Despite lack of media attention, there are alternatives to Obama and Romney
Tired of being presented with the choice of voting either Democrat or Republican? Have no fear, there are alternatives—independent third parties.
Minor party economics
ART OF THE POSSIBLEBy Joseph Kendzierski
Despite lack of media attention, there are alternatives to Obama and Romney
Tired of being presented with the choice of voting either Democrat or Republican? Have no fear, there are alternatives—independent third parties.
Only two small parties with nominated candidates are on the ballot in enough states to win the national election: the Green Party and the Libertarian Party.
Jill Stein is the Green Party’s presidential candidate. Her economic policy has three main points:
One: Enact the Full Employment Program, which will provide employment in green agriculture, sustainable energy and mass transit.
Two: Provide grants and loans to green businesses and start-ups.
Three: Renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement and other trade deals with the goal of making it harder for businesses to export jobs and profits overseas.
Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson’s economic platform has three basic tenets: cut federal spending, cut taxes and reduce federal involvement in the economy.
Johnson believes that, in order to cut federal spending, cuts need to be made to entitlement programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid; also that the war in Afghanistan must be defunded and spending on stimulus packages reduced.
His plan for cutting taxes calls for abolishing the Internal Revenue Service and replacing it with the Fair Tax, which would eliminate taxes on basic necessities and eliminate business taxes—a move he believes will increase overall employment.
Johnson also wants to reduce government involvement in all areas of the economy, except where explicitly provided for by law. He plans to do this by eliminating “special interests” such as auto industry and state bailouts, eliminating cap and trade credits, and providing corporate welfare—tax breaks
for corporations.
He also wants to completely eliminate federal involvement in education by expanding voucher programs and promoting charter schools.
If you’re disaffected by the illusion of choice provided
by the two-party system, remember: There are other parties out there who may more accurately reflect your own beliefs and values.
