As a life-long Texan, I will definitely vote for Beto O’Rourke, a fourth-generation Irish American from El Paso, Texas. As a young boy, O’Rourke’s parents began to call him BETO instead of Roberto. The name stuck. Living in El Paso made it logical for Beto to develop competency in both English and Spanish. I support Beto because I like his ideas and values. In fact, in the future, I plan to post additional reasons I like him. Below, I start with two positions that seem important to me.
When first exploring the differences between O’Rourke and Cruz, I felt enormously impressed when Beto wrote, “Starting with this election cycle, I plan to no longer accept PAC (Political Action Committee) contributions. I’ve made this decision in an effort to focus more of my campaign efforts on bringing new, smaller, and local donors into the campaign.” When I read this, I felt impressed and hopeful since this will free O’Rourke from obligations to any PACs.
During a recent rally, Beto also impressed me with his honesty. When an individual at a political rally indicated disgust at the NFL players who took a knee during the national Anthem, Beto did not take an easy out. Instead, he explained the rationale for the players’ actions. Instead of assuming that the players dishonored the flag and the country, Beto explained that these players demonstrated non-violent, peaceful resistance to the treatment and deaths of our Black citizens. Like the 1960’s peace march in Montgomery, Alabama, these players demonstrated peaceful resistance to discrimination. Beto’s explanation clarified what he meant when he said that the players demonstrated patriotism rather than disrespect.
Basic honesty in the face of controversy and Beto’s resistance to contributions from PAC’s both seem critically different from politics as usual. I’m ready to experience courage and honesty in our government leaders.
Sources:
Rahman, Fauzeya. “Beto O’Rourke Claims Near-Uniqueness in Not Taking Corporate or PAC Contributions.” Polifact. July 27, 2017.
Simkins, Chris. “Non-Violence Was Key to Civil Rights Movement. USA. January 20, 2014.
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