The United States is many things. It is hope for the hopeless, innovation, and superfluous. It is mixed with many great wonders and no matter which way you argue no one can deny that America is the greatest country to live in because of the freedoms and democracy it provides to its citizens. A man that embodies the dream of America is one of its founding members and presidents, Benjamin Franklin.

Born in 1706, he made many achievements in his life from a publicist to leading the modern understanding of electricity. He was every bit a scholar and the list of studies he produced and writings is astounding. He was a composer and musician and even improved upon the glass harmonica, a rotation device of glass bowls that create the sound fingers make around wet drinking glasses.

He was notably teachable and always open to study, conversation, and humility. He may have thought one way but would learn and study in his academic fashion. This was seen early in his childhood as his thirst for books was unquenchable. Originally Benjamin wanted to be a sailor, but the loss of his brother made his father fearful. Because of his avid reading, his father suggested becoming a printer instead and sent him to apprentice with his other brother.

At the age of 15, he founded the first truly independent newspaper during the times, The New-England Courant. His first real taste of politics was the paper’s controversial topics on anything that held power under the pen name Silence Dogood. His brother was thrown into prison for the remarks and printing of the Courant. While his brother was imprisoned he named Benjamin the new editor and the paper continued as usual.

After moving to Philadelphia, where he would call home, he established his 13 virtues. Being 20 at the time, this established and the very essence of the man he would be.

1. Temperance: Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
2. Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
3. Order: Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
4. Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
5. Frugality: Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
6. Industry: Lose no time; be always [employed] in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. Moderation: Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.”
11. Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.”
12. Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another’s peace or reputation.
13. Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.

(http://www.thirteenvirtues.com/)

He founded the prestigious University of Pennsylvania, and though he never attended college and was critical of it, Yale and Havered both presented him with a doctorate degree in the Arts for his scientific achievements. It does need to be mentioned, though most already know, that modern understanding of electricity is due in part to Benjamin’s kite experiment. Though not as lavish as stories go, he did fly a kite during a storm. It was never struck by lightning, but it did pick up the electric charge that he would use the key attached to show. He would put his hand to the key and be shocked. He not only showed lighting is electricity, but that it can be controlled and directed.

As postmaster, he delved into oceanography. This was all due to his past dream of wanting to be a sailor, and though he would live that dream when traveling abroad, his love of the ocean helped to drive this knowledge. He was able to establish the first monthly arrival postal system. During the times a letter traveled for days to months, and it was often irregular and arrival times shoddy. He was able to create a system that promised mail from around the world within a given month.

He was a diplomat, and without his connections to the French empire, America may not have been what it is today. He was only a month into his ambassadorship when he sailed off to France. Once he arrived he quickly established himself in the scientific and literary community. He worked his way through the ranks of the nobility and upper classes, trying to get France to openly declare allegiance with the American revolters. After the victory in the Battle of Saratoga, Benjamin Franklin and other American officials signed trade and treaty agreements with France, officially declaring them an ally. This debt to France ironically resulted in the United States’ ability to make the Louisiana purchase.

Though he did not invent or bring the Freemasons to the Americas, he did publish the first book for freemasons here in the US Constitutions of Free-Masons by James Anderson.

Achievement after achievement, he is a man that should be respected, despite his flaws. He was always at odds with the owning of slaves and the freedom of human life. He freed his slaves at the age of 51 and later at 54. It was different times and the reason for his support was controversial because of his on/off advocacy for slaves and other nationalities. He would say negative and positive comments about them, flip-flopping, such as “thieves and savages” and then praise them in other ways such as they are “obtaining a higher understanding… (than others)”.

He is something that everyone should achieve. His ideas, drive, and principles are undoubtedly great and should be respected. He was every bit what America was, and what it can still be.

Abraham Lincoln left a legacy for Americans, but few know these facts about him. 

• President  Lincoln created the secret service on April 14, 1865. He authorized legislation that would allow an organization to form, which would eventually become known as the Secret Service. However, at that time it was authorized with the purpose to stop counterfeit money. According to TIME, what makes it ironic is that President Lincoln signed the legislation the same day he was assassinated in Ford’s Theatre. 

• He originally planned to become a blacksmith, but pursued law instead. He previously taught himself grammar and mathematics, and decided to do the same with law. Teaching oneself law was a common practice in the 19th century due to the few law schools that existed during that time period.  In 1836 he passed the bar and began a successful career as a prairie lawyer in Springfield, Illinois. 

• By holding a patent, President Lincoln continues to be the only president to do so. He invented a device that would lift vessels over shoals and obstructions  in a river. The device consisted of waterproof fabric bladders that could be inflated when a vessel is stuck. This idea came from personal experience when a boat he was on was obstructed during travel. 

• The black tall stovepipe hat is symbolic of Lincoln and was used to keep notes and important documents he wanted to deliver. The hat typically ranges from 7 to 8 inches in height which significantly added to Lincoln’s 6.4 ft stature. As a lawyer, he would save letters and notes under his hat. He was known to be disorganized and his hat would offer a place for safekeeping. 

• The president is featured in the Wrestling Hall of Fame. He wrestled from the age of 9 until he was 21; he participated in over 300 matches. His wrestling reputation preceded him since it was brought up by supporters during his political career. In the 1858 debates his wrestling legacy resurfaced as well as in the 1860 presidential campaign newspaper. 

• Tom Hanks is related to Abraham Lincoln according to Ancestry.com . Nancy Hanks, married Thomas Lincoln in Kentucky. President Lincoln has no direct living descendants due to tragedies and unmarried descendants. Tom Hanks mentioned how, “the members of my branch of the family are either cousins or in-laws or poor relations”, in explaining their ancestral linkage. 

• The Lincoln Bedroom is one of the most famous rooms in the White House, but Lincoln did not sleep there. In fact, he used it as his office at that time and for cabinet meetings. The room is part of a guest suite on the second floor. 

What makes a country great? It is a question that has no easy answer. Does it come from the people, the products, or the land it is on? America has accomplished some of the most amazing and greatest achievements that the world has ever seen.  Here is a list of America’s greatest achievements in its rich history:

The American Revolution

The revolution of the United States stands as a great moment because it created a country that would be independent of the British empire’s monarchy system including the ability to exercise freedom of religion and created the first free democracy in modern times. We created and implemented a government standing that has survived and thrived, watching other countries topple or reconfigure many times over. It also proved that as time went on, even though we are large in comparison to other countries, we are united. 

Adding Amendments to the Constitution

This was an integral part of how America has evolved and can evolve, its ideology. It provided the ability to speak out freely and the right to assemble armies and militias against foreign and domestic threats. Without this document, we would not have been able to let women vote, stop segregation, or have the ability to speak out against the government without repercussion. 

The Lousiana Purchase

The purchase added 10 states to the growing colonies. Without this purchase, we would not be the power we are today. The decision was made due to France, currently under the rule of Napoleon, could be closed off because of Napoleons’ thirst for world domination. We were also in a very large debt to France because of the revolution. Napoleon promised to figure all debts and even negotiated the purchase, for the hefty sum of $15 million (roughly $400 million today). 

Emancipation Proclamation

The history of black Americans in this country has been wrought with heartache and bloodshed. This country was built, tilled, and fertilized by them. Though there are many conflicting arguments and mixed feelings, the emancipation helped to legally free many black slaves. Though it also had its flaws by still allowing those loyal to the union to keep slaves, it let black men serve in the union army. It was also one of the largest steps taken by the American government to address that slavery, in their way, was wrong.

This was also proclaimed but was not the driving force behind black slaves being freed at the time. Many were already escaping or making their way to northern states, this was the government finally acknowledging that fact.

Women’s Suffrage

The 19th amendment, ratified on August 18, 1920, finally gave most women the right to vote. This did not extend to black women and was not officially ratified till the voting rights act of 1965. This was, however, a large step in a good direction as it allowed more diverse opinions when choosing major political characters. The first president to be elected with the women voting pool was Warren Harding, who took over a post-World War I country. 

1936 Olympics and Jesse Owens

Another historical moment in history as a man won in the greatest event of physical prowess against a growing doom. He not only beat men but an ideology, with flying colors. During these events, Hitler, in his “glorious” wisdom, thought that his Arian race could beat anyone in anything. Winning 4 gold medals and breaking Olympic and world records, this was not just his victory, but those back home who were being trodden down by inequality and racism.

“Owens’ achievements led the people of Berlin to hail him, an African-American, as a hero.” Stated the main page for the Olympics. 

The storming of Normandy Beach

This was not just a US victory, but it was over 6,000 of the 10,000 lives lost that were from the United States that day. We were the driving force that set the end to a tyrant. Truly a day in the modern history of true bravery and sacrifice from our US military. Not only show brave sacrifice but started the end of a great and horrible rule. Though America departed isolationism during WWII, driven to fight perpetually until the end of its days as a protector of the world, this day will always hold tender and true in hearts around the world.

National Highway System

Though it may not seem like a great achievement, it was actually a great feat of engineering and thought. The reason you can get from state to state in your car is that it would make military transportation easier. Even though we had Aircraft, they could not transport a thousand men conveniently. This was also a way to make trade routes, visitation, and make America that much more connected. You can get to any major city in America within two to three days. 

This was also much more convenient than the railway system as it allows more dexterous maneuvering and allows for many different routes in case of closers or military invasion. Though taken for granted nowadays, it is truly a masterpiece of connection.

Civil Rights Act

This drove the nail in the coffin for segregation acts. Men like Martian Luther King, peacefully protesting to show skin color does not define someone’s worth. When the act passed this did not stop racism, but it allowed children, black and white, to go to school together. It allowed them to share the same space and spend time with each other, and begin healing those wounds. It let men and women of different colors drink, eat, and be merry in the same spaces. When barriers are broken, and when people start looking at each other as people, that is when we realize that we are all the same. Skin, hair, eyes, shape, and size are not characteristics that should define someone, and this was a large step to leading us out of this racial stagnation and to begin seeing people as people.

Moon Landing

The Berlin wall, spying, and the space race. Nothing brought more pride to America and its people than the day a US citizen stepped foot on truly foreign soil, the moon. Thousands of miles, where nothing but void and death held sway, that a few men braved something thought impossible. This was not a victory over a country, this was a victory at American persistency and ingenuity. That we weren’t afraid to tread the unknown and were willing to risk everything for the sake of discovery.

The Internet

This is one of the greatest achievements in modern history. Bringing together people from across the world in seconds. The world became more connected than ever before. Originally a military intelligence idea, it was quickly adopted by the civilian population to share research and documents. It has now evolved into the central point for our current generation. Anything and everything can now be found using this network. Good or bad, it is a truly great achievement.

Obama Election – the First African American President of the United States

Though not one of the most loved presidents in history, Barack Obama’s election stood as a staple that racial inequality is dying. Being the first black president in history marks a large stepping stone to greater equality. This has not come close to fixing the issue of racial inequality, it has rekindled the flame that anyone can be anything and that racial barriers can be broken.

In the modern era of politics, it is rare to see anyone who isn’t Democrat or Republican become one of our major choices. Both parties have changed their views and sides and become too radical or loose with their morals. You could list the third party candidates that were successful in their run for the presidency on one, maybe two hands. Even parties like Theodore Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln were just Republicans in disguise.

Libertarianism is a political party that “respect for individual rights [are] essential precondition for a free and prosperous world, that force and fraud must be banished from human relationships, and that only through freedom can peace and prosperity be realized,” According to lp.org.

This can translate into many things. Everyone deserves freedom, and that freedom should not be infringed upon in every aspect of someone’s life. Specifically, the “right to engage in any activity that is peaceful and honest.”

Their slogan seems very encouraging and even states that freedom brings diversity. Many consider libertarians to be on the conservative side, but their open statement does not reflect that ideal. For instance ”Individuals own their bodies and have rights over them that other individuals, groups, and governments may not violate.” This can be translated to paying for your sins or being free with your right to choose. 

This is where the ideals can split off as some of these loose translations can either be taken as, let’s say, conservative or liberal. Even though the Libertarian party claims to not lean left or right, there will always be differing opinions and views. Here are some claims about each stance and their views.

Conservative-Libertarian

Like the name suggests a conservative-libertarian tends to have more conservative viewpoints. This can range from anything like abortion, homeland security, immigration, or taxes. The idea for libertarians is that people are free, but not so free to hinder others’ freedoms.

“We find the libertarian worldview mostly appealing, but aren’t totally sold on open borders fanaticism, free-market purism, or dogmatic anti-government ideology.” According to Brad Polumbo of young voices writing in libertarian.org.

He goes onto state that conservatarianism is an emerging ideology. Just like Libertarians, they believe individual freedoms are important, but also understand that the government has its place. They believe immigration is an integral part, “even illegal,” is important to the economy. That being said the conservative stance is that if you want to live here you should have the right, but you need to go through the proper channels. Many support DACA, but adults who come here knowing they are breaking the law should be held accountable for their actions.

They also do not believe in abolishing government altogether. Many support capitalism but understand government roles in things like education and welfare. The legalization of drugs and prostitution is also a large difference with ideals. They believe that they should still be held as a social stigma, but do not completely agree with measures being taken to fight them. 

Lastly is the pro-choice or pro-life stance on abortion. Conservatarians believe in pro-life stances and hold life in high regard as they believe that abortion should be outlawed, coinciding with the idea that your freedom should not hinder someone else’s freedom nor harm another person. Though it is argued when is it a baby, the pro-life stance fits with the interpretive moral code on libertarianism, although not all libertarians see it that way such as the 2020 presidential candidate, Jo Jorgensen.

Though Conservatarians are highly critical of many issues, they tend to have what Tyler Cowen, an economist, and teacher at George Mason University,  would call a “State Capacity Libertarianism.” They believe the government has its place to protect our freedoms, but should not overstep its boundaries that hinder the freedoms of its citizens.

Traditional-Libertarian

Libertarianism is, at its core, liberal. Though just because they are liberal does not mean they fully align with the new democratic party views. In a sense, it is almost as close to anarchy as you can get without giving up entirely on the government. Capitalism is key, the government is sparse if not void, and freedom is freedom.

Ultimately though the original thought is to maximize individual power and limit government, economic, and social institutional influence. Though many compare it with socialistic, it goes beyond helping your neighbor, and it is helping yourself. It is not up to a government to provide but to uphold the freedoms of the individual. It is also liberalism that brought the idea of separating church and state.

When this ideology was founded, the ruling power was the catholic church and religious ideals. With the founding of the separation of church and state seeming to be a no-duh thought in our society, this was a big deal. We still see religious views coming into play with political candidates. Gay marriage was being held back because of religious thought, but according to a liberalist, this would have been against their right. If we had libertarians as presidents during these times or even in more points in office, an issue like LGBT rights wouldn’t be a thing because everyone deserves freedom.

It also proposed voluntarism “- philanthropy and donations-” in place of taxes. Though this is not necessarily the views of today’s libertarian, this is more a classic train of thought. 

In today’s modern definition libertarian is “fiscally conservative and socially liberal.” Equality for all and open borders is a big difference in many other trains of thought. Even the Democratic party still wants restrictions while libertarians want as little as possible. 

There are many trains of thought that Traditional-libertarians can follow, and with the economic side of things, traditionally follow laissez-faire capitalism. This is a form of capitalism where the individual economic exchange no intervention. Many argue this can lead to monopolies and business hierarchies rather than the government rule. Though given the ideas presented, if it came to restricting freedoms then the government could intervene. An extreme case would be human trafficking. Though this is a sick business venture in the eyes of some, if it restricts another’s right to freedom with slavery, then intervention will occur.

To put these ideas into practice would be difficult in today’s black and white world. Even if there are only two options, some of these ideas could be implemented more into the two major political ideologies ruling our country.

What to Choose

There is no right or wrong way of thinking of these political ideologies. Both have their ups and downs, their faults and bonuses. Every political idea comes down to what the individual wants and what benefits them. In a way, everyone has some libertarian thoughts. It was libertarian ideas implemented when founding this country and, though different, are the foundations for many political trains of thought. 

Democrats and Republicans seem to be the only choices nowadays, but just remember that there is always someone else, not just the too hot or too cold options, but just right. There is no two trains of thought but thousands. Freedom is never an option that should be infringed, but that does not mean you should get away with murder either. 

We as a people need to sit down and figure out what works best. You can be conservatarian but are pro-choice. You can be mostly traditional with more conservative views on the economy. The choice is yours to be more than just two parties and two ideas. Make the choice that suits you and be happy knowing you have a choice.

In this article, we give the key points from each of the candidates for topics and issues addressed at the first presidential debate. The article will attempt summaries of what was said and argued during this time.

Supreme Court:

President Trump nominated Amy Barrett to replace the late Ruth Ginsburg. He says the constitution is clear and it is his and the senate’s obligation to consider a nominee. Vice President Biden says this is an abuse of power to jam through appointment processes. Why are they right in their argument and their opponent wrong?

 

Trump: We were elected, elections have a consequence. We have a phenomenal nominee, respected by all. Top academic and good in every way. Some of her biggest endorsers are very liberal people. We have a lot of time, before and after the election. We have a professor from Notre Dame that says she is the best student he has ever had. We won the election and have the right to choose her.

Biden: The American people have a right to say who is on the supreme court. That say comes when they vote for their senators and who they vote for President of the United States. They are not going to get that say now because we are now in the midst of an election.

Tens of thousands of people have already voted, and because of this, we should wait and see. The only way people get a say in who they elect as President and Vice President.

The president has made it clear that he wants to get rid of the affordable care act.The supreme court nominee has written that she thinks the affordable care act is unconstitutional.

What I have proposed is that we expand Obamacare, we increase it. The biggest debate we had is that people with private insurance can still have it

Healthcare:

Mister President, the court, and 17 state officials will hear to overturn Obamacare. Over the last four years, you have not come up with a way to replace Obamacare. My question is what is the Trump healthcare plan?

 

Trump: I got rid of the individual mandate, the individual mandate was the most unpopular aspect of Obamacare and I got rid of it. I am cutting drug prices and working with independent nations, going against big pharma. Drug prices will be down 80%. Nobody has done it and we are doing it. Insulin as an example, I am getting it so cheap it is like water. We are allowing states to go to different countries to get their drugs helping lower the costs.

Chris Wallace: Vice President Biden said he would like to add a public option to Obamacare. The argument is that it is going to end private insurance and enable a government takeover of healthcare.

Biden: It does not, it’s only for those who are so poor they qualify for Medicaid. Anyone who qualifies for Medicaid would be enrolled in our public option. The vast majority of Americans would not be in that option. He is not for anyone needing healthcare because he has cost 10 million people healthcare from his recession. There are 20 million people getting healthcare from Obamacare, he doesn’t care.

Chris Wallace: Alright last question for you mister Vice President if Berret is elected president there has been talk of ending the filibuster and even packing the court and adding to the nine justices. You call this a distraction from the President when in fact it was brought up by some of your colleagues. Are you willing to tell the American people if you will either end the filibuster or pack the court?

Biden: Whatever the position is that will become the issue. The issue is the American people should speak. I am not going to answer the question.

COVID:

We have had more than 7 million cases and 200 thousand people who have died. Even after a vaccine is produced experts say we will be months or years out from anything being back to “normal.” The question is based on what you have said and would do in 2021.

 

Biden: When Trump was presented with the numbers of COVID contractions and death President Trump said “it is what it is.” he knew back in February and said nothing because he didn’t want people to “panic.” What did he do? Experts wanted to go out to Wuhan, but Trump did nothing. I laid out back in March what we should be doing. Providing protective gear, money to get people the help they need to keep businesses open.

Trump: When I closed the boarders to these places Biden called me racist and xenophobic. India, China, Russia, non are giving a straight answer on their infected. Biden thought it was a terrible idea to close the country. Biden would have kept it open two months longer. I have people, democrats as well, saying what a phenomenal job I did. We got the gowns, masks, made ventilators. Fewer people are dying when they contract COVID then at the start of this. H1N1, Biden was a disaster, his chief of staff called him a disaster.

Biden: There was no recession during H1N1, there weren’t thousands of deaths. His own CDC director says we will lose thousands more between now and the end of the year. By just wearing a mask we can cut those numbers greatly.

Chris Wallace: President Trump you have been at odds and contradicted your scientists. Doctor Redfield said that it won’t be until next summer that the vaccine will become readily available to the general public. You said this was wrong. Doctor Slaoui, head of Warf Speed said the same thing. Are they both wrong?

Trump: I have spoken to companies and we could have it faster. It has become political at this point. I have spoken to Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson, all the right people. They can be faster than that, I disagree with Slaoui and Redfield. We have the military all set up, all the logistics are worked out. We are ready to distribute.

Chris Wallace: Vice President, your choice for VP Kamala Harris has been quoted saying that experts will be muzzled and suppressed. Given the polls show that people are concerned about the vaccine and have a reluctance to take it. Given that your running mate is saying that scientists can’t be trusted. Are you and your running mate contributing to that fear?

Biden: [Did not answer the question.]

Chris Wallace:  Vice President Biden, President Trump, you both have very different views on dealing with COVID. Vice President you have been saying you would have kept the economy closed, how would you have handled it?

Biden: You would have to provide businesses the money to reopen with the PPE, as well as with the sanitation they need. Nancy Pelosi and Schumer, they have a plan, but the President won’t meet with them. The Republicans won’t meet with the senate.

Trump: Biden wants to shut down this country and I don’t. We had to because we didn’t know anything about the disease. Now we know. More people will be hurt if we shut down again than if we stay open.

Economy:

On the recovery of the economy and the unemployment rate falling. The hit to growth will not be as big. President Trump says it is more of a V shape recovery while Vice President Biden says its more of a K shape. What difference does that mean for the people of the United States.

 

Trump: Recovering from the shutdown there have been 10.4 million people put back into the work because of this. This is record-breaking, and some democratic states are keeping closed till after November 9th after the elections. This is not only affecting us economically but emotionally as well. Some of these state’s numbers for alcoholism and drug use are up after being shut down. Divorce rates are higher, it just isn’t fair these states that are still shut down.

Biden: Millionaires and Billionaires are doing well because they are only focused on the market. The American People are in working-class towns. This is also President that paid $750 in taxes in 2016 and 2017. He will be the first president in American history to have people with fewer jobs than going in. The President wants to open it up more even with the rise in cases ever-increasing, deaths ever increasing. One in six small business are closing on a regular base because the President is doing nothing about it. Schools are open without proper precautions being taken because it is too expensive to open them safely.

Taxes:

The question is it true that President Trump only paid $750 in federal income tax in 2016 and 2017.

 

Trump: I paid millions of dollars in income tax, truth is though that I was a private developer before I was a politician. No private developer wants to pay taxes unless they are stupid. We also work through the law. Vice President Biden’s party at the time passed a bill that gave us all the privileges for depreciation and for tax credits. The hotels I built granted me tax credits from the Obama Administration.

 

Race:

Why should voters trust you to deal with race issues over the next four years?

 

Biden: We have never walked away from dealing with racial issues like President Trump. After the [white supremist] protests in Louisville where a woman was killed, President Trump responded saying there were “very nice people on both sides.” This is also a man who during the peaceful protests of George Floyd’s death outside of the Whitehouse, had the military shoot teargas into the crowds to clear the way so he could take a picture in front of a church. This is a man who uses racism as a dog whistle to generate racist division.

Trump: I am letting people out of jail and Vice president Biden has treated people just as badly as anyone else in his time. We just got the support of military and law enforcement. I have Florida, Texas, Ohio, and Portland law enforcement coming out saying they support me. Vice President Biden can’t even say law enforcement for fear of losing his supporters. If they had called us in Portland we would have taken care of it in a heartbeat. Look at Chicago and what happened to protests when they heard the military was coming.

Chris Wallace: After the grand jury in the Briana Taylor case when they decided not to charge anyone with homicide. Vice President do you think there is a separate and unequal system of justice for blacks in America?

Biden: There is inequality in everything from school to law enforcement. There are good people in the police force. There are also bad apples and they have to be held accountable. I will hold a meeting with civil rights groups and heads of police to work this out. We need more transparency and accountability.

Chris Wallace: President Trump, you have been banning racial sensitivity training. Why are you doing this?

Trump: The training is racist, a lot of people are also complaining saying it was a radical change in our military and police force. We are teaching people to hate our country and I will not let that happen.

Chris Wallace: Vice President Biden, you call for a reimagining of the police force. Do you support the Black Lives Matter solution of community-run policing?

Biden: What I support is police having the ability to deal with issues. President Trump’s budget will take away $400 million cuts in local law enforcement. They need access to Psychiatrists to talk people down. We need community-run policing were officers get a personal connection with the people.

 

Protests:

Many protests going on right now have recently turned violent. Places like Oregon are a good example. Vice President Biden, have you tried to talk with Democratic leaders in these areas to call in the national guard or to even provide assistance?

 

Biden: I don’t hold public office. I have made it clear in public speeches that these are horrible. They can take care of it if President Trump stayed out of it. He has not asked for any meetings to end these either.

Chris Wallace: President Trump, Are you willing to say tonight that you condemn white supremacists and what they stand for.

Trump: Does not answer the question clearly.

 

Climate Change:

Millions of acres burned, thousands displaced from homes that were destroyed. Experts claim that climate change is leading to issues like the fires we are seeing now. President Trump says they are wrong, pulled the county out of the Paris Accord, stricken down Obama administration regulations on climate.

 

Trump: If you look at the numbers right now we have the lowest carbon. The Paris accord was affecting our businesses. I think we need better forest management. Every year I get a call that California is on fire. You look at other cities and they don’t have these issues. Cars are now more efficient, safer, and cheaper which will help with C02 emissions.

Biden: I was able to bring the cost during our administration for renewable energy as low as coal and fossil fuels. We will be able to take 4 million buildings and bring them up to standards. I will rejoin the Paris accord. I would give $20 million to Brazil to stop tearing down the rainforest and if not followed give them economic issues. We will create new and good-paying jobs to help create new energy-efficient homes and upgrading buildings. I do not support the Green New Deal.

Joe Biden and Bill Clinton may be an odd comparison at this time. However, both are similar in age with Joe at 77 and Bill at 74. They are a part of the Democratic Party and both support or did support similar issues. They are uniquely different in their approaches to their parties, and some of them may surprise you.

Healthcare

Joe: His stance on this issue is he opposes Medicare for all but would “expand coverage” for both the Affordable Care Act and also stating to implement this with private health insurance. He would give more tax credits to lower and middle-class families to help out with public healthcare options.

Bill: Bill appointed a task force to try to create a “universal health care plan” led by his wife Hillary. The plan would have provided a “health care card” that entitled every citizen to health coverage. This received heavy backlash from every side of the political parties, both liberal and conservative alike. There was also a major campaign against this bill from big health insurance companies. Clinton’s attempt at universal healthcare failed.

 

The largest problem to overcome these types of views is that people do not like paying taxes. Universal healthcare and social healthcare both have taxes being raised to cover costs. This issue is not an easy answer and every president has tried “fixing” the system in place. None have been able to yet.

Equality

Joe: Though claiming to be a knight for equality, Joe has had many shady and disturbing comments on this issue. Though his views may have changed dramatically, he was a strong opponent against racial integration on public transportation when he was in the senate. Joe has also been caught saying things like “calling Obama the first ‘clean’ African-American President,” according to CNN. Through his party he is progressive but his history says otherwise.

Bill: Bill Clinton was very progressive for his time. Though unsuccessful, he supported allowing LGBT members into the military. He did compromise with the Don’t ask Don’t tell policy though. He also pushed for affirmative action and overturned DOMA (Defense of Marriage Act).

 

Both have a history of compromise and both have backed out or done things contrary to what they said. Being President is about compromise, and it is true that no matter what someone will not like what is happening.

Taxes

Joe: Along with increasing taxes for those earning six figures, he will also create a carbon emission tax for cities. We will also see taxes increase across the board to cover costs like two-year tuition, public health options, and pushing for clean energy solution tax benefits.

Bill: During his presidency, Clinton proposed raising taxes on energy and those collecting social security. This was during the time when the US debt was becoming a public issue. He raised taxes in almost every income bracket except low income; creating FICA and reducing their federal income tax.

 

Regardless of higher or lower taxes, they are necessary for our society. If you want certain things like “free healthcare” and “free college tuition” you will pay for it somehow, some way. Nothing is free, there is no exception to this.

Immigration

Joe: If elected Biden has stated to completely reform and “undo” the Trump administration’s immigration policies. Stating to dismantle restrictive Asylum policies which would allow an increase in undocumented illegal immigrants and bring more humanitarian relief aid to border cities. He would reinforce the Flores Agreement and has heavily emphasized keeping immigrant families together. He has also stated to end the construction of the wall as soon as he is in office.

Bill: During his presidency, he solidified communication from government entities to have information in languages other than English for citizens. Things like voting ballots and tax forms in Spanish, though many criticized by the Left for this decision as a hindrance motivation to integrate into US society. Although he supported immigration, some state he is the reason why immigration is the way it is today due to the act he signed nicknamed IIRIRA. The major takeaway from this act is that this gave the ability to deport illegal, undocumented immigrants because of “immigration violations” and also enacted detention during processing.

 

Immigration is a tough issue. Our country is founded and is fueled by people from every country. Ours is the dream of becoming something greater than one’s own circumstances. Laws have to be followed, but we shouldn’t deter people either.

Foreign Policy

Joe: He has taken to fighting and focusing on issues like equality and foreign intervention in elections. According to his site, during his first year in office, he has promised to hold a summit with world powers to discuss the next steps for human rights, defending against authoritarianism, and fighting corruption. He has also promised a tougher stance on Russia and stabilization of relationships with China, the Middle East, and other countries rivaling the US.

Bill: During his time as president he mainly focused on internal affairs. He was dealing with a post-cold-war world and had never dealt with international affairs before taking office. His largest dealings came from issues in Africa. President Bush during his final year sent troops to Somalia for a peacekeeping operation. This lead to a small war leaving Clinton to deal with; and when bodies of US troops were being dragged through the streets he had no choice but to withdraw the troops. There was also the genocide of the Tutsi people in Rwanda. He has stated it is one of his greatest mistakes not intervening.

 

International interaction is impossible to avoid in this day and age. We either need to cooperate or perish with these other world powers, but we also can’t give up our morals as a country.

In one of the craziest years since the Spanish flu, many are wondering what is next for 2020. Elections are no different, and with only a few months left to solidify their views and voters, here is a summary of the timeline leading up to Election Day.

Presidential Debates

Election Tracker: 2020 Presidential Election United States

Presidential Candidate: Donald Trump

Presidential Candidate: Joe Biden

September 29, 2020 – 9:00 pm ET: Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland

Moderator: Chris Wallace of Fox News

October 15, 2020 – 9:00 pm ET: Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts

Moderator: Steve Scully of C-SPAN Television Network

October 22, 2020 – 9:00 pm ET: Belmont University

Moderator: Kristen Welker of NBC News

Airing Networks: C-SPAN, ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CNN, Fox News, Fox Business Network, and MSNBC

Vice President Debates

Election Tracker: 2020 Presidential Election United States

Vice President: Mike Pence

Vice President: Kamala Harris

October 7, 2020 – 9:00pm ET: University of Utah

Moderator: Susan Page of USA Today

Networks Airing: ABC, CBS, CNN, C-SPAN, FOX, and NBC

Registration to Vote

To register to vote please go to your local state website and fill out the forms. The deadline for voter registration is October 5th for mail, in person, and online voting.

Republican

270 to win: West Virginia (5), Alabama (9), Oklahoma (7), North Dakota (3), Indiana (11), Kentucky (8), Louisiana (8), Missouri (10), Tennessee (11), Montana (3) Utah (6), Mississippi (6), Alaska (3).

Democrat 

270 to win: California (55), Massachusetts (11), New York (29), Washington (12), Maryland (10), Delaware (3), Hawaii (4), New Jersey (14), New Mexico (5), Virginia (13), Connecticut (7), Colorado (9), New Hampshire (4), Pennsylvania (20), Maine (4), Wisconsin (10), Michigan (16), Arizona (11), Florida (29), Minnesota (10), Georgia (16).

“Socialist, lazy, only wanting a free ride…” These are just some of the things I have been told as a Millennial. Told that we will be the leaders soon and that we are ruining the country. Looking through our political history and technological advancements, the ideals coming from our mouths are from those who are from gen x, baby boomers, and those mainly over 40. Our generation just hit their 30s which is the age that many higher political positions need you to be. Some have just finished college and are becoming productive members of society. We are just coming into our own, but many think we are set up for failure.

As a college student with financial debt and past-due bills for rent lurking around every corner, the idea of free education didn’t sound so bad. With my medical coverage through lackluster jobs, without being able to stay on the parental coverage, I would have had to pay hundreds of dollars I didn’t have for teeth cleanings and regular medical check-ups.

Looking back through the political leaders I used to support many were democratic or liberal. I didn’t hear or look for much past what popped up on my phone’s feed as full-time work and school kept me busy. Much of the information came from social media or online publications. These sites using algorithms tailored to show more of what we have been looking at rather than encouraging us to try something new.

My generation is not the only one being influenced by these tricks of the trade, but are feeding into it as well. We know we are being influenced and it’s hard to trust anything said now. Even our own government was doing investigations into Russia because they believe they influenced social sites to sway people to vote for Donald Trump.

College encouraged equality and showed us more of the atrocities of what we, as Americans, have done to the world and how we can stop it. My grandparents were a part of the peace movement for ending the war in Vietnam. Are we really so different from our grandparents in their youth? Our parents growing up with the threat of bombs falling from the sky and their parents and grandparents living through depression, two world wars, and a pandemic. Compared to that I think that our situation is not as bad, or if bad just different.

Millennials are just starting to enter the political world, and though many are now able to run for major roles those roles are still filled with older generations. We are also in a transitional phase where things like Equality for All is still being ironed out. Never before in history have we been so connected either. Views and news from all around the world available by just a few swipes of the finger. Yellow journalism and muckraking are no longer done by major news sources but by thousands who have a phone in their pocket and a few minutes to kill.

Many millennials have a lot to still work through like buying homes, raising a family, and still growing up. Every generation has its problems, ours just happens to be rapid technological innovation. No generation has been perfect, and they all have ups and downs. In the end, we are all Americans, and we have pulled together in times much worse than this.

“We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union,  establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.”

These are the words that defined and help build a nation unlike any made so far. Establishing the rules and rights of the citizens and nothing shall be taken without due process, and we the people have a right to our freedoms and liberties.

Communism has been compared to the polar opposite of what the United States and capitalism have to stand for.

Communism

One of the most controversial and taboo topics to bring up at any political discussion, communism has an “all for one” basis. Property, wealth, food, and resources in general are all divided out equally to the masses.

“doctrine that aims to replace private property and a profit-based economy with public ownership and communal control of at least the major means of production (e.g., mines, mills, and factories) and the natural resources of a society.” According to Britannica.

The inherent flaw that will always fail this ideology is its basic implication that people won’t be selfish. Communism will only truly work if two things occur:

1. People never take more than their equal share.
2. People put into the system, through work, their equal share.

Looking throughout history the practice of communism has collapsed. Russia, China (excluding areas like Hong Kong), and Cuba are the big names in communist practice. Quality of life is less than ideal in many of these places. Gallup polls were taken in China asking people on scales of one to ten about life and quality and most only give fives. This has been consistent even with the recent economic boom.

“Disruption of the socialist system by any organization or individual is prohibited.” This is in the second paragraph of the People’s Republic of China’s constitution. Through the first chapter, there is only one mention of freedom and it is to develop a language. They also can “expropriate or requisition private property for its use.”

Stagnation of innovation and one’s own ability to prosper do not exist in places with communism. No country has ever innovated or invented something of true note or purpose in areas that are communist unless it came through the government. Since no one can prosper from their hard work, why work harder than the other guy?

Censorship and control of media is also a large part of the party. There is no freedom of speech and calling out the government can have you thrown in prison. The citizens control little to no aspects of how their lives are run.

US Constitution and Capitalism

Our constitution and our way of life here in the United States is probably one of the best in terms of stability and equality. We have our rough patches, but the US quality of life satisfaction is high.

We rate 9 in income and 8.7 for housing and 8.9 in health. We have systems in place to help those who can’t help themselves. Our system, however, is not meant for those who can’t work. People can go from nothing to billionaires in our country.

Property is yours and yours alone and “[never] shall private property be taken for public use.” We have a right to what is ours and for the most part, no one has a right to take it from us.

Though there are many great things about our constitution and capitalism, there are also flaws that can be taken advantage of and we have also had our fair share of inequality. These are still being fought for in our country because we can fight.

Ours is a government truly run by the people. We have fought for both equality and the ability to prosper from individual work ethic. Even with less than ideal odds or without much to their name can become wealthy and prosperous. Many may not become millionaires but making over six figures per year doesn’t sound too bad.

The Line

Drawing a line is important, and seeing places where communism is the rule of law is not a place where quality living exists.

“If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear.” George Orwell paints vivid pictures of what happens when communism rules. Practicing and holding onto our liberties during this technological era is more important than ever.