My fellow Americans, the importance of direct democracy has become increasingly needed. We are a nation built together and we deserve to have our voices heard directly.  Our democracy has served the powers of those who exploit us for over two centuries. I feel that it's time to modernize the way Americans handle the decisions that impact our daily lives.  National referendums give power back to the people and forces issues to be judged swiftly. America desperately needs this safeguard put in place to begin our mission of restoring democracy for the people. 
 

About my story:

On November 13th i clocked off of work, packed my things and drove straight to Washington DC.

So let’s rewind a bit for those that don’t really know me well. I’m Shad Hillis, and i’m from Jerseyville, Illinois, which is north of st. louis on the illinois side of the mississippi river. It’s a wonderful city with a rich history that includes the Hamilton Primary School, which is the first free and integrated school in the US. It has The Cheney Mansion which was a vital part of the underground railroad. It’s a small county of less than 10,000 people, but it’s a place i’m proud to call home.

As a 13 year old, I watched Barrack Obama give the most evocative speeches. Even if i had absolutely zero clue what he was talking about. I felt like he meant it when he promised us change. While I have many gripes to pick with how he handled his administration, he disappointed, but still inspired me.

I graduated in 2013 at jersey community high school and spent 10ish years bouncing around between playing music and going to school and working as a pizza delivery driver. I take great pride in how i balanced the three and i have nothing but respect for anyone that’s working in the service industry, or trying to get an education or trying to follow their dreams, whatever they may be. 

In 2023 i finally landed my dream job as an independent contractor for digital mapping and i make roughly $65k a year now and im proud of it. i worked hard and i do a great job and the companies i work for are in my opinion, the leading example of how to properly run a business in America in 2025. I have nothing but respect for my bosses.

My parents are from the working class, just like almost of your parents surely are too and while they absolutely helped me with things like getting me vehicles, shelter, food and love; they were never in a position to be able to pass down wealth and i could never fault them for that. My father served for our country and i couldn’t respect him more than i do. Truthfully, i wish i was half the man he is. My mother is a director for admissions for a nursing home.  Both of my parents are two of the hardest working and honest folks you will meet and everyone that meets them can attest to that. They deserve to retire. They don’t see that happening anytime soon.

Back in 2023, my dog Hank became extremely sick and needed a blood transfusion. I could not afford this procedure so i opted to use my credit card but i amassed over $10k in credit card debt over the year with his medication and procedure. 

Thankfully my local veterinarian in Belleville and the emergency room in st. louis was able to save him and he is happier than ever and staying at my parents for a bit. I’m forever indebted to them. 

Unfortunately i was never able to recover financially and while i firmly believe i worked as hard as i could, i was never a person that was really able to save money myself due to my personality and having zero financial literacy. Don’t hear what im not saying; i absolutely had opportunities in my life to save, but i would typically opt to try and entertain myself by buying a guitar or playstation or whatever, you know. I’m not immune to the effects of consumerism.

I feel as though i am out of options. The oligarchs and corporations have defeated me in their own rigged game. So today i am demanding a rematch, but this time, on equal grounds.

I am starting my own political party which will be called The Liberty and Labor Party and are running for President of the United States in 2028. To kick off my campaign, i am going on a hunger strike until i either physically cannot protest or until i start to see sweeping changes start to take place in this country. 

I am going to sit outside The Capitol, The White house, and The Washington Monument and talk to anyone that wants to talk to me. I am going to collect signatures with the intent to pressure our national, state and local leaders to take action and push for Constitutional Amendments allowing:  national referendums, to alter the electoral system, to create accountability mechanisms, for transparency laws and to finally appropriately tax the ultra wealthy and the corporations they hide behind. 

If you also feel powerless to crushing capitalism, i encourage you to sign and share this petition. Thank you so much. Take care !!