Hello, I'm John Costello, and today I officially declare my candidacy for President of the United States in the election of 2032. Becoming President of the United States has been a  dream of mine for a long time, almost ten years now, and I've gained a lot of knowledge and confidence in those nearly ten years. But I am running for President not just because it is my own personal ambition. I am running because the United States needs a leader who they really can trust. After the disaster of the Bush administration, many have lost trust and confidence in the Presidency, and I want to restore that trust. And the American people have rightfully lost trust in the government, because for much too long, for nearly the whole history of the United States, our leaders, not just in the White House, but also in the House and Senate have been corrupt, dishonest, unjust, and sometimes disloyal  to the people. This must change, and I can promise you that I will bring that change.

For too long, our nation has been much too divided by our politics, and we sometimes forget that we really are one nation. We often forget that Democrats, Republicans, and members of smaller parties, all love their country as much as the others. We just don't see eye to eye on the same issues, that's all. All politicians, no matter their party, are serving the country because they love their country. That is why I believe we must all set aside our political differences, clean the slate, and work not against each other, but together, to acheive better solutions for our problems, many of which were created by the political divide itself. I have always been an advocate of compromise, especially in politics, and I believe that it is the only surefire way to permanently solve our problems and in the best way possible.

However, I am a Democrat, because I strongly believe in civil rights for all Americans. Though I am a Catholic myself, I defend the concept that our government should be non-religious, because that is the only surefire way to protect the faiths of all, and atheists/agnostics. And having said that, I'd like to present some of my views:

Abortion-Personally, I am opposed to it. However, politically, I am neutral. (I know this seems like an odd start for a Democrat, but read some of my other views, thaey are more left-leaning). I see both the positives and the negatives to abortion. I would justify, even encourage, abortion in medically necessary cases, such as when their is maternal and/or fetal danger, or perhaps if the child is found to have some terminal illness or a severe genetic condition. However, having an abortion just because you just don't want the child, I do not and cannot condone. Howeve, I have no problem with birth control or adoption. But I don't think abortion should be outlawed.

Death Penalty-I am strongly opposed to the death penalty, even in the case of murderers (on the first offense). I believe that the death penalty, in most cases, is a form of "cruel and unusual punishment," which is prohibited in the Constitution. However, I do condone execution in cases of child murders and acts of terrorism. When murderers are convicted, what they want is to die. Do we want to give them what they want? No. They should be forced to sit in a cell suffering, alone, for the rest of their life, thinking about what they've done.

Education-Every American deserves an equal opportunity at an excellent education. However, our schools fail too many children because they cannot afford good learning material, programs, supplies, etc. This is unacceptable and must change. My proposal to help schools afford better education for their students is too work with the Senate and Congress to lower the salaries of politicians, including the President, by an initial amount of $25,000. The money will then be donated, equally, to schools in dire fanancial and educational straits, and there are many. Also, assuming that the 2030s will be a time of peace, spending on the military could stand to be cut a little bit, but not too significantly, because the military should be a priority, even in times of peace.  After all, anything could happen at any moment, and we don't want to be unprepared.

Gay Marriage-First, I want to make this very clear--I am not, nor have I ever been a homosexual, bisexual, or transgender. However, I am a strong proponent of gay rights and equal opportunities for all. I know and am related to several gay people, and they are all very good people who are genuinely caring and understanding. They're just attracted to the same gender, that's all. In the Declaration of Independence, it guarantees every American their three unalienable rights, and those rights are "Life, liberty, and the PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS." And if a gay man's , or a lesbian's pursuit of happiness is marriage to the one they love, then by all means, let it happen.

Healthcare-In the mainstream, I support what President Obama is trying to do to reform our healthcare system, which has been in bad shape for much too long. However, I do not believe in forcing the people to obtain government-funded national healthcare, nor do I support fining those who choose not to take it. If you are please with your current healthcare provider, than  you should be able to keep it.

This is just a sample of my views, but I hope it gives you an idea of how I think the country should be run. However, I will aalways promise to listen to the views of others, no matter their party, and somehow try to work their views into solutions. The voice of every American is important, all must have a say in their government, and they must not be ignored.

Thank you for reading, and I'd appreciate your vote. God bless all of you, and God bless America. (If you believe in God, anyway).