By Elizabeth Valcourt
No matter what the outcome of this election, it is sure to go down in history. Never before has there been a race as dramatic as the one we are currently in, thanks in part to the media, as well as the candidates themselves. I’m agonizing over moderate Republicans, as well as Democrats, who have been forced out of the race. If you ask anyone on the street who is running for president, the first name you hear is Donald Trump. All of the focus is on this bombastic business mogul. Yet, Mr. Trump lacks background in government, thus, I do not think he will make a good commander in chief.
A president should have a strong, yet sophisticated and proper air about him or her. I am surprised that a man who has repeatedly attacked his fellow candidates, and those at his campaign rallies, has made it this far in the race. He has slandered veterans like John McCain, mocked people with disabilities, verbally attacked women like Megyn Kelly, and even told his supporters to fight with those against him. No matter what he does, he does not lose any support. He is dividing this country into Trump supporters, and Trump haters. There is not a common ground here; you either love him or cannot stand his egotistical, pompous remarks. This will cause even more problems in Washington, seeing as many senators and representatives have been turned off by his nasty speech patterns. And, without the support of Congress, he cannot govern the nation.
Mr. Trump has never held a government position. He has spent most of his time lying in the lap of luxury with his successful, I will give him that, business. If you are worried that the government is controlled by big money, look at the Republican frontrunner. He essentially spends his days glorifying himself and his wealth. He has his name on many buildings; if he builds a wall, I can almost guarantee his name will go on that as well.
Let’s think about taxes for a minute. Donald plans to have a four-level tax system where the wealthiest citizens pay 25 percent of their income. I think there should be more levels for the wealthy. Why should the rich be giving away what are pennies to them, when the middle classes are giving a hefty amount of their income to the government? I understand taxes are necessary to keep this country running, but there is a better method for deciding the amount paid by each person.
Ultimately, Mr. Trump is not fit to be president. He has had little experience dealing with real world problems, and lacks the finesse a president should have. Following this election since September, the candidates I would support are no longer viable for the nomination, such as John Kasich. If Mr. Trump is the Republican nominee, I can guarantee my vote will be for the Democrat nominee, whoever it is.
Elizabeth Valcourt, 18, of Rindge, attends Conant High School.