LGBTQ
ACCEPTANCE.
I will put on at fight for full federal equality for LBGTQ Americans. At the age of 9, I became an accidental advocated for the LGBTQ community. Standing up for my best friend who knew at such a young age that he was treated unfairly because he was different, was easy to do. I think back to that moment and stand by the belied that no one should have to leave their home to feel at home.
I will continue to advocate and support LBGTQ youth, parents, and elders. Under the new administration the strides we made for LBGTQ rights are under attack. I have been endorsed by the Freethought Equality Fund and vow to oppose any legislation that masks prejudice under the pretense of protecting religious freedoms. I support the training of our law enforcement so they can be best prepared for interaction with transgender individuals. And we must honor the military service of LGBT people for their sacrifice to serve our nation.
Tribal Nations
THE BORDERS THAT CROSSED US.
Growing up, my grandfather would tell me that I could survive anything because I was living proof that the Mayan people were fighters. He said it was my "Indian blood" that gave me my grit. In my home country of El Salvador, the indigenous people were made to feel as second class citizens. Throughout our district, in Humboldt County, in North Dakota, and nearly everywhere I have lived, I have been fortunate enough to experience and take part in the lives of the Native people in confined in the borders our government has drawn for them. I have learned about the diverse cultures, customs, taken part in their ceremonies, and heard their stories. It was during my research of the Wiyot Tribe in Eureka, California, and the Mandan Tribe(part of the Three Affiliated Tribes), in Mandaree, North Dakota, that I realized that they too were second class citizens.
The Oil Boom of North Dakota brought with it an increase in serious violent crimes, including murders, and rape. Yet, the tribal nations found themselves unable to prosecute criminal offenders for violent crimes that occur within tribal borders. Tribal governments lack the authority to protect their own peoples.
The U.S. has about 250 tribes that are non-recognized tribes. Nearly 150 of these tribes have petitioned for federal recognition. In office I will address the poverty, the racial injustice, the lack of healthcare, education, and housing. We must restore and protect sacred places and tribal lands.
Racial Justice
INJUSTICE ANYWHERE IS A THREAT TO JUSTICE EVERYWHERE
African-American and Latinos comprise well over half of all prisoners, even though African-Americans and Latinos make up approximately one quarter of the total US population. Communities of color face economic immobility. Being honest, hard-working, and law-abiding citizens doesn't help millions of Americans who will spend their entire lives struggling to survive.
If Trump should ever get credit for anything, is that he taught us that in America, racism and prejudice is alive and well. We must work together to put an end to systemic racism that plagues our nation. For people of color we must fight for environmental, criminal, healthcare, economic, and political justice.
Women's Rights
A WOMAN'S PLACE IS...
I am continually promoting policies that support individual freedoms, entrepreneurship, access to healthcare, improve women’s access to education. Making sure no woman is left behind is the best way to ensure that all Americans are empowered to lead productive livelihoods.
In the United States, women now actually surpass men in educational achievement. Women have also made great strides in the workplace, but inequality persists. The US Census Bureau reports that women earn 80 percent of what men are paid. That percentage gets even smaller when applied to women of color. Those statistics need to change. What we are after is equity.
Women deserve the recognition for the contributions which have helped with the advancement of our society – socially, politically, and economically.
Women today are more influential in the economy than ever before. Two out of every three new small businesses are started by women, and women make up the majority of the U.S. workforce. The woman is now the sole or primary breadwinner in 4 in 10 U.S. households. Women are also responsible for the bulk of consumer purchases and healthcare decisions made on behalf of families. Our nation’s economic policies must reflect the out sized role women are playing in the modern American economy.