Johnson Offers an Alternative Presidential Pick

By DREW FREAKLEY

Voting is one of the most sacred liberties in America. Having a direct hand in the election of your representatives allows you to vote for the change you want to see in your state and nation.

Voting, however, is a double-edged sword. In America, we often encounter “voter fatigue.” The sheer number of elections, at both state and federal level, requires the average citizen to be informed about many different candidates. The issue here is the intensive nature of becoming informed on all your candidates, their views and whether they fall within your party’s views would tire the voter. Hence the two-party system.

In theory, two-party systems are supposed to make voting easier. In practice, however, we find that the political views of the American people are not so black and white.

Many young Americans find themselves leaning left on civil liberties, while leaning right on fiscal issues. With such a split between the two parties, the question becomes: “which of these two is right for me?”

The answer is neither. People talk about voting like it is choosing the lesser of two evils, but, in that sense, it’s still a vote for evil. Democrat or Republican, these parties are centuries old with unwavering ideologies. There is no law that supports the two-party system.

Instead, it has monopolized control of the political process. They bicker over civil liberties and economic spending, but never actually change the system that is on the edge of default. Our generation is on the precipice of American politics, and we are screaming for change. That change is the Libertarian Party.

The Libertarian Party is an amalgamation of American political systems. It is the third largest political party in the United States and continues to grow every year.

At the helm sits Gary Johnson, former governor of New Mexico, who is ready and willing to shake up the American political system. Johnson is a strict constitutionalist who champions diplomacy and decries America’s preventionist warfare. On civil liberties, Johnson believes that people have the right to decide for themselves.

He supports a woman’s right to choose, marriage equality and would repeal America’s antiquated drug laws. He would also repeal the Patriot Act and the National Defense Authorization Act, two bills that threaten and restrict the freedoms of every American. On fiscal issues, Gary Johnson has a complete economic plan that would cut 43 percent of the federal government’s spending.

Concerning foreign affairs, Johnson believes that our national defense is of the utmost importance, but he would not send our military to meddle in other countries. These are all important issues that he has outlined in his political platform and website.

More importantly, Johnson understands and can connect with our generation. He has charisma and he’s refreshingly honest, a unique trait for any politician. He calls the bull when he sees it and is ready to shake the system to its core. He is not entrenched in the system and does not bend to party or social pressure. His policies are practical and appeal to both young liberals and young conservatives who are disillusioned with the dog-and-pony show that is our federal government.

With the election less than a month away, there is more pressure than ever to vote for the candidate that Americans believe can get our nation back on track. Over the last 12 years, we have seen our nation run into the ground due to reckless spending and warfare. Democrats and Republicans have failed to provide stability to the American systems. America is crying for a change and it’s time to give someone else a try.

How many times must we reform something before we admit it has failed? It’s time for new representation. It is time to, as the official motto of the Libertarian Party says, “Live Free.”