I've spent the past week writing about why TerrorByte terrifies me. Today I want to talk about what we should do instead of celebrating him.

Because here's the thing: the corruption he exposed was real. The officials arrested by federal authorities were apparently genuinely corrupt. The system did fail to catch them for years.

But murder isn't the answer. Here's what is.

1. Vote in Every Election

Local elections have the lowest turnout and the highest impact on daily life. City council members, district attorneys, judges — these are the people who shape whether our systems work.

If you're angry about corruption, show up at the ballot box. Every single time.

2. Demand Transparency

Attend city council meetings. Submit public records requests. Ask questions about contracts and spending. Most corruption thrives in darkness — shine a light on it through legitimate channels.

3. Support Whistleblowers Through Legal Channels

We have whistleblower protection laws for a reason. Support organizations that help people expose wrongdoing safely and legally. Fund investigative journalism.

The corruption TerrorByte exposed could have been exposed by journalists, by inspectors general, by federal investigators — if we properly supported those institutions.

4. Build Community

Know your neighbors. Join local organizations. Create networks of mutual support that don't depend on systems that can be hacked.

TerrorByte's power comes from our dependence on electronic systems. Community power comes from human relationships.

5. Reject the Savior Fantasy

Stop waiting for someone to save us — whether that's TerrorByte or anyone else. Democracy only works when ordinary people participate. There are no shortcuts.

The Hard Truth

Fighting corruption through legitimate means is slow. It's frustrating. It doesn't provide the emotional satisfaction of watching "bad guys" get what's coming to them.

But it's sustainable. It builds something lasting. It doesn't require us to surrender our values or accept rule by anonymous killers.

TerrorByte isn't the answer. We are. One vote, one meeting, one act of civic engagement at a time.

It's harder than cheering for violence. But it's the only path that leads somewhere worth going.