Contributed by Cean Stevens, US Senate Candidate
This past weekend, I was blessed to be able to drive through our beautiful state and parts of Canada to have a campaign booth at the Haines Fair. Haines is a breath taking little town with friendly residents. I was told ahead of time that Haines is a libertarian-leaning town. I wasn’t disappointed. A majority of people I spoke with were receptive to our message and appreciated having the candidate there in person.
On the last day of the fair, a lady glanced at me and then headed straight for the booth.
“You’re libertarian,” she said. “I am,” I replied. She smiled and said she was as well; then began to look over my position papers, agreeing with each one. When she read my tri-fold, she said “You’re pro-life?” “I am,” I said, then explained why I believe the NAP (Non-Aggression Principle) should apply to the unborn also. She stared at me for a moment and said “I can’t believe you are putting this on your literature where people can see it.” I asked her if she would rather candidates for office lied and hide what they believed from the voters. She said “Yes, if I don’t agree with it!” I’ve heard some shocking things while running for US Senate, but a voter asking me to lie to the public is the most bizarre.
Voters are so used to being lied to that it’s become the norm. Even main stream media has a politically correct term for it, “disingenuous”. It’s called a lie, folks! Call me old fashioned, but those of us who had our mouths washed out with soap know it’s wrong.
America is in a rapid state of decline and people are looking for a “savior” to instantly fix everything. Unfortunately, they are willing to overlook major flaws in a candidate. The senate is comprised of 57% lawyers and has a 12% approval rating. Should we elect more lawyers? Let’s send someone different, someone who doesn’t want to use congress as a retirement home.
This brings me to my point. It’s hard to find a candidate whom you agree with 100%. There are pre-conceived notions regarding every political party, including libertarians. The future of our country and our state hangs in the balance. Please research the candidate you might vote for. I don’t agree lock, stock and barrel with some of my favorite politicians, but I do believe they are good people who are trying to do what’s best.
I don’t care what party a politician belongs to. I care about their character and whether or not they are disingenuous. Lying is the grease on a slippery slope to special interests, lobbyists, insider trading and bribery. We need less of the “norm” and more of the “different” which just might turn out to be, not that different from you.
Bio:
Cean has called Alaska her home since 1969. She and her brother were raised by a single mother who at times, worked three jobs to support them. She taught them both that they could be anything they wanted as long as they worked hard enough. She also taught them to hunt and fish at a very early age. After graduating from Wasilla High School, Cean moved back to Anchorage and started two small businesses in 2000. In 2014, Cean ran for State House in Anchorage. She received the highest percentage of any libertarian in the United States running for higher office. She currently lives in Anchorage with her husband Randy, their two mini-dachshunds (Toochie & Poppy), a pug (Soloman) and a gaggle of chickens. Cean loves fishing, camping, gardening, hunting and spending time with her family and friends.