As the New Year takes its form we must look back at this past year for what it was, 365 days of politics. There were highs and lows, as well as a couple of interesting middles, but overall there are some things we have learned.
Dr. Ben Carson brought up the country’s obsession with political correctness, Ted Cruz pointed out the media bias towards the left, Donald Trump brought forth (not necessarily in the correct way) illegal immigration. We also had the summer of Bernie, the rise and stagnant forces of Hilary’s emails as well as some democratic candidates who lasted as long as a cake in a room full of fat guys. Nonetheless we have another year and with this one a presidential election. There were 22 candidates last year and we are down to only 15 (all of us were hoping there would be less, but we’d also love it to rain candy and everything to be made of pizza, but it's not). The rise of groups like BlackLivesMatter and other race related groups and divisions have become the norm, and we are too busy trying to be politically correct. We want gun control over national defense, we don’t want to spend money on military but we want to spend it on social programs. Do we even know what we want?
I guess that’s what 2016 is for, maybe even changing the guard. Many believe it could be a republican sitting in the oval office come January 2017, and his name may or may not be Donald. Unlike last year we have a primary coming up in March and an election in November. 2015 had some iconic moments as well as the rise of ISIS and that problem will continue into 2016. 2015 was definitely one of media reactions to everything as well as fear of words like “Radical Islamic Terrorism.” 2015 also was a year that we let the Supreme Court change laws as well as allowing continued overstepping by the current administration. 2016 holds more potential gun control, more executive orders and something even scarier, a potential democrat named Hilary or Bernie in the White House. As a conservative, I fear further infringement on our rights which is why Yale students scare me as well (in case you didn’t know, they signed a petition to get rid of the 1st amendment). I know my opinion is biased, but do your own research and see if any expert thinks Obama has helped this country or hindered it.
My suggestions for you in 2016 are to research and read up on the issues, because nothing is worse than a large base of uninformed voters. Don’t believe everything you are told, because you must explore both sides before making an accurate decision. Don’t be politically correct all the time, it is way too much work and it’s not really helping anyone (as well as it gets really really annoying). Vote and I mean it, because the only thing worse than voting blind is not voting at all, because we have a freedom that not many countries have to directly influence policy in this country. My last suggestion is to discuss with other people of varying viewpoints, the worst thing is to keep your opinions and never discuss them with others, because your opinions could be shared or debated and you can grow because of it. I hope you have a healthy and blessed 2016 and remember to stay informed and discuss.
