Published in The Record, June 6, 2016
Regarding "Libertarians could hurt candidate, but whom?" (Other Views, June 1):
The Op-Ed article by Bloomberg News Columnist Albert Hunt stated "there probably wouldn't be much support for Libertarians among Latinos and African-Americans…"
What a patronizing and misguided statement. Is Hunt suggesting that individual liberty has no appeal to minority voters? Racial and ethnic minorities have to deal with government interference in their lives on a daily basis just like everyone else and perhaps more so.
Racial profiling of minorities is a direct outgrowth of the "war on drugs" which we Libertarians would end. Your life and body belong to you, not the state. That idea is the basis of what our country is supposed to be all about.
The Libertarian Party and movement are both based on the idea that we are all individuals — regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender choice or orientation. Our party and movement is open to all and always has been. If you're for freedom, we're for you.
Mark Richards
West Milford