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Politics : Libertarian Discussion Forum -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: miraje who wrote (4944)	9/13/2001 1:42:30 PM
From: The Philosopher	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 13060

I think it raises points that need to be raised and thought about. In substance, it is classic libertarianism. The Libertarian party claims it is the party of principle. If Browne had written these thoughts a month ago, I think most libertarians would have agreed with them. They are, I think, completely consistent with the Libertarian platform and principles. So the question really is, should libertarians abandon, or should they stand by, their values and principles at a time of national crisis? When push comes to shove, do we really believe what we say we believe? BTW, I do NOT read this as saying we shouldn't track down and punish the people responsible. These were crimes, and should be dealt with as crimes. I'm sorry Browne didn't make that plainer, but I assume that is his clear position. As I read it, he is advocating against such acts as bombing Afghanistan, invading Iraq, or the like, where we "retaliate" against people who are innocent of any wrongdoing. While those acts would be emotionally satisfying, I have to agree with Browne that they would only escalate the cycle of violence, not stop it. I don't think calling our Presidents cowards is appropriate. But frankly, I don't have the kind of courage that would enable me to commit suicide for my principles. I think they were despicable acts, terrible acts, criminal acts. But cowardly? And, as an aside, I think he is wrong about our actions vs. Iraq, since that was a military action in response to a military action against an ally and strategic partner. But overall, I think what he is saying is fully in line with Libertarian principles. If that's true, we do have to decide whether in this time of crisis the Libertarian Party remains the party of principle.