Dear old friends,
It’s hard to believe it’s been over a year since I began campaigning for the Presidency. When I started this journey in August 2023, it felt like few people took my run seriously. The early websites and messaging weren’t perfect, and the terribly corrupt primary processes didn’t help. Many of us have lost faith in ever breaking free from the two-party system that controls the Presidency. But I know, deep down, most of us want to end that stranglehold on the executive branch.
Our nation can’t afford to keep ignoring the need for real change.
So let me say this plainly, to the people I grew up with: My name is John Fial, and I am running for President of the United States of America.
Personal Catch-Up
It’s been over two decades since we graduated, and I’d love to reconnect with all of you. Let’s share our stories — our challenges, our joys, and how our families have grown. I’ve missed hearing your voices and learning about where life has taken you. I regret not reaching out more often. Moving away makes it easy to form new social networks, but it’s much harder to hold onto the ones that shaped us. For my part, I know I could’ve done better staying in touch.
We didn’t all have the same priveleges growing up. Barack Obama may have gone to Punahou, but my family struggled to send my older sibling and me to HBA, and there was no money left for our younger sibling’s education. When my dad lost his job at Kamehameha Schools—where we experienced frequent racism because of our white skin, blond hair, and blue-green eyes—we moved to Pearl City. Most of us believed his firing was racially motivated, and even some of their adult friends, well-versed in the law, thought so too. But with three children and a lost job, my father didn’t have the energy for a legal battle against such a powerful institution. To this day, I still refer to the school as “Kam Schools,” to spark conversation about that chapter in my life; whereas I enunciate the full word Kamehameha when referring to King Kamehameha. It’s a small act of civil defiance that racism, in any form, cannot be tolerated.
Some of you may remember that I wasn’t at HBA for our junior year, but I returned senior year to graduate alongside you. That year at Pearl City High School was incredibly tough for me, especially the first semester. In the first few months, I even contemplated suicide, something I discuss more openly in this video. Honestly, talking to some of you on the phone or AOL Instant Messenger probably saved my life during that time. For that, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart! You were an incredibly class and a wonderful group of people!
Many of you helped me return to HBA, but I owe the biggest thanks to my parents, whose sacrifices made it possible to graduate with you. Thank you for being there.
Why I’m Running
I am running because our corrupt two-party system is not only tearing apart our nation but, through its inaction, putting the planet’s climate and ecosystems at grave risk. For decades, they’ve delayed the bold climate action we urgently need. I remember, as a teenager, being told we had until 2020 or 2025 to take serious action. But, like you, I’ve watched that deadline get pushed back again and again. Now, more than 20 years since graduating high school, have we made the transformative changes required? No, we haven’t. We’ve made some progress, but we’re still polluting at an alarming rate—and failing to clean it up.
I’m not running because I think I’m the perfect candidate. I know I’m not. This isn’t about ego. In fact, there have been countless moments where my ego has wanted to quit, to return to a private, quiet life. And I’ve accepted the possibility that I might fail—that maybe this country isn’t yet ready for an Independent leader. But I can’t sit back in silence. The stakes for our country are too high. This campaign isn’t about me—it’s about the future of our nation. It’s driven by a passion to serve and by the belief that I’m better positioned to start the healing process than either of the major party candidates or anyone trapped by their political machines.
We must reclaim the Presidency’s independence and break free from the chains of these two parties. Only then can we prevent future leaders—no matter how honest their intentions—from being swallowed up by a system that’s been broken for more than two centuries.
Religious Journey
Since we attended a Baptist school, it feels fitting to share how my own religious beliefs have grown over the years. As a teenager, I began questioning Christianity—particularly the doctrines of Paul and the layers that were added after Jesus’ time on Earth. I’ve always admired Jesus’ teachings, especially of compassion, but I struggled with the church’s focus on proselytization rigid doctrine. Even when I identified as a Christian, I was drawn to a more monastic path. Silence and solitude resonated with me in ways that sermons often didn’t—“Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10) made more sense than anything else.
This personal search for inner peace and stillness has profoundly shaped my vision for healing our country. Just as I’ve sought healing in my own life, I believe that same process is needed in our politics—creating space for reflection, humility, and genuine connection, not just conflict and noise.
Over time, I grew out of Christianity. Self-surveys (like this old one I still find useful) helped me learn more about Unitarian Universalism and Mahayana Buddhism. About two decades ago, I began practicing meditation, though it wasn’t always consistent.
Divorce and Reflection on Marriage
Unfortunately, while I made time for meditation, I neglected other aspects of my life—most painfully, my marriage. The stress of COVID didn’t help, and I kept putting off returning to the pre-COVID marital therapy we needed to return to. In hindsight, it wasn’t surprising when my wife asked for a divorce, but at the time, it hit me like a shockwave. She had withdrawn, avoiding communication, and I missed the signs.
If your marriage isn’t as strong as you’d like, don’t wait—get help now. I’m no therapist, but I’ve gone through health coaching training and would be happy to share my experiences on a phone call or help you find the right resources. Especially if you have children, as I do, it’s essential to address what’s broken before it’s too late.
My divorce was the most painful experience of my life, but it taught me an invaluable lesson about the importance of healing before it’s too late. That’s why my platform is focused on healing our country — because I’ve lived through the consequences of neglecting what’s broken. For too long, we’ve watched as these two political parties have fought their endless battle on the battleground of our families, our homes, and our minds. It’s time to stop ignoring the damage they’ve caused. The parties are the problem, and “we the people” are the solution.
The Importance of Community
After the divorce, I found myself with 50% of my time free from parenting duties, and I made a point of prioritizing more disciplined daily meditation. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I needed more than just a personal spiritual practice—I needed a religious community, not only for myself, but also for my son’s religious education. I tried attending different places—a Christian church near Mother’s Day out of respect for my mom, and a Unitarian Universalist congregation—but neither was the right fit. The latter, in particular, felt especially boring, lacking the depth I was seeking.
By what felt like sheer luck or divine grace, I quickly found a Buddhist temple that immediately felt like home. Whether or not I identify as a Buddhist is lesse important to me, as I’m not someone who’s overly concerned with labels, whether political or religious. What matters most is the sense of belonging, of community, or Sangha as it’s called in Buddhism, that I had been missing for decades.
In an upcoming video, I’ll talk more about how the decline in religious attendance across America worries me. Even though we not agree with every practice or doctrine, these communities provide something irreplaceable: support, connection, and a sense of shared purpose. I believe they do far more good than harm, and losing them leaves a void in our lives.
If you’ve drifted away from religious communities in recent years, I encourage you to take another look. Find a community that speaks to your spiritual needs—it can make all the difference.
A Call for Support
Lastly, I want to make a heartfelt request: I’m asking for your support—your donations, your voice, your time—because together we can make history. This campaign isn’t about me; it’s about healing a country in desperate need of it. Every day counts.
Even if you don’t agree with all of my views, I’d still love to reconnect, hear your thoughts, and stay in touch. Let’s have a conversation—because healing starts with listening.
Thank you so much for reading,
John Fial
[private contact info]
www.fialforward.com