It’s an unusual election year, marked not just by the potential for electing the first female president but also by the significant unpopularity of the mainstream candidates. Against this backdrop, many voters are increasingly considering third-party options, with Gary Johnson, the Libertarian candidate, gaining traction, particularly among young voters. Polls indicate that Johnson holds around 27% support among millennials, closely competing with Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton.
So, what sets Gary Johnson apart as a third-party candidate? Here are some key insights.
Views on Climate Change
Johnson acknowledges the existence of climate change but asserts that it is not caused by human activity and believes there’s no need for intervention. While he supports the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in principle, he opposes funding it and would prefer to rely on “Good Samaritan” laws for environmental clean-up. He also supports the development of new coal plants and the Keystone XL Pipeline, while dismissing international agreements aimed at reducing carbon emissions in major coal-burning countries.
LGBT Rights
While he advocates for marriage equality, Johnson believes that it is not the government’s role to protect LGBT rights from discrimination. His support for the Utah Compromise, which attempts to balance religious liberties with anti-discrimination protections, has been criticized for prioritizing religious beliefs over sexual orientation and gender identity.
Racial Justice
Johnson has expressed support for the Black Lives Matter movement but attributes issues of racial injustice to the war on drugs rather than systemic racism. His platform lacks concrete proposals for addressing institutional racism, and while he acknowledges its existence, he does not provide a robust plan to tackle it.
Private Prisons
Johnson endorses private prisons, despite evidence suggesting they are often less safe and less effective than public facilities. He believes that ending the war on drugs will reduce abuses in prisons, but this stance overlooks broader issues within the private prison system and the influence of powerful lobbying groups.
Social Welfare Programs
Johnson aims to dismantle existing social safety nets, proposing to privatize Social Security and raise the retirement age to 72. His plan also includes eliminating public education funding in favor of a voucher system, which has been linked to increased segregation in schools.
Financial Regulation
Johnson’s approach to banking includes repealing regulations like Dodd-Frank, which was established to prevent another economic crisis by regulating large financial institutions. His strategy would remove protections against monopolies and fraud, leaving consumers vulnerable to predatory practices.
Gun Control
In a nation grappling with gun violence, Johnson advocates for minimal restrictions on gun ownership. He opposes measures that would prevent domestic abusers from obtaining firearms, only showing interest in limiting access for those with severe mental health issues—a topic where he has not outlined specific proposals.
Mental Health Care
Johnson has displayed a lack of commitment to mental health services, having vetoed legislation aimed at ensuring equitable coverage for mental health care. This stance is particularly concerning given the high rates of suicide among veterans—a demographic that requires adequate mental health support.
Foreign Policy Knowledge
Johnson’s grasp of foreign policy has been questioned, notably when he failed to recognize Aleppo, a major conflict zone. His stance on ISIS reflects a belief that the group will eventually diminish without U.S. intervention, and he has struggled to identify global leaders he respects.
Impact on Women’s Rights
While Johnson identifies as pro-choice, his intentions to appoint conservative judges could jeopardize abortion rights. He also opposes late-term abortions, typically performed in dire circumstances, which raises concerns about women’s health care autonomy. Johnson does not advocate for paid parental leave, leaving the U.S. lagging behind other developed nations.
In summary, a vote for Gary Johnson may not align with progressive values regarding climate, minority rights, and social welfare. Given the stakes of the current election, it’s crucial to consider the broader implications of supporting a candidate who may not prioritize the needs of marginalized communities or advocate for meaningful change. Instead, engaging with resources like this one for pregnancy and home insemination or exploring this fertility journey can offer supportive insights during this pivotal time.