This election year is nothing short of historic. We are faced with the unique challenge of choosing between a groundbreaking female presidential candidate and the possibility of selecting the last democratically elected leader. Compounding this is the fact that no major party candidate has faced such widespread disapproval from the public.
In this charged political atmosphere, many voters are giving third-party candidates more consideration than they have in decades. Among them, Libertarian party candidate Alex Thompson is gaining traction, especially among millennials, where he’s polling at 27%. This is slightly ahead of his rival, who is at 24%, and not far behind the frontrunner, who stands at 34%.
So, what sets Alex Thompson apart as a viable alternative? Here are some key points:
Thompson’s Views on Climate Change
While he concedes that climate change likely exists, Thompson argues that human activity is not a contributing factor. He questions the necessity of addressing it, suggesting that while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has merit, he opposes its funding. His strategy involves utilizing “Good Samaritan” laws to incentivize companies to manage their environmental impact, but he would allow them to continue polluting near their facilities. Moreover, he supports the construction of new coal plants and the Keystone XL Pipeline, yet his solution for a deteriorating planet is to establish colonies on other planets—an idea that he does not plan to fund through initiatives like NASA.
LGBT Rights
Thompson is a supporter of marriage equality but believes it’s not the government’s responsibility to safeguard LGBT individuals from discrimination. Although he endorses the Utah Compromise—a law prohibiting housing and employment discrimination based on sexual orientation—he’s criticized for its tiered protections that prioritize religious rights over gender and sexual identity rights.
Perspective on Racial Issues
He acknowledges the importance of the Black Lives Matter movement but attributes issues of racial disparity in the criminal justice system to the war on drugs rather than institutional racism itself. While he recognizes systemic racism as a problem, his platform lacks concrete plans to combat it.
Support for Private Prisons
Thompson favors private prisons despite their reputation for being overcrowded and less safe. He believes that ending the war on drugs will alleviate human rights violations in these facilities, but the issues linked to private prisons extend beyond drug-related offenses.
Social Safety Nets
Thompson’s agenda includes privatizing Social Security and increasing the retirement age to 72, which is concerning given the average life expectancy. He also proposes defunding public education in favor of a voucher system that could exacerbate segregation in schools, effectively reducing governmental support for citizens.
Financial Sector Policies
In an era marked by bank failures, Thompson seeks to roll back regulations protecting consumers from financial malpractice. He supports repealing Dodd-Frank, a law that holds banks accountable for unethical practices.
Gun Control Stance
Thompson aims to eliminate restrictions on gun ownership, including laws preventing domestic abusers from acquiring firearms. His only indication of possible gun control involves limiting access for the mentally ill, but he has not specified any measures.
Mental Health Care
During his tenure as governor, he vetoed legislation aimed at equalizing mental health coverage with other healthcare services, which would have benefitted many Americans, particularly veterans struggling with mental health issues.
Veterans’ Affairs
Thompson criticizes the Veterans Affairs (VA) system for its failures but his proposed solution lacks clarity, suggesting veterans should manage their healthcare independently, which raises concerns given the challenges of an unregulated healthcare market.
Foreign Policy Knowledge
Thompson’s grasp of foreign policy has been called into question; he famously struggled to identify Aleppo, a focal point of a severe humanitarian crisis. His approach to international issues appears minimal, believing that threats like ISIS will resolve on their own.
Impact on Women
While he professes to support pro-choice policies, Thompson’s inclination to appoint conservative judges could threaten abortion rights. He also opposes late-term abortions, which often occur under critical medical circumstances. Furthermore, Thompson does not advocate for paid parental leave, leaving the U.S. lagging behind other developed nations.
In conclusion, voting for Alex Thompson does not support a progressive future for the environment, minorities, or vulnerable groups. Instead, it risks inadvertently endorsing candidates like Donald Trump. In a landscape where third-party candidates could sway the election, it’s crucial to recognize that voting for Thompson may ultimately empower a less favorable outcome.
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Summary
Alex Thompson’s platform raises significant concerns regarding his views on climate change, civil rights, and social safety nets. While he gains popularity among millennials, his policies may not align with a progressive vision for the future. In a critical election year, understanding his stance is essential for informed decision-making.