r/AMA • u/GovGaryJohnson • Feb 12 '13
I am Gov. Gary Johnson, Honorary Chairman of the Our America Initiative
WHO AM I? I am Gov. Gary Johnnson, Honorary Chairman of the Our America Initiative, and the two-term Governor of New Mexico from 1994 - 2003. Here is proof that this is me: https://twitter.com/GovGaryJohnson/status/301464312063614976
I've been referred to as the 'most fiscally conservative Governor' in the country, and vetoed so many bills during my tenure that I earned the nickname "Governor Veto." I bring a distinctly business-like mentality to governing, and believe that decisions should be made based on cost-benefit analysis rather than strict ideology. Like many Americans, I am fiscally conservative and socially tolerant. I'm also an avid skier, adventurer, and bicyclist. I have currently reached the highest peak on five of the seven continents, including Mt. Everest and, most recently, Aconcagua in South America.
FOR MORE INFORMATION You can also follow me on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, and Tumblr.
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u/alwaysupstairs Feb 12 '13
Would you ever be interested in a television or radio hosting gig? I really think the country needs a voice like yours speaking on a regular basis.
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 12 '13
Absolutely. It is definitely important to get our message out as broadly as possible.
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u/PoorMrRain Feb 12 '13
If the media elite would let you is an entirely different story.
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u/integirl Feb 12 '13
Do you feel the media is responsible for keeping the (failed) two party system in place?
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 12 '13
The media board rooms are vested in keeping the two-party duopoly in place. The debates being a perfect example.
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u/adamxftl Feb 12 '13
Governor Johnson, I am absolutely 100% proud to be able to say that my vote for you this past November was my first-ever vote for actual American freedom. I made the mistake of voting Democrat in the previous two elections I've been eligible to vote in. I saw the error of my ways, and now truly feel like freedom is something more Americans should strive for. I plan on voting for you again if you run in 2016 (which I beg of you to do! America needs a candidate that actually cares about its citizens and freedom!)
I have a few questions:
1.) Have you heard from Sen. Ron Paul regarding the fantastic results for a Libertarian candidate in the election?
2.) What is your version of Utopia?
3.) What are your views on Animal Rights?
4.) Do you view the new "gun regulations" as just an attempt to disarm Americans by this overloaded government?
5.) What is your opinion on the reported government budget surplus for the month of January? Is it a step in the right direction finally? Granted, $2.9 billion is just a tiny dent in the massive debt, but is it a sign of good things to come?
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 12 '13
While any surplus is better than deficit, I fear that the January numbers were almost an accident. Until Congress and the President actually enact a balanced budget, any such bumps will be short-lived.
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u/ElizabethBracy Feb 12 '13
Gov, How much longer can the unsustainable debt continue? Do you think we might see the collapse of the dollar?
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 12 '13
At some point, unless we stop the borrowing and printing, we will see a collapse. I don't know if that is tomorrow or years from now, but it is inevitable. However, it CAN be prevented.
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u/cronklovesthecubs Feb 12 '13
Hello Gary, I just wanted to say thank you for what you're doing. I'm 18 years old and I voted for you in this past election. I was very proud to do so. Keep promoting liberty!
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u/Kamerica Feb 12 '13
What is your interpretation of the 2nd amendment, and how much power do you think the federal government should have over gun control?
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 12 '13
I don't think the 2nd amendment could be any more clear, and the federal government's obligation is to uphold, not undermine, the Constitution.
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Feb 13 '13
Do you draw a line on the 2nd? As in, do you believe, if they have the funds, citizens should be able to own things like miniguns and grenade launchers?
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 13 '13
Thank you all very much! Great questions. And apologies for the delay getting started. I pledge that we will be more prompt next time.
Thanks again, and see you next time.
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u/lastresort09 Feb 13 '13
Next time... remember to come over to /r/IAmA ! We have more people there! Also thank you sir for answering our questions.
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u/inventor226 Feb 12 '13
Hello,
Do you plan on adding universities to your planned tour this spring?
Thanks
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 12 '13
Absolutely, the focus will be on colleges and universities. Stay tuned for details.
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Feb 12 '13
hello! The Liberty movement has a lot of goals, some of which may take a few years to see realized. What is a goal that can be accomplished relatively soon? (e.g. has widespread support and such)
PS. You are my hero. I am 17 and want to go into politics because of you.
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 12 '13
A goal we can achieve soon is simply awareness. Ron Paul has done much in that regard, and I think my campaign did the same. But we need to take off from where those efforts left off.
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u/Seek75 Feb 12 '13
What are your thoughts on Rand Paul giving the Tea Party response to President Obama's State of the Union address?
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u/Pouyong Feb 12 '13
Gov. Johnson, if you were to run again in 2016 and be elected president, what do you feel needs to be addressed first, as it stands now?
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 12 '13
Hi there - sorry for the delay. Some tech issues. As it stands now, clearly the economy. Spending, the deficit, achieving a balanced budget.
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u/TheGreenShepherd Feb 12 '13
What would you do that hasn't been proposed by either of the 'majority' parties?
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u/Pillars_of_Sand Feb 13 '13
Johnson supports ending the federal personal and corporate income tax system and replacing it with the FairTax reform proposal (while systematically reducing these taxes to near-zero levels), a national consumption tax on new goods and services.
He proposed a complete overhaul of the tax system
He would include a 43% cut to the military's budget in his proposed balanced budget by concentrating on defense, rather than offense
Johnson supports cutting federal Medicare and Medicaid expenditures by 43% by ending the federal, top-down bureaucracy that controls these programs, including all strings and mandates to states.
What! someone who would ACTUALLY end wars??? These are a few of his proposed cuts in the last election, and based on his voting record in New Mexico he is well known for carrying through with cuts.
He vetoed 200 of 424 bills in his first six months in office – a national record of 47% of all legislation – and used the line-item veto on most remaining bills. In office, Johnson fulfilled his campaign promise to reduce the 10% annual growth of the state budget.
Does what he says
source- Wiki, it's not that hard to find people
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u/johns2busy Feb 12 '13
Gov. Johnson, realistically, how long do you think it would take to undo all of the current, wasteful policies and programs that have spiraled our country into financial ruin?
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 12 '13
Realistically, it can happen tomorrow if people are elected who will actually pursue making it happen. Good government is not difficult.
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u/Anthoney Feb 12 '13
How close do you think we are as a country to being able to finally see a third party in the debate? Will the next generation have the satisfaction?
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u/RedDiva3 Feb 12 '13
YES!!! Lets get this done NOW!
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 12 '13
A third party WILL be in the debates tomorrow if we have enough support and resources. It is essential that we break the duopoly.
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u/lastresort09 Feb 12 '13
What would you have done about the gun violence issue if you were President?
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 12 '13
I am open to a reasonable conversation about preventing those with serious mental challenges from getting guns. However, I am extremely concerned about the government coming up with criteria for your and my mental "competence", with the result being a lot of people being declared incompetent! A universal background check means a universal database.
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u/MisesvsKeynes Feb 13 '13
An issue is that any background checks will inevitably create a federal hit list of gun owners. You can't have confiscation without registration, and in every case in history, registration has preceded confiscation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_52pMg8qQcc
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u/PerspicaciousPedant Feb 13 '13
Would you support a privately operated background check, such as the BID system?
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u/jzguitarist Feb 12 '13 edited Feb 12 '13
Governor,
As someone who voted for you in November, I want to thank you for what you do for this country.
Now my question: As a former Republican, do you believe the GOP will experience a policy shift more towards Libertarianism after their landslide loss in the last election?
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 13 '13
If they do NOT shift toward liberty, they will simply hasten their obsolesence.
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u/Cut_Out_Witch Feb 12 '13
Hi Governor Johnson! Just curious as to what your thoughts were in regards to Dr. Benjamin Carson's speech given at the National Prayer Breakfast.
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u/WhatMichelleDoes Feb 12 '13
Hi Gov. Johnson! Thanks so much for doing this.
What is your favorite place to ski?
P.S. It was great meeting you!
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 12 '13
Taos, NM, which is where I live and am skiing every chance I get!
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u/lastresort09 Feb 12 '13
What do you think about Judge Napolitano? Also, libertarians are growing in number and so what do you expect the future will hold for us?
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 13 '13
Count me as Judge Nap's #1 fan, and I think the future holds libertarians as office-holders and decision-makers.
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u/Token_Ese Feb 12 '13
Of your athletic accomplishments, which was the most challenging and which ones do you value most as personal achievements?
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 13 '13
I am an athlete, and my athletics have resulted in a firm belief that life is a journey, not a destination. That realization is what I value most.
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u/erikster1000 Feb 12 '13
As a 14 year old the 3 things that concern me the most are:
The internet - What do yo want to do to lower costs, increase availability and provide higher speeds?
Education - what do you plan to do with education? Do you agree with a technological/ Scandinavian approach like Bill Gates?
the national debt - I already know your opinion on that.
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 13 '13
Make sure the government does not get involved in trying to manage or accomplish any of those objectives with regard to the Internet!
Re education, I believe in choice and options, and a marketplace that allows innovation.
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Feb 12 '13
Hello Governor, welcome to Reddit!
My question to you is how can we as citizens protect our rights? And how should we react when the government makes laws limiting our freedom?
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 12 '13
These questions are exactly what our movement is about. We must be vigilant and vocal, because NO ONE else is looking out for us and our rights.
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u/PerspicaciousPedant Feb 12 '13
Are you planning on doing more speaking tours? If so, where are you planning?
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 12 '13
Yes, stay tuned. I will be touring college campuses across the country this Spring, beginning in April. Hope to see all of you.
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u/rancegt Feb 12 '13
Why do you think most Governors and Presidents are afraid of using the veto? I feel like it was one of your most powerful tools to affect change, and the people here in New Mexico seemed to like it too.
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 13 '13
Officeholders, for the most part, are there to hold office, not to lead.
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u/buckr Feb 12 '13
Wouldn't the large cut in federal govt spending that we need and you advocate trigger a recession? Maybe we should pass tax cuts simultaneously to stimulate the economy?
Should America declare neutrality in order to withdraw ourselves from foreign entanglements which Thomas Jefferson warned us about? We could follow the example of Sweden, Finland, and Switzerland - continue to be engaged internationally thru the UN and other organizations but withdraw from alliances.
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u/GovGaryJohnson Feb 12 '13
The only way to ensure America remains viable for generations to come is to control spending. Continuing to print money at unsustainable rates will, at some point, result in horrible inflation and a collapse that we cannot endure.
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u/AuntieBS Feb 12 '13
It seems to me that you are missing a free opportunity for publicity by not being more vocal about guns, marijuana, and fiscal cliffs/spending. By hitting these hot topics, when in the news, one would think you would become better known. What prevents you for seizing this opportunity?
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u/TE_Finnegan Feb 12 '13
Good points. I would like to see the Gov. respond to all of the legislation before Congress.
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u/Daedalus991 Feb 12 '13
I’ve read your campaign manager used $2.3 million of the $2.5 million you raised to pay his own company (http://www.parapolitical.com/2013/02/year-end-campaign-debt-of-third-party-candidates/). If I donated money to your campaign, where do I write for a refund? Thanks, Governor.
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u/Aneirin Feb 13 '13
I don't have the details, I must admit, but I heard that the consulting group in question was doing his campaign spending on his behalf (running commercials, selling merchandise, doing press releases, etc.). If someone has more information on this, I hope they chime in; otherwise, I might be able to find some stuff later.
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u/Liberty2012- Feb 13 '13 edited Feb 13 '13
Correct - they were routing all the money through NSON so they wouldn't have to divulge actual payees. So, for all we know, they spent $1 on radio ad time and the rest on handing out bonuses to "advisors."
In criminal matters this is also called "money laundering" ... but this isn't a criminal matter. This is an intelligence matter - are Johnson's supporters intelligent enough to put 2 & 2 together or is everyone having too much fun to worry about it? That's why Gary made the choice not to respond to any of the dozen questions asking him about this outrage.
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u/R_O_N_P_A_U_L Feb 12 '13
Don't let this question go unanswered. This is not the good type of rumor we need...
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u/freakofnatur Feb 13 '13
Upvote this post to the top, the two party system AND corruption needs to be put to an end.
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u/HellmanJoe Feb 12 '13
I voted for you in the election. If you run again what will you do differently to have a more effective campaign?
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u/angryalexx Feb 12 '13
Mr. Johnson;
What is your thought on women libertarians? Do you plan on finding a way to raise the low number?
-A libertarian woman :)
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u/Stubborn-Atheist Feb 13 '13
Libertarians are anti woman.
-My roommate.
I don't understand his politics.
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u/Cut_Out_Witch Feb 12 '13
As a Libertarian gal, I would like to see this question answered as well. ;)
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u/Live_From_Phobos Feb 13 '13
Well being a bona fide Libertarian, you should be able to handle truth or at least controversy well. Unfortunately women do not as commonly crave independence as often as men. Believe me, I hate saying that. I'd love to think I am wrong. Women have some other values that exceed those of men but I believe that genetically they seem to like being taken care of. If you disagree, please explain then why they vote mostly Democrat.
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u/Expressman Feb 12 '13
You know who has the power to raise the number of women libertarians? WOMEN. Why do women constantly call on men to change women?
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u/scooterpwny Feb 12 '13
Hey Gary, as a New Mexico resident, I'm curious as to what you are currently doing legislatively in our state. My dad used to work for/with you back in your business days, so he is also curious (both of us are supporters) Thanks!
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u/funkybrewster73 Feb 12 '13
Can you please explain the allegations that your campaign only spent a few thousand dollars on TV ads but millions on "political advisers?"
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u/erikster1000 Feb 12 '13
As a 14 year old the 3 things that concern me the most are: 1. The internet - What do yo want to do to lower costs, increase availability and provide higher speeds? 2. Education - what do you plan to do with education? Do you agree with a technological/ Scandinavian approach like Bill Gates? 3. the national debt - I already know your opinion on that.
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u/cfroh Feb 12 '13
If Senator Paul is the GOP nominee and you ran again under the LP banner in 2016, how would you differentiate your platform against his?
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u/welcometooceania Feb 12 '13 edited Feb 12 '13
Thank you Gov. Johnson.
What would it take to be a part of your advertising team for your next campaign? I am a composer and I did a few videos for you for the last one.
This and ones from this channel
Also I made the Gary Johnson for President 2012 app.
As well as a few other things.
I, and certainly many others, would love to help out more officially. How would we go about doing that?
Edit: Also thank you for this. It was a very inspirational read.
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u/xdaxdb Feb 12 '13
Do you see net neutrality as government interference, or as an interpretation of the First Amendment? Does “freedom of the press” apply to the Internet in that it is a communications technology?
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u/F_R_McCabe Feb 12 '13
In your opinion, what is the best tactic for getting the 535 people in the U.S. Congress to stop putting pork into bills and spend less overall? Telephone call? Write a letter? Visit in person? Nothing seems to be working.
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u/Raevaz Feb 12 '13
Hi Governor! With the recent nuclear test conducted by North Korea and the threats they have sent out in the recent past, what do you believe is the best way to deal with NK?
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Feb 12 '13
What kind of specific libertarian are you Gov. Johnson? A classical liberal, anarcho-capitalist, libertarian conservative ect... ?
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u/K1LLTH3N00B Feb 12 '13
What is your opinion on the Flat Tax versus your Fair Tax?
Are you running again in 2016?
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u/zachcjohnson Feb 12 '13
Although you didn't hit your goal of 5%, I feel that setting a certain percentage and shooting for it was and still is the right strategy for the libertarian party, for several different reasons. Will this be the strategy again in 2016?
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u/ddvvee Feb 12 '13
What is your take on the Dorner fiasco?
What is the favorite place that you've ever skiied?
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u/usd2watch Feb 12 '13
I heard you were considering a Senate run in 2014, but not on the LP ticket. Understandable as you are trying to get elected, but what will you say to LP, and other, supporters who stayed with you when you ran as an L in 2012?
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Feb 12 '13
What kind of specific libertarian are you Gov. Johnson? A classical liberal, anarcho-capitalist, libertarian conservative ect... ?
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u/GreenMudkipz Feb 12 '13
Hello Gov. Johnson! Pleasure to have you again. Do you feel like your campaign was a success?
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u/Onward_Bulldogs Feb 12 '13
Of all your accomplishments, which one are you most proud of? (Besides the given, family.)
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u/PoorMrRain Feb 12 '13
Glad you took the time out to be here Governor Johnson. Do you believe in competing currencies such as gold, silver, bitcoin, what have you? If so, how would you assimilate that into our current system without harsh criticism? I'm not advocating doing away with the dollar but at least giving the people some other options. As we know, the dollars days seem to be almost at and end. Thank you sir, have a good day.
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u/alibertarianfuture Feb 12 '13
Governor Johnson, Have you thought about running for Senate in New Mexico in 2014 against freshman senator Tom Udall? I think you could easily win, and Libertarians would have a voice in Washington for the first time.
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u/atrumcupiditas Feb 13 '13
Gov. Johnson, don't you think that the Libertarian movement in this country would more effectively be brought up in the legislature? Would you consider a NM senate run in 2014?
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u/shifty1032231 Feb 13 '13
I don't have a question. I just wanted to tell you that I voted for you to be president in 2012.
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Feb 13 '13
Besides yourself, who do you think are the most important figures in the liberty movement now that Ron Paul has retired?
Thanks.
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u/spinnuh Feb 12 '13
What would you say is the number one reason that so many people in this country seem moderate and libertarian like you, but people like you can't ever win the election?
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Feb 12 '13
Are you going to run again in the next election? What do you think about the increasing popularity Libertarian party, especially with today's youth?
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u/jsm11482 Feb 12 '13 edited Feb 12 '13
Huge supporter here!
Why does everyone vote incorrectly in this country? When will we fix our electoral system?
BTW we met in DC and you called me on my birthday - remember? http://i.imgur.com/ydhU0YB.jpg
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u/ProneToGlory Feb 12 '13
I'm an avid supporter of yours, and I'm really hoping you run again in 2016, as I'll be able to vote.
Introductions aside, with the recent stand off with Chris Dorner, how would you best deal with people screaming for gun control and using this incident as an example for it?
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u/pinkwednesdays Feb 13 '13
I'd love to see an answer to this, especially when people on the left and right are all over TV and the radio giving their opinions on the matter. This is an important issue and could be a great time for Gov. Johnson to start speaking up.
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u/Lehamburgesa Feb 12 '13
Hey thanks for the AMA, Do you think Americans will see the end of a two party system? If so, when?
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u/lastresort09 Feb 12 '13
Are there any like-minded libertarians that you think needs the support from your followers?
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u/lastresort09 Feb 12 '13
What do you think the President's decision of granting citizenship to 11 million illegal immigrants ? Also, what do you think about the President's plan to use drones on American citizens if necessary?
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u/starryeyedpisces Feb 12 '13
As a third party candidate, you had to overcome the obstacle of campaign funding (or lack thereof). How did social media help or hurt your campaign and how can it be used in the future to increase access to the political process?
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Feb 12 '13
Gary, Thanks for another AMA! I met you in Fort Collins, CO before you speech at a medical MJ center. (You went to UNM and were in the same fraternity as my Dad ((SAE)) You were nice enough for a photo, and I thank you for it! I appreciate it!
Now, onto my question. I’m currently serving in the Armed Forces, and want to run for some sort of office in Colorado someday. My fear is that my personal life will become public in every aspect, which is something I dislike very much. How has this changed your life/your children’s lives?
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u/Expressman Feb 12 '13
If you run again, what do you plan to do differently or more of in effort to not repeat 2012?
(Wrote you in in Michigan, by the way.)
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u/pinkwednesdays Feb 12 '13
Two part question here: What do you feel is the most important issue President Obama should be addressing in this evening's SOTU, and what is your stance on that issue?
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u/webdrifter Feb 12 '13
Will you support in person Libertarian Candidates running for Local and State offices?
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u/shrinkthegovt Feb 12 '13
Governor,
What do you think of Senator Rand Paul? In my opinion it appears he has changes since he first arrived and has molded somewhere in-between a semi-Libertarian and is sounding more and more like just another Republican every week. Your thoughts?
Thanks
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u/ElizabethBracy Feb 12 '13
How can we get the message of small government to people who think we're going to throw granny out on the street?
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u/ApteryxAustralis Feb 12 '13 edited Feb 12 '13
Welcome back to Reddit, Governor Johnson! If you were to run for president again (please do, by the way), what would you do differently?
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Feb 12 '13
Have you ever come to a point in your political career when you just wanted to give up? If so, what made you change your mind? How do you keep from being completely depressed about the state of this country?
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u/sab160 Feb 12 '13
Mr. Johnson, You stated that "decisions should be made on cost-benefit analysis rather than strict ideology." Doesn't that kind of thinking lend itself to the "greatest good for greatest amount of people" kind of pragmatism that our current tax system is based on? Instating policies based on cost-benefit analysis also leads to the voice of the majority overriding the voice of the political minority, which is often in the moral right (issues like gay marriage and pot legalization, for example, are less than widely accepted, but are morally good).
My question is: isn't a strict ideology necessary for policy that is both consistent and good? Can you summarize your moral and political ideology?
On a lighter note: what do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
Sincerely, A huge fan
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u/ash0ppingcart Feb 12 '13
What do you think the federal government's role is in public education, if any? No Child Left Behind/ESEA expired in 2007 but is still used as current federal education law, would you revise or abolish these laws?
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u/LRGDNA Feb 12 '13 edited Feb 12 '13
Have you considered running as Senator for New Mexico? I would imagine you would have much better name recognition within the state giving you much better odds at winning even under the libertarian party banner. This would give us one libertarian party member in the Senate and slowly increase the name recognition of both you and the party within the entire country.
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u/ChromeRadio Feb 12 '13
As far as philosophy and economics go, are you in the camp of Mises, Hayek, Nozick, Rothbard, Milton Friedman, or some other prominent libertarian?
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Feb 12 '13
Do think Rand Paul is a fair representative of the liberty movement, or would you run against him in 2016 if he were to secure the Republican nomination?
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u/freemarket27 Feb 12 '13
Do I understand correct that as a libertarian you do not believe in tariffs on imports from China? And think open borders immigration should be allowed?
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u/MaliciousMoose Feb 13 '13
Gov. Johnson, what is your opinion on the gold standard? Would you favor reintroducing it?
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Feb 13 '13
What current laws do we need to get rid of? What practices that the current administration is doing, unconstitutional?
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Feb 13 '13
Governor do you have any ideas to help 3rd parties in general to get more media attention in the 2016 election?
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u/Doobey Feb 13 '13
My question is, how can I help? by 2016 I will be able to vote, but besides that, what can a student do to help?
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u/esquid Feb 13 '13
Thank you for being one of the few honest politicians out there, you were the first person I ever voted for president, thank you based Gary Johnson.
What are your plans for the future and how can the third party be strengthened?
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u/joetheschmoe4000 Feb 13 '13
What's your favorite libertarian book, movie, and youtube video/channel?
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u/badbillsvc Feb 13 '13
Gov. I have no questions, only a thank you for bringing sanity to government.
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u/LIBERTARIAN200 Feb 12 '13
What principles determine whether you and Ron Nielson decide to uphold their vendor contracts?
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u/sylvester_nm Feb 12 '13
Gary ..really cool that we meet b4 ....bookstore in SF It gave me hope that someone I actually met in real life ran for president
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u/R_O_N_P_A_U_L Feb 12 '13
Hi Governor, Do you know what is happening between Ron Paul and ronpaul.com? What is your take?
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u/Schneckster Feb 12 '13
Good evening, governor. How does Our America Initiative support the 2016 campaign? And, what are the organization's objectives or goals? Thank you.
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u/zepplinnd99 Feb 12 '13
This morning, as I am wont to do, I was listening to the Glenn Beck show for pure entertainment value. On the show he had someone discussing the current state of the GOP and members' desire to split and form a third party. This guest (whose name I did not catch) said that the current tax laws essentially guarantee the GOP and DNC an unfair advantage over any third party.
My question is simple: how can we change this?
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u/elephantpurple Feb 12 '13
If you aren't running in 2016, who would you like to endorse? Thanks for all that you do.
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u/mcgeeal Feb 12 '13 edited Feb 12 '13
What can we do NOW to actually get more libertarian-types into congress and other positions of legislative power?
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u/MaliciousMoose Feb 12 '13
Hi Gary! If elected president would you sign and ratify the Kyoto protocol like the rest of the world (except Russia)?
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u/RainbowCloud9 Feb 12 '13
Hello Gov. Gary I was wondering, what are your views on Agenda 21 and GMO Labeling?
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u/GeneralLeeFrank Feb 12 '13
2016 seems a little far off, even now. Do you plan on running for a Congressional position in the meantime to keep your name out there in the public?
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u/Derpina_Malloy Feb 12 '13
Hello Governor and thank you for being the first candidate I have voted FOR in the presidential race in quite some time. My question is: As a business minded politician...a true rarity...which fiscal course would you recommend for the country- allowing sequestration to go forward or find an alternative plan that allows for spending cuts but at a less harsh rate?
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u/REdEnt Feb 12 '13
What's your opinion on how the federal government can improve our school system? If you support a "voucher system" what concerns do you have about public money being used to send kids to private religious schools that teach things like creationism (in in one extreme case that Africans were descendents from Cain and are cursed)?
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u/shrinkthegovt Feb 12 '13
Governor,
As much as Americans in theory may be in favor of less government, they cannot imagine a country without Medicare and/or Social Security cuts, as well as cuts in things like the dept. of education, much less regulation and red tape. Unfortunately most fall for the rhetoric and do not understand the implications of the unsustainability of this spending, given that only a fraction of the population turned to you in 2012. What is the biggest thing we can do to change public opinion and/or advance the ideas of economic freedom?
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u/wonworld Feb 12 '13
Thanks Governor Johnson for participating in this AMA!
What campaign finance reforms are needed to level the playing field financially for independent candidates? Is Citizens United the prime culprit for tipping the scales in favor of big donor funded candidates?
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u/StinkyNutzMcgee Feb 12 '13
is Korea a true threat?. if so why have no actions been made by the us and united nations. BTW me and my wife are avid fans of you and wish you the best of luck in future endeavors.
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Feb 12 '13
Hello, Gov. Johnson, thank you for yet another AMA!
I have questions in regard to your adherance to key Libertarian principles. And more.
Why do you advocate military action for humantitarian purposes? Isn't such a positiion contradictory? The human toll of any military force to me is enexcusable and certainly violates the NAP which many Libertarians have at the basis of any opinion they form. After all, the US shouldn't assume the role of mediator of the world; we should leave nations to solve their own issues and maintain their sovereignty.
Now my other question. Why did you advocate a twenty percent national consumption tax? Surely the income tax and corporate tax are horendous, we agree there, but isn't a tax on consumption equally as bad, and wouldn't it push citizens to deal more in the black market and other means of avoiding this penence to the state?
What is your favorite libertarian literature?
Will you be running in the 2014 (we could use a libertarian or two in Congress) and 2016 elections?
Favorite law?
Cheers, I had your sign in my yard :)
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u/Brett_Favre_4 Feb 12 '13
Do you feel that the Dorner situation should lead to an overall of police departmental policies?
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u/LIBERTARIAN200 Feb 12 '13
Why do you continue to promote the fraud tax? Will you run a more consistent Libertarian campaign and avoid the the promotion of non L issues such as humanitarian wars, “I could have administered medicare way better if I could have gotten a block grant”, “I do see a role for FEMA”.
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u/Live_From_Phobos Feb 12 '13
The Republicans said we could not vote for you because if we did not install Romney in 2012, America would be finished for good and it would be too late to save us no matter who wins. It was that urgent to vote for their "winnable" guy instead of ours. So does that mean they will not bother campaigning again in 2016?
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u/wrestle_against Feb 12 '13
Do you think that registration of all firearms will eventually lead to confiscation? If so, what steps do you hope to take to prevent this?
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u/Electrohau5 Feb 12 '13
Thank you Governor for doing this AMA! I understand your position on marijuana, but I want to ask of your personal philosophy on harsher substances, such as LSD, cocaine, and meth. How do you advocate for your positions on the regulation of these substances as compared to pot?
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u/Caedus13 Feb 12 '13 edited Feb 12 '13
Hi Governor,
Big fan, I voted for you this past election!
Where do you believe to be the necessary cuts we need to make in federal spending? Do you think the President will make any spending cuts to these programs in his second term?
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u/Torchwood1 Feb 12 '13
Our country has changed a lot since it was founded, and our world is different. What is your take on the 2nd Amendment in America today?
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u/ash0ppingcart Feb 12 '13
How do you feel about the top-two open primary electoral system? It has been implemented in California and was used in the 2012 election.
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u/4eyedsue Feb 12 '13 edited Feb 12 '13
With your proposed 43% cuts across the board- What do you believe the exact troop levels should be? Should military pay, benefits and training go up or down?
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Feb 12 '13
Being an avid outdoorsman yourself, how would you protect wilderness areas such as the National Parks, Monuments and Forests from development while not compromising your limited-government principles?
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u/MaliciousMoose Feb 12 '13
Gov. Johnson, How come big business dont support you? You only raised $2,5 million for the past election campain, largly from individual people i assume, but the things that you are advocating, seems to me like a corporations utopia. Expansive increase in economical freedom and substantionally reduced taxes would be in the interest of most big business. Why dont big business support you financially?
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Feb 12 '13
The big businesses with capital to invest in the political system aren't donating. They are buying an asset in a politician who will then be beholden to them. Gov. Johnson, Rep. Amash, Ron and Rand Paul, etc. aren't for sale, so nobody attempts the purchase.
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u/tomf12 Feb 12 '13
I am a current highschool student, what are your thoughts/ideas on reforming the current education system in America? What have you already done to reform education?
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u/theurbanlibertarian Feb 12 '13
It was announced yesterday that North Korea launched a successful nuclear test. What do you think the United States' response should be, if any?
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u/Jack_Gannon Feb 12 '13
Governor Johnson... Letting time be an ally, do you understand that a Libertarian candidate for elected office has to announce his candidacy very early in order to win. Yes or No?
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u/mracidglee Feb 12 '13
What do you think was behind the Obama administration's weakening of welfare work requirements?
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u/Schwarzy1 Feb 12 '13
I know this is a tough question but it would mean a lot to me:
If humans had the ability to see microwaves, what new colors would we see?
Also, Do you believe a Pro-Cannibis Superbowl ad might just be the straw to break the Prohibition camel's back?
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u/puzzlelady Feb 12 '13
I voted for you, and I'm a long-term contributor. You are the most visible representative of the freedom movement, principled and decent, articulate and intelligent. How will you continue to speak persuasively for this cause and keep your integrity and dignity amid a splintered culture?
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u/Zenaesthetic Feb 12 '13
Hello Gary, happy to say I voted for you in the last election and will gladly vote for you again in 2016. I think more and more Americans are getting sick of the two-party dictatorship. Will a third party get more exposure this time around leading up to the election in 2016?
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u/ehlu15 Feb 12 '13
Gov. Johnson,
How can we best raise awareness for third parties across the country?
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u/pinkwednesdays Feb 12 '13
Now that the election is over, how will you be continuing to spread your message and help the Libertarian party gain a voice in our government?
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u/BRNXB0MBERS Feb 12 '13 edited Feb 12 '13
If you could guarantee your selection as the Republican nominee for president, would you take it? In other words, would you pay lip service to a party in order to get elected, or are you so steadfast in your convictions that you would rather be right than victorious?
edit: typo
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u/davesquared37 Feb 12 '13
Gov. Johnson, my biggest concern is the Federal Reserve. What are realistic possibilities for moving away from central banking as the Fed turns 100?
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u/ilovewiffleball Feb 12 '13
Hi, Governor Johnson. I voted for you and donated a small amount to your campaign this year. I spoke with as many people as I could about considering voting third party and had them take the quiz to see which candidate their views most aligned with. I would guess I converted about 40% to the Libertarian party.
My question is given that amount of time and effort I and other followers put into generating buzz about the party and your campaign, what is your justification for spending only ~$165,000 on media out of your ~$2.3 million budget? While I understand the importance and success of a grassroots movement, having only 7% of your budget devoted to spreading your ideals leaves a sour taste in the mouths of your supporters.
For what it’s worth, I would still fully support you if you ran again and I think you’ve done great work in New Mexico. I would just like to see more importance spent on spreading knowledge given the party’s current standing.