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$5.7 Billion Can Do Better Things Than Build A Wall

There are so many possibilities for what $5.7 billion would be better used for.

Alex Claycomb

Feb 19, 2019

National Storytellers Society

$5.7 Billion Can Do Better Things Than Build A Wall

https://www.pexels.com/photo/brick-wall-bricks-bright-leaves-227396/

We just had the longest government shutdown in our history. This is not our first shutdown, but this shutdown originated for one of the most ridiculous reasons ever. Hardworking Americans are either out of work or are working without a paycheck because our president didn't get his almost $6 billion border wall fund. I'm not saying that border control is completely unnecessary, but a wall costing billions of dollars that could be spent in a variety of other ways isn't practical.

1. Take care of pets currently in shelters waiting for their forever homes.

Animals

https://www.pexels.com/photo/orange-tabby-cat-beside-fawn-short-coated-puppy-46024/

Animals matter too! Life would not be worth living without pets. Maybe then we would not need commercials with animals out in the cold.

2. Expand the use of solar panels and other types of green energy.

Solar Pannels

https://www.pexels.com/photo/alternative-energy-building-clouds-energy-356036/

Because climate change is real AF and the sun is a free source of energy.

3. Expand healthcare coverage to more Americans.

Health Coverage

https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-using-black-blood-pressure-monitor-905874/

Maybe a considerable amount of Americans can have healthcare that is legit affordable. We should be focusing on making sure more people are covered and

4. Fix roadways in need of repair.

Potholes

https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-gray-concrete-road-in-the-middle-of-jungle-during-daylight-775199/

Those potholes in the middle of the road won't fix themselves and it is not like the government is going to pay for any damage to our cars caused by potholes and other road hazards.

5. Build affordable houses/condos/apartments.

Housing

https://www.pexels.com/photo/building-metal-house-architecture-101808/

Because most 20-30 somethings can't remotely afford luxury anything, especially housing. There is a lack of affordable housing overall, especially in my home state of New Jersey.

6. Medical research/cures.

Medical Research

https://www.pexels.com/photo/adult-biology-chemical-chemist-356040/

There are many diseases that researchers are seeking to find a cure for. Medical research would be a better use of our money.

7. Reduce student debt.

Student debt

https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-wearing-backpacks-1454360/

Maybe college students won't be in debt until they reach their 40s or 50s.

8. Provide meals for those less fortunate.

Meals for Homeless

https://www.pexels.com/photo/grayscale-photo-of-human-lying-on-ground-covered-of-cardboard-box-1060365/

Almost $6 billion dollars can buy so much food for so many people. If there is one thing that we can all agree on, its that everybody needs to eat.

9. Birth control for every woman that wants/needs it, regardless of the reason.

Birth Control

https://www.pexels.com/photo/grayscale-photography-of-woman-holding-ultrasound-photo-1464822/

Birth control is a LOT cheaper than children, especially long-term.

10. GoFundMe Fundraisers.

Go Fund Me

Alex Claycomb

Imagine how many people we could help by donating to these online fundraisers.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

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Recommended for you

$5.7 Billion Can Do Better Things Than Build A Wall

There are so many possibilities for what $5.7 billion would be better used for.

1. Take care of pets currently in shelters waiting for their forever homes.

2. Expand the use of solar panels and other types of green energy.

3. Expand healthcare coverage to more Americans.

4. Fix roadways in need of repair.

5. Build affordable houses/condos/apartments.

6. Medical research/cures.

7. Reduce student debt.

8. Provide meals for those less fortunate.

9. Birth control for every woman that wants/needs it, regardless of the reason.

10. GoFundMe Fundraisers.

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I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

It's mandatory to have these conversations.

1. What do you do for a living?

2. What's your favorite color?

3. Do you have any siblings?

4. What's your favorite television show?

5. When is your birthday?

6. What's your biggest goal in life?

7. If you had three wishes granted to you by a genie, what would they be?

8. What's your favorite childhood memory?

9. If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be?

10. Are you a cat or a dog person?

11. Do you believe in a religion or any sort of spiritual power?

12. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would it be?

13. What is your ideal date night?

14. Who was/is your celebrity crush?

15. What's a good way to cheer you up if you're having a bad day?

16. Do you have any tattoos?

17. Can you describe yourself in three words?

18. What makes you the most nervous in life?

19. What's the best gift you have ever received?

20. What do you do to relax/have fun?

21. What are your priorities at this phase of your life?

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

Ingredients

Instructions

Ingredients

Instructions

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

A bad day at the lake is still better than a good day not at the lake.

You know the best beaches and coves to go to.

You have no patience for the guy who can't back his trailer into the water right.

Doing the friendly wave to every boat you pass.

The cooler is always packed, mostly with beer.

Giving the idiot who goes 30 in a "No Wake Zone" a piece of your mind.

You have no problem with peeing in the water.

You know the frustration of getting your anchor stuck.

Watching in awe at the bigger, better boats that pass by.

Knowing any swimsuit that you own with white in it is best left for the pool or the ocean.

The momentary fear for your life as you get launched from the tube.

You're able to go to the restaurants by the water wearing minimal clothing.

Having unexpected problems with your boat.

Having a name for your boat unique to you and your life.

There's no better place you'd rather be in the summer.

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