Victory for independent thinkers

Last week North Carolina election officials announced the Libertarian party would be back on the ballot in the November elections. This is a great victory for those of us who want more to choose from than two losers. The two-party system is a bankrupt system and what is frustrating is the ridiculous requirements they create for third, fourth and fifth parties to get on the ballot. After the Libertarian party was once again unrecognized by the state (after their performance in the 2004 election), they had to obtain 70,000 signatures on a petition by June 1, 2008 to be reinstated. Last week the Libertarian party surpassed the number of signatures required by the state and now Libertarian candidates from president to local offices will be on the ballot in the Tar Heel state. If you are dissatisfied with the way this country is going and not impressed with any of the Democrat or Republican candidates, then consider making a real statement that Washington needs to hear with your vote this November. It is not to late to return this country to its former greatness, but it must begin somewhere...and that's with the individual in the voting booth. It's not only our privilege, it's our responsibility.

Primary politics

Politics is a subject I really don't enjoy. I am so disillusioned with the leadership of this country I get ill thinking about it. I have friends, near and dear, whose political views are very distant from mine so I do not discuss the subject much, just to avoid arguments because it is a very emotional topic for many. Here in North Carolina the 2008 primary draws near and the interest is higher than usual this time around especially with the close and heated contest between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. So, I will share some thoughts on this and then move on.

Barack Obama: He talks a good talk, but when I go to his official website and click the "issues" button I still don't see any substance, ideas or solutions to anything. He talks about change....change to what? The fact he has become the media "darling" and many people look to him as some sort of messiah or second coming of John F. Kennedy is really dangerous and frightening. He is the new kid on the block. What do we REALLY know about this guy?

Hillary Clinton: She is not to be trusted. Look back at her husband's administration. I sense evil lurking in the shadows.

John McCain: His administration would probably be more of the same we've had for eight years. I'm not 100% sure about that. I just don't feel "comfortable" about him.

Now I know these were not great intellectual insights but I'm just a simple man who only has so much time to watch and read the news and listen to talk shows. After being on this planet for more than a half century, I have learned to go with my "gut".....and my gut is telling me none of these would be the president this country needs at this pivotal time in history. They are all "politicians" and, yes, "politician" to me is a bad word. Politicians are in it for themselves. It's all about "power for me and let the rest of the world be damned". What we need in this country are "statesmen". These are people who truly love their country, want to serve their country, and want the best for the people of this country. There are very few of these creatures left in today's world. There is one man whom I believe to be a true statesman and his name is Ron Paul. Check his record. Check his stand on the issues. We need someone who thinks outside the box and dares to be different. It's a matter of principle. Know what's going on then vote your conscience. At least vote for the person and not just the party...whatever you believe.

On Tuesday, May 6 in the North Carolina primary this unaffiliated voter is going to the polls and choose Dr. Ron Paul in the Republican primary for president.

I'm Tymetraveler and I approve this message.