A Concise Guide To The 2016 Election | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics

A Concise Guide To The 2016 Election

Educate yourself

3
A Concise Guide To The 2016 Election
The Boston Globe

During election season, the phrase "It's your duty to vote" gets thrown around a lot. But, the truth of the matter is that many Americans do not have the time to educate themselves on the issues and therefor are not properly informed. Though it is not much, here are four important issues and two candidates stance on them. (I am a very opinionated person, but I will try to be unbiased for the sake of democracy.)

Education

Clinton has expressed in her first 100 days plan that she will make college debt-free for everyone and will allow Americans to refinance their loans for current student debt. Although not a top priority, Clinton also wants to incorporate computer science into K-12 education, rebuild American schools, and reform overly punitive disciplinary schools.

Trump has no plans for education reform laid out on his campign webside. However, he has publically expressed his dislike for Common Core. Trump believes programs like Common Core, No Child Left Behind, and Race to the Top indoctrinate, not educate children. Trump wants to cut Department of Education spending and bring decisions back to parents.

Gender Equality

Clinton is a firm supporter of equal rights for men and women. As president, she will work to close the pay gap, fight for paid leave, stand with planned parenthood, and confront violence against women. She is pro-abortion and wants to make child care affordable for families. Clinton is also an advocate for the LBGTQ community. She has made clear on several occasions that she wants full federal equality for LGBTQ Americans.

Trump has stated he is pro-life and will defund Planned Parenthood. He believes that marriage is between a man and a woman, however he did denounce North Carolina's ban on using a bathroom not according to a person's birth gender. Trump also said he has nurtered lifelong friendships with gay people and has employed them too.

Immigration

Clinton will introduce her immigration reform in the first 100 days. This plan will fix the family visa backlog and bring millions of hard working immigrants into the economy. She believes that immigration laws should be humane and that we should only detain/deport those individuals who pose a threat to society. Therefor all refugees who seek asylum in the US can remain and have thier stories be heard.

Trump has said a nation without borders is not a nation, and therefor will push for creating a wall on the US southern border. Trump wants to enhance the penalty for visa overstays and will detain illegal aliens rather than practicing the current "catch-and-release" system. A radical difference in his plan is the termination of birth-right citizenship for children of illegal aliens. He says this will eliminate a huge magnet for illegal immigration.

Second Amendment Rights

Clinton is more strict on guns than her counterpart. As president, she will expand background checks and close the loopholes of gun shows and internet sales. She wants military-style guns off the streets as well. Clinton will support laws that stop domestic abusers, violent criminals, and severely mentally ill from obtaining or owning a weapon.

Trump is more lenient on guns than Clinton is. He agrees that the mental health system is broken and the records of those individuals are not updated, but wants to issue a national right to carry so that concealed carry permits are valid in every state, not just the one you reside in. Because background records are not updated, Trump believes stricter background checks will only expand a broken system.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

15528
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6709
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4956
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4349
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments