Geneseo College Republicans: Unlike Collins, Byrnes deserves student support in pivotal midterm election
First and foremost, in terms of political endorsements, we have decided to focus on state and local elections and subsequently have endorsed Marjorie Byrnes for the 133rd New York State Assembly district. We have declined to endorse sitting Rep. Chris Collins due to his pending indictment for insider trading.
Our focus on state and local elections reflects our core belief that politics belong to the people of New York State and is important regardless of its level. Throughout this election cycle, we have actively engaged with the district by door-door canvassing and have chosen to table for candidates that we have supported.
Though the Trump Administration has not been a model of executive efficiency, we would like to point out several key highlights.
The American economy has excelled under President Donald Trump, averaging over 3 percent annual growth since his election, including 4.2 percent during the second quarter of 2018. Under President Barack Obama, the economy struggled to grow more than 2 percent a year, according to National Review. Additionally, across all demographic groups, Americans have experienced record low levels of unemployment.
On trade, President Trump has begun the process of renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement to level the playing field between the three countries, specifically regarding the dairy and automobile industries.
Furthermore, President Trump has also appointed two Supreme Court Justices who will be sure to protect our civil liberties for decades to come, both possessing the highest recommendation of the American Bar Association who confer upon judicial appointees.
The Geneseo College Republicans see these midterm elections as pivotal and encourage students to go out and vote, as is their right. Americans must choose between two rival visions for our nation: the land of opportunity or the land of identity politics.
We need to distance ourselves from the political polarization of country and the dehumanization of our opponents. We would like to take this opportunity to condemn the political violence that has occurred over the past two years, including the shooting of House of Representatives Majority Whip Steve Scalise and the attempted bombings of several members of the Democratic Party and the press.
Political violence—including the harassment of elected officials and their families—threatens to put the country under mob rule. If the mob did rule, due process would cease to exist and healthy debate would be silenced.
The political divide in our country is hardly new but has worsened due to the lack of understanding between the two sides. Before you vote in the upcoming elections, talk to someone of the opposing party and hear what they have to say.
The Republican Party provides the best vision for a prosperous and egalitarian America. Our agenda includes a commitment to decreasing the size of government, freeing business of onerous regulations, increasing economic growth and protecting law and order. We encourage you to vote Republican on Tuesday Nov. 6.
This article was written by Geneseo College Republicans President James Connolly and Vice President Brian Herman.
Geneseo College Democrats: Voters should support McMurray, challenge Trump administration
With his indictment for insider trading on Aug. 8, Representative Chris Collins is unfit to serve in political office.
By continuing his campaign for Congress, Collins has put his personal interests above the best interests of New York’s 27th Congressional district. Democratic challenger and Grand Island Supervisor Nate McMurray has the necessary experience to serve as the representative for the district.
While Collins is riddled with financial corruption, McMurray has proven that he will be a voice against big money in Washington. Throughout his campaign, McMurray has publicly declined money from corporate political action committees, prioritizing the interests of voters rather than corporations.
With full control of the House of Representatives, the Senate and the executive branch, the Republican party has failed to create policies that adequately address the issues facing our country.
They have failed to address the growing epidemic of mass shootings by neither regulating guns nor providing resources to the mentally ill. They have not secured Americans’ healthcare through expanding the Affordable Care Act or replacing it with something else. They have not proposed any solutions to the immigration issue other than inhumanely separating children from their parents at the border.
The only Republican successes in the last two years include a tax bill that harms much of the American middle class and confirming two Supreme Court nominees, one of whom was credibly accused of sexual assault.
The Trump administration has taken credit for a growing economy, but the majority of this growth is being hoarded by the wealthiest one percent of society. The realities for the middle and lower classes have not changed as they struggle to keep up with the rising costs of healthcare, housing and education.
The tax bill passed by Congress earlier this year further helps the rich by decreasing corporate taxes by 14 percent and increasing the federal deficit by 17 percent, according to NPR. This tax bill has further widened income inequality by funneling the majority of tax benefits to the upper class. Tax cuts intended to help middle class Americans are set to end in 2025 while corporate tax cuts are permanent.
Many of these issues are not unique to the Trump administration and a single election will not solve current political issues. Nevertheless, it is of the utmost importance to elect officials who will actively address environmental degradation, treat immigrants humanely and institute equitable economic policies.
Typically during midterm elections, young people and Democrats don’t vote as frequently compared to presidential elections. Protests such as the March for Our Lives serves as hopeful evidence of the increased involvement in this election cycle.
Although the College Democrats at Geneseo strongly encourage you to vote for Democratic and Progressive candidates, we would like to remind the entire campus community to get out and vote on Tuesday Nov. 6 regardless of political affiliation.
This article was written by Geneseo College Democrats President Katrina Tillapaugh.