When Power Stops Answering to the People

By Leslii stevens ERYT500, YACEP, Trauma-Informed Yoga Teacher

When leaders dine with predators and no one asks why, that’s not politics anymore. It’s a national reckoning


Some stories break the news cycle. Others break something inside us.


Every so often, a headline surfaces that reminds us how deep corruption can run, not just in politics or business, but in the quiet spaces where power hides. When names like Jeffrey Epstein and Donald Trump appear together in the same breath, it’s not just about scandal anymore. It’s about how power protects itself and how easily society looks the other way when influence wears a suit and smiles for the cameras.


For decades, we’ve watched leaders promise accountability, only to rewrite the rules when it’s their turn under the microscope. The Epstein case, a horrifying tangle of wealth, abuse, and political connection, exposed how predators can flourish inside systems built to keep them untouchable. When you mix that kind of money with the machinery of government, truth becomes negotiable, and justice takes a number and waits.


But the thing about secrets is, they eventually surface.

Emails, records, photographs, the receipts never lie, even when people in power do. And when those receipts suggest a sitting president was spending holidays (Thanksgiving 2017) with a convicted sex offender, it stops being gossip and becomes a mirror. What does that say about the integrity of the offices we trust? About the people who swore an oath to lead?


It’s easy to dismiss corruption as “politics as usual.”

It’s harder to sit with the reality that our collective silence enables it.


The question isn’t just whether powerful men like Trump knew Epstein, or how deep that relationship ran, the question is why we, the public, keep letting this cycle repeat. Why do we excuse abuse when it’s wrapped in money, status, or charisma? Why do we act shocked when people built on lies act accordingly?


Accountability isn’t partisan. It’s human.

And right now, humanity is begging for leaders who remember what that means.


Power, unchecked, corrodes empathy.

Corruption doesn’t start in boardrooms or government halls, it starts when people believe they’re above consequence. When lies become strategy. When victims become headlines and the rest of us scroll on by, pretending outrage is action.


We don’t need another scandal to wake us up.

We need courage, the kind that demands answers, names the abuse, and refuses to flinch when the truth gets ugly.


Because when predators and politicians share a dinner table and no one asks why, democracy itself starts to rot from the inside out.


And history won’t just remember the people who did the harm.

It will remember those who looked away.

Power isn’t earned by title. It’s proven by accountability. Time we demand more.

Here’s a list of national hotlines and resources that can support people dealing with trauma, abuse, or distress caused by what’s happening in the country. These services can help people who may be struggling with mental health issues, anxiety, or dealing with narcissistic manipulation, gaslighting, or any form of emotional abuse.  

 Self-Care Tips for Coping with Narcissistic Behavior  

 
 If you're feeling the weight of these narcissistic influences or you're just plain tired of the chaos, remember that your health comes first. Here are some ways to help cope:

 
 1. Practice grounding techniques: Whether it's a few minutes of deep breathing or focusing on your body in a yoga pose (like Waterfall Pose), grounding helps bring you back to your own reality when the gaslighting feels overwhelming.  

 
 
 2. Set boundaries: Narcissists thrive on breaking down your boundaries. If you’re feeling manipulated or gaslit, remember you have the right to set firm boundaries, both emotionally and physically.  

 
 
 3. Talk to a professional: A trauma-informed therapist can help you navigate through the mental and emotional effects of narcissistic behavior.  

 
 
 4. Take breaks from social media: Sometimes, the best way to protect your peace is to step away from platforms that perpetuate chaos. It’s ok to mute, block, or unfollow.  

 
 
 5. Engage in activities that bring joy: Do something that brings you calm and joy be it reading, walking, yoga, or listening to music.  

 
 
 
 This list of hotlines and self-care suggestions is a reminder that people don’t have to go through this alone. We have resources to help navigate the chaos, support mental health, and offer guidance on healing from emotional abuse.  

 
 By taking care of ourselves and each other, we can stand up against the narcissistic chaos, find our center, and reclaim the peace and clarity that we deserve.  

 
 National Hotlines & Support Resources  

1. 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline  

 
 Phone: 988 (available 24/7)  

 
 Website: 988lifeline.org  

 
 Description: A nationwide network providing free, confidential support for individuals in distress, including those affected by political events or narcissistic abuse.  

 
 
 
 2. Crisis Text Line  

 
 Text: HOME to 741741 (available 24/7)  

 
 Website: crisistextline.org  

 
 Description: Offers free, 24/7 support via text messages for individuals experiencing emotional distress related to political stressors or personal relationships.  

 
 
 
 3. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline  

 
 Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI (1-800-950-6264)  

 
 Website: nami.org  

 
 Description: Provides information, support, and referrals for individuals affected by mental health conditions, including those dealing with narcissistic behaviors.  

 
 
 
 4. National Domestic Violence Hotline  

 
 Phone: 1-800-799-7233 (available 24/7)  

 
 Text: Text "START" to 88788  

 
 Website: thehotline.org  

 
 Description: Offers confidential support for individuals experiencing domestic violence, including emotional and narcissistic abuse.  

 
 
 
 5. Mental Health America (MHA)  

 
 Website: mhanational.org  

 
 Description: Provides resources and support for mental health issues, including coping strategies for political stress and narcissistic abuse.  

 
 
 
 6. Psychology Today Therapist Directory  

 
 Website: psychologytoday.com  

 
 Description: A directory to find licensed therapists specializing in various issues, including trauma and narcissistic abuse.  

 
 
 
 7. American Psychological Association (APA)  

 
 Website: apa.org  

Description: Offers resources on managing stress, including stress related to political events and narcissistic behaviors.  

 
 
 These resources are available to provide support, information, and assistance to those affected by political stress, narcissistic behaviors, and related mental health concerns. It's important to reach out to these services if you or someone you know is struggling.