Eckhardt said he supports the Libertarian Party because of its mix of political viewpoints and favor toward limited government intervention.
"Libertarians believe that individuals have the right to run their own lives, as long as they don't interfere with the lives of other people," Eckhardt said.
Libertarians currently hold 50 public offices in Pennsylvania and the party boasts a few big-name supporters, including humorist Dave Barry.
He said the implementation of the surveillance cameras on Beaver Avenue last year is just one example of how local governments have started to adopt more Big Brother-type policies.
Governments are needed, but should only intervene in certain matters, Eckhardt said.
"The government is, at best, a necessary evil," he said. "It is mostly just there to protect people against force and fraud."
He said he also thinks that U.S. government influence overseas should be limited.
He said he does not know whether Bush made the right decision to go to war in Iraq, but said he thinks there should be an actual declaration of war if fighting is to occur.
Eckhardt, like many Libertarians, also believes that the United States should liberalize its immigration policy.
He said he has seen the positive effects of immigration in his own family, as he and his wife have adopted children from overseas.
While Libertarians have long been known for their push to legalize drugs, Eckhardt said he feels this idea has been blown out of proportion.
"I'm strongly against drug use in any form," he said. "But I don't think that it's the job of the government to send people to prison for small possession of a substance."
Eckhardt added he thinks it is the responsibility of individuals to educate themselves about the dangers of drug use.
With Green Party candidate Ralph Nader now off the ballot in Pennsylvania, Eckhardt said he is upset that many people's third-party vote has been taken away.
He added that all his viewpoints are not shared entirely by the Libertarian Party or his family.
Concern often brews among those looking to vote for a third party that their vote will not count, Eckhardt said. However, he said, voting Libertarian is not a wasted ballot.
Libertarians have been on the ballot in all 50 states for the past three election cycles and have been quickly gaining popularity across the country, particularly in local government, Eckhardt added.
"It's valuable for voters to think about more than just the results of this election," he said. "They should think about the rest of their lives."
PHOTO: Matt Sowers
Robert Eckhardt, kinesiology professor, sits with his dog Chesed and a book.
R E L A T E D S T O R I E S
One vote 2004:
- A Veteran Speaks
Aug. 31, 2004
- After Sept. 11, student stands by Bush, NYC
Sep. 7, 2004
- Religious, social issues merit change in the White House
Sep. 13, 2004
- Guitarist not swayed by political music
Sep. 20, 2004
- Bush policies a sore spot for former college activist
Sep. 27, 2004
- Student's roots help determine her choice
Oct. 4, 2004
- Bush's foreign policy issues urge mom to vote for Kerry
Oct. 11, 2004
- 'Big-Brother' government too controlling for professor
Oct. 18, 2004
-
Student looks to be the first female leader
Oct. 25, 2004
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