I am furious. No, I am beyond furious at the ridiculous insistence that I renounce my Libertarian party affiliation in favor of the Democratic or Republican party on the basis of someone's opinion that I am "wasting my vote".
The "wasting your vote" lie is one that has been perpetuated to keep the major parties in play. It is a lie that serves the two major parties, and often works as a disincentive for informed voters who truly want to find a candidate aligned with their issues.
When I walk into the voting booth on November 2 and vote for the ticket of Michael Badnarik and Richard Campagna, I am not wasting my vote, but exercising my rights as a citizen of the United States to vote for a candidate of my choosing. The perceived political viability of the candidate is not a reasonable rationale to change my vote, especially when, as I stated on another thread, forcing me to choose between the Democratic and Republican candidates would be like forcing me to choose to eat either moose shit or elk shit. Sorry, but I don't want either one.
How many voters are hoodwinked into the "lesser of two evils" mindset rather than voting for a candidate who truly represents them and their beliefs? How many leftist or rightist bullies have played into their hands by mocking people who openly support a third party candidate?
Here's MY stance, MY say: I believe in the Libertarian party and the platform of Michael Badnarik and Richard Campagna. I stand unapologetically behind that platform. To state otherwise would be a lie. And I, for one, will not lie for political expediency.
signing off,
Gideon MacLeish