It has been a long and insightful campaign, but the students have chosen. Our next President of the United Students of America is Keshia A.
President Elect Keshia A. with another Presidential nominee Simone D.
President Elect Keshia A. proudly holding her first day of work mug.
Congratulations to all on a successful campaign!
Running with the Student Liberty Party, Steven G. is running for President in the Fall 2016 election. You’ll recall his initial candidacy statement: My name is Steven Gonzalez and I am here today to express why I should be voted as the next president of the United States of America. You see, we at the Student Liberty Party believe that there is no “I” in CHANGE. There is an “e” in CHANGE and more importantly, in WE. I am from a middle class Hispanic family with both parents retired, and my mother legally disabled. The only way to pay rent and bills is to wait for checks in the mail. I practically spent the whole summer trying to land a job and failed. The sad part with that was not that I failed to land a job, it was that the work economy is so skewed and confusing that most people usually believe that they have wasted their money and time trying to get a job and fail. Think about it; how many times have you thought that you were running low on funds for transportation and clothing all for an interview just to be told ‘no’ or nothing at all? Some of you probably never got a call back just to hear ‘no’. With the way the work economy is, it is hard to get an opportunity for a job interview and extremely difficult to actually land a job.
Many people believe that college is truly the only way to avoid financial problems in the later years and have a long lasting job. As you all know, this is not always the case as most students end up in massive debt. I am here to change this. With YOUR HELP, we can improve the economy and the work force. More jobs means more money and that my friends, is what the American Dream is all about. No more of looking for entry level jobs that, oddly enough, require at least a full year of experience just to work a register or sell a product. No more of students being fresh out of high school and having to struggle to find a well paying job. WE have to fix this so that our generation and the many generations to come won’t have to suffer like we are suffering. VOTE for the STUDENT LIBERTY PARTY so that together, WE, can make a change in the workforce in order to make change for our wallets. ”
Additionally, Steven is interested in fixing the job market for all. Check out his research here:
“Most people believe that the near end goal of life is attending a prestigious school, obtain a degree, and get a great job with big pay and long term benefits. That may have been the ideal simple way of living in the past, but now, it has become harder to accomplish in today’s world. Funding a job has become more difficult, especially for teenagers that graduated after highschool and college going students. Picchi declares in “Why can’t your teen find a summer job” what employers look for in their potential employees. Hamm claims in “Why You Should Consider Trade School Instead of College” that most college students don’t enter the workforce until after they acquire their bachelor’s degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics details in “Employment status of the civilian population by sex and age” that the unemployment rate for youths shift but steadily decrease throughout the past couple of years. Education gives us the tools to work in practical jobs, but mostly leaves empty handed when we actually try to find jobs. There can be ways to overcome this however.
Teenagers constantly struggle to find jobs during and after high-school and they feel that school does not really equip them for work. Picchi uses information Chauncey Lennon’s report on JPMorgan Chase’s statistics to explains how young people find it more difficult to find work. She states, “Employers are looking for people with specific experience, more maturity and more education,” Lennon said.” Picchi uses Lennon’s stats to show that teens are usually at an disadvantage because most have never worked in their lives. She later goes on to show how older people mostly get jobs that are considered to more suitable for teens. This quote shows inversely proportionate high school education is to employment because most teens deny the chance to work while their in school. Teens also state that most times they refuse to work because their parents insist that they focus on their studies in order to get to a good college. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows how the unemployment rates for youths has increased from 4.8 in May 2016 to 5.1 in September 2016. The increase may seem small but these numbers indicate how bad the work economy has gotten in a short period of time. More and more youths are 16 are sadly adding to the statistic and there’s very little they can do about it. While school increases knowledge on how the mechanics work, it does not shield you from being at an disadvantages of your environment. The combination of Picchi’s statistics and the Bureau of Labor coincide with how youths, ranging from 16 to 26, are without any proper form of work.
A popular argument about college education is that teens and young adults should be find jobs after graduating from college. The sad truths are: college is not for everyone, not everyone that goes to college graduates, and the cost of a college education is absurdly high. Hamm believes that traditional colleges forces students to take classes that have nothing to do with a person’s major stating that “a four-year program usually makes you take classes outside of your major to fulfill credit requirements.” While this claim may not seem credible, many college going students can attest to their universities requiring them to take random classes at the start of their freshman year, claiming that they had no choice in the matter of their schedule. Hamm claims that vocational schools provide more benefits than a traditional 4 year college. He even goes to state how most students in a 4 year college do not chose a major until the end of their sophomore years, which leave students undecided on what to choose for a major since they have spent 2 years on remedial courses. A claim like this can be relatable to many students in CUNY schools, especially in Lehman College. The BLS shows that while the unemployment rate for both men and women ranging from 16 to about 19 years old was high last year, not much has changed from 2015 to 2016.
When applying for a job, it is difficult to know what skills are needed to be considered as a good choice for being picked. Some may believe that having practical skills are needed, while others believe that knowing who to talk to is the real key to success. Picchi declares that a definite skill to have in all fields of work is communication. She states that in order to find opportunities for work, all you really need to do is “Ask a wide network of people, including neighbors, acquaintances, classmates and friends if they know about opportunities.” Many people, including myself can give testimonies on how asking people is a big help in finding job openings. These jobs provide you will the opportunity to build your skills, and begin to build your network of people. The same can be said in Hamm’s case because vocational school builds on your skills on a very practical level. This wide range of skill building will help someone find jobs more easier than someone that never worked and mostly went to school.
If I am elected, I will start to rework the way education can benefit students. A good balance of hands-on and mental techniques would really students into well rounded individuals.”
Steven did not hold back on his desire to take this country to new places writing, “Now some of you may or may not know of my political standing, or the message I am trying to put forth. Do not worry for I will clear all of that up in the next few minutes. Now, I may not be the first in my family to got to college and certainly will not be the last one to attend university, but my family does understand the importance of hard work, education, and options. In my time while taking a leadership class in my freshman year of college, I have met with those who have dealt with people coming from all walks of life. One of the most rememberable things said to my class was “You cant build someone else’s home, if your home isn’t strong”. This simply means that if your living conditions and financial status are not stable, you have no business trying to help someone else.
You see my colleague in the Student Liberty Party, Ms. Walker, believes that better access to education towards lower class families will lead to a more beneficial society. While I do agree that better access to education for all families is a great idea, getting there will take some time. Ms. Walker details great ideals but does not provide for a way to achieve said ideals. My temporary solution for this is to let children know that they have options. The key word is options. The thing is, there is more than one way to become financially stable and afford education. Children in Brazil focus their time in mastering the art of ‘footbol’, which may lead to them becoming players for a proper national team and great financial status. The same applies for most Caribbean countries that use sports as an access point to elevate their financial status. There are also records of poor children teaching themselves in their spare time, and eventually building high school to grad school level engineering structures, without a degree. Some of you may recall a picture floating around social media of a poor boy in Africa that taught himself engineering and properly built a windmill, providing his area with electricity. If I am elected president, I will make sure that families know that while free access of education may take some time to get passed, there are other ways to make their mark on the world.”
Are you ready to cast your vote?
Keshia Allen is running for President in this coming election. You’ll recall her initial candidacy statement:
Today we live in a country that doesn’t understand our needs. We live in a system that we have no faith in, a system we can’t trust. Most politicians have never been us, so how can they help us? They don’t know what its like to work two jobs just to pay rent for a place we don’t have time to live in. They don’t understand the struggle of paying for school, textbooks or a metro card to get there. They can’t comprehend the fear we feel when law enforcement stops us.
This country was founded on principles that include life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness as rights not privileges. So why aren’t we happy? Why aren’t we living? Why aren’t we free? It’s because our Politicians are so far removed from our current circumstances they have forgotten us, the people in the middle. We’ve had our voices silenced far too long. When you speak no one listens, when you complain magically more regulations appear. Policy makers go out of their way to make sure you stay in our place. What’s your place? Quietly oppressed. Our government claims their doing the best they can and that care about us. But still, we can’t afford education or quality health insurance. We can’t pay our bills on our current salaries. We live in fear of the people who are paid to protect and serve us. What exactly is the government doing? Not nearly enough. The Declaration of Independence states” That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or abolish it and institute new Government…” It’s time!
My name is Keshia Allen. I am a member of the Deliverance Party and I’m going to deliver you. I’m a dedicated full time student with a 3.8 GPA and a full time job. I’m a member of the NSCS (National Society of Collegiate Scholars). I’m a devoted wife and family woman. I strive daily to be the change I want to see. I know your struggle, because I struggle too. I’m no stranger to hard work. I’ve been the underdog. I’ve been counted out and here I am more successful and driven today than I’ve ever been and more than anyone thought I would be. I see you, everyday rushing off to get to a job that barely pays your bills. I hear you complaining that your rent just went up. I know you can’t afford tuition. I understand the frustration you feel, because I feel it too.
When you elect me for President I will make housing affordable. I will increase wages. The only reason a person works more than one job will be because they want to. When I am president you won’t be afraid of law enforcement or the unjust justice system currently in existence. I will see to it that our law enforcement is properly and thoroughly trained. Officers of the law will know and understand the communities they work in. Education will be free to all who wish to pursue knowledge. With me in office you’ll see what government is supposed to be. I am Keshia Allen. I am your next president.
Keshia is interested in resolving the issues of the broken home. Citing incarceration as a significant cause of broken homes in the US, Keshia submitted the following investigative piece:
“Society defines the nuclear family as a married couple and their dependent children. When most people think of home, they think of family; which usually consists of a mom, dad and one or two children. In the African American community, the arrangement of family is quite different and generally consists of a single parent home where the mother is the head of the household and raising multiple children. Research suggests that this reality of family structure in the African American Community is a direct result of flawed systems which were built on racist beliefs that perpetuate negative environments that destroy families and promote broken homes. Hagler argues in “How Black Families Are Destroyed, In Two Simple Charts” that unfair treatment based on race as early as childhood has a created a cycle that nearly guarantees minorities will go to prison. Wolfers, Leonhardt and Quealy claim in the article “1.5 Million Missing Black Men” that a staggering amount of black men are absent from daily life because they are either deceased or in jail. With that being said, statistics have proven that African American women already consequently outnumber African American men. Hymowitz asserts in the article “The Black Family: 40 Years of Lies” that failure to acknowledge and properly address the poverty and despair which African Americans face is responsible for destroying family structure and setting the trend of broken homes. Unfortunately, this downward spiral and setup for generational failure will continue to grow and spread unless otherwise corrected.
In the United States African American men as well as those suffering with poverty make up the majority of the prison population. It is believed by many that racism and unreasonably severe penalties are responsible for the large number of minority Americans stuck in the system. In the article “How Black Families Are Destroyed, In Two Simple Charts” Hagler argues that racist stereotypes cause African Americans to be subjected to harsher punishments more than other races. Hagler blames the media for its circulation of these stereotypes and claims the effects can be seen as early as childhood in elementary school. Hagler states “Once introduced to the “system” they [African Americans] become statistics that feed into a cycle of crime and despair.” Essentially, African American children grow to become products of the environment which they have been exposed. Because of negative stereotypes and racism at some point in their lives African Americans will likely end up in prison. Hagler includes the research of Phillip N. Cohen, a well known sociologist at the University of Maryland to support his argument. This credible research illustrates how racism is directly related to the treatment of African Americans and the effect it has on the composition of family in the African American community. While Hagler’s source is credible, his argument lacks specific detail.
Like Hagler, Wolfers, Quealy and Leonhardt also discuss how the system, racism and stricter penalties as a result of zero tolerance laws impact the African American community, specifically men of color. In “1.5 Million Missing Black Men”, Wolfers, Quealy and Leonhardt argue that premature death and incarceration are largely responsible for the shortage of men stating “Of the 1.5 million missing black men from 25-54 – which demographers call the prime-age-years – higher imprisonment rates account for 600,000. Almost 1 in 12 black men in the age group are behind bars, compared with 1 in 60 nonblack men, 1in 200 black women and 1 in 500 nonblack women.” Black men are more likely to go to jail than anyone of any other nonblack ethnicity. Using statistics and demographics as a convincing source to substantiate their argument Wolfers, Quealy and Leonhardt prove that the disproportionate ratio of black men to women leaves black women with no choice but to fend for themselves as the head of the household. With such a high population of men currently in prison or deceased a greater deficit is placed on family and home structure because of the lack of men to be fathers and husbands. The Articles “How Black Families Are Destroyed, In Two Simple Charts” and “1.5 Million Black Men Missing” both agree that the American justice system plays an active role in the destruction of families because it enforces a cycle that leaves homes broken and unstable.
In addition to a lack of men to be fathers and husbands and the growing number of single mothers, there is another issue that’s cause for equal if not more concern. Studies have proven that the African American community is greatly, in fact disproportionately affected by poverty. Hymowitz argues in “The Black Family: 40 Years of Lies” the problems surrounding the facts leading to the destruction of families in the African American community have been blatantly neglected. Hymowitz explains “Less forgivable was the refusal to grapple seriously—either at the time or in the months, years, even decades to come—with the basic cultural insight contained in the [Moynihan] report: that ghetto families were at risk of raising generations of children unable to seize the opportunity that the civil rights movement had opened up for them. Instead critics changed the subject…” The Moynihan report explored and investigated the condition of African American families. Its findings were that single parent families, fatherlessness, crime and unemployment rates were increasing while schools were failing in the African American community. All of which were contributing to the deterioration of family structure. Ignoring Moynihan’s report allowed and ensured the continuation of these issues. Hymowitz factors multiple points of view and uses specific examples to present a well thought and unbiased argument. She makes references to several experts as credible sources including the Department of Labor, historians and sociologists. The variety of sources cited add perspective and keep the article interesting.
All three articles agree, something is seriously wrong with the design of the system. The structure of the black family seems to be under attack and little to nothing is being done to correct it. If this can happen to African Americans, how can anyone be sure it will not happen to other races? As President, I will amend the justice and school systems. I will right the wrongs, so that everyone is served efficiently and effectively. It shouldn’t be a luxury to grow up with both parents at home, it should be a normalcy. All children deserve to be a part of a family that is complete. Minority Americans need the same chance at life that is given to the privileged majority. Schools shouldn’t treat students differently based on location or race. Prisons shouldn’t be so eager to accept men of color. This election, vote for deliverance, vote for Keshia.”
Keshia clearly believes she is the best for the job citing her want to get things done, “Ismael Rodriguez talks about wanting to “Get shit done”. Let me tell you, I’ve been getting it done for as long as I can remember. My parents are hard workers from Trinidad, they taught me to work hard. They taught me to never let anything or anyone stop me from reaching my dream. They taught me to earn everything and let no one give me anything, this way no one can say I owe them anything. They taught me to be responsible. At 12 years old I began babysitting to keep money in my pocket, so I didn’t have to depend on my parents for an allowance. By 17, I was on my own, with no support from my parents. At 23, I followed my dreams and launched my own business. I don’t believe in talking about getting things done, I believe in the results.
My opponent is concerned about the physical health of the nation. He wants to add more parks and increase funding for physical education in schools. While I agree with him, I think there are other important matters we should address at the moment. Like, why so many of us are struggling to pay tuition to finish with degrees and still not be able to pay the bills. And, why so many of us don’t have health insurance. I’m concerned about the growing number of single parent homes. I’m worried about the the fact that depending on where you live and where you fall on the skin color spectrum determines the quality of education you’ll receive. I’m troubled by the racism that plagues our justice system. I’m bothered by the fact that a terrorist can be taken into custody alive but a minority American man is more likely to be shot dead for what may or may not be a traffic violation. Something is dangerously wrong. When you elect me as your President, I won’t make you promises I can’t keep like some candidates would. I will tell you that I will devote my last breath to making this nation a better place for us to live in, for our children to grow up in. I promise you deliverance will come. I’m Keshia Allen for the Deliverance Party. This election vote for deliverance, vote for Keshia Allen.”
Who are you voting for?
Simone D. is running for President of the United Students of America this Fall 2016 election. Interested in change, she wrote in her original candidacy statement the following: “R stands for Raise WagesIn order to survive this this economy it’s crucial that Americans are receiving adequate wages that allows for survivals after rents and other expenses have been paid within a household.
E stands for Education. Education leads to higher wages, security, and growth. Education also brings forth endless opportunities. Education allows us to push the pen and kindles the flame for questioning. We need programs in all fields of studies whether it’s arts or medical. Education furthermore teaches us to find answers on our own. It makes us more self-aware. It also paves the way for us to gain a sense of enlightenment. Overcrowding within schools is also a growing problem. We need a new plan for education that allows for more funding and better resources to engage the students.
A stands for ‘A’ ll are equal In all reality, and in society today discrimination still occurs in every aspect in our everyday lives. Discrimination is not just a black and white issue, it also has to do with age, gender, housing, religion, sexual orientation, and credit score. Together we must come up with a plan to fight the racial stigmas that occur today still. Also, we have to to fix the homelessness in America. A nation divided cannot stand together to bring equality.
L stands for Legislation Change starts within our communities first. In order to be unified as a whole we must start with our mayors, city councilmen, and borough presidents. To be on one accord, we must be on a common ground and fight for what our communities need.”
Simone is interested in changing the justice system. In fact, she submitted an investigative piece on the topic:
CLICK, CLACK, BOOM! That’s the sound that goes off each time a life is taken by the oppressors in our society from police brutality. Police brutality against minorities remains one of the most reoccurring issues in America. What is most common now is minorities are developing bitter hatred for the police and the government. Michelle Alexander suggests that the masses must fight together to challenge and change our racist justice system in “There’s An Unfinished Revolution Waiting to Be Won”. Bonnie Kristian asserts that police brutality is a systemic issue and not anecdotal issue in “Seven Reasons Police Brutality Is Systemic, Not Anecdotal”. However, research should just that there is no evidence of racial bias in police shootings. Harvard university professor, Roland G. Fryer Jr orates this in ‘An Empirical Analysis of Racial Differences in Police Use of Force’. The job of a police officer is not easy and sometimes warrants a little force, but excessive force is something that should not be tolerated. Police officers need to stop racial profiling, need to be trained on how to deescalate before pulling the trigger, and cut the use of excessive force.
Police officers are given a great deal of power when on duty performing their job. Police are expected to protect, honor, and serve the citizens of this country; not kill them unlawfully. Injustice seems to come from those we expect to deliver justice. Continuously we see history repeating itself and no changes made. This silence and no changes coming about are building up fury within the communities that are being affected. Alexander shares, “I am inspired again and again by so much of the beautiful, brilliant and daring activism that is unfolding all over the country. Yet I also know that more is required than purely reactive protest and politics. A profound shift in our collective consciousness must occur, a shift that makes possible a new America.” Alexander shares her own opinion to provide awareness to communities on the pressing issue before us. Though her words were shared on her Facebook page, her political stance, books she’s written on similar studies, and credibility makes her more believable because she knows the struggle on police brutality. Alexander suggests that I order for us to see change we must first get honest with ourselves about whom our democracy actually serves and protects. She further orates that we (the people) cannot “fix” the police without a revolution of values and radical change to the basic structure of our society. Basically, she (Alexander) is stressing that a nation that was founded on the idea that some lives don’t matter cannot possible come to our rescue now when havoc comes about. She says “Freedom and justice for some, not all. That’s the foundation. Yes, progress has been made in some respects, but it hasn’t come easy. There’s an unfinished revolution waiting to be won.” After reading her piece, she leaves you wanting to start a rival between congress and yourself. She’s saying that in order to bring change we have to go to the higher ups in this country and fight our battle with them, not the “little people” in the food chain of the government. One aspect I respect is that she doesn’t sugar coat anything in this article. At the same time, it’s upsetting and brings anger that you live in a country that doesn’t value your life or any other person’s life that has the same makeup as you.
Bonnie Kristian asserts that police brutality is a systemic issue rather than an anecdotal one. It is reported that police officers say that they receive little supervision, guidance, and support from the higher ups in their department. They say that “this” leaves them to figure it out for themselves how to perform their difficult and dangerous jobs. There is no doubt that the job of a police officer is dangerous. But, it’s totally unacceptable when using the maximum force is becoming the routine for every crime no matter how big or small the level is. Kristian argues that the consequences for misconduct are minimal for officers. She did a study for central New Jersey and concluded that 99 percent of police brutality complaints are never investigated. She says this can be be explained as stereotypical New Jersey corruption. She says that one out of every three accused cops are convicted nationwide; while the conviction rate for civilians is double that. Another chilling fact I discovered is that many files and paperwork of police misconduct are swept under the rug and some aren’t even filed within the system because it’s not a requirement to fill out paperwork for misconduct. This right here makes it easy to believe that police take advantage of the fact that they can get away with a multitude of crime and won’t reach conviction. Kristian implies that “Police brutality is a pervasive problem, exacerbated by systemic failures to curb it. That’s not to say that every officer is ill-intentioned or abusive, but it is to suggest that the common assumption that police are generally using their authority in a trustworthy manner merits serious reconsideration. She’s saying that the higher ups need to stop putting their faith in these officers to do what is right because indeed they aren’t and violating many acts in the constitution. We need restructure in the police system and better individuals who aren’t afraid to crack down on this unjust system. We also need officials who feel the same way the many Americans are feeling to try and change the direction in which the government is going. Another thing is that these police officers don’t know how to deescalate problems before using excessive force. They all lash out first before seeing what the problem is at hand. We will continue to see the same issues before us if a revolution doesn’t come about to force change within the police system.
Now, there’s always going to be one person who completely rebuttals everything you stand for. Harvard professor, Roland G. Fryer Jr. created a study suggesting that there is no racial profiling in shootings. His study we a complete slap in the face to all of the political movements created because of racial profiling. For example, Black Lives Matter campaign was created to stress that too many minority lives are being taken because of misconduct and discrimination within officers. Fryer implies that police officers physically do more harm to Caucasian people rather than African Americans. The crazy thing about this study is that he based his information from this study in Houston Texas. Not only is he not credible because he only used one city for statistical data; but he’s even more not credible because he based his information from the early 2000’s. His study is even more infuriating because he’s an African American male and should be a little more aware of the stigmas raised against African Americans. After reading his study I was so angry that I decided to call his office phone and voice my opinion to him. I called only to receive his voicemail. It’s completely insensitive for him to even imply that police brutality doesn’t have any aspects of racial profiling. Imagine how the mothers of Eric Garner and Trayvon Martin would feel if they came across his study. Furthermore, if he was going to make a study on how police brutality doesn’t racially profile against individuals he should have had better statistics and not only use one city to state his case. It is ignorance like this that will lead others to easily believe that police brutality isn’t somewhat based on race. Even though he is a professor at Harvard, he’s not credible whatsoever and should be ashamed of himself for even making an ignorant study like that. I completely disagree against his study. It’s is my firm believe racial profiling needs to end and officers should be trained adequately on deescalating issues they have before them.
Unlike Fryer, Alexander and Kristian stress that police brutality is a system issue and needs to be fought hardly to achieve change. If elected, I will work hard to really bring forth change within our system and make the people of this country happy again and proud to be Americans.
Simone clearly feels suited for the job at hand writing, “My name is Simone Dixon and I stand here before you today to announce that the R.E.A.L.Political Party is running for candidacy.
How many of us want change and people in positions of power to make a difference for everyone? Worry no more! R.E.A.L. IS HERE AND READY TO BRING CHANGE!
How many of have seen family members struggle just to make ends meet?
How many us would be more financially stable if we had better wages?
In order to survive this this economy it’s crucial that we are receiving adequate wages that allows for survival after rents and other expenses have been paid within a household. I’m not hearing any other candidates stressing this issue we have before us. But, the downfall isn’t just wages, it’s education too! It’s sad to see that some children’s literacy skills are not up to par because of the previous people we had in power.
I, Simone Dixon , am here today to fight to bring changes to bring forth prosperity. It is my belief that education leads to higher wages, security, and stability. We need a new plan for education. We mustn’t forget that we need more funding and better resources to engage our future leaders and scholars. You shouldn’t have to worry that funding will be an issue for you to better yourself and achieve your goals and dreams. I will be the first in my family to attend and finish college, so I come before you humble and I know first hand what the struggle in education is about.
Another issue that bothers me in this society today is discrimination. Discrimination is not just a black and white issue, it also has to do with age, gender, housing, religion, sexual orientation, and credit score. No other political party before you today has spoke on this issue. It is with confidence that these racial stigmas that occur today will be broken down.We must remember that a nation divided cannot stand together to bring equality. In order to be unified as a whole we must start with electing a fit individual like myself to lead this country in a better direction.Together we will reinvent the government to make it more appealing to the needs of everyone and more effective.
The R.E.A.L. Political Party will be a support system to ensure our community’s safety,promote a positive environment for families to live in, and students to learn in.
We could do what previous parties have done before which is have every American assume personal responsibility for the future of our country, or you can vote for The R.E.A.L. Political Party because I will defend this nation and put the government back on the side of the people.
It’s your decision.
Will you let your vote fall into the box of a candidate who doesn’t have your best interest?”
What do you think voters?
Andy P. is running for President of the United Students of America. You’ll recall in his candidacy statement he wrote, “I was born in the Bronx and I grew up in Harlem. Both of my parents were immigrants who never finished high school. I know what it’s like to be on the outside looking in. To be at the whims of politicians who don’t understand what it’s like, spending every second worrying because you’re living life without a safety net. There are millions of Americans who grew up on the edge just like me. But the experiences I’ve had allow me to see exactly what changes need to take place to serve those who matter most. You, the college student struggling to pay for school. You, the mother or father barely making ends meet on the poverty line. You, the American who wakes up every day persevering despite your circumstances because you dream of a better life.
People have forgotten that the government exists to serve the people. Your needs are meant to decide the actions our government takes. But how many people can say the truly feel heard? The future does not belong to out of touch members of congress. A congress that does not even represent the diversity that currently resides in our nation. The future belongs to every citizen here today, who is willing to vote to change what we can no longer tolerate.
What America needs most is the FLP to take action. Who Americans need most now is a person that embodies that action that needs to be taken. Our future, a better future, begins by electing officials who put the people’s need before their own. I intend to take our government and use it the way it was meant to, to serve the people not corporations. I should be the FLP nominee because I know we need to redefine the mechanisms that have allowed our nation to get to the point. With myself as the FLP candidate, we will repair the currently broken system of healthcare that leaves many Americans in debt or without care. We will overhaul the American education system, which creates a massive amount of debt for college students. We will do all this and more together, as a nation of people unified in starting tomorrow’s future today.
I challenge every American to take the first step in creating a better future. Ask yourself how you can stand by and allow anyone else to have sole control in molding the society that your children and your grandchildren will grow up in. Vote for the candidate that believes in working with you to make a better future for you. Vote for the candidate that understands.”
Additionally, he is committed to resolving the problems that stem from gentrification. He wrote a thorough analysis on some of the research surrounding its history here:
“Gentrification, to some, is seen as improving lower class neighborhoods and bringing them to a higher standard of living. The irony of this is that for many others gentrification means to be displaced. To be displaced from your neighborhood because you no longer fit the criteria, the income bracket, necessary for this “revitalized neighborhood.” Gentrification effectively makes a neighborhood unlivable for those who are not rich. Redfern attempts to decipher what gentrification is and why it happens in “What Makes Gentrification ‘Gentrification’?” In “Does Gentrification Harm the Poor?” Vidgor explores the positive and negative socioeconomic effects of gentrification. Knotts and Haspel’s “The Impact of Gentrification on Voter Turnout” examines how gentrification can affect the political system. Gentrification is rapidly encroaching on historical neighborhoods all over the country. It is by truly understanding gentrification that it can be prevented.
Gentrification in its essences is about class divide. Redfern discusses the notion of class, status, and its implication on gentrification. Redfern quotes Baumann in the best way to describe gentrifiers “they defined their object[ive]s while pretending to describe them” (qtd. in Redfern 2355). A gentrifier always claims to be raising the market value of a house or neighborhood, to be cleaning it up, to be creating more money. This is a devil’s deal in a way; for the neighborhood to be “nicer” its current denizens must be evicted. This eviction is not always literal. While some people may find themselves displaced, other’s find them self out of place. That is to say, the neighborhood one grew up in may no longer feel like home. Street corners become unrecognizable and the demographic can change rapidly. Defining gentrification and placing the threshold for when a neighborhood has been gentrified can be difficult. Vidgor defines gentrification as “Reinvestment and demographic transitions in urban neighborhoods [that] might result from changes in … socioeconomic status households, or increases in income inequality within a metropolitan area” (136). This definition of gentrification implies that while displacement may occur it is not necessary. Also, when “reinvestment” occurs it is not for the community, but for the new, wealthier community that is to come. However, Vidgor argues that gentrification and the “reinvestment of a neighborhood” can be positive in urban neighborhoods already experience population decline. “Gentrification brings renewed population growth, accompanied by an inflow of households with high educational attainment, professional jobs, and few children” (Vidgor 138). I.e. a neighborhood in Detroit, that may have been in decline because of economic reasons (such as the decline of the American auto industry) may benefit from gentrification. This is something gentrifiers frequently bring up; however this is rarely this case however, as Redfern points out. “Gentrification, so far as it is manifested in difference, manifests itself in differences in consumption or style. Gentrified areas become fashionable areas” (Redfern, 2359). Areas that become gentrified are urban areas that are suddenly “trendy.” Those with wealth choose to live in these areas because it’s cool to do so. This is akin to an animal from a different environment being drop into a new ecosphere. A rabbit is dropped into Australia and is able to flourish at the detriment of every other living thing in the area. The new wealthy tenants, the gentrifiers, would be the area they live in more money. They have more disposable income, a higher annual income, can be taxed and are invariably more profitable than the usual residents of a low income neighborhood. However, the history and culture of a neighborhood depends on these residents. Furthermore, to have an entire neighborhood uprooted, a population displaced, and a history revised because it is trendy to live in a certain area for a while is ridiculous.
Gentrification, in being a class issue, ends up being deeply isolated. For an individual to be removed from a neighborhood or community can be jarring. Knotts and Haspel refer to this uprooting of a neighborhood as destabilization. Voter turnout is already largely disproportionate. “[Voter] turnout is higher in more affluent areas and that ‘people who are surrounded by more participators (i.e., the educated and affluent) feel more social pressure and are given more opportunities to participate themselves” (qtd. in Knotts 112). The inverse is also true, the poor, and uneducated (i.e., without a college degree) often have lower turnout rates. The normal residents of low income communities, that would normally already feel disconnected from the political system, end up being isolated even further. Ultimately, Knotts and Haspel state “Our findings indicate that gentrification has a negative and significant impact on voter turnout for longstanding residents.” Those in gentrified communities have no control over what is happening. The lower turnout rates of gentrified neighborhoods mean that those individuals are not properly represented by political figures. The residents of these neighborhoods find themselves cast aside in more ways than one.
The largest issue with gentrification is with the sense of self. “Gentrifying neighborhoods may be small in number and size, but the reason they attract such attention is that what goes on in them has resonances for us…is that of a struggle over the creation and preservation of identity” (Redfern, 2360). Similarly, Knotts and Haspel state “…participation will lag among new residents lacking community connections” (119). Redfern and Knotts both discuss that a community that is gentrified and remade finds its previous residents displaced. As Vidgor states, gentrification doesn’t necessarily mandate a removal of people. However, to be displaced, to feel removed from a community creates a cognitive dissonance in the long standing tenants. It is safe to say, then, that while gentrification may have beneficial aspects it certainly does harm longstanding residents as well.
Redfern, Vidgor, Knotts and Haspel all state that gentrification brings rapid, profitable change. However, everything comes with a cost. Gentrification highlights a necessity to put people in front of money; to put culture in front of profit. If elected I will work to protect low income neighborhoods. I want to build these neighborhoods up, not replace them. I will always believe in the individual before I believe in the dollar they may or may not have.”
Andy has also made it clear that he is the best candidate for the job. Take a look at his campaign statement here:
There are no candidates in this race, FLP candidates or otherwise, that share my deep and unabated love for this country. I believe that my success and yours amounts to the sum total success of our country. I ran as the FLP candidate because the notion that we must begin building a better future today rings true to me. The fate of our nation’s future does not rest on one man or woman’s shoulder. Instead it relies on the collective voting power of a generation that believes in the same ideals that I have always upheld.
Of course, there are certain candidates with a wealth of experience. I don’t doubt that Tana Rivera has more experience than me because of her time in the army. Ms. Rivera is a candidate with an intimate knowledge of the military. However, there is an old saying that goes “if your only tool is a hammer, every problem is a nail.” We do not need any more seasoned hammers in office. What we need is someone with a vast and diverse number of experiences. My experience in public policy allows me to navigate the bureaucracy of our country. I have the openness and willingness necessary to reach across partisan lines and come to amicable solutions that benefit the people. There are enough hammers; it’s time for other tools.
I have worked in city hall. I have worked in rich neighborhoods and poor. I have worked blue collar jobs. I cannot say I have truly seen the American experience but I can say I have gotten closer than all other candidates. To all Americans, voting or otherwise, I would like to say to you; I understand. The government, which was built on the notion that all men are created equal and that the government is meant to serve the people, has allowed for a country where 99 percent of the wealth is in 1 percent of the countries hand. There is a dichotomy between the rich and the poor. There is a wide and immeasurable gap that cannot be overcome. The government, which was meant to serve you, has become self-servicing. As the FLP candidate I intend to rectify these mistakes and use my personal experience, as well as yours, to create a country where no man or woman is “more equal” than others.
What do you think, voters? Are you convinced? Who will you vote for come election day?
Following a difficult primary season, the final candidates for the 2016 Students of America election have been announced.
We have:
Steven G for the Student Liberty Party
Andy P for the Foundational Liberty Party
Keshia A for the Deliverance Party
Simone D for the REAL Party
Stay tuned for more information on these individual candidates.
Early this morning, REAL announced its place in the Presidential race. A one person party, this race is sure to be even more interesting with REAL in the running. Here is their announcement:
R stands for Raise WagesIn order to survive this this economy it’s crucial that Americans are receiving adequate wages that allows for survivals after rents and other expenses have been paid within a household.
E stands for Education. Education leads to higher wages, security, and growth. Education also brings forth endless opportunities. Education allows us to push the pen and kindles the flame for questioning. We need programs in all fields of studies whether it’s arts or medical. Education furthermore teaches us to find answers on our own. It makes us more self-aware. It also paves the way for us to gain a sense of enlightenment. Overcrowding within schools is also a growing problem. We need a new plan for education that allows for more funding and better resources to engage the students.
A stands for ‘A’ ll are equal In all reality, and in society today discrimination still occurs in every aspect in our everyday lives. Discrimination is not just a black and white issue, it also has to do with age, gender, housing, religion, sexual orientation, and credit score. Together we must come up with a plan to fight the racial stigmas that occur today still. Also, we have to to fix the homelessness in America. A nation divided cannot stand together to bring equality.
L stands for Legislation Change starts within our communities first. In order to be unified as a whole we must start with our mayors, city councilmen, and borough presidents. To be on one accord, we must be on a common ground and fight for what our communities need.
With the parties announced, the next step will be the candidacy announcements. Stay tuned for Wednesday 9/21 where individual candidates are expected to officially announce their candidacy for President of the United Students of America. Alongside this announcement will be a brief bio, a plea to their target voters, and a summary of what issues are especially important to them this election season.
Until then, enjoy the #swag
With a slogan that stirs up urgency: Tomorrow’s future started today, the FLP is vying for the voters affection and have left nothing unclear in their newly released mission statement:
Objectives:
Mission Statement: 2016 is radically different from 2006 and 1996. The times are changing quickly and so too are its people. The FLP understands that for America to succeed we must listen to newer generations. We understand that the future is for our youth to mold. Our party isn’t rooted in the past. We don’t aspire to return the USA to some long sought after former glory. We don’t believe in trying to recreate the 60s, 70s, or 80s. We look to history to learn from it but we understand the future demands progress and change. That change that the future demands will be found in the voice of the American people.
The American people don’t want war. Recent wars in Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraq have all been considered mistakes. Current politicians are gung ho about policing the world but Americans want to make America better for posterity. The FLP believes in reducing military spending and redirecting that money towards rebuilding American infrastructure. Our roads are cracked, there is lead in the water and nobody seems interested in doing anything about it. We have problems here in our country that must be addressed before we should, if we should at all, police the world.
Above all else, our priority is to ensure reforms of social programs. We want every single human being to have access to basic human necessities. This means we believe in access to affordable housing, food, clean water, affordable health care and, most importantly, access to an affordable education. The fundamental belief of our party is that for us to succeed as a whole we cannot have any one of our citizens downtrodden. No man, woman or child can go without when there is plenty to go around. There is a systemic class divide that is rooted in the rich getting richer while the poor stay poor. Americans should no longer tolerate inaction. A vote for the FLP is a vote for tomorrow’s future started today.
