The Libertarian Party extends heartfelt sympathies to the surviving families of the victims and all who were harmed by the senseless and violent bombing in Boston on April 15 and its aftermath. We applaud the efforts of Boston-area residents and law enforcement officials who helped to remove the immediate threat of additional harm from the alleged perpetrators.

While we are relieved that the Justice Department has assured that the surviving bombing suspect will receive a civilian trial, we are troubled that, according to news reports, he …

by J.J. Summerell
Chair, Libertarian Party of North Carolina

“Don’t waste your vote” is a refrain which independent, third party voters hear frequently, and the impact it has on those considering a third party vote is interesting. It demonstrates the dichotomy which frequently occurs between logic and ethics. Logically, given a close election, one would not vote third party for the “lesser of two evils” argument. Ethically, many feel you have a duty to vote your conscious for ideological reasons. Both arguments are plausible.

The 2012 election will …