I have always loved politics and history. And I always welcome a lively discussion involving current event. But some issues have worn me out and I try to focus on the issues that mean more to me.
1. Care About: Gun Violence
There is violence in our streets. Violence in our schools. Violence in our stores. There is too much bloodshed in America this decade. As a citizen who votes and partakes in current events, I can accept many ideas other than my own as perfectly valid opinions. But I think as a developed nation, we can all get behind common-sense gun safety. That means pushing out special interests from our government and having the will to act on gun violence.
2. Don't Care About: Healthcare
I get it. I know that every Democrat under the sun considers this the issue that will make or break the general election in 2020. But from what I have heard from the first two rounds of debates is the same old same old. A decade ago the ACA was a historic measure that had not been seen before in the United States. I truly believe that Obamacare will be as good as it gets for healthcare in the United States. And if that's the way it is, then I won't lose sleep at night.
3. Care About: Climate Change
It is time to take climate change seriously. A handful of our leaders are not stepping up to the plate. The United States must return to the Paris Climate Agreement. Our government must also enact environmental policies that ensure clean air and clean water for our citizens. This is also about the prosperity of generations to come. We owe it to the millions of unborn, that they can walk across an unscathed Earth and revel in its natural beauty.
4. Don't Care About: Tax Policy
I probably should care about taxes since I, you know, pay taxes. But that is what it means to be a citizen. I am happy to pay taxes. That's how we're gonna pay for roads, police, and schools. I believe taxing the wealthy is petty and not the solution to wealth inequality. Tax policy is critical, but it will not be the be all and end all when I head to my local polling place.
5. Care About: Foreign Policy
We live in a global community. Our leaders need to recognize that the world needs America to lead once again. Decisions are made by those who show up and right now, the United States is nowhere to be found. Our allies will move on without us, while the United States is stuck in neutral. Europe for example, will be ahead of the U.S. on climate, energy, and diplomatic relations. Renewing our relationships with our allies will bolster the world community we live in.
6. Don't Care About: Abortion
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I have heard both sides of this argument way too many times. And honestly, I agree with both sides. I consider both mainstream arguments perfectly valid cases. I understand a woman's right to choose, and I understand a person's moral objection. At the end of the day, I am pro-life, because I would prefer a baby to be given up for adoption. I also believe that abortion should be legal. It should be legal because that is the only way it can be medically safe. I guess that also makes me pro-choice.
7. Care About: The Death Penalty
The death penalty is barbaric. Plain and simple. The Eighth Amendment of our Constitution outlaws cruel and unusual punishment. There is a fine line between justice and vengeance. Citizens of this country have the right to seek justice. That does not give the citizenry the right to kill people. Right now, death sentences and executions are at historic lows. There have only been ten executions so far in 2019. We should be able to bring that number down in the coming decades.
8. Don't Care About: The Minimum Wage
I have always been against raising the minimum wage. But I stopped arguing about it because it appears the minimum wage will increase. There has been a debate in Illinois for a few years about increasing, it seems inevitable. Chances are I will probably oppose an increase, but I could end up on the losing end.
9. Care About: Gerrymandering
Republicans and Democrats are both guilty of this. It's all a part of the game. Gerrymandering Congressional districts are unfair to voters. Partisan gerrymandering is not what the framers of the Constitution had in mind when they formed a government by and for the people. Too much power is the hand of government and those who know how the system works. It is far past time that this cycle ends.
10. Don't Care About: Legalization of Marijuana
Marijuana will be legal in Illinois soon. At first, I was furious. I did not think it made any sense at all. But I realized that I overreacted and weed will be legal on a national level at some point in my lifetime. It also took the help of a stand-up comedian, Kathleen Madigan, who made me lower my stance on pot. So, I truly do not care what the government's stance is on marijuana moving forward.
I love current events. None of these issues will be going away any time soon. I will simply place a higher priority on some issues over others.
