As the New York primaries approach quickly, candidates hopeful to get the nomination from their parties campaign tirelessly to get voters on their side. Last Friday, April 8, Republican Governor of Ohio visited Le Moyne College in Syracuse, NY.
Announced just days before, Kasich's upcoming visit caused excitement among Le Moyne students, who watched as they received a series of e-mails from the administration updating them on the changing location of the rally to accommodate the increase in expected attendance.
Friday evening, Le Moyne students, locals, and news crews filled the gymnasium of the Henninger Athletic Center as upbeat music played in the background. To begin the rally, Alexander Plochocki, elementary aged nephew of Michael Plochocki, legislator for the 6th district of Onondaga County, led the crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance.
After an introduction by Michael Plochocki and former Congressman James Walsh, John Kasich came to the stage. Kasich opened by declaring his disappointment that the Syracuse Orangemen had lost in the NCAA March Madness tournament, earning laughs from the crowd.
No time was wasted in explaining Kasich's experience over the years: he spent 18 years in Congress, and is in his second term as governor of Ohio, first elected in 2010. He also gave several pieces of life advice to the audience, one of which encouraged being an independent person. Kasich used this to show that he is free from the pressures of politics and government. "No one gives me orders but my wife," the governor joked.
One thing that Kasich showed passion for was brining unity to the international community. He cited strengthening relationships with other nations as a way to defeat ISIS. Then, once the issues are resolved, Kasich said that pulling soldiers out of these conflicted areas and letting these nations draw their own map lines is a way to prevent further conflict. As anyone who has studied colonialism in any respect knows, map lines drawn by foreigners cause problems. So, I'd say Dumbledore would give 10 points to Kasich on this one.
"Banning Muslims is absurd." 10 more points to Kasich. The Governor maintained that the key to national security is a balance between intelligence and civil liberties, not kicking out an entire population of our nation. "People hijack all religions," Kasich said in defense of his position.
John Kasich's next main point was that no one should be left behind- in education, or health care. His plan to do this? Put public education into the jurisdiction of the states and make healthcare and college more affordable. "No one should lose healthcare for a pre-existing condition. That's a disgrace," Kasich said of the current health care situation. He also recommended that mentorship programs and guidance counselors be brought into schools to help children succeed.
Perhaps more notable than his policies is his character. He has abstained from name calling or shaming other candidates and their families. "I refuse to take the low road to the highest office in the land," Kasich said Friday.
The atmosphere at the John Kasich rally was one of determination - to make the country a better place. He seemed like a kind neighbor you'd like to have over for a barbecue in the summer. There was not a trace of anger, hate for anyone, or even a thought of violence. Instead, Mr. Kasich encouraged the crowd, telling them that they were each special, had a purpose, and could do anything if they put their mind to it.
Whatever your political stance, John Kasich seems like a kind, intelligent, and sane man who certainly would not be the worst choice for President of the United States.
