Bernie Sanders is the man who will receive my vote in the fall of 2016. There are many reasons why this Vermont senator has my approval over the other candidates. His main issues that I identify with are environmental preservation, racial issues, marriage legalization and protection of the middle class. These topics are crucial for the future of our country. They need to not only be discussed, but acted on. Bernie is the candidate that I believe can best accomplish positive outcomes to all of these issues.
Bernie has always been against Keystone XL, introduced The Rebuild America Act of 2015 to improve National Parks and even wants to cut carbon pollution over time. He has a plan to create a clean energy workforce that will not only help the air, water and the overall environment, but will create 10 million jobs. He also plans to ban fossil fuels lobbyists from working in the White House, who have wasted billions of dollars and end the huge subsidies that benefit fossil fuel companies. Overall, Bernie’s ultimate plan is to keep fossil fuels in the ground and work with clean energy. There is only one Earth and the preservation of it is important, so our children and future generations will have a clean, beautiful place to live. Climate change is real, it’s happening right now, and it’s being ignored. But with Bernie appropriate measures will be taken.
Bernie Sanders has a racial justice platform as well. He wants to improve the criminal justice system and fix economic discrimination. Bernie states that racial issues are one of the parallel problems in the foundation of his policy. He is prepared and motivated to make a change for the better in America. At many of his rallies, Bernie already allows Black Lives Matter activists to speak out where many other candidates have had negative encounters with this group. In the end, Bernie will be a president who is active in the Civil Rights movement.
Another position Bernie supports is gay rights; he voted against the Defense of Marriage Act in 1996 and stood up for rights even when the majority of us did not share this opinion. Bernie supports the LGBTQ community’s equal rights in schools, workplace and the military. This support from the president is crucial in a world where hate and ignorance is abundant.
Lastly, Bernie Sanders is an advocate for breaking up big banks and Wall Street. His campaign has not taken money from billionaires and the only contributions are small donations. Bernie is on a mission to tackle wealth inequality and I believe his tax plan is not as outrageous as it is made out to be. Bernie is a presidential candidate we can trust and he has a plan that doesn’t just benefit one type of person. He is a candidate who has the best interest of all Americans and that’s why he has my vote.
Sarah Gonsalves attends Conant High School.