From Peter’s Desk: Why I Run
Every week brings new attention to the American Solidarity Party, and as I meet people who have become aware of our presidential campaign, I’ve begun to notice categories of reactions to us. Some are enthusiastic and grateful. Others are cautious or hesitant to consider a third-party candidate. A few are critical of this or that policy position. Still others resent that our presence as an alternative in November is a threat to their preferred outcome.
Inevitably, someone asks me why I decided to run for President. Why enter the political fray? Inevitably, I will answer, “Because I have a loose wire” (frankly, a healthy dose of truth). Self-deprecating humor lightens the mood, but it doesn’t supply the answer sought. This is deeply personal to me, enough so that my family and I have changed the course of our lives for it.
A third-party candidate is, by definition, a contrarian. He or she takes a series of positions that are distinct from the majority, and eschews the political machine, games, and backroom deals that define modern policy making. I know confidently that many people share my political views, and advocating those views has become imperative to my beliefs.
I am running for the ASP because I cannot find solid footing in either of our major parties. I’m running because I believe there is a better way than those offered by the duopoly. Moreover, I’m running as a testament to my family, and to myself, that political interest is not equivalent to political involvement when introducing change.
A friend with whom I have often sparred politically, on learning of my candidacy, wrote to acknowledge “the seriousness of your dedication to your party [and] convictions.” A former elected official himself, he observed that while many are vocal on the sidelines, few put themselves in a position subject to public scrutiny.
His words, though genuine, were not meant to be entirely flattering. Having a loose wire, or acting without total caution, is among the prerequisites for being a presidential candidate. Seeking to be grounded in sound principles is another. I can supply the first. The American Solidarity Party provides the second.
If you’re willing to support one or both of these conditions, please join us as a volunteer or donor – or both. We know that there are many of us on the sidelines, and a successful ASP campaign is one where we show the country that we exist, that we are serious, and that we are not giving up.
Thank you for all you’ve done to support the campaign to-date.
Your financial assistance is critical to achieving ballot access in November. Time is running out.
