w  rd 2 the woss

As the American people edge ever closer to the polls of the 2016 election; it feels as though the mammoth Trump is obscuring the view, leaving no room for the elephant in the room, the other Trump.

 

Taking to the stage from the very start, Junior Senator of Texas, Ted Cruz seems to be recieving little mention in the press despite placng second as the  frontrunner for the Republican candidacy. Along with other Republican candidates, Cruz seems to be pushed to the periphery, as news agencies and social media explode with rhetoric about Donald Trump. A closer look would reveal something Americans and their allies should be worried about.

 

Immigration has been a hot topic leading up to the GOP nomination, and we find Senator Cruz falling not far from the views of his opponent Donald Trump. His plans on the issue consist of, “building a better wall”, along the Mexico – US border crossings. He also believes in immigration reform to stop illegal immigrants entering the country; however upon being questioned about what to do with illegal immigrant already in America, he can produce nothing than to say, “send them back,” His views are may not appear as extreme as Trump, but he has boldly stated that, “border security, is national security”.

 

Another big talking point throughout this election, and the Obama administration, is gun control. As it currently stands, President Obama’s executive powers keep tight gun control laws in place, laws which include: background checks, and requiring businesses to have a license to sell firearms. However, as soon as the President leaves the White House, his executive powers go out the window. Much like his opponent Trump, Ted Cruz feels no need in continuing down Obama's path. Cruz does not want to endorse any strict gun control laws.

 

Throughout his campaign Cruz has consistently discussed his strong belief in the second amendment, which states, “- right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed”. He claims the right to bear arms is an essential liberty, and successfully protects law abiding citizens. Although not as vocal as Donald Trump, these beliefs seemed almost to echo as far back as the Columbine Massacre and lead up to tragedies as recent as the San Bernardino Shootings. The majority of the 27 who died in those attacks were law abiding citizens, not to mention close to 2000 that die on the streets of Chicago as a result of gun violence each year. These beliefs seem to hold nothing more than a terrible gateway for America to repeat the unrepeatble.

 

Another major issue of this election is national security and foreign policy. One need not look as far as the following quote to find views bordering that of Donald Trump’s when he boldly claims that, “-what’s best for America, is best for the world”. Such views won’t gain you many friends, especially a world still to this day questioning the actions of former President, George W. Bush, and his actions in Iraq in 2003. Even today questions continue to circulate, about how those actions taken in 2003, contributed to the extremist strongholds of ISIS we see in Iraq today. Aside from these views however, the only other foreign policies go as follows, restore American leadership on the world stage, and protect allies and interest. If protecting allies and interest is a principle, then ripping up the Iran deal is not a good place to start.

 

It has not been 3 months, and already Ted Cruz is suggesting that America also get rid of the Obama’s Iran Deal. The deal is controversial on many points, that can’t be denied, including unfreezing of funds amounting to $100 - $150 billion; which allows unrestricted access to arms and funding to  Hezbollah and Hamas. To be fair, the deal has softened relations between America and Iran, which not too long ago ran dangerously close to the brink of war. Destroying the Iran deal could result in a mass break down of deals made, and usher back into fighting with another nation, who we shouldn’t need to be fighting with. A potential ally could once again become an enemy.

 

In terms of what’s in store for Canada, that is uncertain. It would be good for Prime Minister Trudeau to have another democrat as Commander In Chief. However, the future is uncertain and there could very well be a Republican elected. All Republican candidates back the controversial Keystone XL pipe. Uncertainty lies also in how the US economy will affect Canada, with Ted Cruz planning to completely scrap Obamacare; which makes up one sixth of the American economy.

Between Trump and Cruz, one of two has to win the Republican candidacy, but it is high time America and its allies realised the both outcomes present the same obstacles.