In a surprising turn of events, a Texas resident has taken an unconventional approach to the upcoming 2024 presidential election by legally changing his name to “Literally Anybody Else” and throwing his hat into the ring as an independent candidate.

Formerly known as Dustin Ebey, a 35-year-old US army veteran and middle school math teacher residing in the Dallas suburbs, has made headlines with his bold decision to enter the political arena. With a Texas driver’s license now bearing his new moniker, Literally Anybody Else has set out on a mission to offer voters an alternative to the mainstream candidates.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the current political landscape dominated by figures like Joe Biden and Donald Trump, Literally Anybody Else emphasizes a desire for change. “Three hundred million people can do better,” he asserts, highlighting his frustration with what he perceives as a perpetual power struggle between the two major parties.

“It’s not necessarily about me as a person, but it’s about literally anybody else as an idea,” he explains in an interview with news outlet WFAA88, underscoring his belief in the need for fresh perspectives in governance.

To secure a spot on the ballot, Literally Anybody Else faces the daunting task of gathering 113,000 signatures from non-primary voters in Texas by May. Acknowledging the challenge, he has turned to grassroots campaigning, urging supporters to write in his name as a candidate.

“We don’t have a ‘neither’ option on the ballot, and this kind of fills that role,” he notes, highlighting the absence of alternatives for disillusioned voters.

The candidate’s platform, outlined on his website, echoes his message of change and accountability. “Literally Anybody Else isn’t a person, it’s a rally cry,” the site declares. “For too long, Americans have suffered from political parties prioritizing loyalty over governance. Together, let’s send a message to Washington and demand representation or face replacement.”

With a slogan challenging the status quo, Literally Anybody Else aims to disrupt the traditional narrative of American politics. “America should not be stuck choosing between the ‘King of Debt’ (his self-declaration) and an 81-year-old,” the website boldly asserts, positioning himself as a viable alternative for disillusioned voters.

As the 2024 election season unfolds, Literally Anybody Else’s unconventional campaign promises to inject a fresh perspective into the political discourse, challenging voters to reconsider their options and demand change at the highest levels of government.

Following the fateful impact of American Airlines Flight 11 on the North Tower, the trajectory of the United States and much of the Western world veered into a realm of uncertain conflict both domestically and internationally, famously coined as the War on Terror. This epoch was defined by two significant military endeavors, namely Afghanistan and subsequently Iraq, which gradually drained the resources, stature, and credibility of the Western powers on the global platform, ensnaring both nations in the quagmire of insurgency.

For many, these wars have been an ever-present backdrop, shaping the collective consciousness and leaving a lingering legacy. The ignominious departure from Afghanistan in 2021, underscored by the chaotic scenes at Kabul International Airport, served as a stark reminder of the inherent limitations in America’s nation-building endeavors. While the withdrawal marked a practical conclusion to the broader War on Terror, it beckons an exploration into the cultural ramifications wrought upon the United States.

Enter “Engage & Destroy,” a poignant exploration authored by photographer and artist Jason Koxvold, seeking to unravel the cultural impact of these “forever wars.” Developed over a span of 16 months at Fort Moore in Georgia, the project encapsulates the transformation of male U.S. Army recruits from the nascent stages to the culmination of their basic training cycle. Through a series of portraits, interspersed with visceral depictions of hand-to-hand combat, Koxvold delves into the psyche and physicality of these recruits, offering a raw and disquieting examination of the intersection between hypermasculinity and perpetual warfare within the realm of the military.

The visual narrative is augmented by deconstructed excerpts from the Soldier’s Creed, a creed ingrained in the ethos of every American soldier, serving as a guiding principle throughout their service. This amalgamation of imagery and text coalesces to form a compelling commentary on the profound and enduring effects of war on the human spirit and the broader cultural landscape of the United States.

“Engage & Destroy” stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the War on Terror, transcending mere documentation to provoke introspection and dialogue surrounding the toll exacted on individuals and society at large in the pursuit of conflict.

The Home Office has revealed plans to allocate taxpayer funds towards TikTok campaigns, aiming to dissuade individuals from illegally migrating to the UK. The initiative, reported by The Times, involves collaborating with influencers to create videos discouraging such migration.

The proposed strategy, estimated to cost £1 million, is set to launch in the spring alongside a contentious scheme to relocate asylum seekers, many fleeing war and poverty, to Rwanda.

According to The Times, the TikTok campaign intends to convey the hostile environment awaiting migrants to the UK through engaging and relatable content posted by online influencers. While not directly branded by the UK government, influencers will be required to disclose their affiliation with the Home Office for transparency.

Targeting nations contributing significantly to illegal migration, such as Albania, Iraq, Egypt, and Vietnam, the campaign also plans to extend its reach to Turkey and India in the future. A substantial budget of £570,000 has reportedly been allocated to compensate influencers.

A spokesperson for the Home Office defended the social media strategy, citing the need to counter misinformation spread by human traffickers. They emphasized the reduction in illegal crossings by 36 percent last year, attributing it to relentless government action.

Despite government efforts to engage influencers, responses have been mixed. While a marketing agency has been tasked with identifying potential influencers, some candidates expressed surprise at their inclusion. Fabio Daja, an Albanian TikToker, conveyed reluctance to participate, citing the sensitivity of the issue surrounding refugees.

In an interview with The i newspaper, Daja emphasized his refusal to engage in a campaign that could potentially impact individuals attempting to cross borders for refuge. His sentiments reflect broader concerns regarding the ethical implications of using social media to deter migration.

As the UK government proceeds with its unconventional approach to migration deterrence, it faces scrutiny over the effectiveness and ethics of leveraging social media platforms for policy objectives.