In this year’s presidential race there is an alternative to the choices put forth by the two-party establishment and mainstream media — a candidate who has consistently stood for constitutionally-limited government, a candidate who has been married faithfully to the same woman for more than 35 years with no infidelity, a candidate who served as a marine, yet would never send the young men and women in our armed forces into harm’s way without an actual declaration of war from Congress, a candidate who believes in the right to life for every human being conceived, a candidate who believes in the right to bear arms with no limitations, a candidate who would not funnel hard-earned tax dollars to subsidize foreign nations, a candidate who would work to eliminate entitlements for non-citizens.

This candidate, Darrell Castle, is a humble and dignified statesman who is running because delegates at the Constitution Party National convention drafted him to be their standard bearer. He is a Christian attorney from Memphis, Tennessee. Having known him personally for almost two decades, I can testify that he stands in stark contrast to the self-aggrandizing narcissists we see promoted on the nightly news. I will be voting for him along with others in 48 states where he is either on the ballot or a certified write-in; enough states to get the 270 electoral votes to win the election.

There are some who would say that an independent/third party candidate simply cannot win.  But in 2012, of the 242 million people qualified to vote, only 129 million did. That leaves 113 million who stayed home, probably out of frustration because they did not see a candidate worthy of their time and effort. Conversely, we can see what can happen when people are actively motivated to vote by the results of Jesse Ventura’s win. Not voting at all actually demonstrates approval or acceptance of the status quo by showing indifference to the outcome.

My conscience will be clear, no matter who is elected, because I will be choosing someone with honor, integrity, and character, rather than compromising for the perceived lesser evil. No one is entitled to my vote, least of all someone who has not earned it. Voting is the currency of one’s virtue and should be invested wisely, not for some shallow victory which will certainly bring dubious, regretful consequences.

Perhaps you are asking why you haven’t heard of Castle before. The simple answer to that question is twofold: those in places of control would prefer he remain obscure as they don’t want his principled opposition and second, he does not have the war chest to buy exposure and influence as others do. But you can check out Darrell Castle on Youtube, Facebook or at castle2016.com! In this information age, there is little excuse for ignorance and complacency.

Tammy Houle

Redwood Falls