I have 205,491 reasons to not vote Republican

Por Eric Cordova

I have 205,491 reasons to not vote Republican, but I only have 1 reason to not vote for Donald Trump.  Over the years I have been critical of the Republican party, but I have also praised some of their views and accomplishments. Which is why, I believe, we can be honest with each other about our views and principles (and point out political failure).  We live in New York City:  Queens is part of New York City, but the elected local politicians label us an “outer borough”.  There are so many things wrong with our society today, that trying to resolve each issue is a monumental task. However, for the GOP, they believe their principles can resolve urban society’s issues.

In Queens County, there were once many Republican Elected officials (and I do not mean 100 years ago).  During the 90’s and early 2000’s Republicans held seats in the City Council, State Senate, and (eh) Assembly.  When Queens County changed its fabric, and more immigrants embarked on holding residency (living in Queens) Republicans panicked and tried to force feed us their same old principles, instead of trying to understand the changing culture.

For most of us, life has changed (because of the COVID-19 Pandemic).  I am one of the many citizens that have been forced to Quarantine, I am forty-years old, and high risk.  The thought of possibly being infected by COVID-19 and having a 50/50 chance of survival is frightening to me.  I question the statistics everyday: can I trust the declining infection rates? Why am I the only one wearing a mask on Roosevelt Avenue? Why are people gathering without social distancing? Why does my neighbor keep having large parties?   I think of the beginning stages of this pandemic and the excuses the current president forced fed our communities:  “It will magically go away”, “There’s no need to Panic”, “Wearing a mask is optional”, and “We will have a vaccine”.

I look at all the support Republicans have given this president, even when they knew he was wrong.  I look at the Queens County GOP website, and New York GOP website and see praises of the president’s leadership.  I see the red trucker hats on the streets of New York, while many of my neighbors were infected by COVID-19 (some for following the president’s advice).  I speak to my friend in Spain who tells me Europe has been able to control the virus by wearing mask, and quarantine of the entire country.  I think to myself how Republicans can have the face to place themselves on the ballot? knowing it was the Trump administrations fault for not establishing a national plan to save lives.  Why would any Republican run for office in New York City? Or New York State? If republicans were unable stand up to Donald Trump knowing he was wrong, then how can we trust they will stand up for our rights as Urban Americans.  I do not trust Donald Trump (that is my only reason for not voting for him), but I blame COVID-19 on the Republican Party, simply because they were not willing to stand up to the President and force him to trust the Science.