October 2004

By Scott Lees

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With all the politically charged letters appearing in the letter to the editor section, with all the Bush and Kerry bashing or promoting going on in this and I assume every other newspaper I would like to remind people that there are other choices.

There are viable third party candidates on the ballots and if not there are write in options to include these third party candidates.

Actually some would call these particular candidates second party candidates as the two major parties have so few differences and so many of the same big money donors.

I know the argument against alternative parties for most voters is "I don't want to waste my vote". I say that argument doesn't stand on its own merit.

The only truly wasted vote is one that is not made or one in which you choose to vote for someone not because they are the candidate that you mostly agree with but because he is the "lessor of two evils".

It is precisely this thinking that keeps other viable parties from having a chance. The two major parties like it when you think this way. They even go so far as to conspire against third party candidates by trying to keep them off of ballots and out of debates.

I say look at all the candidates and their viewpoints and opinions and find the one that is most aligned with your thoughts and views. Then hold your head high and go vote for that candidate. Its the only true way to make change.

If enough people did this and even if the alternative parties didn't win but drew enough masses of votes then the two major parties seeing the significant amount of votes going away from themselves would have to take notice.

As for myself I am gonna vote for change. I'll be voting Libertarian! Join me?"

J. Scott Lees