The rules in each state which allow an individual the right to vote vary to some degree. What they all have in common is that the person be a citizen of the United States, a legal resident of their state, and be at least 18 years of age. Our founding fathers considered the right to vote their most important commandment. The only way our nation’s people can overthrow a tyrannical government is by voting them out of office.

Historically a large voter turnout during elections results in victories by Democrats. This is the fear of the GOP primarily because their ‘base’ is limited. They lack appeal for blacks, Hispanics, the LGBT community, single women, and lower income Americans.

A few of the GOP presidential candidates support a path to legal residence for eleven-plus million undocumented residents, but they would deny them an opportunity to become citizens. The difference between the two involves only a single issue.

Legal residence would require them to pay the same taxes as all of our citizens. They would have the ability to enjoy all of the benefits offered by our nation, with the exception of one; they would not be allowed to vote.

This is the issue for the GOP. Hispanics vote for Democrats. To put it bluntly, this scares the s**t out of them.

Although every one of the 15 passengers in the clown car has benefited from America’s immigration programs, they would deny that opportunity for more than eleven million people. It has been proven that a path to citizenship for these men, women, and children would be beneficial to our nation. Our economy and a much needed labor force would receive aid from this one simple act.

This is the primary reason why our government has failed its people. Securing elections, maintaining a career as a professional politician, has become more important than ‘doing the right thing.’ Putting American values first is no longer a concern in Washington. The welfare of the American people is of little concern to Congress. Insuring that they continue to live a life of privilege is their goal.

You’re probably tired of me say this, but it’s time to cease voting for political parties. Voting for a candidate for the sole reason that they have and ‘R’ or a ‘D’ next to their names is ignorant. We need people in Washington who will work for all of the American people, and believe that a life of service is more important than a life of privilege. America cannot afford groups such as the TEA Party or Freedom Caucus to destroy our government. Extremism in any form is destructive. Our nation is desperate for men and women who place country first.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Photo Courtesy of Grand Canyon National Park

Author’s Page http://www.amazon.com/By-James-turnage/e/B00LOCJ2Z2