At this time, there are 25 major candidates running in the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries. Despite the magnitude of this list, there is a clear choice for me. I am supporting Representative Tulsi Gabbard for President. She represents Hawaii’s 2nd district. She is also a major in the Hawaii Army National Guard. She served in Iraq as part of the medical unit from 2004 and 2005. Tulsi is the most qualified candidate to be our Commander-in-Chief as she has served on the Homeland Security Committee, Armed Services Committee and Foreign Affairs Committee. Her kickoff rally on February 2nd inspired me to begin talking to my friends and family about her. Tulsi is running because she understands the cost of war and prefers our country replace destruction with diplomacy. The money spent on regime change wars and other interventions can be reinvested to meet the needs of the American people – funding universal healthcare, protecting our environment and rebuilding our crumbling infrastructure. She also supports legalization of recreational cannabis, whistleblowers, and our Fourth Amendment rights. We strive for service above self and fight for a future that promises peace and prosperity for all. I met Tulsi twice in Des Moines. First meeting with her occurred at a Tax Day event on April 15th. Next time was when I waved signs with her right before the town hall at Franklin Jr. High on April 26th. At least 100 people attended this event. Her speech demonstrated her courage and conviction. I shared with her how hopeful I felt because she is running in the race. She responded that there’s hope in us when we stand together. I recalled her standing with protestors against the construction of Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016. Thus, please stand up for Tulsi because she stands up for us.