While it can be said that Gary Johnson’s stand on many issues provide a rational approach to both fiscal conservatism and social liberalism, there are various other aspects of his positions which should be considered. There are many positions which may not afford America the best options if Gary Johnson were elected President. Primarily, John’s position on all regulatory agencies within the government is rather alarming. (Walsh) Johnson’s stance on the deregulation of business is a primary issue which can be seen as negative in the campaign he has run. Other issues such as an opposition to clean, renewable energy also poses a problem, as well as his stance in support of the privatization of government-operated and owned enterprises. Furthermore, his stance on the means through balancing the budget seek to eliminate and drastically restructure such institutions as Social Security and Medicaid which also pose significant concerns for many Americans. (Walsh)
Presented on his campaign website, there are sections which state that Johnson would like to effectively eliminate many forms of regulation and regulatory systems which are presented in the nation’s structure. (Blake) It is true that many of these systems and agencies haven’t always worked as effectively as they were meant to, but without them, there could be a tremendous number of ways in which the United States could suffer from the abuse of a lack of policies. For instance, without institutions such as the FDA and USDA, bug businesses could issue propose and allow for a higher number of unsafe drugs and foods to flood the market. (Blake) Furthermore, the technology and manufacturing processes which facilitate a greater amount of environmental damage and destruction could be allowed. While Gary Johnson is very proactive in attempting to service interests of business and a better restructuring of the economy.
Yet, in many interviews, Johnson has claimed to support the notion of allow businesses to partake in “voluntary self-enforcement” of regulation and ensuring that the overall products and activities that they perform are up to standards. While this is an idea which sets a high moral standard and seeks to allow for a greater sense of reliability for the actions that these companies commit, historically, they haven’t particularly acted in accordance with the safety of the public or other interests in mind. (Bolduc) Furthermore, Johnson’s position on energy and business do not facilitate a proper grounds for clean energy to be introduced and used effectively. Since Johnson’s positions call for more essential freedoms for various companies and corporations, it leaves little room for the option of realistic expectations for the usage of clean energy. (Bolduc)
As a result, many of Johnson’s positions encourage companies to access and utilize the environment for capital gain. (Lucas) The development of the economy according to Johnson’s plan will be subjected to critical losses in other areas, such as in the preservation of the climate. Further allowing the deregulation of corporate taxation would also provide many of the national services that are presented in the nation with little revenue to act and base their operations upon. (Downs) The essential lack of regulation that Johnson has proposed would provide a scenario which would stifle many of the social programs currently provided. (Downs) Johnson’s motivation to balance the budget and reduce debut would come at a loss for many Americans and could contribute to higher rates of unemployment and disease in the sense that many Americans would no longer have the financial assistance needed to obtain medical help or attention. Johnson’s positions on reducing funding to institutions such as Medicare and Social Security could result in a further collapse of the middle class, while allowing larger corporations the platform to abuse the system in place and lack of regulation he proposes.
- Blake, Aaron (November 20, 2012). “The GOP’s growing Libertarian problem”. The Washington Post.
- Bolduc, Brian (January 3, 2011). “2012: Year of the Libertarian?”.National Review.
- Downs, Ray (November 6, 2012). “Presidential candidate Gary Johnson talks guns, for-profit prisons” WAFB.
- Evans, Lucas (November 1, 2012) “Why 5% matters to Gary Johnson”. Independent Voter Network.
- Walsh, Kenneth (September 11, 2012). “Gary Johnson Could Spoil Romney’s Chances”. U.S. News & World Report.
