Growing up as a millennial, we have been taught to distrust the government.
We have been taught that our voices do not matter. We have heard our entire lives how “easy we have it” from our elders. Which in some aspects, is the absolute truth. We were lucky to be born into a generation with booming technological advances, more education opportunities and the overall conveniences that come with our modern everyday life.
However, we were also born into a generation with the highest debt in our nation’s history. A generation where having a college degree is becoming almost mandatory when searching for a decent job. A generation in which a student will graduate college owing thousands in student loans, yet will still be unable to find a decent job. A generation in which the media broadcasts nothing but negativity and the most violent hate crimes in the world.
What the older generations do not realize is that they do not hate us—the millennials—they hate the technology that came with us.
As a millennial, I completely deny that we are any more lazy, self-serving, ignorant or unhappy than those generations before us. I have worked alongside some very lazy 20-year-olds—but, I have also worked alongside equally lazy 60-year-olds. There are more of us because the population is larger now, but I am not completely sold on the idea that the percentage of sucky people has increased that greatly. And remember, we millennials did not raise ourselves. If we are, in fact, “lazy, stupid, self serving and terrible workers,” shouldn’t the parenting of the generation that raised us be questioned?
As a millennial, I support Bernie Sanders because he is not corrupt—and because he is honest.
Bernie is a self-described “democratic socialist.” Socialist—a political stance that immediately turns many people off. Socialism is not the preferred way of government in America, and I am sure that as a Senator and presidential candidate, Bernie realizes this.
I don’t respect Bernie because he is a socialist—I respect Bernie Sanders because he stands by what he believes in. He is not simply echoing popular and forever-changing views to win votes. He has stood by what he has proposed since day one, and I can respect a man that stands firm in his beliefs.
Bernie believes in the youth of America. He believes in us sh*tty millennials and wants us all to succeed. It seems as if “America’s youth is the future,” has passed the lips of every president—but how many have ever put so much emphasis in ensuring that the youth is actually going to be successful?
Giving all young people the opportunity to attend college and achieve a higher education would relieve a huge financial hardship and burden from the future graduates (and parents) of America. And thus, it would create a more educated nation.
Bernie is inspiring. I have seen images from the beginning of Bernie’s campaign where only handfuls of people were in attendance. He promises us a political revolution, and that is exactly what his rapidly growing campaign and millions of small donor contributors can be described as–-the start of a revolution.
Bernie wants to make ex-convicts productive members of society. Bernie has passionately spoke of his plans to have a prison reform and to aid ex-convicts in finding better job opportunities and creating obtainable education for them. Want to know my opinion on how to keep an ex-con from becoming a con again? Get said convict an education and put them to work.
Bernie cares about the environment and does not ignore scientific facts that back global warming. Bernie plans to cut carbon pollution in the U.S. by 80% by placing a tax on carbon pollution. He has also stated that he plans to invest greatly into energy efficient and sustainable energies. Bernie recognizes that we need to save the planet for future generations, and that we need to start now.
Bernie is a man that has supported equality since day one:
Listen to Bernie discuss attending the “March on Washington” led by MLK Jr.
Check out Bernie’s voting record concerning gay marriage.
As a millennial, no other candidate gives me as much hope for my future—and for a more honest and fair government and justice system—as Bernie Sanders.
Honestly, I am not even someone who gets super “into” politics. This is just the first time in my young life that I truly believe in a candidate, and I want to see the difference that they can make.
Sincerely,
A Millennial who works, pays for college and wants a better future for us all.
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Author: Emily Cutshaw
Editor: Yoli Ramazzina
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