Crabs in a Bucket: Issues with the 2020 Democratic Primary
The theory of crabs in a bucket is simple: a bucket full of crabs does not need a lid
because rather than helping each other escape (as they easily could), they will spend their entire time dragging each other down in an attempt to help themselves. Does this sound familiar?
If someone asked, “Who is the leader of the Republican party?” it would be the
no-brainer answer of Donald Trump. However, if the question were “Who is the leader of the Democrats?” you would probably have a harder time answering. With the 2020 presidential election heating up, a whopping twenty-five Democratic contenders are running for the nomination while a mere two are running for the Republican nomination. This imbalance in the parties has had a detrimental effect on the race for the 46th president.
Democrats have been essentially leaderless and left running amok in this election. While many suitable candidates are attempting to take the reins, such as former vice-president Joe Biden or Senators Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders and Kamala Harris, there is no cohesiveness in the party to support one candidate. This is evident in the debates: the candidates ruthlessly tear each other down and turn on each other in an attempt to gain some support from their party. The candidates are so focused on their fellow small, blue enemies that they are ignoring their giant red one. As they continue to turn their backs on each other, they run the risk of ostracizing, confusing, polarizing or simply disinteresting their voting demographics. The division among the Democrats leaves plenty of room for the Republican party to swoop in for reelection. It opens the Democratic party for destruction of what they are trying to build. And, ultimately, they will foil their own attempt to oust Donald Trump.
—Emily Hepworth
Burley, Idaho
The Wall: The foundation to humane immigration policy
Hoping that the argument of building the wall is less about our personal biases toward Donald Trump, we should see this as a foundation for humane treatment.
Encouraging migration by coming across our borders can be thought of as a loving promotion, but encouraging said method puts the lives of those we want to help at risk. There are dangers of crossing the border. People die from the elements. First-hand sources have explained to me that coyotes, people who smuggle immigrants across the border, murder and kidnap immigrating men and very commonly impede the progress of immigrating women and girls to coerce them into sex or to rape them.
America doesn’t have control over which coyotes help people illegally attempting to cross the border and the protection provided. We do through the legal methods. Building a wall will put many of these illegal paths out-of-service and many of these coyotes unemployed.
This country’s immigration policy currently holds little to no power. How can we give mercy or execute judgment if one can come in whenever they want and as many times as they want? I know many who were deported from this country because of our current immigration policies but come right back, disregarding whatever policies issued their deportation in the first place. Building a wall should be seen as the foundation of the policies that will empower those created on citizenship path, refugee laws, etc. Let us start talking about the real, humane immigration policies by creating the foundation with a wall.
—Steven Joplin
Richland, Washington
Pause, stop, respect!
As I walk around the BYU campus, my eyes often fall upon the flag of the United States of America. As I recite the pledge of allegiance, I feel a love for my country and fellow Americans. I believe it’s of the utmost importance to uphold the values our country stands for.
Many times I’ve seen people pass by without a thought, focused on something else, or choosing to ignore the flag in protest of certain political issues.
Our country is in a state of divide, and our flag, the one thing that should unify us more than anything, is one of the focal points for division today. Only if we are united in one purpose can we start to build that bridge back together. And the American flag can get us there.
If we are to mend the split, we need to constantly ask ourselves, what sacrifices have been made for this country? When you hear the anthem playing, take that minute and a half to stop, face the flag, and put your hand over your heart. You can sacrifice one minute of your meeting, date or day to honor the Star-Spangled Banner.
We aren’t doing this for us; it’s for those men and women who gave their lives fighting for this country and its ideals. As we stand for the flag, we recognize all of us as Americans and allow it to bring us together.
Everyone gets tired sometimes. Someone will always be upset about something you do or say. There’s always going to be something else you need to do. However, when we forget the symbol of our freedom and our conduct becomes corrosive and spiteful of those who have sacrificed their all to safeguard our ideals, it’s time for a course correction.
—C. Robert Graff
Temecula, California