We are at a critical juncture in the history of our Republic. I am the net beneficiary of a good education, a good upbringing and a secure Midwestern origin. Not only is it now time for me to pay that back, it is also time to make sure these same things are available for my two college-age children and hopefully their children also (and your children as well).

This will be very difficult to do if there are not sufficient, well-paying jobs with sufficiently guaranteed healthcare. What will also make it difficult is if we turn our incredibly beautiful planet into a brown cinder.

We must turn our young bright minds loose to solve these problems in a myriad of novel ways. In order for our young to do this, we must also EDUCATE them. I am the Education candidate. If we educate them, all else follows. If they are properly educated, they will be thoughtful and tolerant of their fellow citizens of all genders, races, orientations, and religions. If we educate them, they will take care of the planet. And it goes without saying that with good education will come good jobs.

In America, our diversity is our strength! We all spring from ancestors in their huddled masses who thronged to our shores, longing to be free. With incredibly hard work, they have delivered us to the pinnacle of science, knowledge, and industriousness. But something is missing. For the first time in our history, it is not a given that our children will do better than we have done. For the first time in our history, it is not a given our children will live longer, better lives than we are living. For these reasons, it is critical that we put in place the education for skills for good, sound, well-paying jobs, coupled with exceptional healthcare for all and do it in a manner that leaves this planet with its wealth of natural wonders intact.