"I think very fundamentally to being Libertarian is not having a social agenda. I accept who you are and the life that you live as long as your life does not adversely affect mine."
About Gary Johnson
Gary Johnson — Life and Legacy
Gary Johnson, a notable libertarian figure and former governor of New Mexico, is recognized for his unwavering commitment to personal freedom and limited government intervention. His political philosophy centers around the belief that individuals should have the autonomy to make their own choices, free from excessive governmental control. Johnson's quotes often reflect this core idea, such as his assertion that 'the government that governs least governs best.' This perspective challenges conventional political norms, advocating for a system that prioritizes individual rights and responsibilities. In his discourse, Johnson frequently highlights the significance of personal liberty as a catalyst for societal progress. He argues that when individuals are free to pursue their own paths, innovation flourishes, and communities thrive. His emphasis on responsibility is equally pronounced; he believes that with freedom comes the obligation to make informed choices. This dual focus on freedom and responsibility is a hallmark of his political identity. Today, Johnson's quotes resonate with those who seek a more libertarian approach to governance, emphasizing the importance of personal choice in a world often dominated by regulatory frameworks. His insights continue to inspire discussions about the role of government in our lives, making his contributions to political thought both relevant and impactful.
Quote collection
Gary Johnson quotes (page 1 of 2)
36 quotes — follow a thought to its full quote page.
"A wasted vote is voting for someone that you don't believe in"
"I don't believe there should be any restrictions when it comes to firearms. None."
"I hope that people will see that we don't have to sit by the sidelines and watch as the two major parties limit their choices to slightly different flavors of the status quo. It is, in fact, possible to join the fray, stand up for principles and offer a real alternative."
"My next door neighbor's two dogs have created more shovel-ready jobs than this current administration."
"If you outlaw guns, only outlaws will have guns. The first people who are going to be in line to turn in their guns are law-abiding citizens. Criminals are going to be left with guns. I believe that concealed carry is a way of reducing gun violence."
"Republicans are horrible with civil liberties, and not so good with dollars and cents. Democrats are horrible with dollars and cents, and not so good with civil liberties."
"This country would be a better place to live in if all the resources we currently put toward criminalizing marijuana were instead spent by law enforcement on protection from real crime, as opposed to victimless crime."
"As I told the students every time I visited a campus, you are the director of your own movie, and if you aren't enjoying what you are doing, change it."
"90% of the problem with marijuana is prohibition related, not use related."
"Regardless of who wins, an election should be a time for optimism and fresh approaches."
"Reform immigration to make it easy for individuals to come over here, be documented, pay taxes - immigration reform is needed to state that its about work, its not about welfare... Set up a grace period where they can get a work permit... social security card so that they can pay income tax, social security, Medicare."
"Life's a party. Invite yourself."
"I don't smoke marijuana anymore. I don't drink. Marijuana is a handicap. So is alcohol. Alcohol is a terrible handicap. But in spite of being a handicap, it shouldn't be criminal."
"Immigration is a good thing. We should make that as easy as possible."
"We're on the verge of a financial collapse unless we balance the budget, and that means some really, really tough decisions."
"I was on NPR's All Things Considered yesterday. The question was, 'You're on the torture rack, they're going to kill you, who are you going to vote for? Mitt Romney, or Barack Obama? I said, 'Look, I've climbed Mount Everest. I know how to do what it takes. Take this to the bank: I would rather die.'"
"We own the Federal Reserve. There is this misconception that the Federal Reserve is some private entity. But if I might give an analogy here, we - U.S. taxpayers - own all the stock in the Federal Reserve."
"Let's end the unworkable marijuana prohibition and put our money where our mouth is. Let's solve the problems like border crime. We can do it with pot legalization."
"Balance the federal budget now, not 15 years from now, not 20 years from now, but now. And throw out the entire federal tax system, replace it with a fair tax, a consumption tax, that by all measurements is just that. It's fair."