This election cycle is noteworthy for various reasons. It presents a choice between a groundbreaking female candidate and potentially the last democratically elected president, amidst a backdrop of widespread unpopularity for major party candidates. In this contentious political atmosphere, many individuals are considering third-party candidates more seriously than in recent history. Mark Thompson, representing the Libertarian Party, is gaining traction, particularly among younger voters, polling at around 27%, closely trailing the leading candidates.
Why Mark Thompson is a Significant Alternative
So, what makes Mark Thompson a significant alternative? Here are some essential points to consider.
Climate Change
Mark Thompson holds a skeptical view on climate change. He acknowledges its existence but argues that human activity plays no significant role in it, and he doesn’t see a compelling reason to address it. While he supports the concept of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in principle, he opposes its funding. Instead, he proposes using “Good Samaritan” laws to motivate companies to clean up their environmental impacts, yet he permits them to continue polluting their surroundings. Thompson also opposes international agreements aimed at reducing emissions, particularly concerning major coal-producing countries like China. He advocates for the establishment of new coal plants and supports projects like the Keystone XL Pipeline. Interestingly, he suggests that humanity should prepare to colonize other planets as a long-term solution to Earth’s environmental challenges, although he resists funding for organizations like NASA that could facilitate such initiatives.
LGBTQ+ Rights
When it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, Thompson believes that while equality is essential, it is not the government’s responsibility to enforce it. He supports marriage equality but shows little interest in protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from various forms of discrimination still prevalent in many states. Thompson endorses a national policy, inspired by Utah’s “Utah Compromise,” to combat discrimination in housing and employment. However, this law creates a hierarchy of protections that prioritizes religious beliefs over gender and sexual identity, which effectively undermines the equality it purports to support.
Black Lives Matter and Criminal Justice
Thompson acknowledges that Black Lives Matter, but he attributes the issues surrounding it to the war on drugs rather than institutional racism. He believes that abolishing the war on drugs will alleviate racial disparities in sentencing and policing practices. However, his platform lacks concrete proposals to dismantle systemic racism faced by people of color in the U.S.
In terms of criminal justice, Thompson is pro-private prisons, despite their negative reputation for overcrowding, dangerous conditions, and limited inmate services. He believes that the depopulation resulting from ending the war on drugs will reduce human rights violations in prisons, but this approach does not address the root issues tied to private prison systems and their lobbying power.
Social Safety Nets
Thompson’s stance on social safety nets is quite radical. He proposes privatizing Social Security and increasing the retirement age to 72, which is problematic considering the average American man’s life expectancy. He also advocates for defunding public education, favoring a voucher system that has led to increased segregation in schools.
Moreover, his policies could empower major Wall Street banks by rolling back regulations designed to prevent financial crises. Thompson aims to repeal the Dodd-Frank Act, which is currently holding financial institutions accountable after past misconduct, like that of Wells Fargo.
Gun Control
In terms of gun control, Thompson supports removing restrictions on gun ownership, including laws preventing domestic abusers from acquiring firearms. His only potential regulation involves restricting access for certain mentally ill individuals, yet he has not established a clear plan for this.
Mental Health Treatment
Thompson’s views on mental health treatment are concerning. As governor, he vetoed legislation that would have ensured equal coverage for mental health care, denying many individuals, including veterans, access to necessary services. He also proposes dismantling the Veterans Affairs (VA) system without offering a viable alternative, pushing veterans towards a privatized healthcare system that has historically failed to meet their needs.
Foreign Policy
His understanding of foreign policy is limited. Thompson infamously struggled to identify Aleppo, a critical location in the Syrian humanitarian crisis, and expresses a non-interventionist stance regarding ISIS, believing they will diminish on their own. Additionally, he could not name a world leader he respects, raising concerns about his diplomatic capabilities.
Women’s Rights
In matters affecting women, while Thompson identifies as pro-choice, he intends to appoint conservative judges likely to challenge abortion rights. He also opposes late-term abortions, which often occur in tragic circumstances involving non-viable pregnancies. Furthermore, he does not advocate for paid parental leave, placing the U.S. behind other developed nations.
Conclusion
Ultimately, voting for Mark Thompson does not align with a progressive vision for the future of our planet, minorities, children, or women. In this election, third-party candidates may inadvertently favor a less desirable candidate, making it crucial to consider the broader implications of voting choices. While Thompson might seem like a reasonable alternative, the stakes are too high to overlook the more qualified candidates available.
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In summary, Mark Thompson’s political platform raises numerous concerns regarding environmental policy, social justice, and healthcare that warrant careful consideration. His proposals could significantly impact various demographics negatively, and voters should weigh their options with this knowledge in mind.
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