We the people have the power to influence the course of our nation by selecting its officials. So, who is going to be the next president? Who ought to be the next leader of our nation?
I’ve pondered this question over and over while comparing the candidates’ policies, sincerity and passion for American values. What I have found to be the greatest help as I sort through the variety of candidates is this question, “Where do you want to see this country 10 years from now … 20 years from now?” It directs me to evaluate candidates by the direction his or her ideologies will lead this country as a whole rather than the common “what’s in it for me” approach to voting.
For example, under the leadership of Sen. Bernard Sanders’ democratic socialism, the United States would see the demise of one if its greatest values: independence. Socialism at large removes the power to control trade and resources from the citizens in private businesses and puts that control in the hands of the government.
Like a modern day Robin Hood in his desire to take from the rich to help the poor, Mr. Sanders heralds his message of income equality. However, the legendary Robin Hood’s sincere heart did not alter the reality that he was a thief. It is robbery to expect one percent of the population’s tax revenue to fund government programs.
Many of his stances on social issues seem noble — free college, free health care, creating jobs through industrial refurbishment, raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, etc. However, rather than strengthening the frail economy his ideas will cause it to implode. With a fiscal gap in the billions and the national debt at $18.6 trillion and climbing, he has no grounds to promise “free” anything. He encourages us to emulate economies like Sweden and Finland, without mentioning that these countries have some of the highest tax rates in the world. His ideas will lead to an increase in the already incomprehensible national debt and tax increases for all Americans.
Passion and integrity are two values every leader must have. In a Clinton administration we would be lead by a woman who lacks both. Passion is more than a raised voice. It is often the fervor and conviction with which one speaks or the determined look in a person’s eye as if they can taste what they are talking about. I have witnessed the halting way Hillary Rodham Clinton reads her speeches. She quotes century old partisan rhetoric with an emotional disconnectedness that causes one to wonder if her words truly reflect her values or if she is merely her party’s puppet.
As she campaigns, she has repeatedly encouraged the American people to put their hope in the Democratic Party based on the leadership successes of the Obama administration. She has gone as far to say that the Obama administration has brought us back from the brink of a depression by stimulating jobs and providing health care to millions of people.
Let’s be fair — the affordable care act has provided health coverage to millions of Americans while the access to quality care has remained the same. What you see in health care now is large populations of people siphoned off to facilities that will accept their government insurance, which results in high patient volume, delayed patient care, and a loss of personal choice. As for the economy, when you look at the facts in black and white (you can access them at treasurydirect.gov and data.bls.gov) you find that under the Obama administration our national debt has nearly doubled from its 2009 $10.6 trillion sum to its current $18.6 trillion balance, and the American unemployment rate has been higher under his administration than those of his two predecessors. If Mrs. Clinton misrepresents the facts to gain support, her leadership is not worthy of trust.
There is a candidate, however, whose passion for the cause of freedom, social justice, and individual empowerment has the kinetic energy to raise America to her feet again. He is Dr. Ben Carson.
This man, with every odd against him, defied the status quo and became a leader in medicine, business and politics. His legacy encourages Americans to live without excuses and to pursue excellence in spite of obstacles. When applied to our nation’s dilemmas, his iron will, intelligence and brilliant use of resources will create the vibrant leadership dynamic the country desperately needs. Dr. Carson has won my allegiance, but it is more than his impeccable character that has swayed me. His policies make sense.
Dr. Carson wants to institute a flat tax that creates equality in what is garnished from American wages. The poor and rich will be treated equally. He’s an advocate of health savings accounts, which restore the power of choice to the American people. Citizens, not insurance companies, will be able to choose their health care providers. With his proposed balanced budget amendment, the federal government would be held responsible by the constitution for how they handle our money.
In all areas of his policy he wants to restore power back to the people. This is a weighty gift. Freedom is a heavy responsibility to bear, but we cannot let Lady Liberty die from neglect. His campaign is breathing life back into the American population by showing them that there is choice, life still holds hope and that there can be honest politicians.
So much confusion surrounds a presidential election. Each party’s candidates clamor for attention and acceptance by whatever means possible — commercials, debates, free gifts, speeches and promises. We’ve seen the gamut of campaign tactics by presidential hopefuls seeking to garner our affection and support. I would encourage you with this, don’t let your affection be easily won. Consider the candidates, and weigh their statements. Research and decide based on the legacy that they will leave. Thinking for yourself puts the power to govern where it should be, in the hands of the people.
• Amaris Watson is an abstract artist, pianist, and puts her BSN degree to good use as an ER Registered Nurse in New Jersey.
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