I registered to vote back in 19-whatever and my party affiliation has not changed: NPA (no party affiliation). In Florida, this means I cannot vote in most primary elections — so be it. In the 2008 Primaries, I wasn’t able to vote for the either the Republican or Democratic candidate I liked. Neither of the candidates went on to the 2008 ticket and well, I guess that’s a story for another day.

Of course, we’re assuming there were only two choices.

I’ve mentioned

Gary Johnson before — he’s running for President under the Libertarian party. If you look at his positions, he matches my thoughts incredibly. Actually, I’ve never (in any election) found a candidate who shares as much ideology in common with me than… Gary Johnson.

When people talk to me about politics, and ask Obama or Romney, I ask them if they’ve heard of Gary Johnson. Almost everyone tells me the same thing:

“You’re throwing away your vote.”

If I choose the lessor of two evils, I’m still voting for evil.

Why would I do that?

Shouldn’t we encourage people to vote for who they want, instead of “Hey, which one of these two people that you don’t like… which one of them do you like the best?”

That concept makes no sense to me. Yet, my plan of voting for Gary Johnson is considered throwing away my vote.

In 2008, 44% didn’t vote.

Now, not voting is throwing away your vote.

What would happen if these 44% of voters that didn’t vote in 2008 all decided that voting was actually important— that choosing to vote was a better choice than not voting.

In 1992, I voted for Ross Perot. Many people believe that my vote became a vote for Clinton (as it took away a vote from Bush). This assumes that I would have voted for Bush had I not voted for Perot. Bottom line, I didn’t consider anyone other than Perot.

In 1992, Ross Perot ran a platform focusing attention on our debt, speaking out against NAFTA, and actually answering questions. Of course, I’m skipping the whole dropping out of the race/daughter’s wedding portion of history, but you get the point.

What did I like about Perot? Take for example these NAFTA predictions:

  • Giant “sucking sound” as jobs left for Mexico if NAFTA were passed (due to cheaper labor)
  • Increased illegal immigration if NAFTA passed

Because of Perot, all the candidates (and the country) put our debt and deficit on the front burner. We kept our attention on it for a few years, too.

Where are we now?

If you immediately think that “well, we’re here because of this party’s way of handling…” then you are dead wrong.

Both parties have a horrible record here. Both parties. Clinton may of handled a deficit here and there (by borrowing), but our debt didn’t make any progress. Bush had a real strong spike. Obama has sent that spike out of orbit.

We cannot tax our way out of this. (If you haven’t seen this video, watch it now. Now. Now.)

We must control our out of control spending or our country will simply no longer exist.

Which is why…

You need to stop thinking Democrat/Republican

To be frank, the beauty of this country remains the concept of liberty.

Where liberty is, there is my country. — Benjamin Franklin

This country works best when government works least. Whatever your personal belief of helping those in need, etc., may be… the Government in control of any social program doesn’t benefit anyone. If you believe that the best, most efficient work is done by our Government, then we need to have a talk.

I believe that government works best when it’s limited. Social programs and organizations receive generous tax exemptions to provide social services… but that rant is for another day.

Today’s rant encourages you to stop thinking there’s only 2 parties.

But I’m just one person.

Thankfully, the muppets can help you with that problem.

Vote. For who YOU want.

It’s simple. One person/One vote. My vote will be for Gary Johnson. I’m voting for who I want, not the lesser of two evils. If you think I’m throwing my vote away… well, we just have different opinions of what voting means.