I was originally a supporter of Bernie Sanders. Many people were probably surprised because of my age. Now 70 years old, and an original baby boomer, most of my age group would shudder at the word “socialism.” However, I understand what “Democratic Socialism” actually entails, and I heartily support Senator Sanders’ ideals.

Our nation has strayed too far to right wing extremism, voiding the intent of our founding fathers. I call myself both a patriot, and a “Constitutionalist.” If the ‘great dream’ is to survive, our politics must move closer to the center; this is what worked for more than 200 years, and our leaders must once again work for the people, not against them.

I grew up totally committed to the ideals of our founding fathers. As I recited the “Pledge of Allegiance” each morning before classes began, I did not just speak the words, I thought about what they meant. The last seven words brought a lump to my throat: “Indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

In these short seven words, we understand the purpose for the creation of the United States of America. Sadly, these words also reveal what is wrong with our nation today.

The ‘United States’ no longer exists. We are now “red states” and “blue states” existing under a single flag, but not a single belief. Politicians have intentionally divided our nation’s people for the single purpose of winning elections. Sadly, liberty and justice now are the sole possession of the wealthy. All this said, this is why I am supporting Hillary Clinton without reservation.

A nation is not composed of a large mass of land; government is a necessary evil; and politics is an unpleasant byproduct of ambitious individuals. A nation is people.

The needs and wants of the majority should be the only concern of those we elect. Our nation has strayed. The majority struggle, while one-percent of the population hoard 20 percent of all of our country’s wealth. This will never change under the rule of those who call themselves “Republicans” today. Special interests own the GOP; and they are not only the one-percent. Corporations control Republican Congressmen through lobbyists. The Christian religious right has become a voting bloc and interferes in the legislative process, in direct violation of the first amendment. The NRA pretends to be a ‘gun rights’ organization, but in fact donates millions of dollars to Republican campaigns for the sole purpose of increased profits for gun manufacturers, and gun sellers.

Our president must represent the people; all the people of the United States of America. He or she must not be elected because we “like them,” or believe that they are “good persons.” Electing the leader of the free world must not be the result of emotions; logic must be the reason for your vote.

Hillary Clinton has the experience, knowledge, and ability to be a great president. More importantly, her positions on the issues are supportive of the majority of Americans; and they are Constitutional. She will seek fair taxation to reduce income inequality and save the middle class. She will work to insure that all young Americans who desire college education will have the opportunity; higher education must not be a privilege only for the wealthy. Ms. Clinton will propose a complete overhaul of our judicial system, where both low-income and wealthy Americans will receive equal justice under the law. A path to legal residence for nearly 12 million undocumented workers will be achieved. Sensible gun legislation will be passed to protect innocent people while going about their daily lives. She will form alliances with both our allies and those considered ‘less friendly’ to defeat terrorism.

These and more issues important to me, my loved ones, and my friends are the reasons I support Hillary Clinton.

As an Independent, I usually wait until the election is much closer, but this year I cannot even consider the Republican alternative.

Donald Trump is a vile man who would deny the Constitutional rights of millions of Americans. He has no experience and no credentials which would allow him the presidency. Trump would be detrimental to our nation’s future, and a danger to world peace.

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

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