Reshaping politics, ideas

In response to the Sept. 17 letter from Ellie Erickson, “Third party candidates: Don’t throw away your vote”: I would like to know who she is to tell me who to vote for? I am a proud Libertarian who will vote for Libertarian candidates whenever I have the chance to do so and when they truly promote Libertarian ideals. Unlike Ms. Erickson’s Democrats, who promote social engineering, increased taxes, spending and government intrusion into my life (along with carpetbagging), Libertarians believe in a smaller government that advocates personal freedoms and increase personal responsibility.

I, for one, do not believe voting for third parties is “throwing away my vote.” Quite the opposite, I believe that giving up on them and voting for the status quo is throwing away my future and freedom. I do agree with her position on voting for the lesser of two evils. Instead of blindly voting Democrat, as Ms Erickson suggests, I would suggest that anyone disgusted with the two-party system realize that it is not a two-party system. There are several parties to choose from. Simply voting Democrat or Republican causes it to appear as if it is a two-party system. To me, the intelligent voter will make the correct decision and vote as their conscience dictates.

While I will grant that it is unlikely that Harry Browne will win the presidency this year (Mr. Browne is the Libertarian Candidate), the fact that Libertarian ideals are being exposed to the public (and government) will eventually help shape our future. In fact, in the voters pamphlet I just received for Snohomish County, there is at least one Libertarian candidate for just about every office, from local to state.

To Ms. Erickson, and others who feel as she does, please allow me the freedom to express my political desires and vote as I wish. The Libertarian Party is giving the old guard (Democrats and Republicans) a real challenge. It’s only a matter of time.

Snohomish