Johnson/Weld Ticket is the Best Presidential Ticket in a Half Century

Loyalty Pledges and Blind Devotion Not Needed in the Libertarian Party

I watched a few months ago as every Republican candidate for president pledged loyalty to the winning candidate in the primary. It was sickening. Now that the Libertarian Party has nominated a president and vice president, there’s a reaction among some libertarians who say they cannot support the Johnson/Weld ticket. That’s okay with me. Don’t vote against your convictions.

In my case, I believe the Johnson/Weld ticket is the best presidential ticket in my lifetime when you consider some of the issues they are promoting. Legalization of cannabis, immigration reform, marriage equality, balanced budgets, free trade, fiscal policy reforms, smaller government, challenging the veracious war state, and more.

Many were disappointed, as was I, in Johnson’s initial burqa ban comments and his ignorance about sharia law. His comments were harmful to the cause of liberty, which to his credit, he apologized and renounced his burqa comments. Johnson’s commentary about sharia law was couched specifically in the protection of women’s rights but in explaining his position on sharia, he demonstrated that he doesn’t really understand that sharia has different interpretations just as Christianity has different denominations.

But if I were Muslim, his comments would be very hard to move beyond. I understand why vice presidential candidate Will Coley said he views Johnson as a “Ted Cruz in track shoes.” Though I disagree with that sentiment, Coley is right to protest what he sees as a person who has shown militant ignorance of Islam in America. And Coley has said that he will not support Johnson. Good for Coley. He should continue to hold Johnson’s feet to the fire on the issue of Islam and sharia.

For my part, I feel that Johnson would be less detrimental for Muslims across the entire world than either Trump or Clinton. He would not engage in undeclared wars. He would not ban Muslims from immigrating to the United States. He rejects neo-conservatism and their aspirations of American imperialism. So yeah, I’m saying Johnson/Weld is a lesser of three evils, sadly.

There are some who have said that it’s time for all Libertarians to stop arguing over the candidate and line up in support. I disagree. Individuals have a duty to be true to themselves. Anyone who cannot support the Johnson/Weld ticket will get no condemnation from me. And since when would I ever expect Libertarians to set aside individual concerns for the benefit of the collective? (Chuckle)

I would not ever expect such things. The ticket is imperfect to be sure. Johnson does not illustrate the best gravitas at times but he has refrained from pandering his message which is respectable. Again, Johnson/Weld isn't perfect but it's probably the best ticket for president in my lifetime. So I will support Johnson/Weld with enthusiasm. So those of you who disagree, please be gentle.