Let's talk NSA, Healthcare & More with Gov. Gary Johnson

What would be your national plan for health care?

Also what is your favorite Christmas song?

A genuine free market approach to health care. Favorite Christmas song is the Twelve Days of Christmas.

You talk a lot about the abusive surveillance and police state as well as increasing bureaucratic control of medicine. On the other hand, there are issues that you've been advocating for a while now, namely marijuana legalization and marriage equality, that now have a real foothold in politics. It is hard to tell whether the cause of liberty is ultimately gaining or losing ground.

So where do you see the United States, and the liberty movement in particular, 5 years from now?

Liberty is losing ground. The Liberty MOVEMENT is becoming more and more noticed. Let's not forget there are still 1.8 million drug-related arrests/year.

Hey Gov. Johnson, As a college-aged libertarian, What can I do to get involved? I feel like a lot more people would side libertarian if they knew what it entails, but no one wants to hear our message.

The fact you are on here tonight qualifies as being involved. Keep it up.

Gov. Johnson, how do we begin to propose there be a mandatory law stating that: any third party candidate that receives 5% of the vote (electoral or popular) must be recognized as a major political party, participating in the major debates? Also, what is your view on Ron Paul's status as a Libertarian rather than a Republican (vice versa)?

I believe if you can mathematically qualify to be President, I believe the law should require inclusion in any polls used to determine debate participation. In 2012, that would have been Obama, Romney, Jill Stein and myself.

What's your opinion on bitcoin and would you consider taking donations in bitcoin?

The verdict is still out on bitcoin, and any donations, including bitcoin, are fantastic.

Are there any circumstances in which you would advocate armed revolution against the United States Government?

I like to think that a revolution is what we are doing right now, except with words rather than guns.

What are your thoughts on deregulating the wireless telecom industry?

Deregulation of anything ends up being positive for the consumer. However, I always keep an open mind on regulation from the standpoint of keeping a fair and level playing field.

That's it for tonight. Thanks everybody. Great questions. Happy Holidays all around!!

My friend is always criticizing my association with Libertarianism (which isn't even a fully accurate statement, but nevertheless) because he calls it's "extreme far right". I've constantly tried to persuade him that he's misinformed, and stating the "socially progressive, fiscally conservative" argument, but he never budges. What would you say the best argument to convince him otherwise would be?

Libertarians have always stood for legalized drug use, military non-intervention, and marriage equality. Libertarians are flaming liberals when it comes to civil liberties.

Hi Gov. This is your first IAmA I have caught. I have always wanted to ask you how you compare your views to the general public's notion on what a libertarian is. I voted for you and got 97% of the same answers as you on one of those political quizzes but I find myself alienated from libertarians on many levels.

I think the baggage that Libertarians carry is the perception that they believe in "survival of the fittest". I believe there are people who are truly in need of help, and that government has a role in providing help that is truly warranted.

I understand that you're against FDA regulation of food, but for honest and informative labeling. What do you think is the best way to go about making these changes, and how soon can we make it happen?

I support legislation to make it happen, and that we as consumers demand that those changes be made.

What are your thoughts on the minimum wage? Totally voted for you by the way.

I oppose the minimum wage. Tongue in cheek, why not raise the minimum straight to $75?

Hey Gary,

As a fellow cyclist, what bike do you ride? Any cool adventuring stories?

Specialized S-Works mountain bike and Specialized road bike. Just got back from Indonesia where I climbed Carstensz Pyramid. The 12 days in and out for the climb were the toughest of my life.

May be off topic but...

What do you think about the fast food workers on strike? Wouldn't it be best, for the rest of us taxpayers, if those people were paid more? If the companies’ paid more it would make their employees less dependent on government assistance. Sure the "job creators" are less profitable but what were they going to do with that money? Create more crappy jobs? Mcdonald’s could double the wages of all their employees and still have profits. I don’t think the government should step in rather the two parties negotiate, I was just wondering your opinion.

I'm opposed to a government-set minimum wage, and if you have a model for paying substantially more and still being profitable and competitive, you will be extremely successful.

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Whatever it is you do, do it entrepreneurally.

Now I'm not in your state, and this will probably be skimmed over. But I have an issue with a current policy in my state, how effective is writing to my governor or senator? Is it better to petition?

Depending on the time and effort you put into your letter, it could have a profound impact. I would suggest giving that a try.

Governor Johnson thank you for your time,

Recently Mayor Bloomberg banned firearms (able to hold more than 5 rounds) in NYC. What is your opinion of this and private firearm ownership in the U.S. in general?

I absolutely support the 2nd Amendment, and oppose limiting the number of rounds a weapon can hold.

Governor, what do you think is the best free-market solution for making healthcare affordable in America to as many people as possible?

Pay as you go in a system that has 10X the choice and 10X the competition.

Gov. Johnson, I appreciate your fight for liberty in this country. Many people often focus on the negatives when discussing politics and, in particular, individual liberty and personal freedoms. Have there been any recent events or news that have restored even the slightest bit of faith that this country may be slowing its transition away from a free nation?

The fact that Washington and Colorado have legalized marijuana, and that marriage equality is passing in numerous states are both signs that restore that faith.

What's your favorite kind of music? And what was going through your head when you reached the top of Mount Everest?

Top 40. On Everest, just the whole notion of a dream come true. Very thankful!

Hello, Governor Johnson. What is your stance on illegal immigration, and immigration policy in general?

It is safe to say we are all opposed to illegal immigration. However, we should make it as easy as possible for someone to enter the country and get a work visa -- and that should include allowing a path to citizenship. Totally oppose the building of ever-larger fences.

When do you climb Vernon Massif?

Vinson Massif in Antarctica is planned for one year from now.

What 3 pieces of advice would you give a young entrepreneur just starting out in business?

Be on time. Do what you say you will do for people. Do a little bit more than what you say you will do.

Governor what is your view on the Peace Corps (or other American organizations involved in supposedly "helping" foreign areas)? Are they a useless organization succeeding in our dominance hungry scheme? Or is the Peace Corps. a rightful organization, that is not a waste of American tax dollars (like the military industrial complex)?

Let's first stop our military interventions, and then take a hard look at a foreign policy that "helps" other countries.

Do you believe going back to the older 'mutually owned' Insurance companies owned by the 'premium paying members' might reduce some of the long increasing Health insurance costs?

Yes. I believe that a free market in health care would bring about an insurance market that would only be necessary for catastrophic illnesses/injuries, and pay-as-you-go for other services -- with many many more choices.

Sir, what is your diagnosis of the reasons for the continued increase in social inequality? Is inequality on the rise for reasons that that are out of the government's control or are there steps which can be taken to promote a more equitable society?

I don't buy the notion of increased social inequality. I believe there is more social equality than ever before. To the extent it exists, it boils down to choices the individual makes. No government policy can change that reality.

How do you feel about the iron curtain between consumers and healthcare providers? You advocate for a genuine free market economy in healthcare, does this include full disclosure to consumers about the various options they have as far as care is concerned?

A genuine free market approach will result in many more choices, with the responsibility for learning about those options resting with the consumer.

What do you think will come first: no fed or no taxes?*

^{*Even if it takes a million years.}

No Fed.

It seems like the two party system is being stressed in ways that it hasn't been for a while. If you were to predict the future, do you see either of the two parties splintering, or a third party gaining influence, or do you simply see the two main political parties realigning themselves to each get ~50% of the electorate, and leaving it at that? What are your thoughts?

Let's recognize that the #1 political affiliation today is Independent. I believe there will be a third party that will emerge, and may be called the Independent Party.