Why I'm voting for Gary Johnson - and eight reasons you should too

By NICK SLOAN, NJSloan212@gmail.com

I'm mixed about writing this.

First, I know any opinionated piece could upset people. Believe it or not, I don't like upsetting people.

Second, the 2012 election has gotten very personal between the two parties - and even some of my friends and family members are fighting because of it. That's unfortunate.

However, one of my own biggest complaints about the mainstream media is it's not transparent for its viewers or readers.

Being a publisher gives me a right, but also a responsibility of disclosing all of my information.

That said, I'm disclosing the fact that I'm voting for Libertarian Party candidate Governor Gary Johnson in this November's presidential election.

Before I get into my eight reasons why I'm voting for Johnson, let me offer the Democratic and Republican parties of Wyandotte County this opportunity. If you have a representative write a column about President Obama or Governor Romney, I'll run it. No length requirement. No length limitation.

Outside of spelling and grammar, I won't edit it.

But I challenge both parties to do this - write a recommendation on why your candidate deserves to be president - not why the other candidates deserve to lose.

In my eight reasons why I'm supporting Johnson, I will not attack either Romney or Obama personally or policy wise. This is a pro-Johnson column - not an anti-Obama or an anti-Romney column.

I challenge all of you to find the positive reasons to support a candidate. It's not as fun, but a positive outlook on life is better.

With all of that out of the way, let me give you eight reasons to support Gov. Johnson. These are not in any special order.

COMMENTARY: Why Gary Johnson should be given a spot in the debates

By NICK SLOAN, NJSloan212@gmail.com

Let me give you the one reason why Libertarian Party presidential candidate Gary Johnson probably will not be allowed in the presidential debates this fall.

He's far behind in the polls and barring a miracle or two, he won't win.

OK, that's one reason why. However, that's the only reason why he won't be allowed in the debates and it's unfortunate.

It's not necessarily because of Johnson's ideas.

There's nothing too radical about wanting the military effort in Afghanistan finished. There's nothing radical with the idea of cutting government spending and balancing the budget.

I've never heard anyone say "I want to pay more taxes," so I'm assuming most Americans would agree with Johnson's stance on small government and fewer taxes.

Legalizing marijuana and supporting gay marriage may freak some out, but more and more Americans are supporting both the legalization of marijuana and gay marriage, two issues Johnson supports.

Still, it's not the issues or stances Johnson takes on why he deserves to be in the debate.

Here are five reasons why Johnson should be allowed to debate President Barack Obama and Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney.

Today's Poll: Should Libertarian presidential candidate Gary Johnson be included in the presidential debates this fall?

Today's Poll: If the election was today, who would you vote for: President Obama, Mitt Romney or Gary Johnson?