I know everyone is sick of hearing, "The Democrats this" and "The Republicans that" throughout this historic election cycle. I believe a part of it is the fact that two parties dominate while anyone with different viewpoints or a mix of views is ignored. Senator Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont had to run as a Democrat in order to receive national attention. The election process and news media are rigged against anyone outside of the two major parties. If we stand up for more parties and a fair election, we can have a more balanced society.

So, where do Libertarians fall into this? And why aren't they crazy? It's simple, we want to take over the government to leave you alone. We feel as though people can make decisions for themselves and the government does not need to take care of so many things. Why do they need to control what you put in your body if it's your choice? Why do they need to control who you marry? Why does the government need to regulate free speech, guns and other civil liberties that are guaranteed by the Constitution? Here are where we stand on the major issues and see if you agree.

1. Personal Liberty

You own yourself. No one else owns you (Unless you count a job because you have to go otherwise you don't get paid), but you are responsible for you.We want the government out of your life so you can do what you want. However, that does not mean that murdering people and robbing banks is okay. There are still rules. However, there are sensitive issues like same-sex marriage, abortion and the death penalty that are left to the state governments. It is none of your business who your neighbors, what they put in their bodies or what religion they practice. As long as it does not harm anyone else why should it matter? In relation to the drug war, it is a failure that is rigged against people of color especially men of color. When you make abortion illegal women will only find unsafe ways to have them and will only cause more problems. Banning stuff doesn't work as we saw with prohibition in the 1930's, the drug war, guns being smuggled into the country etc. When we let the government take control it creates people dependent on the government and vice versa.

2. Economic Liberty

Why have prices of goods and services been soaring? A big part is the Federal Reserve and they have been devaluing the dollar by printing more and more money. Whenever the government puts up barriers it costs more and more money. The less government involved the lower the prices. We want the free market to decide how resources are allocated and what products and services make it to market. We also understand the environment needs protecting but we want the free market to push it in the right direction, not the government. Additionally, entitlements such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and Food Stamps comprise two-thirds of our federal budget. If this is not addressed then we will implode. This won't happen overnight but forcing people to pay for other people's healthcare and retirement isn't okay. Why is it my job to take care of your grandparents? Do people pay into Social Security? Yes. Is there a way to fix these programs so we don't continue putting ourselves in debt? Absolutely! If you don't want to pay for Social Security and all that jazz then don't pay for it and you don't receive it. If you're having problems with income then find someone or an organization to help, it is not the government's job to take care of you.

3. Securing Liberty

War is an absolute last resort! Building a military complex in "The country with the most freedom" is crap. I understand that we do have more freedoms than other countries but don't parade America around when we have the most people in jail or prison, young colored men being thrown in jail for non-violent drug crimes for small amounts of marijuana while crooks on Wall Street go free, the government wants to control who you can hire, the wages you have to pay them and whether or not the second amendment still applies today. We like free trade because it opens up opportunities to stay connected with the rest of the world and keep it peaceful. The nationalist pride of, "I only want it made in America" is fine but other countries may access to better and cheaper resources that may make the prices of products and services go down. If you don't like foreign goods then don't buy them. We like free and fair elections and breaking this fake duopoly that "represents America" as a whole. We want to protect your rights as the individual from the government.

Libertarians like the idea of the federal government not being overly involved in your life. We aren't crazy people who think roads and fire departments shouldn't exist. We just believe in a much simpler government that stays out of your way and you have actual freedom. We want you to be able to take care of yourself, do what you want as long as it does not cause harm to others and keep the money you earn. We like an equal opportunity which is an equal start, not an equal outcome. Work hard and pursue what you want in life and don't expect anyone to just give you anything for free.