The Rise of Trump and How His Platform Really Isn’t Feasible
Shockingly enough, I don’t support Donald Trump. I don’t see any reason to support a candidate that preaches policies that are the opposite of the ideals that America was founded upon. These aren’t archaic ideals, mind you. I am talking about the four pillars of democracy: equality, justice, freedom, and representation. These are luxuries we get to enjoy because our nation was developed with these in mind. All over the world, people are persecuted for pursuing what we take for granted, and now, there is a percentage of our population who want to elect a president that supports the opposite? Unbelievable.
First of all, in this country, leading it is so much more than just economic and fiscal policies. It’s about demonstrating respect toward all of its citizens and fighting for their rights, protecting them. It’s not all about the numbers on the paper, it’s about the people who constitute those numbers. Donald Trump has repeatedly insulted minorities without remorse—immigrants, ethnic minorities, women, disabled citizens, need I go on? His policies are created capriciously and modified/retracted an innumerable amount of times; his campaign is built off of divide, yet he’s expected to lead a united nation.
However, there are people who support him and from what I’ve heard, they say the same things: “if you would actually read his policies, you would support Donald Trump.”
So here it is, a quick explication on three controversial and prevalent aspects of Donald Trump’s platform, and why they are not feasible at all.
The Wall. This is referencing the wall that will be put up between the US and Mexican border to keep out illegal immigrants and stifle drug and firearm smuggling. And of course, this wall will be paid for by the Mexican government. Mexico’s complacency is based on the nature of US-Mexico relations: we’ve always been allies. Even more than that, the US took care of a “recent” 1995 Mexican bailout which is supposedly enough to force Mexico to comply with whatever Trump would like done. Never mind that the Mexican president has repeatedly stated that Mexico “will not pay a single cent” for this wall. The basis of Donald Trump’s argument is based upon bullying other global leaders to comply with whatever he says. That is ineffective in global relations; he is not respected globally. Under a Trump regime, U.S. international relations would suffer tremendously.
Healthcare-wise, Trump is planning on repealing Obamacare (nothing new coming from a conservative platform), but what is he going to do from there? The plan would be to kick start programs to help bring jobs back into America, spurring economic growth and therefore fewer people will be in need of these social welfare programs or need Medicaid. If we kick start federal programs for job placement, citizens would be covered by health care through their companies and therefore, the need for a plan like Obamacare would significantly decrease.
I don’t know where that million-dollar idea originated, but if that were a feasible goal, past presidents would have already made significant strides in that direction. Unfortunately, it hasn’t proved to be possible/work. While I believe that, in a perfect world, that would be a great idea, in this society, where there are 46.7 million people living in poverty (2014), they cannot afford healthcare. Many cannot afford the basic necessities of life. It is time for a change, so rather than repeal a progressive program, it would be in the better interest to work to improve Obamacare. Countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Japan, New Zealand, etc. have implemented universal healthcare and boast a booming economy. Trump’s platform isn’t a new idea, but it is one that hasn’t worked.
In regards to U.S.-China Trade Reform, I completely agree that outsourcing jobs abroad, and not just to China, is harmful to both our economy and to people who manufacture these goods. There needs to be reform, especially to eliminate unfair export subsidies, but this goes back to Trump’s political incorrectness: no world leader will treat Trump seriously. They will not negotiate a substantial agreement.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of controversial topics, nor an in-depth analysis. This is merely meant to portray to those who argue that Trump’s platform is rational that it is not at all feasible. It is time to invest in candidates who have proven time and time again that they are capable of representing the people of the United States in a comprehensive and professional manner, both domestically and internationally. With the suspension of Cruz and Kasich’s campaigns, this means it is time to invest in a democratic or third-party nominee.
Happy voting, and may the odds be ever in our favor.
Kate will be entering her first year on staff this year. In the future, she plans on majoring in international relations with an intention on pursuing...