Editor’s note: The Cavalier Daily solicited letters from candidates on the ballot for the following elections — Virginia’s 1st, 4th, 5th and 7th Congressional districts, as well as the Senatorial race. The Cavalier Daily’s publication of this letter does not constitute an endorsement of the candidate or their positions.
My name is Taner Demirci Lopez, and I am the Libertarian candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Virginia’s 7th Congressional district.
I came to the United States as an immigrant, and through hard work, I received opportunities that changed my life. I earned my master’s and doctorate, became a university professor and later had the honor of serving as a cultural advisor supporting the Department of Defense. The U.S. gave me opportunities that I will always be grateful for. But today, I look at our political system and ask myself a simple question — are we giving the next generation the same opportunities?
I do not believe we are.
For decades, Americans have been told that we have two choices. Democrats tell us Republicans are the problem. Republicans tell us Democrats are the problem. We elect one, become disappointed, elect the other and repeat the same cycle.
Meanwhile, our national debt continues growing. Young Americans struggle with the cost of housing and starting their lives. Veterans wait for medical care. Our immigration system has been broken for decades. Communities in Virginia are dealing with enormous data center development and questioning how much voice they really have. And we continue spending enormous amounts of money overseas while Americans struggle here at home. These problems need solutions, not another election full of promises. That is why I decided that if I was going to run for Congress, I would not simply tell people what is wrong. I would put actual proposals on the table.
One is my Veterans 28 Act. A veteran should not have to wait indefinitely for health care after serving this country. My proposal establishes a clear standard — if the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs cannot provide care within 28 days, the veteran should have access to community care. Mental health would have an even shorter standard.
I have also proposed the 10-12 Act, my immigration reform proposal. I believe the U.S. needs secure borders and control over who enters our country, but repeating the same immigration debate for another 30 years is not a solution. We need a realistic system that addresses the millions of people already here while protecting American workers, wages and national security.
Here in Virginia, I am also proposing the Data Center Community Consent Act. Data centers can bring investment and economic opportunities, but communities should not simply be told to accept the consequences. Residents deserve transparency and a meaningful voice when massive projects could affect their electricity, water, environment, property and quality of life.
These proposals may be different issues, but they come from the same principle — government should work for the people it represents. I believe American tax dollars should primarily serve American people. I believe our service members should defend the United States, not continuously be sent into other countries' wars. And I believe the government should be smaller, more accountable and less involved in controlling our everyday lives.
You do not have to agree with me on everything. I do not expect you to. What I ask is that you question the idea that you must choose between only two political parties. Especially to young voters — your vote belongs to you. It does not belong to Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians or any political organization. Make candidates earn it. Read our proposals. Challenge our ideas. Ask us difficult questions. Then vote for the person you genuinely believe will represent you.
I am not running just to protest the two-party system. I am running because I believe we can break its chains and offer something different — real choices, real accountability and real solutions.
Taner Demirci Lopez is the Libertarian candidate for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He can be reached at tanerdlopez@gmail.com.
The opinions expressed in this guest column are not necessarily those of The Cavalier Daily. The guest column represents the views of the authors alone.
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