America, are you happy with your choices?

Both Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton

became their party’s nominee by hostile takeover. Hopefully, the wisdom of the electorate will not allow that to happen to the presidency. Every four years, voters “hire” the person who will work for them as president. It is a job, not a personality contest or a duel. In this unique election year, common sense directs our attention to a third- party choice for president. Political divisiveness is menacing the federal government. Former New Mexico governor Gary Johnson, a competent neutral- party nominee, has the experience and political maturity to work cooperatively with Congress and end the gridlock in Washington.

Voters have a serious obligation to vote for the individual best suited. The founders envisioned the president as a problem- solver who will work to keep all three branches of the government operating to provide effective services to the people. The federal government is designed to work for us, not the other way around. The Founders relied on our judgement to choose a president who respects the constitutional limitations of the office, yet has the wisdom, experience and maturity to steer the ship of the state successfully through turbulent political waters.

Abraham Lincoln is said to have been the most recent successful third- party presidential candidate. Perhaps these tumultuous times require another one. Jane Kenny Bluffton, S. C.