On February 15, President Trump declared a national emergency to get the money to build the wall on the Southern border of the United States. This comes a few weeks after the government was shut down for over a month over the discussion on how to use the budget. Needless to say, many Americans were upset that Trump decided to declare a national emergency in order to build the wall that will do more harm than good. Here are some issues that deserve more attention than the border wall.
1. Flint residents still don’t have clean water
Families in Flint, Michigan have been without clean water for about five years now. Residents are seeing serious health issues arise and are dependent on bottled water because the water from their tap is unsafe to drink. Children are becoming seriously ill and yet officials, both local and federal, are failing to help these communities obtain clean, safe, usable water.
2. Climate Change
Rising temperatures, extreme weather and loss of habitat are just a few of the consequences we’re seeing as a direct result of climate change. Rising sea levels are destroying cities and homes worldwide and through all of this, many politicians still have their hands in the fossil fuel industry. Using the money for the wall could be directed toward clean, renewable energy that will protect our planet and preserve it for generations to come.
Via Unsplash
3. Criminal justice reform
The United States has the highest incarceration rates of all countries in the world and many of these people are in jail for minor crimes. Not only that, but we continue to see instances where people of color are having awful encounters with law enforcement officials.
4. Homelessness and poverty rates
As one of the most advanced countries in the world, we also see some of the highest rates of homelessness and poverty. Unfortunately, many of the homeless people we see are usually military veterans who have struggled to find their footing after coming home. Allocating money to help place veterans and others into job placement programs to help them get back on their feet would be a much better use of funds than building a wall.
Via Joint Economic Committee Democrats
5. Better infrastructure and public schools
“Children are the future!” is a saying we hear a lot, however when our public schools are broken down and students have old, torn up textbooks, what good are we really doing them? Public schools in many states have shown signs of degradation and haven’t experienced any repairs in years. This is affecting how children learn and how effectively their educators can teach them. Fixing our roads and public schools should be one of the many priorities on the agenda.
Via Crisis Magazine
6. Gun reform
Columbine, Sandy Hook, Aurora, and Parkland are just a few of the many mass shootings we’ve experienced in the United States. People are losing their loved ones due to senseless shootings committed by domestic terrorists and yet nothing has been done to protect students going to school or movie goers. After so many shootings and many “thoughts and prayers” when will the government finally pass legislation to prevent this from happening again?
Our national security isn’t something to be taken lightly. However, when we’re struggling with multiple issues within our own country, that should take precedence over condemning people for coming in the United States to seek asylum. Pressure your representatives to do the right thing, advocate for issues you believe are relevant and, most importantly, VOTE. Vote in every election, make your voice heard and help transform this country into one you would be proud of.