Now is the time to consider alternatives

In the buildup to this year's elections, there has been much debate in the editorial pages around which party has the right policies, Republican or Democrat, conservative or liberal, red or blue. But isn't the more appropriate question which party's policies hurt the country least? And if true, is that sound criteria to use when electing public officials? Most of the country has been trained to think they have to choose between the two, but there is another choice. For just one moment, step outside of the manufactured need to choose red or blue and consider the Libertarian platform, the party whose policies are purposely aligned with our Constitution. A party that takes its direction from our nation's Founding Fathers.

A few examples: Libertarians favor small government, low taxes, individual freedom, free markets and noninterventionist foreign policy.

Both of the two major parties are content, however grudgingly, with losing control periodically, knowing that the pendulum will inevitably swing back their way 4 or 8 years later. What they're not content with is a major third party (that speaks to most Americans' concerns) threatening their stranglehold on power. They've gone so far as to create legal roadblocks for any third party that gains traction in the minds of the electorate. They know the threat is very real.

"Spend and someone else will worry about it later" is the common thread that binds the two major parties. Any differences are in small degrees and that just feels like the opposing sides of the same coin to me. Take some time to peruse lp.org, specifically the links under "Our Party." After serious consideration, you may just make a decision that will move our country forward and out of the purple rut.

Chris Van Matre

Libertyville