The Political Views of CeCe L.

 CeCe L, an Emma Willard School senior and leader of the Pride Alliance, pays more attention to the social principles of each political party than to the less important fiscal ones. Democrats tend to be progressive in their views, and most members favor gay marriage, women’s rights, and other social liberal ideals. CeCe identifies as a Democrat.

She realizes that running the government is important, but culture defines a society and should take precedence. She said equality for all religions, races, genders, sexualities, and ethnicities is a “high priority” for her. Although gay marriage now is legally recognized, there are other stigmas to overcome.

 CeCe regards voting as the most important right of any citizen. She said it is not only your right to vote, but a responsibility. “If you don’t participate in the system,” she said, “you can’t complain about the system.” This right and responsibility should not be limited to the United States; it should be implemented in every country.

In the current race for president she supports Bernie Sanders, because she feels he represents everyone. Even though he is, as CeCe put it, “a straight white sis older man.” Unknown to most, Sanders has been fighting for civil rights long before going into politics. He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King in Washington DC, the day of the I Have a Dream Speech in 1963. “He’s always been for equality,” CeCe said.

CeCe’s one critique of Sanders is his overall take on foreign policy. She defined it as, “a vague continuation of what Obama is saying, however, his stance is not very clear.” CeCe believes that to resolve the world’s problems, countries need to work together on peace. “I believe we need to focus more on dialogue than force, however, be understanding of the potential need for force. In terms of Isis, we must participate in a coalition to address this serious and significant problem,” CeCe said.

Although CeCe plans to vote for Sanders in the primaries, it is undetermined whether Sanders will make it to New York. She opposes Hillary Clinton. “I really just don’t like Clinton,” CeCe said. She believes Clinton is a true politician in that she changes her views if that gets her votes. CeCe mentioned Clinton’s untrustworthy supporters. According to topsecrets.org, her top five contributors are Citigroup Inc., Goldman Sachs, DLA Piper, JPMorgan Chase & Co, and Morgan Stanley. Because of Clinton’s voting and track record, including not supporting bills that heavily tax the 1 percent, CeCe believes America cannot trust her. “She is the 1 percent. Why would the 1 percent want to tax themselves?” CeCe said.

“I’m all for a first female American president,” CeCe said, but Hillary is, “not my choice.” CeCe disagrees with the most recent accusations of Gloria Steinem that girls are supporting Sander’s campaign because the “boys” are. She also said she believes people should not vote for someone because of gender. The biggest distinction between Clinton and Sanders, according to CeCe, is Sanders delivers speeches using the pronoun “we.” While Clinton uses the pronoun “I.” Sanders emphasizes the power of the people working together, Clinton emphasizes the power of herself.