The candidate who seeks to reach the White House highlights the work of Latinos and talks about the importance of the environment

It is not uncommon to see Tom Steyer, candidate for the nomination of the Democratic Party for the presidency, arrive in different places wearing a Maasai beaded belt – which is hand-woven and very colorful.

Although some might think that it is a fashion trend, but the candidate said that it is rather a call for gender equality worldwide.

“I bought this belt when I went to Kenya (Africa). I was seeing schools that offer education to girls and (that) are supported by some friends of mine, ”Steyer said in an interview with La Opinión, asserting that Kenya is one of the countries where girls' education ends much sooner than that of the men.

"I like the belt but I also use it to remind me that doing something simple has effects to follow, more than one can imagine."

But it is not only education, the passion that motivated the 62-year-old candidate to seek the presidency of the United States this 2020.

Access to health for all and immigration are some of the important issues that Steyer ensures will change if he is elected as the next leader of this nation.

Among the most recent successes of the billionaire and philanthropist is the creation of the non-profit organization NextGen America, which combats climate change, promotes social justice and increases participation in democracy through voter registration and grassroots organization.

In 2017, he made an unprecedented movement that motivated people to demand Trump's impeachment.

And over the years Steyer and his wife have donated their time, as well as millions of dollars, to charity projects that promote education, renewable energy, air and clean water; as well as healthy foods, sustainable agriculture, self-sufficient communities and more.

The Chicano Latino Immigrant Democratic Club of Los Angeles County endorsed Tom Steyer on Friday for a Democratic presidential candidate. (Supplied)

Support comprehensive immigration reform

On the last day of 2019, the New York native dedicated himself to campaigning in Los Angeles, with an emphasis on the Latino community.

On Tuesday, sitting in the conference room of the Hyatt Regency hotel in El Segundo, he told La Opinión – without hesitation – that he fully supports comprehensive immigration reform that includes more than 11 million undocumented immigrants. And he said Trump uses immigration as a form of racism.

"I think what he is doing is illegal … That he is inhuman and goes against the laws of humanity," he said, referring to some changes the president has made such as asking for a stronger and stronger wall on the US-Mexico border .

In addition to trying to end the Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) and prohibit entry to refugees and those seeking asylum.

Steyer said that of the millions of undocumented immigrants in the US, many have been living in the country for 15 years.

“They work hard, contribute and pay their taxes. The idea that they come to this country to take advantage of (government) services is not true, ”said the candidate.

"In fact there are people who come and work for lower wages, they make the job more difficult … I don't see them taking advantage."

Tom Steyer participates in a rally in Glendale, Los Angeles.

Health care for all

On the health issue, Steyer said that Republicans have had a great deal to do with the problems Americans face in accessing affordable health services.

"The Republicans first denied health care to US citizens and then used that as an excuse for not wanting to offer health care to the undocumented," Steyer said.

He said that health care should be a right for all Americans.

He said the answer would be a combination of Medicare for all, a national health insurance plan that eliminates private insurance, and a public health insurance option — where people could choose between Medicare or private insurers.

"The reason I lean toward public health insurance rather than just Medicare is because I think all Americans have the right to decide about health care."

Steyer also emphasized the excessive mental health problem and advocated more support.

"People almost do not talk about this, the opioid crisis and mental health, there is very little support on this issue," he said.

Climate change exists

Steyer said that in his experience, the most aware groups of climate change are Latinos and Africans, as it is part of their culture to recycle and refuse.

However, he said the conversation must continue so that people understand that climate change does exist and something must be done to help Earth.

He said that between 2010 and 2014 he conducted a series of studies entitled "Risky Business" to demonstrate the impact of clean energy through the creation of jobs, salaries, population growth, energy costs and what would be the cost of doing nothing for the environment.

“We hired the best researchers and obtained irrefutable results. The number of Republicans who paid attention… Zero! ”Steyer said.

“Then I understood that this is just politicking, (Republicans) are not interested in knowing the truth that took years to be documented. They (the leaders) know they are wrong, but they are being paid to be wrong. ”

Finally, Steyer said that if the country focused on two very important things that are climate change and returning the government to the masses instead of the corporations, the country would have everything people ask for.

"We would be in the best position than anyone in the history of the world," concluded the candidate.

This Tuesday, candidate Steyer met with the Chicano Latino Immigrant Democratic Club of Los Angeles County, who gave him his support.

The primary elections to elect the Democratic candidate will be held on March 3. So far 13 Democratic candidates fight to win that position.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here