Yet another presidential election will swamp us with politics and posturing this fall, and yet again, most people will think there are only two choices — Democrat or Republican.
But there is a third candidate who will be on the ballot in all 50 states: former New Mexico Governor Gary Johnson.
Johnson, who was at one point a hopeful for the Republican nomination, is now the Libertarian Party’s nominee.
He seems to be relatively unknown, despite record numbers of voters who say they’re willing to consider a third-party alternate this time around.
Johnson’s platform is an eclectic blend of everything everyone hates and/or loves. He is vehemently against government spending and taxing the wealthy (he favors the regressive “FairTax” idea), but also favors gay marriage, marijuana legalization and ending our occupations of Iraq and Afghanistan.
Whether or not you would vote for him, you more than likely agree with him on something, and lots of people probably agree with him on more things than they agree on with either of the two “main” candidates.
Johnson has been relegated to the back seat because of our broken two-party system, not because his ideas don’t speak to voters.
As long as they can silence viable third-party candidates, the Democrats and Republicans both get to lean on the “at least we’re not them” crutch.
Who really wants something just because it’s not something else? That’s weak sauce.
Democracy is at its best when all the options are on the table and voters get to pick their favorite, not just the lesser of two evils.
Do democracy a favor this year and check out Johnson’s platform online.
Regardless of whom you ultimately vote for, at least you’ll have examined all your options.
