Project 2026: The Equilibrism Playbook

A People’s Agenda for Balance, Freedom, and Unity

Introduction

Project 2026 is the people’s answer to Project 2025. Where elites seek to expand their power through money, division, and authoritarian rule, Project 2026 restores balance. It is built on Equilibrism, a belief that democracy and capitalism only work when they serve everyone—not just the wealthy few.

Equilibrism rejects two dangerous extremes:

• Authoritarian capitalism, where markets serve oligarchs while rights are stripped away.

• Authoritarian communism, where centralized power crushes freedom and innovation.

Instead, Equilibrism insists on balance: markets within rules, democracy with accountability, and progress with solidarity.

This playbook is not theory. It is a plan. It shows how to root out white supremacy, how to weaken oligarchy, how to protect rights, and how to inspire a future where freedom is shared. Project 2026 lays out practical steps that schools, governments, communities, and workers can take. Its purpose is simple: to ensure that by 2026, democracy belongs again to the people.

Foundational Principles

1. Freedom Requires Balance

Free markets without rules lead to corruption. Rights without economic fairness become hollow. True freedom comes from balancing markets, democracy, and dignity.

2. Dignity Is Non-Negotiable

Every human being is valuable. Wealth does not determine worth. Racism and supremacy divide us, but dignity unites us.

3. Unity Is Power

The rich stay in control by keeping the rest of us divided. Racism and scapegoating are their tools. When we root those out, the people outnumber the elites—and the balance shifts.

4. Democracy Over Oligarchy

Democracy fails when billionaires write the rules. Wealth must never outweigh the voices of citizens. Campaign finance reform and fair taxation are essential to restore balance.

5. Future Over Fear

Authoritarians use fear of change to hold us back. Equilibrism chooses imagination, science, and cooperation to build a better future. Progress, not nostalgia, is the way forward.

Chapter 1: Rooting Out Supremacy

Background / Problem Statement

• Since the 1970s, income inequality in the U.S. has grown a lot. The richest people are gaining much more compared to middle-class and poorer Americans. Inequality.org, Pew Research Center, Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

• Many people in the middle class have less of the total income now than before. In 1970, middle-class households got about 62% of all income. By 2018, that share dropped to about 43%. Pew Research Center.

• The Supreme Court’s 2010 decision in Citizens United v. FEC allowed corporations and rich individuals to spend large amounts of money to influence elections. That makes political power more tied to money than to regular citizens. FEC.gov, Brennan Center for Justice, Oyez.

• Wealth inequality is large: the richest families own much more wealth vs. the rest, and racial gaps make it worse. Urban Institute, Econometrics Laboratory.

These problems mean that many people don’t feel they have equal value or equal chance. Racism and ideas of “wealth = worth” make it harder for people to unite and demand fair power.

Policy Goals

1. Teach every student and adult about how racism, wealth, and political influence have shaped U.S. history and laws.

2. Make rules so that race, religion, or background cannot give special advantage — and make laws enforceable when someone is treated unfairly.

3. Limit how much money the very rich and corporations can use to influence elections and laws.

4. Support fair media and local journalism that help people get facts, not misleading stories that divide us.

Implementation Steps

• Pass a law that requires school curricula (K-12) to include history of inequality, civil rights, and how elite power is built and maintained.

• Increase funding and staff for the U.S. Department of Justice (Civil Rights Division) so it can investigate discrimination and enforce rules.

• Create transparency laws so people know who is spending money on elections — no more secret donations (“dark money”).

• Give grants to local news outlets, community radio, and nonprofit media to produce reporting that strengthens democratic conversation.

Expected Outcomes

• More people understand how race, power, and wealth interact. We will reduce ignorance about systemic injustice.

• Fewer cases where people are harmed by discrimination; more justice for victims.

• Greater public pressure to change unfair systems because people will see them clearly.

• Politicians and elites will have to answer to united citizens—not just to the richest donors.

Chapter 2: Balancing Wealth and Democracy

Background / Problem Statement

• Wealth inequality is rising. Since the 1980s, the top 1% of U.S. households have gained a much larger share of income and wealth, while the middle class has shrunk. (Congressional Budget Office)

• Money strongly shapes politics. After the Supreme Court’s Citizens United v. FEC (2010) ruling, corporations and wealthy donors gained the ability to spend unlimited funds on elections. This has increased the influence of the richest over laws and policies. (Brennan Center)

• Workers’ power has weakened. Union membership fell from about 20% of workers in 1983 to about 10% in 2022. Lower union strength has made it harder for workers to win fair wages and benefits. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)

• Democracy is at risk. When wealth buys outsized political influence, the government no longer reflects equal voice. That weakens trust in democracy and deepens division.

Policy Goals

1. End the dominance of big money in politics. Create limits on campaign spending and increase transparency in donations.

2. Make taxes fair. Ensure the wealthiest individuals and corporations pay their share to support public services.

3. Rebuild worker bargaining power. Strengthen unions and give employees tools to negotiate fair wages and working conditions.

4. Protect democratic participation. Ensure that every citizen has an equal chance to influence government, regardless of wealth.

Implementation Steps

• Campaign Finance Reform

• Pass legislation requiring full disclosure of political donations and spending.

• Support a constitutional amendment to overturn Citizens United.

• Create public funding systems for campaigns to reduce reliance on wealthy donors.

• Tax Policy Reform

• Restore higher tax rates on the ultra-wealthy, similar to mid-20th century levels when inequality was lower.

• Close corporate tax loopholes and enforce IRS action against offshore tax shelters.

• Expand the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to help working families. (IRS)

• Labor Rights Expansion

• Pass laws that allow sector-wide bargaining, so unions negotiate across entire industries, not just individual workplaces.

• Protect workers from retaliation when organizing unions.

• Increase penalties on employers who violate labor laws.

• Democracy Safeguards

• Enact small-donor matching systems to amplify ordinary citizens’ voices.

• Ban anonymous “dark money” groups from influencing elections.

• Require regular audits of campaign finance to ensure accountability.

Expected Outcomes

• Fairer Elections. Political power will reflect people, not just money. Citizens will have greater trust in the system.

• More Public Resources. With fairer taxes, governments can invest in schools, healthcare, and infrastructure.

• Stronger Workers. Higher union participation will mean better wages, benefits, and protections for millions.

• Healthier Democracy. By reducing the control of wealthy elites, citizens will once again feel democracy works for everyone, not just the rich.

Chapter 3: Protecting Liberal Capitalism

Background / Problem Statement

• Capitalism has created wealth and innovation, but also abuse. Free markets drive progress, yet unchecked corporate power can hurt workers, consumers, and democracy.

• Monopolies reduce competition. In many industries, a few companies dominate. For example, Amazon controls about 40% of U.S. e-commerce. This reduces consumer choice and weakens small businesses. (U.S. House Judiciary Committee Report, 2020)

• Small businesses struggle. While big corporations thrive, small firms face rising costs and limited access to credit. They employ about 46% of the private workforce, yet their share has declined over decades. (U.S. Small Business Administration)

• Worker ownership is rare. Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) cover only about 6,500 companies in the U.S., representing roughly 14 million workers. This is less than 10% of the workforce. (National Center for Employee Ownership)

• Public trust is low. According to Gallup, only 21% of Americans say they trust big business. (Gallup Poll, 2022)

Unchecked capitalism undermines democracy and breeds resentment. To survive, liberal capitalism must protect rights, maintain fair markets, and share prosperity more widely.

Policy Goals

1. Break up monopolies and restore competition. Ensure no company dominates markets at the expense of fairness.

2. Support small businesses and local economies. Provide resources and opportunities for small firms to thrive.

3. Promote worker ownership. Expand ESOPs, cooperatives, and shared profit models.

4. Rebuild trust in capitalism. Show that markets can work for people, not just for corporations.

Implementation Steps

• Antitrust Enforcement

• Strengthen the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) to investigate and break up monopolies in tech, agriculture, healthcare, and finance.

• Update the Sherman Antitrust Act and Clayton Act for the 21st century, with stronger penalties for anti-competitive practices.

• Small Business Support

• Expand federal loan programs through the SBA to make credit available for small businesses.

• Provide tax breaks for startups in underserved communities.

• Simplify regulations that unfairly burden small businesses while keeping protections for workers and consumers.

• Worker Ownership Programs

• Offer tax credits to companies that transition to ESOPs.

• Encourage cooperative business models, especially in local services like childcare, healthcare, and retail.

• Require federal contractors above a certain size to share a portion of ownership with employees.

• Public Trust Measures

• Require greater transparency from corporations about wages, taxes, and political spending.

• Create incentives for companies that demonstrate environmental and social responsibility.

• Protect whistleblowers who reveal corporate abuses.

Expected Outcomes

• Healthier Markets. Strong competition creates better products, lower prices, and more innovation.

• Revived Local Economies. Small businesses expand and create jobs, reducing dependence on mega-corporations.

• Shared Prosperity. Workers gain wealth and stability through ownership and profit-sharing.

• Renewed Public Confidence. People see capitalism serving society, not controlling it.

Chapter 4: Anti-Authoritarian Governance

Background / Problem Statement

• Authoritarianism is rising worldwide. In countries like Hungary, Turkey, and Russia, leaders have limited free speech, weakened elections, and centralized power. (Freedom House)

• The U.S. is not immune. American democracy has faced threats, including efforts to limit voting rights, spread false information, and attack the free press. (Brennan Center for Justice)

• Public trust is declining. Only about 20% of Americans say they trust the federal government to do what is right most of the time. (Pew Research Center)

• Checks and balances are under strain. When courts, legislatures, or oversight bodies are weakened, executive power can grow too strong.

• Authoritarian leaders rely on division. They silence critics, target minority groups, and claim to speak for a single “real” people. This undermines pluralism and democracy.

To protect freedom, the U.S. must strengthen its institutions, ensure that government remains accountable, and preserve open dialogue.

Policy Goals

1. Protect free speech and the free press. Guarantee that people can question power without fear.

2. Defend voting rights. Make sure every eligible citizen has equal access to the ballot.

3. Reinforce checks and balances. Ensure no branch of government has unchecked power.

4. Build civic participation. Expand ways for citizens to engage in government beyond elections.

Implementation Steps

• Free Speech & Press

• Pass a federal shield law protecting journalists from being forced to reveal confidential sources.

• Increase penalties for harassment or violence against journalists.

• Support public media with independent funding to reduce reliance on corporate advertising.

• Voting Rights

• Pass a new Voting Rights Act that restores protections removed by the Supreme Court in Shelby County v. Holder (2013). (ACLU)

• Require automatic and same-day voter registration nationwide.

• Expand early voting and vote-by-mail options in all states.

• Checks and Balances

• Strengthen congressional oversight of executive agencies by requiring regular public reports.

• Set term limits for Supreme Court justices (18 years) to reduce partisan capture.

• Require transparency in presidential powers, including use of emergency declarations.

• Civic Participation

• Create federally funded community councils to advise on local spending priorities (participatory budgeting).

• Expand opportunities for citizens to testify at public hearings, both in person and virtually.

• Launch a National Civic Engagement Corps to teach democracy skills in schools and communities.

Expected Outcomes

• Stronger Institutions. Government is accountable to the people, not to a single leader.

• Fair Elections. Citizens have equal access to the ballot regardless of race, wealth, or location.

• Independent Media. Journalists can investigate and report without fear of retaliation.

• Engaged Citizens. More Americans see themselves as active participants in democracy, not just voters every few years.

Chapter 5: Projecting the Future

Background / Problem Statement

• Basic needs are still unmet. More than half a million Americans are homeless on a single night each year. (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 2022)

• Healthcare is uneven. In 2021, 27.2 million people in the U.S. had no health insurance. (U.S. Census Bureau)

• Education costs are rising. Student loan debt totals more than $1.6 trillion, creating barriers for many young adults. (Federal Reserve)

• Climate change is accelerating. The U.S. is experiencing more frequent heatwaves, wildfires, and floods, costing billions. (EPA)

• Science and exploration show what’s possible. Programs like NASA’s Artemis missions and advances in renewable energy remind us that progress is achievable with public investment. (NASA)

The U.S. must choose: continue patching problems with short-term fixes, or project a future based on shared prosperity, science, and cooperation.

Policy Goals

1. Guarantee universal basic infrastructure. Provide housing, healthcare, and education as rights, not privileges.

2. Invest in science and exploration. Support programs that expand human knowledge and solve global problems.

3. Lead on climate action. Reduce emissions, adapt communities, and cooperate internationally.

4. Inspire public imagination. Make civic life about building the future, not fearing it.

Implementation Steps

• Universal Infrastructure

• Pass a Housing First law ensuring permanent housing with supportive services for the homeless.

• Expand the Affordable Care Act toward universal healthcare coverage.

• Make community college tuition-free and expand federal aid for universities and trade schools.

• Science and Exploration

• Increase funding for NASA and space exploration partnerships.

• Create federal prizes for breakthroughs in clean energy, medicine, and technology.

• Support STEM education in all schools to prepare the next generation.

• Climate Action

• Rejoin and expand international climate agreements, building on the Paris Accord.

• Invest in renewable energy infrastructure like wind, solar, and green hydrogen.

• Create a National Climate Resilience Fund to prepare communities for disasters.

• Public Imagination

• Support arts, culture, and storytelling that highlight cooperation and hope.

• Create public service programs modeled after the Peace Corps, focused on climate and community renewal.

• Launch a “Future of Democracy” initiative where youth help design solutions for the next 50 years.

Expected Outcomes

• Housing, Healthcare, Education Secured. Every person has access to basic needs, improving stability and opportunity.

• Scientific Breakthroughs. U.S. leadership in space, medicine, and energy accelerates innovation.

• Climate Progress. Emissions fall, disasters are managed better, and international cooperation grows.

• Cultural Renewal. Citizens feel inspired to contribute to a shared vision of the future, uniting across divisions.

Endplate: The Equilibrism Manifesto

Project 2026 is the counter to oligarchy and authoritarianism. Where Project 2025 seeks to centralize power in the hands of the wealthy few, Project 2026 reclaims democracy for the many. Its foundation is Equilibrism: the belief that capitalism and democracy can coexist only when balanced by dignity, solidarity, and accountability.

Equilibrism is not communism and not anti-capitalism. It is the conviction that wealth does not define human worth and that racism is the oldest tool of division. By rooting out white supremacy and dismantling the lie that money makes some lives more valuable than others, we can unite across differences, outnumber the powerful, and force them to bargain on terms set by the people.

Foundational Principles

• Freedom Requires Balance – Rights and markets are not enemies; they are strongest when held in check by one another.

• Dignity Is Non-Negotiable – No person is worth more or less because of wealth, race, or status.

• Unity Is Power – White supremacy and manufactured division keep us weak; solidarity makes us strong.

• Democracy Over Oligarchy – Decisions must serve the many, not the few.

• Future Over Fear – We reject authoritarian nostalgia and choose cooperation, discovery, and possibility.

Strategic Priorities

1. Rooting Out Supremacy

2. Balancing Wealth and Democracy

3. Protecting Liberal Capitalism

4. Anti-Authoritarian Governance

5. Projecting the Future

Implementation Framework

• Community First: Power grows from the grassroots, not from decrees.

• Coalition of the Many: Multiracial, cross-class, and multi-faith alliances are the only way forward.

• Milestones for 2026: Civic education, campaign finance reform, cooperative pilots, global partnerships.

Vision
By 2026, Equilibrism will have shifted the ground beneath our politics. We will no longer be divided by false hierarchies of race or wealth. We will be united, and united, we will outnumber the rich. They will have no choice but to bargain with us, on our terms, under the light of democracy and dignity for all.

This is the work of Project 2026. This is the future of balance, freedom, and unity.