America has turned its back on its most powerful, most useful allies all in the shortsighted and misguided notion of ‘America First’. We have shirked our responsibility as a world leader and as a result have launched catastrophic trade wars that have only led to the price of everyday goods rising. We have cozied up to genocidal, authoritarian regimes and turned a blind eye while they slaughter innocent men, women, and children.

That’s not the America I defend.

We can be a land of opportunity that attracts the best and brightest people from around the world to contribute to our great country. We can participate in a global economy that protects American workers and our small businesses. We can build trust among our allies while demanding they do their fair share and respect the international rule of law. We can refuse to fund and support genocide when we see it happening right in front of us.

Here’s how:

• Full arms embargo on Israel until a two state solution is reached with the Palestinian people. Israel must allow for humanitarian assistance into the West Bank and Gaza. Hamas must allow for alternate political parties and free and fair elections for Palestinians

• Reaffirming our commitments to our allies who have been scorned by the Trump administration

• Increased intelligence operations spending with emphasis on cyber and social media influence campaigns

• Reinvestment in USAID and our soft power capabilities

• Recognition of 1991 borders of Ukraine. Ukraine has the right to seek membership in any defensive or trade alliances it so desires

• Fair trade policies that encourage partnership and investment in the United States and are respectful of other nations