UNDATED (KTHV) – After Hillary Clinton became the presumptive Democratic Presidential nominee Tuesday night, social media was and still is a-buzz about the upcoming November election.
While many are undoubtedly happy with their party’s nominee (as reported by the Associated Press), and Bernie Sanders is determined to continue his campaign through to the next primary, others are left not wanting to vote for anyone. Do these voters have to sit on the sidelines and watch as their new president is elected without them? No, other options do exist.
The Libertarian and Green Parties also have presidential nominees. Here is a rundown of the two candidates and their stances on the major issues. If interested, you can go to their website for elaboration:
Gary Johnson – Libertarian Party (GaryJohnson2016.com):
The Economy
The government doesn’t exist to create jobs; its role is to create an environment where job-creators can be successful by creating a healthy regulatory and tax environment.
Environment and Science
The government has a responsibility to protect its citizens from harm, including environmental concerns; its role is to “enforce reasonable environmental protections”.
Criminal Justice
The War on Drugs has failed. The federal government should take a strong step toward criminal justice reform by addressing mandatory minimum sentences and reducing unnecessary laws.
Healthcare
Stance Unclear.
Privacy and Data Security
No regulation; no intrusion; no backdoors. Johnson feels the government should “limited in the way the Founders envision.” This includes giving the people the freedom to marry, the freedom to bear arms, the freedom to make decisions for their own bodies, and the freedom to live their lives as they see fit.
Education
“There is no role for the Federal Government in education.” Johnson proposes to eliminate the Department of Education return power to the hands of state and local government.
Abortion
While Johnson neither advocates abortion or taxpayer funding of said procedures, he understands that women have the right to choose, and those rights must be respected.
Immigration
“A bigger fence will only produce taller ladders and deeper tunnels.” Simplify the immigration system and make obtaining work visas easier so willing workers and employers can come together and thrive.
Dr. Jill Stein – Green Party (Jill2016.com):
The Economy
Create new jobs by switching to sustainable, environmentally friendly practices. Replace unemployment offices with employment offices, set a $15 minimum wage, and encourage workers’ rights to form unions. Corporate personhood should be abolished.
Environment and Science
Lead the way in stopping climate change; protect public land and water supplies; label GMOs, and stop the use of them and pesticides until they are proven safe.
Criminal Justice
Stein would like to restore constitutional rights, close Guantanamo, and stop “indefinite detention without charge or trial.” Drug prohibition should be replaced with harm reduction and treatment; marijuana needs to be legalized. Mass incarceration and institutional racism cannot be tolerated.
Health Care
Stein proposes to “establish an improved “Medicare For All” single-payer public health insurance program to provide everyone with quality health care, at huge savings.”
Privacy and Data Security
Surveillance and unwarranted spying is unconstitutional. Protect the free internet.
Education
Do away with student debt; guarantee free tuition, offer world-class public education from pre-school to university. No more testing; no more public school privatization.
Abortion
Stance unclear.
Immigration
Citizenship for immigrants should be easier to obtain.
The bottom line: Voters don’t have to sit out of the elections if they don’t like the major party candidates. Other options do exist, and everyone’s vote matters.
