Subject:
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Re: LP statement on terrorist attacks
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.off-topic.debate
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Date:
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Sat, 15 Sep 2001 20:35:47 GMT
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Viewed:
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376 times
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In lugnet.off-topic.debate, Larry Pieniazek writes:
> The following is a statement from the US LP, received on my mailing list. I
> know I've been foaming a bit but I think it is worth publishing here (1)
> note particularly that it seems to be in tune with what a lot of people are
> saying:
>
> - we need a careful response, but a response IS needed, else we lost.
> - we need to do what we can to help locally
> - we need not to lash out at people of particular ethnicities or beliefs
> just because they are a particular belief
>
> and a few things that not everyone is in tune with
> - we need less alliance and less meddling in foreign affairs.
This is why I have always thought that the worst part of the LP platform was
its unrealistic foreign policy plank. The problem isn't that we have been
meddling too much in other countries' affairs, it's that we haven't done
enough. If we had given Israel more support instead of self-righteous
nagging in its struggle against terrorism (and remember that it is because
of Israel that the Moslem extremists aren't armed with nuclear weapons
today), if we had made a concerted effort to remove Saddam Hussein from
power, if we had destroyed Bin Laden's terrorist network after the first 3
attacks that they perpetrated, perhaps we wouldn't be in the mess we are in
today.
America would be a target for resentment and terrorism even if we had no
military and an isolationist foreign policy, because we are the richest and
most free nation in the world. Even in the days of non-entanglement, America
was a target for attack by the Barbary pirates. Then, as now, overwhelming
force against America's enemies will be the solution, not appeasement and
kowtowing.
-Marc Nelson Jr., libertarian
> - we cannot restrict individual liberty in trade for freedom or we will lose
> both
>
> 1 - whether people baselessly charge this as being spam, (it was sent to us
> only, I chose to repost it) and whether people baselessly charge this as the
> LP capitalising on this tragedy (they're not, just making position clear) or
> not.
>
> - start statement -
>
> Libertarian Party expresses "profound sorrow, grief
> for tragic loss of life" in terror attack
>
> Statement by Chairman James W. Lark in response
> to September 11 terrorist attacks:
>
> WASHINGTON, DC -- On behalf of the Libertarian Party, I wish to express
> our profound sorrow and grief for the tragic loss of life and suffering
> caused by yesterday's terrorist attacks. Our hearts go out to the
> victims and their grieving families and friends. Nothing we say can
> ease the devastation and sense of loss they feel -- and that every
> other American certainly shares -- but we stand with them in mourning
> the loss of friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, loved ones, and
> fellow citizens.
>
> The Libertarian Party condemns the vicious and barbaric attacks on the
> World Trade Center and the Pentagon. There is no excuse for such savage
> acts. No legitimate political or religious ideology can justify the
> murder of thousands of innocent people. These actions, and the
> revulsion they cause to all decent people around the world, demonstrate
> in the starkest way possible that the initiation of force is never an
> appropriate way to settle political or social differences. The result
> of such violence is more hatred, more grieving relatives and friends,
> more tombstones -- and, ultimately, more violence. Libertarians
> unequivocally reject the initiation of force as a solution to the
> disagreements between people and between governments.
>
> The Libertarian Party calls for justice to be meted out to the
> terrorists responsible for the attacks. However, we encourage the
> United States government to be sure that any response is appropriate
> and measured. Action should not be taken that will cause innocent
> people in other countries to be killed because of the actions of
> terrorists. Such a response would only continue the cycle of violence
> and revenge.
>
> The Libertarian Party calls on all Libertarians to aid our fellow
> Americans who have suffered from this horrible tragedy: Donate blood
> for the victims fighting for their lives in hospitals in New York and
> Washington, DC. Contribute to the charities that will assist the
> families and relatives. If you live near where the attacks took place,
> volunteer to assist in rescue or recovery efforts, as appropriate. And
> if you know any of the victims' families, offer solace and support in
> any way you can. Now is a time for all Libertarians to stand together
> to help those who are suffering.
>
> The Libertarian Party calls on all Americans to act with tolerance and
> kindness in the days to follow. A natural reaction after such a tragedy
> is to find a scapegoat -- to blame Arab-Americans, or individuals who
> practice the Islamic faith, or other people who are in some way
> different. We must rise above that impulse. If Americans turn down a
> path of hatred and intolerance, then the terrorists will have won.
>
> That's not the only way terrorists can win. In the past, some have
> responded to terrorism with proposals to restrict the civil liberties
> of Americans. We must resist that tendency. The fundamental rights that
> define the very essence of America should not be destroyed in an effort
> to deal with terrorism or any other problem. Citizens must remain ever
> vigilant that terrorists don't win by turning America into the kind of
> nation where our cherished freedoms are only a fading memory.
>
> Finally, the Libertarian Party hopes these attacks will elicit a
> thoughtful national discussion about how we can prevent similar
> tragedies in the future. Of course, there is no way to guarantee that
> evil will not strike again. However, a foreign policy that limits our
> intervention in the affairs and quarrels of other nations is a foreign
> policy that will reduce the chance that terrorists will want to strike
> at America. Peace and free trade with all nations, and entangling
> alliances with none, is a time-honored prescription for an America that
> is at peace with the world, and for a nation that has little to fear
> from the savage and bloodthirsty actions of terrorists.
>
> Again, our hearts go out to the thousands of Americans who suffered a
> loss during the terrible events of September 11, 2001. It is a tragic
> day that will live in our memories -- but is also a day that will allow
> the best of America to shine through by virtue of our response.
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | LP statement on terrorist attacks
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| The following is a statement from the US LP, received on my mailing list. I know I've been foaming a bit but I think it is worth publishing here (1) note particularly that it seems to be in tune with what a lot of people are saying: - we need a (...) (23 years ago, 13-Sep-01, to lugnet.off-topic.debate)
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