Ignored by the GOP, Millennials, Americans between 18 and 29, prefer the ideas of Bernie Sanders. Over 50 percent of those polled are college students. This group of younger voters are concerned about the same things as the Senator from Vermont; affordable education and income inequality.

“According to the College Board, the average cost of tuition and fees for the 2015–2016 school year was $32,405 at private colleges, $9,410 for state residents at public colleges, and $23,893 for out-of-state residents attending public universities.” This does not include living costs and books.

Senator Sanders believes that all community colleges should be tuition free, and that the cost of tuition at all colleges and universities be reduced to a level affordable to all of America’s young men and women.

The majority of college students are forced to work at least part time to support their education. They work in the fast food industry and establishments such as department stores and coffee houses. However, these low income jobs do not cover the entire cost of a college education in the 21^st century.

The truth is that a study in early 2015 reveals enormous changes in income levels. The middle class, once the core of America’s success, now composes approximately 50 percent of our nation’s workers. Both the wealthy and low income/poverty levels have risen for the last three or four decades.

For myself, the key issues in 2016 will be on the domestic front. The GOP would like to win elections through fear tactics, but the reality is that as a low income American I cannot do anything about terrorists, wars, or international relations. I can elect individuals who care about my daily life and have the opportunity to improve the lifestyles of all Americans.

The concerns of Millennials are my concerns. Without our future generation’s desire and ability to achieve higher education, our nation will fall farther behind the other developed nations of the world. The concern for education must once again be our nation’s priority if we are to return to any level of ‘greatness.’

The federal minimum wage must be raised. Unions must be encouraged instead of broken. Fair wages and fair taxation must be the goal of every Congressman. Loop holes for Corporations and our wealthiest residents must be eliminated.

For seniors, such as myself and my wife, one of our primary concerns is that social security must be strengthened, and Medicare improved. When the bill was signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt creating social security, it was self-sustaining. Today our government is suffering from decades of theft by legislators, and the program is experiencing difficulty. Excellent medical care for seniors is a must, and the right thing to do. The next administration must insure that our citizens have universal health care as do the other developed nations of the world. The defense budget must be cut; nearly 50 percent of funding each year is wasted, and that money is needed for social programs which affect 90 percent of America’s people.

Who will you stand with in 2016? Will you support our nation, which is the American people, or will you support a group of disloyal and ambitious charlatans who are only concerned about their future and ignore we the people?

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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Photo Courtesy of Gage Skidmore

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