Ask most any college grad today about Milton Friedman, F.A. Hayek or Ayn Rand and you'll get a blank stare.

I vote Libertarian even though I think it would be bad if they took power, at this time. Freedom without responsibility is disaster and I don't think enough Americans want to accept responsibility for their actions.

Changing America does not require 51% of the vote, only 10%. If 10% vote for change one or both of the ruling Parties will make the change for one election cycle. If Ron Paul gets 10% in the general election as a Libertarian it will do America good regardless of which Party wins. Perot lost but his policies got passed for a couple of election cycles.

We are surrounded by heroes but the RNC or DNC will never choose them to be a candidate for President. Anyone who would really reform Washington and Wall St would bankrupt the RNC and DNC.

Fight on John! I would vote for you.

Barry Payne, Titular Despot Emeritus

@ Barry Payne -A vote for ANY third party will simply be a vote for the Obamstard.

Instead of casting a vote that might even remotely help this traitor-in-chief, write to all of your elected officials and outline any libertarian views you may have.

Many of us Constitutionalists (ex-republicans mostly tea-party members) have alot of refreshing ideas that are Libertarian in origin and we will be communicating these effectively to our new representatives (hopefully NOT democraps)

@Barry Payne

if Ron Paul runs an independant campaign, and you vote for him, you may feel good about your vote, but you will in effect be voting for continuing the Obamao reign of terror. How stupid do you have to be not to see that all votes must be devoted to the eventual Republican nominee whoever that is? Split the vote and Chairman Obamao wins. Do you really want that on your concience?

wjmccrindle has stated exactly the message that I have been preaching for several years now. I have a good, conservative friend who voted for Paul the last time around. When I try to explain to him what his vote has accomplished, it`s like talking to a brick wall. A third party run by Paul will just be a turd-in-a punch bowl. I agree with many of Paul`s ideals, but his quest for the presidency is a lost cause and a diversion from our need to elect almost anyone other than Obama.

Richard Ryan

Lamar,Missouri - Birthplace of Harry S Truman

Didn't know that about BB&T. Next time my bank makes me mad I'll move my accounts to BB&T.

John,

Thank you for the enlightening article. It is important to know who the Patriots of yesterday and today are. I don't understand why people hate successful banks or any other successful type of business that thrives in the free market system legally. Mr. Allison and BB&T are great role models for business and the Capitalist system. I remember back in 2009 when there was all of the fuss about the banks and Wall Street using the TARP money to pay out bonuses. I asked some of the people around me who were sneering at the banks, what did you expect them to do with the money? Especially when it was given to them without any stipulations. It was no different than someone getting a walefare check and spending it on cigarretts, beer, video games, and trips to McDonalds. It proved that Government handouts are worthless and always have been. By the way, look at most of the Occupiers who hate the banks and ask them where their income comes from. Mr. Allison is a hero and it would be nice if the media talked more about the accomplishments of real heros instead of condemming success.

It's always refreshing to hear the Libertarian view, John. But, as you can see, some here have decided to vote for a continuation of the absurd and reckless government nannies we have today, Republican and/or Democrat. As a result, nothing will change in our country. So, brace yourselves for "four more years." You will have earned it.

@ Tex Horn-

So who in the hell are you going to vote for?

Vote for Obamstard???? Are you a socialist, a commie, a Democrat, a liberal or all of the above, in which case I'll just call you stupid.

Romney? OK, he'll still be a HELL of a lot better than some lefty idiot intent on bringing this nation down to it's knees.

Lets hope those big bad liberal Republicans can take back the Senate and atleast start to undo some of the crap this DH-in-chief has foisted upon us.

Jeesh, what a maroon.

A maroon? I think that just backfired on you, Mr. Dense.

Like you, I'll vote against Obama. But, I'll do it with a clear understanding that the status quo will continue and nothing will change with liberal Republicans like you.

I'm not a Republican, I'm a Constitutionalist. Bush Jr. blew it big time.

P.S. Bugs bunny always called em' maroons!!!

My apologies for the stupid comment Tex Horn.

It's all good, mmccrindle. Didn't know about Bugs...now it' funny.

I am disgusted in like minded people thinking that a vote FOR your beliefs is wasted. The problem in American politics is the two party system, which is little more than a flash-bang used by magicians. The two party system is the distraction they use to expand government and the patronage that feeds their campaign coffers and wallets.

Our only hope is encouraging the development of other parties and voting your beliefs. Ron Paul is our only hope in this election and he has a chance, especially if people who believe as he does, do as he does. Stand up for what you believe.

Stand up for your LIBERTIES and vote your conscience. Do not compromise for the "electable" candidate. Vote Ron Paul or whomever you believe is most in line with your platform.

@Tex & mccrindle: I once had a friend named Moran who wore clothing maroon as she ate her munchy macaroons and watched political morons attempt to jump over the moon.

Ron Paul will not run as a third party candidate, but he will use his popularity to garner electoral votes with which to influence the Republican platform of the nominee that he will eventually end up supporting.

@matt yoder: You may be disgusted by the facts, but that doesn't change them. A vote for ANYONE other than the nominee for the Republican party is a vote FOR Obamao. If you can't understand that fact then you're completely lost. I'd LOVE to vote for Ron Paul, but I'll hold my nose and vote for Romney (whom I dislike intensely), just to get RID OF the present Dictator-In-Chief. Anyone else who considers themselves patriotic Americans should do the same, otherwise Obamao will succeed in his quest to KILL America. ANY vote for a third-party candidate is a vote for Obamao, period. NO third-party candidate has ANY chance at winning the presidency. Once you accept that FACT, it all becomes very clear. There is no denying that a vote for anyone other than the Republican nominee is a vote that could have gone against Obamao.