I would like thank the Kenai Chamber of Commerce for including Libertarian candidate for US Senate, Mark Fish into the recent debate. One of the pinnacles of our representative democracy is the 1st amendment which gives us the right to free speech but moreover, the obligation to promote free speech. Too many times the voices of other politicians who do not represent the Democrat or Republican party are excluded.
In keeping with the regulations of the Great State of Alaska, it is imperative that when a political party is recognized either through ballot access or by petition, representatives of these recognized parties must be granted the right to bring their ideas to the public forum.
In 1992 when Ross Perot ran for President of the United States, he was included into the national debate as an “outsider” running on an independent ticket. His clear clarion call for a balanced and sustainable budget had such a major impact on the political discourse that President Clinton and Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich were motivated to carry the water for a balanced budget and through bipartisan support, it was realized for a short period of time. This is an example of the effect independent candidates can have on issues of great importance. Without these messengers and messages, the air in our political arena is exhausted in partisan political bickering.
It is essentially to recognize and promote the “free market” of fresh political ideas. For this I commend the Chamber of Commerce with their attitude of inclusion. It is the American spirit of fair play and equality.