As of tonight, July 26th 2016, Hillary Clinton has made history. She has become the first women to be the nominee of a national party. This comes 8 years since our party made history when we nominated and elected the first African American, Barack Obama. 

I have been a vocal opponent of Hillary in the past, and many of my criticisms still stand. That being said, no candiate is perfect. Hillary isn't perfect. Obama isn't perfect. I am not perfect. Come November, we must put our differences aside to ensure 4 more years of progressive. 

I am have been a huge supporter of Bernie Sanders since the beginning and to Bernie:

Thank you Bernie. You showed nothing but class by motioning to give your delegates to Sec. Clinton. Your action will bring us all closer together and your fight for party unity is something we haven't seen on the Rep. side at all.
It's been a long year and I have been with you since the start. Your passion and determination ignited a spark in me that has yet to and won't bern out. This past year I have found my absolute passion for politics and law and it's mainly because of you. Your actions and campaign have left a deep impact in myself, thousands of others and the Democratic Party. It encouraged me to pursue my own seat in government as I run for NY State Assembly. While you didn't win the nomination, you accomplished something incredible.
For all of that, I thank you Bernie.
As we move on, I have to push on for expanded civil rights, expanded social programs and an economy that works for all! 

That is why,  this November I will be happy to cast my first ever vote for Hillary Clinton. Though I have issues with some of ideas and actions, no candidate is perfect and she is the best chance we have at continuing 4 more years of progress.

I urge all of you to make the smart and conscious decision to elect Hillary to the White House this November. 

For the third time in less than a year, the great nation of France has been struck by a terrorist attack. On July 14th 2016 at 22:40 CEST, a terrorist took the lives of 84 people who were our celebrating the 227th annual Bastille Day, a day that signifies the rebellion against the French Monarchy and the successful fight for a Republic. 84 innocent lives. I can not even begin to express the heartache and anguish I feel.

This attack is another grave reminder how real terrorism is and the threat it poses to our nation. I talk a firm stance against terrorism domestically and abroad. I believe the US has a main goal in fighting terrorism worldwide and ensuring the safety of all the innocent lives that deserve a chance at life.

This event is still being investigated. Though their are reports that is may have been an attack linked to Islamic terrorism, none of those have been confirmed. 

If in the end this was the doing of an Islamic terror group, I ask that we do not bring hate against the Muslim people. Real and true Muslims pose no threat. In fact, they are some of the most protective citizens in the US and many are proudly enlisted and deployed as well as serving as police officers, firefighters, EMTS, teachers and doctors. I remind everyone that Xenophobia and Islamophobia have no place in New York, our country or in the world. The current statistics show that ISIS has killed more Muslims than any other group. 94% of terror attacks (demanded by the FBI), are from non-muslim offenders.  ISIS is not a Muslim group. They are a terror group based on a warped ideology. 

This attack doesn't weaken the EU or the Schengen Area either. Both are vital to the well being of Europe. This terrorist had French citizenship, EU or not. I feel strongly that this event should not hinder the EU.

France has continued to be one of America's closest friends and allies. Without the French, we may have never gotten independence. As New Yorkers, we are reminded of the importance of France everytime we visit New York City and see the great Statue of Liberty.

We must strive for peace without bring fear and hatred into our hearts. 

Je l'espère pour la paix . Je l'espère pour la France. Je l'espère pour le monde.

Liberté, égalité, fraternité

Like most Americans, I am deeply disturbed by the events that have taken place over the past week in this country. These events have once again brought attention to the on going race relations issues we have in this country. Firstly, I condemn the killings of Alton Sterling, Philando Castile and the 5 innocent police officers in Dallas (Brent Thompson, Patrick Zamarripa, Michael Krol, Michael Smith, and Lorne Ahrens). All of these acts of violence are a stain on this country and on the American people. There is no question there is hostility between police forces and the African American community. African Americans are far more likely to be stopped by police, frisked by police, arrested by police and face unlawful police brutality. This is fact. That being said, the answer to injustice is not violence. Violence only causes more violence and will never resolve the major issues at hand. In fact, violence will only create a more hostile environment. I can not even begin to understand the fear and frustration the black community faces on a daily basis and the let down they feel from the majority of politicians and our government. I know so many feel ignored and some may feel like giving up. It isn't time to throw the towel in. It is time to demand and get action. I want to overhaul the way this country deals with law enforcement and investigations into them. I want to set up an independent agency in order to investigate and report of police brutality. I want to ensure a national guideline of procedures and work to make sure racial sensitivity training is to be taught at all police academies. I also want to work with my local police force in holding events and forums so that officers have a chance to meet with the community and create a positive imagine for our officers. Police need to be our friends, our neighbors and our heros. What happened in Dallas is a tragedy. Those officers were proudly serving their community and protecting protesters when their lives were cut short. We need to work to end violence on both sides of the spectrum. I want to ensure a transformation in this country. One where every American feels safe.

​-Dustin