Global Awareness, Civic Responsibility, and Collaboration.

 Views and stands on political topics.

    There are many issues that our country faces, my stands on them are more democrat and liberal. I believe its important to know how the government runs, know the people in positions of power or influence in our community, district, state, and country. Knowing in depth the issues that are present allows us to have a voice and vote on what we most agree on. It should be of everyone's concern to be aware of what direction politicians try to lead the country towards. My stands are democratic on Issues like immigration, abortion, the environment, universal health care, separation of religion and government, gay marriage, taxes, the death penalty, war in Iraq, and drug laws. However, I'm on the republican side when it come to gun control.

Immigration

     Immigration is a very big issue and a lot of people are affected by it. It's been present for years and it feels like it's been put off, but then again there have been things done that effect immigrants on a very negative level. Like the law presented in Arizona, it's unjust and its being preposed in other states. It inteals racial profiling, if you look hispanic, you will be asked for documentation, if no proper documents can be presented the person will be arrested and begin the deportation process. At this present time there are 3 anti immigration bills being preposed in Colorado. Immigrants are not here to do harm and they should not be treated with less value. People should open their eyes and see the social injustice that is taking place in the country and that has been occurring for decades, targeting different raises at different times.

    All of this is upsetting. We look for a better life and opportunities, that's what everyone is looking for regardless of race or place of birth. We are all the same, and deserve the same opportunities. When I hear people talk about immigration I notice they say “us” and “they.” I grew up with hearing that, sometimes I feel included in the “us”, but I know that I'm included in the “they.” I wish that changes, it should be “we”. “We” as people, no “us” no “they, but “we.”

    How can so many negative things be arising against a race of people? How can a human being be considered illegal?

    “One nation, under god with liberty and justice for all.”

    We are one nation, but very divided. Justice? No. My opinion on this is I think is clear. Pro immigration, pro justice, pro equality, pro morality.

Abortion
    This issue resides on if a fetus is a person. I believe it is the decision of an individual and a 2nd or 3rd party should not try to influence it. People posses the right to decide what is best for them, if that is to have the child or not. Its a very personal decision, one that the government should not get involved in. It should remain legal and a alternative choice. In some circumstances it is better to not provide with a pregnancy because of the environment that he/she would be brought up in, a person is never ready to have a child and if they can't adapt to such a change then parenting will be more difficult. I stand pro choice.

Death Penalty
    Killing people does not show people that killing people is wrong. It is said that the death penalty is not a deterrent. The death penalty does not stop anyone from committing murder. I think the death penalty is immoral. A lot of innocent people have been killed by the government. If they are trying to show us that its not right to take a life then what makes it right for them to do so. The cost of keeping someone in is jail for life is high, but that is not a reason for sentencing someone to die. A life does not have a price. The death penalty should be vanished. As for money, prisoners could work by making furniture, license plates, and such to be sold to the public and pay for being in prison. I stand strongly against the death penalty.

The Environment
    We need to be more environmentally friendly specially when facing global warming. The environment is very important and we should take care of it before we destroy it. This is where we live, not just us but different life forms. There should be more consideration to how the planet is treated and taken care of. 56 tons of trash per person are thrown away a year in the U.S. of course there will be a consequence. We should research for other natural energy sources and diminish plastic made products. There are many things that can be done to better the environment. I definitely believe that it should be forced on people to do things to help the environment, such as charge for trash bag disposition, more recycling, and whatever else can be thought of. We cannot stop global warming but maybe we can slow it down by doing little this that can have a big impact. Show some appreciation to the planet, stop destroying our home.

Universal Health Care
    I am not in favor of private health care. The government should help the people by providing things that are essential, such as health care. This is something that should be at the people's reach, meaning affordable. There are many people that cannot afford private health care but need medical attention. It would be very wrong to deny them help, sometimes politicians care more about themselves and the higher class residence than the people they are supposed to represent. I strongly support Universal health care.

Separation of Religion and Government
    Religion and government cannot mix. For one, people practice different religions and the freedom to religion is in the first amendment. The government should have no involvement in the practice and believes of an individual. Government and religion are very different concepts without resemblance and they cannot go hand in hand when running a country. This would be another very big mistake on behalf of the country. I am positive that many groups of people would stand against it very publicly.

Gay Marriage
    This is known as the country of liberty, or at least that's what its intent is to portray. Liberty and equality, but sometimes its viewed as wrong to love someone of the same sex, and be united in marriage? Love is love and there cannot be a rule that says a couple cannot be married do to sexual preferences. Who else's business is that, but the couple's. It should stop being socially wrong to be attracted to the same sex.

Taxes
    Taxes should be raised to the wall street people. They can pay them, people in less fortunate economic situations should have taxes cut. People that have money should stop being selfish and greedy and pay a correct amount of taxes. They would spend money on something ridiculous, but they complain about paying taxes, money that is going to be used to help the country.

War in Iraq
    In my opinion I think that the war needs to stop. I think the troops should do what they can to restore some peace to the people living in that area, restore buildings, and get out. I think its horrible that the U.S. is trying to make money out of that land and trying to cover up their act of selfishness by talking about terrorism. Where were the weapons of mass destruction? Nowhere. Actually there is evidence of the U.S. being friends with the Iraqi government and the U.S. was aware of how the Iraqi government punished the people, but never did anything, never got involved until the need for oil came to surface. This is a war fought for selfish, greedy, egoistic, and money grubbing reasons. People are dying. This war needs to end and bring back the troops to their families.

Drugs
    I think that the legalization of mariguana was enough. It was good due to the fact that is help the economy and many people use it as medication. The only thing that seems like it would be a mistake would be the legalization of other drugs.

    I'm more on the democratic wing, I have assisted to some democratic meeting and I really enjoy being there. I believe people should get more involved to see a difference in their community. I hope to see more positive changes according to my views.

CIRC & AJUA

I started to do community organizing and i have really enjoyed it. I not only feel involved in the community but also have developed leadership skills and gained confidence in who i am.
Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition

    Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) is a state wide coalition founded in 2002. CIRC works hard for fair humane immigrant policies. This coalition believes in the human rights of every person, regardless of immigration status. The vision is a society in which all women, men and children are treated with respect and like equals that have equal access to fair and just work as well as housing, health care, and education. Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition is working on empowering the immigrant community by supporting the formation of grassroots organizing, promoting leadership within all immigrant communities, increasing public awareness about contributions of immigrants, educate people about the reality of immigration and strengthen collaboration among diverse immigrant organizations.

    I found this coalition through on of my teachers, Alec Raffin. When I attended the first time I got an idea of what it was about and kept attending. I started going in June, almost a year ago, and I have learned a lot. I’m very happy that there are coalitions such as this because through it I have learned leadership skills, developed public speaking skills, and have really felt like I have and can make a difference in my community and stop injustice towards people in our community. I really enjoy working with CIRC. I like organizing people and meetings. I have learned so much about how politics work and I want to learn more. There is a lot of knowledge to gather so I will keep working with CIRC for a while to come.

    I want to keep learning and it’s great to work with people that also care about our community and helping people. I want to keep doing grassroots organizing. We have a group named AJUA with students from the valley and have done some organizing around two bills in the state legislature, the Dream Act and the ASSET bill. More organizing has been done to fight bills that are unjust and hurt our community. I definitely want to keep being involved and organizing more students to fight for opportunities that everyone should have.




 Association Of Youth United In Action

    Association Of Youth United In Action (AJUA) is a grassroots organizing group made up of students. This group began in 2010. This group focuses on what the students can do for the community and also support pro immigrant bills as well as fight against unjust bills, not just for immigrants, but for the community. We fight for our right to higher education and talk about issues that we are concerned about and find ways to give back to the community by doing community service.

    I feel pretty happy that I'm one of the core leaders. I have met with some Senators and Representatives and have gone to the capital. I really enjoy it and it feels like we can make a difference.

    Our goals include expanding the group and making it stronger and get funding for some of our projects also to have trainings to help people learn their rights. This is something that I believe in strongly, in having and giving a voice to the people that can and will make a difference.

    This is something that I really want to keep participating in and keep trying to make a difference. I am very proud of myself for the things I have been involved in threw CIRC and AJUA, I have stepped out of my comfort zone and become a leader. I'm also very proud of the other students that have become involved and the other leaders in AJUA. We are all learning together and fighting together, we are bringing the student community together and organizing them to make a positive difference.