With the disappearance of the Republican Party, America needs a viable third party more than ever. Unfortunately, the only party that received one-percent of the popular vote in 15 years is the Libertarian Party. Its name is deceiving, it would actually decrease the freedoms of low-income and poverty level Americans. It would also be detrimental to older Americans.

Gary Johnson is seeking the party’s nomination for 2016. He ran in 2012, and had more success than any third party candidate since Ralph Nader and his ‘Green Party’ in 2000 when Nader received 2.8 million votes; 2.75 percent overall.

Johnson served two terms as the Governor of New Mexico. This was unusual for a Republican to win in a state which is traditionally Democratic. He supported the legalization of marijuana long before Colorado and Washington placed the initiative on their ballots. He is openly against the ‘war on drugs,’ but in 2016 he says his main issue will be the budget; reducing military spending and restructuring entitlement programs. Unfortunately, he fails to mention income inequality, health care, or the minimum wage. In addition, he has not stipulated his plans for social security and Medicare, and how they would affect our senior citizens.

Like most knowledgeable Americans I have always believed that a strong third party would improve our political atmosphere. The more choices the voting public has, more qualified candidates would be elected. But in order for a third party to function and succeed, the Electoral College must be eliminated. Voters should elect the president of the United States, not a small group of politicians. Our present electoral laws almost guarantee a two-party only system; a virtual monopoly.

As the Republican Party began to implode in 2010, Democrats were not wise enough to take advantage of the situation. They have leadership, but fail to bond together to promote necessary change. What we have today is in reality a non-functioning oligarchy. Our Democratic Republic no longer exists. Thanks to a politicized Supreme Court, Citizens United was upheld, and the purchase of elections began. The only group who has suffered because of Washington’s failures is the majority; we, the 95 percent.

The middle class is dwindling as the number of the super-wealthy and those living in the poverty level are on the rise. We are moving towards a plutocracy where the rich will completely control our government.

Here I go again, but this is the absolute truth. We must vote wisely and reject political affiliation. The people have no weapons to defeat Washington’s failures other than our vote. You can take back your nation, but it will require effort, intelligence, and the rejection of ‘rule by fear.’

The very fact that a despicable man such as Donald Trump is leading the GOP is proof that all of America’s people are disgusted with our government’s inaction and lack of concern for the majority, while special interests continue to successfully lobby regarding issues which will increase their profits.

The American people can be THE third party. With our actions at the polls we can send a serious message the we will no longer be led by falsehoods and fear tactics. We have ‘nothing to fear but fear itself.’

Op-Ed

By James Turnage

Source

Photo Courtesy of Gage Skidmore

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