A 40-year streak is about to end

In 1964 by father voted against Barry Goldwater. He hasn't felt compelled to vote since.

So why, after 40 years, has my father decided to register to vote? Because this year my father has found a candidate he can support: Michael Badnarik, the Libertarian.

Why not one of the two "major" candidates?

First of all, it seems as if almost everybody is discussing the "lesser of two evils." My father doesn't want to vote for evil, lesser or otherwise.

Does the oath of office mean anything? For those who need a reminder:

"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

It's pretty tough to "preserve, protect and defend" a document you aren't familiar with.

Badnarik is a consitutional scholar. He travels the country teaching people about our Constitution* Do Kerry or Bush even have a nodding acquaintance with the Constitution? A look at their records would make one believe otherwise.

Government does not exist to provide handouts to people. Government does not exist to be surrogate parents. Government does not exist to protect citizens from themselves.

Government DOES exist to protect its citizens from those who would cause harm, domestic or foreign.

Michael Badnarik understands that.

Of all the candidates, he seems to be the only one who does.

After 40 years, there is finally a candidate worth voting for.

*Here is a link so you can experience Michael Badnarik's Constitution class on video:

http://www.archive.org/movies/details-db.php?collection=election_2004&collectionid=Michael_Badnarik