Letter: Consider a third-party candidate

In a recent speech, President Barack Obama said a vote for a third-party candidate is a vote for Donald Trump. Surprisingly, the Trump camp says it is a vote for Hillary Clinton. They both can't be right and I believe both are wrong.

I don't like either candidate or many aspects of the parties platforms. I have been pondering a vote for the lesser of two evils, but that is not an acceptable vote. Both parties are to blame for the stalemate in Congress. It is time to have a strong third party choice and the only way to get there is to make another choice. A strong showing this year might wake up the parties or at least make a third party viable in the future.

Many people with whom I have spoken feel the same way and are considering not voting (which I believe is the wasted vote). If all of the people who are considering not voting - or voting for the lesser of two evils because they are tired of current politics - were to vote Libertarian, we might be surprised by the outcome. I don't believe either party will get a majority as split as the country is and, therefore, whoever wins will not be able to change things.

A vote for Gary Johnson is a vote back to center and less intrusive government. It is a vote I won't be ashamed of nor a vote for continued refusal of parties to work together.

James Mart

Cedar Rapids