Questing for Atlantis

Elections matter. A lot. Looking at the America of today, government controls far, far too much of our lives and doesn’t seem inclined to stop. Whether it be forcing us to buy health insurance or shredding civil liberties, apparently nothing constitutes an overreach or an assault on our sacred freedom.

If we lived in a different world, if government were toothless, it wouldn’t matter who led it. But that’s not the world we live in. And when elections matter, it matters even more that voters be informed about who they’re electing.

That makes it unacceptable that CNN and the other sponsors of the Republican Primary Debate occurring this month in New Hampshire have chosen to exclude at least one declared presidential candidate, (former) Gov. Gary Johnson of New Mexico, particularly when they have invited people to participate who have taken no official steps towards a presidential campaign.

Gov. Johnson is a serious candidate with an impressive resume. Prior to entering politics, he started his own business as a handyman and then grew it into one of the largest, most profitable construction companies in the state.

Johnson then brought this entrepreneurial spirit to government, challenging an incumbent governor and defying expectations by winning. During his two terms in office, he removed 1,200 state employee positions, cut taxes 14 times, balanced the budget, and left the state with a surplus. Not to mention, he vetoed more bills than the other 49 governors combined.

This is not an endorsement of Gov. Johnson, however, how are the voters supposed to make an informed decision if they are not allowed to hear from all of the candidates? The American electorate deserves the opportunity to hear from all declared and filed candidates. CNN and the other debate sponsors need to stop trying to decide the election and leave that to the voters.

KEVIN WATERMAN

Centreville

Links: The Bay Times, The Star Democrat