontent. The Great Depression of the 1930s, the Vietnam War, and the Watergate scandal are just a few examples of events that have contributed to the growing sense of disillusionment among Americans. In recent years, the rise of social media has amplified these sentiments, creating a feedback loop of anger and frustration that has been difficult to break. Forstag's candidacy is part of a larger pattern, one that includes the growing influence of populists like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. These individuals have tapped into a deep sense of discontent among Americans, promising to shake up the status quo and bring about meaningful change. As the US continues to grapple with issues like income inequality and economic justice, Forstag's candidacy serves as a reminder of the need for a more empathetic approach to economic policy.