Underdog Johnson Deserves Your Time

You’ve probably never heard of presidential hopeful Gary Johnson.

After all, the former governor of New Mexico receives little debate opportunity (CNN excluded him from their latest debate on Oct. 18).

But despite his lack of publicity, Johnson deserves the most attention in the Republican Party.

First, he realizes the problems of this nation aren’t exclusive to one party or another, but rather the failure of both parties.

After the Fox/Google debate in September, Johnson said in a statement, “As Republicans, we need to face the reality that today’s out-of-control spending is as much a Republican problem as it is a Barack Obama problem, and simply paying lip service to bringing it under control won’t fly with the American people.”

In terms of spending, Johnson promises a balanced budget plan for 2013. At that rare debate attendance, he guaranteed to veto any legislation that would result in deficit spending. Imagine that unheard of concept, spending only what you can afford?

To cut spending, he said he will withdraw the United States from foreign intervention that does not directly protect the country, including foreign aid that primarily buys weapons.

Johnson also recently visited the Occupy Wall Street protests in the Big Apple and understands their anger. He agrees big companies shouldn’t be singled out for government help, but rather let the market decide.

To top it off, Johnson has the most reasonable drug reform policy. On his website, he proposes a mix of “honest education and sensible regulation.”

Johnson’s call to legalize, regulate, and tax marijuana is not a recent stance, either; in 1999, he received national attention for calling for legalization.

“When I raised this issue as governor, many told me I was writing my political obituary,” he wrote in his blog. “Ten years ago, maybe they were right. Today, however, it’s time for the politicians to start listening and facing reality when it comes to drug laws that have simply failed.”

He also addresses social security, tax reform, and social reform. He doesn’t hide his stances. Check out his site www.garyjohnson2012.com.

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