A third party is vying for attention in the 2016 presidential election, but what is a Libertarian? Who is Gary Johnson?
The former Governor of New Mexico ran in his first presidential election in 2011 as a Republican, then in 2012 changed allegiance and ran as the Libertarian candidate, ultimately receiving over one million votes in the general election. Following the 2012 election, he became CEO of Cannabis Sativa, Inc., a company that sells medical marijuana products. In the past he has supported equal marriage rights, marijuana legalization, drug decriminalization and opposed internet regulations or censorship. He has also supported the separation of church and state.
But what are his positions now? How does he compare to Hillary or Trump? Is a Libertarian really just a Republican in disguise? I compiled Johnson's position statements on five of the most pressing issues, and as someone who hates politics 99% of the time (the other 1% is House of Cards), I hope this will clarify some part of this baffling election.
1. Civil Liberties
Johnson's campaign website states that his approach to civil liberties is centered around the 4th amendment of the constitution, which protects against government search or seizure of private property without a lawful warrant. Johnson sees government monitoring of cell phones and the internet without a warrant as wrong and illegal. Johnson also takes issue with the idea of the government meddling in private affairs like marriage because "Responsible adults should be free to... lead their personal lives as they see fit — as long as they aren’t harming anyone else in doing so."
2. Immigration
"The only thing a big wall will do is increase the size of the ladders, the depth of the tunnels, and the width of the divisions between us."
Gary Johnson was Governor of New Mexico, a border state, from 1995 through 2003. With his prior knowledge of immigration, he proposes simplifying the process of entering the United States legally in order to allow law enforcement to focus on actual threats to the country as opposed to individuals who genuinely wish to join it. A more efficient system of background checks, visas, and taxes would provide benefits not only through national safety, but also economic growth through increased opportunities for legitimate employment.
3. Criminal Justice Reform
Gary Johnson is opposed to the War on Drugs and mandatory minimum sentencing. His campaign website states that "mandatory minimum sentences... and other efforts by politicians to be “tough” have removed far too much common-sense discretion from judges and prosecutors." The criminal justice system has too many unnecessary laws in place, and too many mandatory sentences to allow for the law to work on a case by case basis as it should; which has led to a distrust of the system, along with too many good people who made mistakes being penalized far too harshly.
4. The War On Drugs
"And who is most harmed by the War on Drugs? Minorities, the poor, and anyone else without access to high-priced attorneys."
Johnson opposes the War on Drugs not only because it has failed miserably, but also because it criminalizes addiction, something we now know to be a serious health issue. Rehabilitation and treatment will save far more lives, and tax dollars, than repeated incarceration for addicts. Johnson still believes in marijuana legalization, and believes that citizens should be allowed to make their own choices in regards to its use "just as they have done for decades with alcohol."
5. Abortion
Johnson has a refreshing take on the issue of abortion. He is not coy with his own views on the subject, openly stating that he is personally against it. But, Gary Johnson also recognizes that "each woman must be allowed to make decisions about her own health and well-being and that the government should not be in the business of second-guessing these difficult decisions." He also believes that women wishing to practice their right to an abortion and other reproductive health services should not be prosecuted or slandered by politicians for their own personal choices. The bold print on the bottom of this page on his campaign website stuck with me, "Appreciate Life. Respect Choice. Stay Out of Personal Decisions."
So who is Gary Johnson? He's not a Democrat, and he's not a Republican. He has some opinions that a lot of us would agree with, and others we would disagree with. Could he really be a contender in November? Could there be a viable third party in the country's future? For now, it's unlikely that a Libertarian will become president, but it's good to remember that politics isn't always black and white or blue and red.
