This election year is unlike any other. We are not only faced with the prospect of electing our first female president, but we are also confronted with an unprecedented level of dissatisfaction toward major party candidates among the American public. In this climate of political turmoil, many voters are considering third-party options more seriously than they have in a century. Among these is Gary Johnson, the Libertarian candidate, who is gaining traction, particularly among millennials, where his support sits at 27%, closely trailing Donald Trump at 24% and Hillary Clinton at 34%.
So, what sets Gary Johnson apart as an alternative candidate? Here are some key points to consider.
Gary Johnson’s Stance on Climate Change
Johnson acknowledges the existence of climate change but downplays humanity’s role in it. He doesn’t see the urgency in addressing it, favoring a theoretical approach to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) while opposing its funding. Johnson suggests that “Good Samaritan” laws would motivate companies to clean up pollution but permits environmental degradation around their operations. He supports the expansion of coal plants and the Keystone XL Pipeline, and while he envisions a future where humans colonize other planets, he opposes funding for NASA to make that vision a reality.
LGBT Rights Under Johnson’s Agenda
While he supports equal rights for LGBT individuals, Johnson believes it’s not the government’s responsibility to protect them from discrimination. He endorses the Utah Compromise, which prohibits housing and employment discrimination but creates a hierarchy of protections that prioritizes religious identity over gender or sexual identity. This approach implies that some forms of discrimination are more justifiable than others.
Racial Equality and the War on Drugs
Johnson has praised the Black Lives Matter movement for highlighting issues of racism in law enforcement but attributes the racial disparities in sentencing to the war on drugs rather than institutional racism. His platform lacks concrete plans for addressing systemic racism faced by communities of color, despite acknowledging its existence.
Support for Private Prisons
Despite the negative implications tied to private prisons—such as overcrowding and inadequate services—Johnson views them favorably, thinking that depopulating prisons through drug law reform will alleviate human rights violations. However, the issues inherent in the private prison system extend far beyond drug offenses, and his approach may inadvertently empower powerful private prison lobbies.
Dismantling Social Safety Nets
Johnson advocates for privatizing Social Security and raising the retirement age to 72, which is concerning given the average lifespan for American men. He also favors defunding public education in favor of a voucher system that could further entrench segregation in schools. His vision appears to shift the responsibility of public welfare entirely to the private sector, a sector often criticized for prioritizing profits over people.
Wall Street and Financial Regulations
In a time when the banking system faces scrutiny for its role in economic instability, Johnson proposes repealing regulations like Dodd-Frank, which currently holds institutions accountable for unethical practices. His approach raises alarms about consumer protections and the potential for another financial crisis.
Gun Ownership Policies
Johnson’s views on gun ownership are permissive, advocating for the repeal of laws that restrict access to firearms for domestic abusers. He suggests that mental health considerations could be a limited exception but offers no specific proposals to address this issue.
Mental Health Treatment
As governor of New Mexico, Johnson vetoed legislation that would have mandated equal coverage for mental health treatment, thereby limiting access to essential care for conditions like PTSD. This is particularly troubling given the alarming rate of suicide among veterans.
Veterans Affairs
Johnson has criticized the Veterans Affairs (VA) system for its failures but proposes to give veterans more control over their healthcare without offering a structured alternative. His plan to repeal the Affordable Care Act and Medicare Part D could exacerbate healthcare difficulties for veterans.
Foreign Policy Knowledge
Johnson’s lack of familiarity with global issues was highlighted when he famously asked, “What is Aleppo?” His foreign policy views suggest a non-interventionist stance, believing that organizations like ISIS will self-destruct without U.S. involvement. His inability to name respected world leaders raises concerns about his diplomatic readiness.
Women’s Rights
While Johnson identifies as pro-choice, he aims to appoint conservative judges to the federal bench who may threaten abortion rights. He also opposes measures like paid parental leave, which many developed countries offer to support families.
A vote for Gary Johnson does not align with the aspirations for a progressive future for the planet or its marginalized communities. In an election where the stakes are exceedingly high, particularly with a candidate like Donald Trump in the running, Johnson may inadvertently act as a spoiler for those looking to support a candidate with a more inclusive and responsible platform. Hillary Clinton emerges as the most qualified and stable option in this race.
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In summary, while Gary Johnson presents himself as a viable third-party candidate, many of his policies raise significant concerns about their potential impact on various communities. With the election approaching, voters should consider the implications of their choice carefully.