Picture Credit: CNN.com
I watched all the debates in the beginning, but have to admit that I am only listening to comments later now.
As far as I can tell, Americans don’t have much to base their decisions on. Mainly the only thing we have to go on is who is the best entertainer and who can win the “boxing match”.
I don’t know how any American can vote in the primaries not knowing much about how the candidates stand on most issues.
I have not voted yet. However, I plan to vote on the person who is going to “Make America Great Again” I am not using that quote because I support or don’t support Trump. I am using it because we do need to make America better for us and future generations. I am registered independent and am learning towards a candidate, however, you don’t need to know who it is.
I have made many efforts to contact the candidates via Twitter, Facebook, and by emailing them pleading with them to talk about the issues.
By not responding, I think it should disqualify them as a candidate and later cause impeachment. They would not be doing their jobs by not listening to the “people by the people.” In order to do their JOB, they would need to (without bias) listen to Congress who represent Americans. They also need to have staff members read everything that any American sends to them and respond to everything addressed to the president.
I read the article by the New York Times entitled “What you missed in the debate.” Well, although I did not watch the debate, I would be willing to bet that they did not talk about mental illness or what they would do about the failing mental health system that affects EVERY AMERICAN. I am not just talking about the mentally ill or their families. I am talking about all those who are affected by or have witnessed via the media the horrible crimes committed by someone who has a mental illness.
Many things America faces are important including national security and balancing the budget. However, something that I have yet to hear addressed in any large capacity is the failing mental health system and what they are going to do about it. (I do want to thank Kasich for talking about mental health on many occasions.)
Trump wants to send illegal immigrants back and secure the borders by building a wall. I think he and the other candidates would be happy to send the mentally ill to their own island and prevent us from returning. Addressing the problem with what we are going to do about the mentally ill is just as important as any other topic if not more so.
Are they ever going to talk about it and do things like Kate Middleton implemented?
If they don’t start listening to the mentally ill and the people who work with and love the mentally ill, the problem will just keep growing, more tragedies will keep occurring, more people with mental illness will be jailed and mistreated and the amount of homeless will increase. They not only need to talk about the problems with the mental health system, they need to prove that they care and what they are going to do about it.
I hope that the voices of the mentally ill are heard in my lifetime and things start changing. However, at this rate, I am not sure if anything will be different for the children in future generations. In fact, it is scary to think what America would be like if nothing is done RIGHT NOW to better the mental health system.
I will now get off my soap box. However, I hope that candidates will now get on their soapboxes and talk about mental illness. By not doing so, they could be losing 25% of the voters (1 in 4 have a mental illness). They also would be contributing to the stigma because it would be proving that it is a taboo subject. Most importantly, they would be proving that they don’t care about the mentally ill. It would say that we are low class citizens that should not have a say. Well, let me tell you, we do have a say! We are LEGAL AMERICANS who will be voting.
More articles you might want to check out that deal with the same subject:
Did you miss the debate? Mental Illness Was Not Discussed
Candidates-Do you care about the 25% of Americans who have a mental Illness? PROVE IT!
Mental Health Should be a Priority
Why June 3rd Is an Important Day in the US, Who is Invited, and What is the Agenda?
Advocates for People with Mental Illnesses Need to Unite
What can a mental health advocate do to help people with mental illnesses?
What is required to be a Mental Health Care Advocate?
Encouragement from a Political Mental Health Advocate and News Channel
Mental Health Awareness Day & Thanks to Some Governors
Major Overhaul Needed Re: Mental Health System
To Governor Bush: Was it the Right Decision?
Dear Dr.Rand Paul, We need your help!
Bipolar Bandit (Michelle Clark) 
Yes, we will be voting, but I’m not too optimistic right now. Too many of us are unemployed, under employed or downright homeless. No money comes from investing in the mentally ill.
I am optimistic in the long run. There’s been politicians in the past who were strong supporters of MH reform and I’m sure there will be again. I just don’t think we’ll see it come from anyone currently running. Hopefully, I’m wrong.
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