By: Emily Guerrero
Senior year brings a lot of exciting milestones. One of them being finally turning 18. At 17, you are legally allowed to pre-register to vote. By doing so, as soon as you turn 18 you receive your voting card in the mail. Being able to vote is one of the first steps into adulthood and is your civil right as an American citizen for the rest of your life. Women were given the right to vote only 100 years ago. The only way to make the changes we want to see in this country, is by going out and voting every State, Local and Federal election.
Joe Biden is the current candidate for the Democratic Party in the upcoming Presidential election. Joe was the Vice President of the United States during Obama’s Presidential term from 2008-2016. His campaign revolves around improving the quality of life. Part of Biden’s campaign revolve around racial equality across the country, LGBTQ + equality, reforming the immigration system, making health care easier to obtain, as well as a tax cut for top 1%, and real relief for those affected by Covid-19. All his policies that he exhibits in his campaign are to benefit low-income individuals as well as minorities such as, African Americans, Latinos, Native-Americans, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Biden plans to fight for their equality and make sure nothing stands in their way of success in this country.
Joe Biden has introduced a plan called “Build Back Better”. He believes that we cannot progress as a society unless we expand racial equity across the country. When it comes down to the Black Lives Matter Movement, Biden is in favor of the protests as he stated in the first Presidential debate. Although he encourages the expression of our first amendment right, he says “violence is never the answer”. He does not plan on defunding the police, but he does want to make sure the money being sent to them meets “minimum basic standards of decency”, ensuring the money will not be used for any other cause. He would also like to reform the police system. Biden believes that the vast majority of police officers are “good, decent, honorable men and women… but, there are a few bad apples, and they should be held accountable” for their crimes. His “Build Back Better” plan ensures the decrease in unemployment levels that are most commonly seen in low-income neighborhoods all over the country.
Biden is in favor of LGBTQ+ equality in America and around the world as well. Joe Biden believes that every human being should be treated with respect and dignity and be able to live without fear no matter who they are or who they love. While he was VP during Obama’s presidency, they approve marriage equality and protection for the LGBTQ+ community. Donald Trump and Mike Pence have denied critical protections for the LGBTQ+ community. They have denied Transgender individuals, access to health care, they are not allowed to serve the country, and they have allowed homeless shelters to deny Transgender individuals a place to stay as well as adoption agencies are allowed to deny same sex couples. If elected as president, Biden will stand with the LGBTQ+ community to ensure America lives up to the promise it was founded on: “Equality for all”. He will protect them from discrimination, expand access to high-quality health care, and ensure fair treatment of LGBTQ+ individuals in the criminal justice system. “No one should be fired, denied a home or access to services because of who they are or who they love”- Joe Biden 2019. LGBTQ+ members face many obstacles for simply being who they are, and he would like to bring that to an end. The Equality Act is the best option to ensure rights under the law for LGBTQ+ Americans. He considers this act one of his top priorities.
Biden has a plan to build security and prosperity in partnership with the people of Central America. The vast majority of Miami citizens are Latino. This act will benefit those greatly because Immigrants come to the United States in search of a better life and more opportunities for their children to receive a better education. Facing challenges such as violence, poverty, and corrupt governments leads families with no choice but to cross the border illegally in search of a better lifestyle. As President, Biden plans to develop a 4-year, $4 billion strategy to address migration from Central America. He would like to improve security and rule of law. Based on the circumstances of other countries, families will continue to flee in search of refuge. Investing in this would improve professional standards and training for police to ensure public safety. In addition, implementing violence reduction programs and job training programs to prevent the youth from getting involved with gangs would be in favor of the new families immigrating as well as the ones who have already been living in the United States. When addressing economic corruption, he plans to freeze and revoke visas to the United States of criminals from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
The status of Healthcare affects every single individual in the United States. Especially during a global pandemic, it is essential for every citizen to be able to afford a hospital visit or an annual check-up with their physician. On March 23rd,2010, President Obama signed the Affordable Care Act into law. Due to Obama Care, over 100 million people don’t have to worry about insurance companies denying coverage or charging more just because they have a pre-existing medical condition. As President, Biden has a plan to build on the Affordable Care Act by giving citizens more options, reducing health care costs, and making sure it is easier to use for anyone who plans on using it. He believes that “every American has a right to the peace of mind that comes with knowing they have access to affordable health care.” Some families have to make the decision of going to the doctor or buying groceries due to living paycheck to paycheck. Biden wants to make sure no families residing in the U.S have to deal with that problem ever again. He plans on expanding coverage to low-income Americans.
The Covid-19 Pandemic has negatively affected every family in the country. The health of the American people is the most important factor in improving the economy and the overall status of the country. During the pandemic, Biden would like to increase testing sites to ensure almost everyone gets a chance to get tested. He would provide “Restart Packages” that include supplies and other necessities schools, small businesses and families need in order to function more efficiently. He also plans on investing $25 billion in the manufacturing of vaccines. The Defense Production Act will be put to use and increase the production of masks, face shields, and any other equipment necessary to protect the population. This would impact areas that were hit very bad and struggle collecting the items they need to survive day to day.
At the end of the day, voting is especially important to those who reside in Miami. As the vast majority of civilians here are minorities, any party being elected will greatly impact their lives in the next four years and potentially after that Presidential term. Nowadays, politics influence our lives daily. From protesting to being able to marry whoever you love, to staying safe and healthy during a global pandemic, politics influence people’s way of life. So yes, every vote counts and this is the time to go out and voice your opinion on the issues society faces today.
The Watchdog 