It is apparent that equality, safety, and optimism are three things that have been negated in the hearts and minds of American citizens over the past week. Fear has evaded not only our soul, but our pockets as well.

At first, it was a joke. We thought that the very idea of building a wall was just an over-ambitious plug to end ties with bordering countries. As days continued to pass, the joke became less funny. On the day of his inauguration, all laughing became silenced. We prayed that he hadn’t been serious and that he was only exaggerating, yet still, talk persists about his beloved “wall.”

It is estimated that approximately $15 billion will be needed solely to build the wall on the southern border of the United States. As much as President Trump likes to believe, Mexico will NOT be paying for the wall. As a result, the citizens of America will be responsible for paying for his beloved barrier.

The current national debt is over $19 trillion, however this number will only increase as American citizens become further jeopardized for their earnings. It is predicted that the price of the wall will add $120 per U.S. household to the national debt. Additionally, Trump wants to impose a 20% tariff on Mexican imports. As a result, still, the U.S. will be financing the wall. Consumer prices in the U.S. will rise, therefore buyers will be paying for the wall instead of Mexican producers.

While money is being wasted on an already worthless idea, funding is being taken away from so many things that could better benefit the country.

Climate change, despite Trump’s belief, is very real. These billions of dollars could be going toward solar panels and electric cars in order to lessen the CO₂ in the atmosphere and minimize the continual increase of Earth's temperature.

Homelessness could be reduced substantially with excess money to build shelters, supply food, and provide health care and psychiatric help to those in need. Education and healthcare could not only better our society, but prepare America’s youth for a better future.

Veteran programs could be created to provide housing, education, and support to those back from overseas. Money could help to fund cancer research to finally find a cure for the disease responsible for far too many deaths. In a perfect world where Trump is actually pro-choice, money in replace of the wall could go toward Planned Parenthood. Now, that would be beneficial for America.

Extra funds could go toward wildlife conservation to protect wild plants, animal species, and their habitats for many generations to come. Infrastructures, arts and culture, cyber security, space exploration, journalism, care for senior citizens, and refugee support — all these things could be improved drastically, except the money is going toward a wall. Wouldn't it be nice to finally solve some of society's largest problems?