I would like to introduce a new column to the Sun News and Review by a Murrieta middle schooler who goes by the name, “Blue Ink.”  Blue Ink is a young conservative who is fed up with being afraid to show support for her choice in a presidential candidate. What kind of country are we creating if our youth’s opinions are squashed?  One of our founding fathers, the author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson said, “The free communication of thoughts and of opinions is one of the most precious rights of man.”  

The trampling of free speech and freedom of expression is attacking the basic founding principles the United States of America. Blue Ink, is not the only student fearing to express their conservative values and choices.  Across the nation children from elementary school to young adults in college have felt pressured to hide their support of Donald Trump as commander in chief. 

At University of Maryland’s College Park, Trump supporters according to a PBS report used a phenomenon called “chalking” where they write messages on campus to other Trump supporters. Students from Georgetown University told PBS, they also “chalk” and that their dorms have been vandalized if they show Trump support. 

In Fresno, California, a third-grader, nine-year-old Logan Autry, was told by his school principal that he had to remove his "Make America Great Again" Donald Trump hat. The school according to a FOX News report said, “Powers-Ginsburg Elementary School officials said he had to take the hat off because it brings "negative emotions" to other children who don't like the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. 

We are a free country we live in a Republic. Freedom of expression should be taught in our schools not intolerance for differing views and a need for safe places. 

I met the student who now opines as Blue Ink, at the beginning of June during an event at the republican headquarters in Temecula. The middle schooler bounced into the campaign office excited to learn more about the election process. She bought a “Trump for President” t-shirt and quickly put it on. Then she found the Trump for President buttons and pinned those onto her new shirt.

Her excitement was contagious and genuine. A member of the republican party gave Blue Ink a, “Make America Great Again” hat and topped off her ensemble. Blue Ink’s mother and I started talking. Her daughter who is also a Young Marine loves politics and has been following the race to the White House. The middle schooler explained to me why she was so excited to be at the Temecula Republican office. She said she felt free to show her support for her favorite presidential candidate. Blue Ink and her mom fear for her safety if she wears anything that shows her support for Trump.  

Mortified that a child should have their opinions on politics squashed or censored I offered this Trump supporter a column in the Sun News and Review where she can freely write about her conservative views without fear.

Why I Like Trump

By Blue Ink 

A lot of people are against Donald Trump for President of the United States, but why? I think people should consider him. Here are some of the reasons why I like Trump for President of the United States.  

1. He can stand up for himself. Trump uses words. That is how he has made his opponents leave the game. For example, Trump called republican candidate Marco Rubio, “Little Marco” and he also called Ted Cruz, “Lying Ted.”  Trump has done a great job using words to stand up for himself but it has also helped him remove a lot of his political competitors.
2. Another reason why I like Trump is because he gives good speeches. When the shootings happened in San Bernardino by terrorists linked to ISIS, Donald Trump made a beautiful speech and I loved it. Also during all of his debates he says all the right things at the right time. The speech I like the most is the one about the Orlando shooting at the Pulse.
3. I like Trump because he is going to make America great again. He is going to make America great again by defeating ISIS.  He is also going to make America great by building a wall to keep out illegal immigrants.
4. Another reason he will make America great again is that he is amazing with politics.

As you can see those are some fantastic reasons on why you should like Donald J.