Gary Johnson, Libertarian candidate for president, speaks at the University of Utah Student Union, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2016, in Salt Lake City. (Scott Sommerdorf/The Salt Lake Tribune via AP)

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Melissa Birk, Wichita Falls

For the past 18 months we have shaken our heads, rolled our eyes, and thrown up our hands as the media insists we have only two candidates to consider for president. Let's take a step back and consider that the answer to many, many prayers may be right in front of us if we are willing to look and listen.

Gary Johnson, a former Republican now representing the Libertarian party, served the state of New Mexico as governor for eight years. His common sense ideas and approach to government was not only well received — it worked.

If you are unsure about what the Libertarian party believes, as I was, take the time to go to the website which is Libertarian Party of Texas and find what they believe and support. Then go to Gary Johnson for President and learn who he is and what he has done in the state of New Mexico. His running mate William Weld is the former successful governor of Massachusetts. These men are experienced in the areas of leadership, business and politics.

We desperately need new strategies in the Federal government. To continue to do business as usual while expecting new and different results is the definition of insanity. One of the main themes of the Libertarian party is to return to the individual states the right of governing their people as they see fit. In so doing, a lot of the control that the federal government has imposed on us through regulations, rules and laws can be eliminated. Lives less stressed and less burdened sounds to me like a goal worth pursuing.

Johnson and Weld are on the ballot in all 50 states. Granted, when we vote for them it will take a bit more time to vote for the local and state races since it won't be voting a straight ticket. But isn't it worth a little time to possibly make a difference in our lives?

One last thought. Remember the lemmings? Those furry little creatures who will follow their leader right over the cliff? Let's not find ourselves called the Lemming Generation in years to come. Let's vote in an educated and intelligent manner on Nov. 8.