EDITOR’S NOTE:  This is the first in a series of editorials endorsing one of the current presidential candidates.  Mount Carmel students are invited to submit a similar editorial (maximum of 300 words) focused on any of the other candidates.  The best presentation of each candidate’s position will be published by mccaravan.org.

Following his victory in the Iowa Caucus, Ted Cruz entered last week’s New Hampshire primary with momentum, having proven that Donald Trump is beatable.  However, Trump’s victory in the first “official” primary, and Cruz’s third place finish, suggest the eventual Republican nominee is far from determined.  Still, at this point in the primary season, I believe Cruz is the best of the Republican candidates.

First, as cited on PBS Newshour.org, Cruz wants to “repeal every word” of the Common Core standards for schools, opposing the idea that the federal government can dictate educational standards to the states. I agree with Cruz that the federal government shouldn’t be mandating things that we have to learn.

I also agree with Cruz’s position on immigration.  He wants to crack down on illegal immigration and send those already in the country back to their home countries. For Cruz, “border security is national security. We need to stop Obama’s amnesty and enforce the rule of law” (PBS Newshour.org).

Cruz also opposes public funding for abortion.  As quoted in On The Issues.org, he is committed to “prohibiting state funds from going to abortion.” Thousands of Americans, including many Mount Carmel students, recently participated in the “March for Life” in Washington D.C. As a Catholic, I agree with Cruz that taxes should not be used to threaten the sanctity of life.

Lastly, Cruz wants to toughen sanctions against terrorist groups, but not deploy troops against ISIS just yet. He would rather arm our allies on the ground and provide air support. “I don’t believe it is necessary to put American boots on the ground if we are arming the Peshmerga” (On The Issues.org).

Cruz expresses many things that I want for America, and I feel he is a better candidate than his Republican opponents.