(Lindsey Ledford is a guest writer for the Bison. This opinion piece is part of an “opposing viewpoints” series regarding the 2016 presidential election. Click here for Thomas Hesson’s opposing viewpoint.)
Iam a millennial, Christian woman and I plan to vote for Donald Trump in the upcoming election. Before I go any further, let me preface this article with a disclaimer: I do not agree with everything Trump stands for, fights for or believes in.
Frankly, I am disappointed that a strong, trustworthy candidate has not been present in the past two elections I could vote in. It frustrates me that in a country saturated with people, we cannot seem to nominate one candidate who acts morally, ethically or honorably. I strongly believe that our country is headed in the wrong direction.
I know I do not stand alone as I sulk in my despair for America’s current situation. According to a poll released by CNN, 69 percent of voters are “very angry” or “somewhat angry” about the way things are going in the United States. The same 69 percent feel that the political system “seems to only be working for the insiders with money and power,” according to an NBC/Wall Street Journal Poll.
What I appreciate about Trump is that he acknowledges the anger of the American citizens and is willing to act boldly. I do not believe Trump is the perfect candidate. In fact, I think he is filled with flaws. However, he is the only candidate in which I can find any common ground.
I agree with Trump in the following areas: reinforcing the border, combating radical terrorist groups, supporting Second Amendment rights, reducing taxes, protecting Social Security benefits, supporting traditional marriage and reducing government spending. I disagree with Hillary Clinton in too many areas to list, but some of them include: her stance on abortion, taxes, government spending, gun control, foreign policy, the Affordable Care Act, climate change, the use of her private email server and what took place in Benghazi. I believe she has a checkered past, and I am appalled that she can even be considered a nominee for the highest political office in our country.
In this election in particular, our votes hold more weight. The candidate elected will determine if the Supreme Court will lean more liberally or conservatively. If Clinton is elected, she will nominate candidates to fill Justice Antonin Scalia’s seat and potentially three more as aging justices retire. Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Anthony Kennedy and Stephen Breyer could retire during the term of our next president. This leaves four seats available in addition to the two left-leaning justices already added by President Obama. Scalia was a staunch conservative. However, this seat is only likely to stay conservative if Trump is elected. If you believe you are only choosing a leader for the next four to eight years, you are fooling yourself. If you pass on the opportunity to vote, know that this decision could impact you for a minimum of 30 to 40 years.
This election holds real stakes and will deliver consequences to the uniformed voter.
I urge you to research your political views and vote for the flawed candidate that most closely represents your views, and for me, it is Trump.
