America stands at a crossroads, where the decisions we make today will define the legacy of what it means to be American. My platform, the philosophy of #buyBarney for Congress has three pillars; healthcare, housing and human rights.
True healthcare reform means recognizing mental health and addiction are critical components of healthcare that must be included in any healthcare system. Even if all we did was redefine terms, healthcare must include mental health which must include addition because addiction is a disease, not a crime.
The war on drugs has failed. We have wasted trillions of dollars over the last 50 years and criminalized individuals who need treatment, not incarceration. This has made the land of the free and home the brave the nation with the largest imprisoned population on Earth. By focusing on treating addiction medically, we can reduce the societal costs associated with drug abuse and improve public health outcomes. Selling, trafficking, distributing and unlicensed manufacturing of any medication would still be illegal but the end of prohibition disincentivizes all of these prohibited activities.
Education is a fundamental right of every child in America because it is a necessary tool for securing the future of our nation. However, for America to get the benefit from education, children must first be healthy enough to attend school. This connection between health and education is vital; without addressing the health needs of our children, including access to clean water, sanitation, and healthcare, our educational efforts will be undermined.
Many Americans serve as caregivers for children, the elderly, or disabled family members. These roles are crucial but often overlooked aspects of our social infrastructure. Ensuring that caregivers are healthy and supported is essential for them to continue providing this essential care. This means comprehensive healthcare that includes mental health services and addiction treatment, enabling them to maintain their wellbeing as they care for others.
We want to build a stronger America which requires:
Ending the war on drugs and treating addiction as a medical issue, not a criminal one.
We have spent 50 years and well over a trillion dollars on the war on drugs and still grapple with an ongoing opioid crisis. It is a failed experiment, we must stop, cut our losses and try another, much more direct approach. Treat addiction like the disease it is and not the crime it is not.
Decriminalizing poverty and redirecting funds from punitive systems to supportive, rehabilitative services. When a person is jailed we must provide them with healthcare, food, and shelter and keep them under lock and key with support staff and guards. I am suggesting that we provide these people with healthcare for the disease they have instead. Obviously the far less expensive option.
Investing in basic infrastructure to provide all Americans with clean water, sanitation, and shelter.
Health starts with access to the necessities for life, clean water, sanitation, and shelter. When being an American means that you have access to these basic necessities we are becoming greater.
These changes reflect a commitment to conservative principles of fiscal responsibility, the sanctity of life, and limited government intervention in the lives of citizens, focusing instead on empowerment and prevention.
The vision outlined here calls for a profound respect for life and liberty, key tenets of conservatism. By addressing the root causes of societal issues rather than their symptoms, we can redefine what it means to be American. This is more than a policy change; it's a moral imperative to lift every citizen, giving them the dignity and health they deserve. Let's rally together to make these necessary changes a reality. Make being American mean something great.
#BuyBarney
