I am Gov. Gary Johnson, Honorary Chairman of the Our America Initiative

Hi Gov. Johnson!

What is your opinion of Bitcoin, the fairly new decentralized crypto-currency that is currently gaining lots of popularity in online circles like Reddit?

I am not as well-versed on Bitcoin as I should be -- I am familiar with it, but not in great detail. I promise to learn more before our next Reddit.

THANK YOU all for joining me today, and apologies for not getting to a great many of your questions. I tried. Again, thanks for your interest, and I will see you again here on Reddit very soon!

What is your opinion of the Tea Party? My understanding is that it was something that started from libertarian roots (mainly out of the Republican party) to fight government waste and overspending, and kind of was overtaken by social conservatives to become almost the antithesis of libertarianism (i.e., social conservatism along with a different kind of fiscal liberalism – tax cuts coupled with big military spending)

I completely agree with your analysis of what happened with much of the Tea Party, recognizing not all Tea Party groups are the same.

Mr. Johnson,

Thanks for doing this. My question is this. What is your take on what seems to be increased militarization of the DHS, including the purchase of large amounts of ammunition as well as armored personnel carriers?

It is very disconcerting. More and more guns in the hands of federal govt agencies is not a good thing.

I just wanted to thank you for doing so many Google Hangouts, Reddit AMAs, etc and staying in touch.

Thank you. It is essential to use all the tools available to stay in touch. I hope they are helpful, and plan to keep it up!

What's your BIGGEST disappointment in Obama?

What he says and what he does are two different things. Wars, spending, drug reform, gay rights.

What changes need to be implemented in the strategy of third party candidates before 2016 so that the public is more aware of them and their views?

The #1 ingredient for awareness is funding, and clearly, third party candidates have not figured that out.

You're one of the few big-name libertarians who vocally supports equality before the law at the federal level; Rand Paul supports "traditional marriage", and Ron Paul thought it was okay for Texas to outlaw sodomy. Would you agree that there's a schism between socially tolerant libertarians who really want the government out of the bedroom at all levels of government and states'-rights libertarians who think it's okay to regulate people's personal lives as long as the federal government's not doing it, and if so how can that gap be bridged to create a more inclusive liberty movement?

Also, is this a hint of things to come?

Finally, thank you for running last year. I'm a high school junior, and seeing you stand up for liberty and the inclusion of third parties is part of what inspired me to decide that I want to get into politics and make a difference.

I am in the camp who believes marriage equality is a constitutional right; thus, it cannot and should not be deferred to the states.

What is your opinion on the student loan crisis? Is it a bubble? Should the government intervene to stop it?

It is a bubble, and it is government-caused. also the primary reason for high tuition costs is guaranteed student loans.

Previously on reddit you said you'd cut 43% of the federal budget. The budget is 22% Social security, 23% Medicare and Medicaid, 19% defense, 17% other discretionary 13% other mandatory, 6% interest. How much would you cut from what?

Today, we are printing and borrowing roughly 30 cents of every dollar spent. That is the amount we need to cut to balance the budget. Medicare and Medicaid are the large drivers of the deficit, and they need to be cut sufficiently to achieve a balanced budget, along with the military and other discretionary accounts.

Governor, what are your thoughts on the states' pushes for more gun control over the past several months (NY, CO, MD, etc)? How far do you believe the second amendment allows the states, not the federal government, to go with regards to gun control?

Bottom line is that greater gun control results in more criminals having guns and law-abiding citizens having fewer.

How would you handle the current situation with North Korea?

Diplomacy full speed ahead, bringing pressure to bear from all sides. I would certainly bring China to the table. They have much to lose from N. Korea's bad behavior.

Do you plan on running for office in the future?

I plan on remaining a spokesperson for our issues as long as I am relevant.

With so many states starting to move further down the path of marijuana of various levels of legality, how long do you think it will be before the federal government finally caves and makes it legal federally?

Sooner rather than later. I just heard today that the Forest Service is issuing citations for marijuana use at ski areas. I am girding myself for a confrontation, not because I am using marijuana, but because I want to see it happen. And they can't find enough money to keep the White House tours going!

Do you fear that the libertarian movement will go the way of the republicans and democrats in respect to the fact that big money will buy out their voices? or are Libertarians inherently different?

Unfortunately, that does seem to be the evolution of every party which becomes "successful". We must fight that tendency.

What is your opinion of a) how the sequester came to be and b) the effects of the sequester. And how do you think it will be resolved – which party do you think is going to blink first

It came to be from legislation signed to get Congress and the White House off the hook, with no belief it would come to pass. It did, and frankly is less of a spending reduction that what is obviously needed.

Mr. Johnson what is your opinion on expanding the NASA budget? Do you feel that space is a worth while investment?

Long term, investment in space is essential. Near term, we must balance the budget, and NASA must shoulder reductions like the rest of the federal government.

Hello Mr. Johnson

Thank you for your time. How would you say is the best way to get higher internet speeds to people in more rural areas?

First, make sure the Govt is NOT spearheading the effort. Then, demand, technology and the market with produce.

What are your feelings about SCOTUS taking on gay marriage?

I am very glad they have taken it up, and hope for a ruling on the side of marriage equality. I have joined a brief urging them to do so.

Governor Johnson, what is your opinion of the Fair Tax?

I advocate strongly for the Fair Tax.

Mr. Johnson, Proud to have voted for you in November and my question is, do you feel like a complete economic collapse in the United States is imminent within the next 5 years?

Near term, the Fed/centralized bank can probably stave off a collapse with its manipulations. Long term, a collapse is inevitable if we don't get the budget under control.

Why is it that so many people seem to be pro-big government? You would think that in a country that prides itself on the individual and working to one's own ability, that we would never have the type of government we have, today? In your opinion, where did we go wrong as a nation?

I think the roots lie in that everyone ends up with a little piece of the pie they do not want to part with.

How much does that cost to climb Everest? How does one raise the money to do so? Do you just use part of your life savings to accomplish such a goal? Do you get sponsorships? And if you do get sponsorships, what comes along with it? Also, what is your timeframe to complete the two remaining peaks of the Seven Summits?

edit: I just realized that's like a Miley Cyrus SNL type of question with too many back to back. Just you know, interested about how one manages to secure the funds to climb Everest and what goes into it.

It was very expensive, but it was my money. I did not have any sponsorships. I am planning to climb Carson's Pyramid this fall, leaving only the highest peak in Antarctica of the 7 Summits.

Who are your influences?

As I have gotten farther into politics, I have found that many "influences" are not always what I once believed. I have become very cautious about such influences.

[deleted]

The reality of a voucher system is that the feds and state govts will try to mandate curriculum. That is not good, but reality.

Do you perceive gerrymandering as a problem? If so, what solutions would you propose, either at the federal or state level? If not, why not?

Thank you for the AMA.

Yes, it is a problem and promotes the status quo. As Governor, I did all I could do, which was to veto the legislature's gerrymandered plan. Unfortunately, the courts upheld their gerrymander.

What are your thoughts on Glen Beck "becoming" Libertarian? Personally, I think this is great as it opens a new facet of thinkers/listeners.

I have spoken with Glenn several times, and I would be cautious. Not all of his statements and positions are necessarily libertarian; however, some are.

What are your thoughts on funding the arts in our public schools?

The federal government should not be funding our public schools, nor telling them what to teach. I advocate abolishing the federal Department of Education.

Hello Gov. Johnson! What's your opinion on the new Ryan budget that has been proposed?

I remain slain that Ryan's budgets, including today's, are regarded as the most "bold", when they are in fact not as bold as is required. Give him credit for trying.

Governor Johnson:

In a previous AMA, I asked you:

In your opinion, what is the biggest flaw with the Libertarian philosophy and way of thinking?

and you replied

It may have many flaws. But, I think it is the best philosophy that we have for living our lives.

I have to say that this is a complete non-answer, and I was disappointed that a politician I regarded as blunt and honest would dodge like that.

So my question for you today is: In your opinion, what is the biggest flaw with the Libertarian philosophy and way of thinking?

I don't see it as a flaw, but I believe the biggest problem is that too many people see libertarian philosophy as a type of Darwinism, survival of the fittest.

Where is your favorite place to ski in the world? What about in the United States?

Taos, NM! That's where I live and ski every day I can.