As everyone can agree on, this election year has been… interesting. There have been some questionable comments made that have made me really consider where my first vote should go. Choosing a candidate for this election sometimes feels like I’m choosing what disease I’m okay living with. I just really can’t decide who would be the best worst option right now. And although I may only be 19 and this may be my first year voting and I may have absolutely no idea what I’m talking about… I can tell you right now that my vote is in no way shape or form going to Sen. Bernie Sanders. I’m sorry, but I really am not #FeelingTheBern. And this is not just because “Daddy told me not to,” but because I have actually taken the time to look into his policies and quite frankly, I’m very confused.
When I first go to the website, all I see are the words “rich” and “everyone else.” Who is this "everyone else" you speak of Mr. Sanders? The poor? The middle class? The average person? I don’t really get it. I think a little more specification would be beneficial. And I know for a fact that there are people who are not filthy rich, but not extremely poor who are content with their lives. They have worked hard. And so have the rich… their money came from somewhere and in most cases it was from a lot of hard work. I completely understand trying to help the poor out, I really do. I grew up going to Catholic school with service trips monthly… so trust me, I want to help them. I’m just not really sure how it would work to take other people’s money and give it to those who aren’t doing what it takes to earn it. If that happens, you’re going to have some pretty pissed off “rich” people. Would you take a child’s toy and give it to the kid that’s crying because no one brought it to him in the first place? Didn’t think so.
As I kept clicking through the links and reading on his policies, I see that Sanders really wants to spend money. Don’t get me wrong, I can do some money spending, but if my bank account says $0.00 or is overdrawn by even $5, I stop. I do not continue to spend because I do not have money. You would think grown adults running a country would do the same thing. Especially when their bank account is overdrawn by $19 trillion. But it’s okay, let’s invest $5.5 billion in programs to increase the minimum wage. I completely understand trying to employ people, especially the youth… I am one of them. In three years I would like to have a job. But where in the actual hell are you going to get that kind of money Sanders? I think it’s great to provide programs to help young people get jobs, but the money spending is a little unrealistic.
Another thing that caught my attention was his idea of making public colleges and universities free. Obviously, this appeals me… I am a student paying at a public university. But as nice as this sounds, even to me, I know it’s not realistic. What happens when millions of people go back to school because it’s free and get their degree, but there aren’t jobs? How are colleges going to provide for all of these students when tuition is free? On the website, it discusses how other countries have done this. I don’t want to know how other countries have made their tuition free, I want to know how my country can successfully make that happen if it’s even possible. He also wants to “allow students to use need-based financial aid and work study programs to make college debt free.” Was I lied to when I applied for college and financial aid, but doesn’t that already happen? Because I know I received need-based financial aid. I know my friends are doing a work study. I know we aren’t paying as much for college… is this not a thing already? Once again, confused.
Immigration. The last topic I read about before I got too annoyed and had to close my computer. First off, why does one point say Sanders wants to “ensure our border remains secure and protects local communities,” but then I scrolled down and a few points later it said: “put a stop to the notion that the border must be secure before a legalization can happen.” So is it a priority that the border should be secured or not? Should we lose another 6,000 immigrants to the dangers of the border or not? Should we eliminate the dangers to our local communities or not? The border must be secured, both for our sake and that of the immigrants. And we need to be sure of the people coming into this country. No, I am not one that is completely against immigrants… I am the daughter of one, don’t think I don’t want other people in this country. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for opening our country to other people. But we need to make sure it’s safe and we do not let the wrong people in. Is Sanders prioritizing security? I can’t tell.
Even though I still may not know who I am voting for, you can see it’s not for Mr. Bernie. And don’t try to tell me that the socialist democrat economic views don’t matter (yes, I read an article that said those words). You can say that now, but two years down the road, I’ll ask a foreigner to describe the US in one word and they will say: Socialist. When has it ever worked in the past? Greece? Venezuela? Venezuela is a complete disaster thanks to the socialist party in power (don’t get me started here). Yeah, equality and security sounds wonderful… but all socialism has proved in the past is misery and poverty. Google ‘Venezuela 2014’ and click images and let me know if you still think socialism is a good idea.
So, that is why I am not #FeelingTheBern and why Bernie Sanders will not receive my vote.
