Al Westerfield

Crossville

If you’re torn between voting for one of the two least-trusted candidates in history, one an egomaniac with a history of failed businesses and the other a thoroughly corrupt lifetime politician, there is a third choice. Vote for Libertarian Gary Johnson for president. There are two excellent reasons for doing so.

First, if Johnson can win just a few Electoral College votes, he can prevent Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump from being elected. If neither receives 270 votes, the election is thrown into the House of Representatives with each state having one vote. Since Republicans control more states, Clinton would certainly be denied. But just as importantly, the Republican establishment doesn’t want Trump. It gives them a chance to elect someone more stable. Democrats would certainly have a voice in the choice, so perhaps a person who can act as a bridge between the political gap would be chosen. Certainly, they couldn’t do worse.

Second, if the Libertarian Party gets 5 percent of the vote, they get ballot access without having to present petitions every four years. This would result in a third voice being heard from on a consistent basis. Perhaps the major parties would then be more responsive to our needs. The Libertarian Party is not listed on the Tennessee ballot because of major party shenanigans. You’ll have to vote for Johnson specifically. Remember, voting for the lesser of two evils is still evil.

Al Westerfield, Crossville