Liberty is Bigger Than Any One Candidate

Yesterday, Ron Paul held a press conference in which he announced four 3rd party candidates (Bob Barr-Libertarian, Chuck Baldwin-Constitution Party, Ralph Nader, Cynthia McKinney-Green Party) had signed onto a platform of issues on which they are all in agreement.  The issues center on the Iraq War, protecting civil liberties, balancing the budget, and auditing/reviewing the Federal Reserve.  It is no coincidence that the Republicans and Democrats are not amused.  They would rather argue about lipstick on a pig, and other trivial issues.

The system is rigged on Presidential Debates, whereby these 3rd party candidates are not allowed to participate and share alternative views on issues.  This cheats voters out of the opportunity to see a true debate.  If four 3rd party candidates with extremely divergent world views can all agree on these issues of Liberty, and democratic process, why would the Democrats and Republicans be opposed?  Because they don’t want to lose power.  Power over principle is the governing philosophy that has me upset at the Republicans right now.  That is why I must vote for a 3rd Party candidate this year.

This is a difficult decision for me.  McCain has sensed something is wrong, since the Republicans have, at best, been lukewarm toward his campaign.  That is until he picked a Vice Presidential candidate with some leanings toward pro-liberty views.  He has managed to fire up a substantial part of his base.  While I feel better about his turning to a pro-liberty running mate, I am still unable to vote Republican with McCain at the top of the ticket.

Make no mistake, I have been and continue to be a Republican.  I support Ron Paul’s efforts to reform the party from within.  However, when it comes to this Presidential election cycle, a message needs to be sent to the heads of the Democratic and Republican parties that reform and open debate of issues must be allowed to occur.  A vote for one of these 3rd party candidates will send a strong message.  With any luck, the two parties will pay attention and allow for a true discussion of issues.

For detail on the issues the 3rd parties have agreed on, follow this link to the Campaign For Liberty