When you turn 16, you are granted the opportunity to drive and when you are 21 you are able to drink. But I would argue that 18 is the biggest milestone. You can buy a lottery ticket, smoke cigarettes (your decision of course), and you can vote! Not only is voting your civic duty, but it's the biggest opportunity you have to be able to change the way our government works.
This Presidential Election will be the first to put a large emphasis on social media, and that's where we come in play. College students are constantly on Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram and Twitter. We love to be in the know. It's the reason why every candidate has a Snapchat as well as live tweets during debates for the opposing party. It's well known that the percentage of college students voting is the lowest of all other age brackets.
This is very frustrating. If nothing else, this next election will more than likely affect us most. Candidates are debating free education, planned parenthood rights, military, and wage raises. We are those targeted.
Between the time of this election and the next, most of us will have graduated and will be job searching or hoping for job security. Not to mention we make up the military enrollments that will be deployed to future wars.
Free Education
Bernie Sanders mentions it more often than not. He recognizes that college students are going in debt quicker than any of us to imagine. Yet if you aren't carrying a degree with you, then your chances of getting a well-paying and progress-able job is basically out the window.
Here are the six steps Bernie wants to take in order to make college debt-free:
1. Make college tuition free.
2. Stop the federal government from profiting off of student loans.
3. Cut student loan interests substantially.
4. Allow for refinancing of student loans for today's low rates.
5. Allow students to use need-based financial aid and career work study programs.
6. Fully paid by imposing taxes on Wall Street speculators.
.jpg)
Planned Parenthood
Planned Parenthood is one of the most debated issues between political parties. Republicans will more than likely immediately defund it if they are voted in office. Whereas, Democrats support this organization strongly. There aren't many people who lay in the middle of this argument either.
But, here are a few things you need to know about planned parenthood before you place any judgments.
- Helps protect against unintended pregnancies through contraception.
- Reduces the spread of STDs through testing and treatment.
- Screens for cervical and other cancers.
- Educates men, women, teens, and families to make informed choices.
Before you forget, 3 percent of all Planned Parenthood health services are abortion services.
Military
It's common knowledge that Republicans are well known for stronger military powers while Democrats would rather talk things over.
Cruz can be quoted as wanting to "make the sand glow" when it comes to bombing ISIS.
While I'm the last person to be knowledgeable about all the nitty gritty aspects of the military views of both parties, I would strongly encourage you to look these up. Both of the parties are going to take different stances on ISIS and how to react.
However, knowing about military stances is important when you have someone close to you who is enrolled or in reserves. Always check the position of a candidate for this when it comes to voting. Also, make sure you have a say in which candidate goes in because America's fate in the world depends on what direction they desire to take.
Wages
It's clear that most democratic candidates believe the minimum wage needs to be raised in some form or another. I'm not here to argue about how a burger flipper deserves more money than a day care teacher or member of the military, however.
Although, it would be plain inhuman to suggest that someone making $7.25 an hour, Federal Minimum Wage, could live comfortably. Someone working 40 hours a week shouldn't have to struggle to pay rent, water bills, or heaven forbid, to put food on the table.
If the argument is that minimum wage jobs are for high schoolers looking for their first job, then you must fail to recognize the handicap, veterans, and older adults who have no other choice.
These people needed to go back to work due to the economic recession, yet suddenly our government isn't taking any responsibility for this.
Whether you chose to vote in this upcoming election or not, just remember that you can't complain if you didn't vote.
