The Daily Egyptian is published by the students of SIU at Carbondale. Except during vacations and exam weeks, The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and spring semesters and TWThF during the summer semester."

Libertarian party candidate visits SIUC

While recent presidential debates have only covered the platforms of Republican and Democratic, Michael Badnarick is saying there is another choice-Libertarian.

As the Libertarian candidate for president, Badnarick made a stop at SIUC Saturday to speak to students and community members about his viewpoints as a presidential hopeful.

"What we need is a major grassroots movement," Badnarick said. "We need it now, and we need to light the fires of liberty one heart at a time."

Badnarik, a computer programmer from Texas, is on the ballot in 48 states, including Illinois. John Brooks, media coordinator for Southern Illinoisan Libertarians, said Badnarik had to get 25,000 people to sign a petition to be on the ballot.

"Deep down in my heart, I know this is what our country needs," Brooks said. "I want him to win."

If elected, Badnarik said he would first remove all government restrictions. Referring to the PATRIOT Act as violating civil liberties. Badnarik said he would restore, respect and enforce the Bill of Rights.

Badnarick also discussed his "disgust" with government regulated free-speech zones. He compared the free speech zones at the Democratic National Convention to a "prisoner compound" and the treatment of those who speak out against the president similar to those "that Joseph Stalin used."

"Anywhere where I happen to stand is a free speech zone," he said. "And anywhere you happen to be standing is a free speech zone. You don't need permission to speak. You exercise your right."

Another issue Badnarick spoke about was the War in Iraq, which he said, "has been a colossal failure." While President George Bush wants to continue with his plan and Sen. John Kerry wants NATO's assistance, Badnarick is calling for an exit strategy.

Even though Johnston City residents Ray and Marilyn Marek agree with many Libertarian viewpoints, they do not agree on Badnarik's exit strategy.

"There's no way that in the position we're in, that we can abandon our troops," Ray Marek said. "I have to back Bush."

As a Libertarian, Badnarick said federal programs such as welfare are "theft" and people should instead learn how to be responsible for themselves. He also discussed affirmative action and said people need to learn how to get ahead on their own.

Even though Badnarick said he is not part of the "pot party" and does not recommend drug use, he is for the decriminalization of marijuana and the end of the War on Drugs.

"If there's no victim, there's no crime," he said. "If you want to smoke marijuana, go ahead as long as you don't hurt anyone."

Another hot topic in this upcoming election is that of stem cell research. Badnarik said in order for him to discuss stem cell research, he would have to talk about abortion.

"Abortion is a divided issue among the people," he said. "It also has the Libertarian party divided and split."

He said because everyone has personal responsibility over his or her own bodies, it is not the president or the government's place to regulate abortion.

Badnarik, who is pro-life, said using adult stem cells for research could be "a good thing," but ended his discussion of the topic by saying, "I don't know."

On the issue of gay rights, Badnarik said Bush is trying to use government power to dictate marriage laws and that Kerry is "being chicken" by making it the state's decision. Badnarik's standpoint on the issue of gay marriage is that it should not be a government issue, but a personal decision.

"When marriage is taken out of the legal realm, it will again be seen for what it has always been: a matter of heart and soul."

Badnarik also discussed the issue of gun control and government regulations. He believes there should be less gun control laws because the Second Amendment states the right to bear arms.

Even though Adam Buker, president of the Students for a Libertarian Society, is predicting Badnarik will receive five percent of the vote, he said that Badnarik is "the only alternative we have in Illinois."

However, Badnarik said he was not willing to predict his success, but said he that he could win.

"I do predict there will be quite a few of hung over libertarians on November 3," he said.

 

 

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