Political views bring people together, but tear people apart just as quickly. Being a high school republican has made it a burdensome for me to openly discuss politics, but it is time for me to use my voice. It is my senior year here at North Penn High School, and as the years have passed, my republican views have strengthened immensely. Then entered Donald Trump. This name has caused so many problems across the globe. From rallies to riots, the 45th President of the United States is no doubt the most controversial we have seen, certainly in modern times. Is this the reason why I like him so much?

Ever since he won the election, Donald Trump has been my most influential role model. Being highly involved in FBLA (the Future Business Leaders of America) my passion for business continues to skyrocket, along with a slight interest in politics. This being said, who better to look up to than Donald Trump himself?

Having a man of controversy as a role model comes with its ups and downs, though.

UPs:

• I am somewhat respected for going against the norm
• I am more confident with forming my own opinions

DOWNs:

• Others are easily offended that I support Donald Trump
• I am labeled as a racist and sexist
• It is harder for me to express myself at home and around friends

As you can see, the DOWNs have a larger impact on my social life. It is hard, especially at a young age, to be the recipient of so many negative comments for the fact that I have an opinion different than most. People belittle me for supporting a ‘racist’ which offends me beyond belief, because personally I disagree that he is a racist- the same goes for ‘sexist’ and so on. I do not fall into the media’s traps and believe every negative thing I hear. Donald Trump is OUR president. He has a difficult job and cannot satisfy the entire population. He is doing an outstanding job with all of the stress and problems he is faced with on a daily basis, but people never take that into account.

Anti-Trump activists are so quick to assume things when they hear I am pro-Trump. I proved this point because I put together a social experiment. I went online and purchased a “Make America Great Again” sweater from Amazon and wore it to school. The responses I received were exactly what I was expecting.

I always start my day with a $1 WaWa coffee, but I received something a little extra on the day I wore my Trump Gear. A lady decided to share her opinion with me and I was flabbergasted.

“Your parents aren’t raising you right,” she said.

I continued my day of republican pride into North Penn High School. Here, the same occured…random people who I have never met before called me names, such as ‘racist’ and sexist’. Although cruel, I found it amusing because my point had been proven. People are too quick to judge others due to their difference in opinion. This is probably true for both sides of politics, but I know for a fact that I would not have a reaction towards someone wearing a “Hillary” shirt because I am aware of the fact that individuals are entitled to their own opinions.

People also criticize Donald Trump for his lack of accomplishments before and during his current presidency. These people must not conduct research because Donald Trump has a long list of accomplishments, including:

1. 4 million new jobs have been created since the election
2. More Americans are employed now than ever before in history
3. The unemployment rate for Americans without a highschool diploma recently reached a record low
4. Paychecks rose by 3.3% between 2016-2017, the most in a decade
5. Poverty rates for African-Americans and Hispanic-Americans have reached their lowest levels ever recorded
6. Consumer confidence is at an 18-year high
7. 9 in 10 American workers are expected to see an increase in their paychecks due to tax cuts
8. ICE (United States’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement) removed over 226,000 illegal aliens from the United States in 2017
9. Largest military pay raise in nearly a decade
10. OK’d up to $12 billion in aid for farmers affected by unfair trade retaliation

These are just ten out of so many more achievements due to the Trump Administration. I didn’t just choose ten random ones to include in this article, though. I chose them because they all represent different groups of people he has helped and will continue to help. Listed above are workers, Americans, high school dropouts, African-Americans, Hispanic-Americans, consumers, military members, and farmers. All of these groups were aided by only ten of Trump’s changes. This transitions into another myth anti-Trumps believe…Trump isn’t for the people.

After reading those completed tasks, it’s difficult to convince me or even tell me Trump doesn’t care about the people. Time after time Trump is making changes that benefit different races and both genders.

The hardest part about being a Trump supporter is the fact that people categorize me as a racist, sexist, and rapist. After publishing my “I stand with Kavanaugh” article, I was repeatedly belittled and called names by people simply because I felt that Kavanaugh, President Trump’s choice for the Supreme Court, was the right choice. I am a strong individual. I was bullied a lot when I was younger and continue to get bullied because of my political views, but that won’t stop me from admitting my own thoughts. Yes, it is hard to identify as a republican at a young age, when the majority of my peers in my age bracket hold more liberal views, but it is worth it. I encourage everyone to believe what they want to believe, especially conservatives who often never get the chance to use their voices.

I am republican, a conservative, and overall proud to be a citizen during the presidency of Donald Trump.

Sources:

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/washington-secrets/trumps-list-289-accomplishments-in-just-20-months-relentless-promise-keeping