Posted on 07/22/2004 1:49:15 PM PDT by SmithPatterson
Most effective way to prevent terrorism
is missing from 911 report, Libertarians say
WASHINGTON, DC -- The report by the September 11 commission is missing
one obvious way the U.S. government could reduce the chance of another
terrorist attack, Libertarians say: Quit meddling in foreign nations.
"The intelligence reform needed most right now is a more intelligent
foreign policy," says Libertarian presidential candidate Michael
Badnarik. "Pulling U.S. troops out of nations where they don't belong
would make America much safer than appointing a thousand new
intelligence czars."
The report by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the
United States, released on Thursday in Washington, notes that the
government missed up to 10 opportunities to unravel the September 11
plot because of bureaucratic bungling among 15 U.S. intelligence
agencies. It recommends creating a new multi-agency center to fight
terrorism; appointing a single director of national intelligence; and
strengthening congressional oversight of intelligence agencies.
Unfortunately, the politicians who authored the 600-page report chose to
overlook the simplest way to protect America, Badnarik says: Adopt a
foreign policy of neutrality and non-intervention.
"Most Americans would be shocked to learn that U.S. troops are deployed
in more than 100 nations around the globe," he said. "Putting U.S.
troops in volatile, anti-American regions such as the Middle East makes
them tempting targets for terrorists."
In fact, terrorists attacked several U.S. targets -- such as the USS
Cole and the World Trade Center -- before the catastrophic events of
September 11, and each time made it clear that they were reacting to
U.S. foreign policy in the region.
"You don't see terrorists targeting other prosperous, Western-style
democracies such as Switzerland, Canada or Sweden," he said. "And one
reason is that those governments don't meddle in other nation's affairs
or embark on foolish nation-building missions."
For decades, he noted, the U.S. government has provided military and
financial aid to both Israel and its Arab enemies, has sided both with
Iran and Iraq in their bitter, 10-year war and has routinely supported
and armed brutal dictatorships around the world -- so politicians
shouldn't pretend that they're shocked when Americans become targets for
terrorists.
That's why the biggest missed opportunity of all is the government's
refusal to reform U.S. foreign policy, Libertarians say.
"Instead of making America safer, Republicans and Democrats have opted
once again to make government bigger," he said. "When will they learn
that the best way to protect Americans at home is to quit making enemies
abroad?"
That was a real good strategy back in the 1800's, before there were nuclear submarines, airplanes, and long-range missles.
Only a childish, dope-addled mind could produce such a policy.
I somehow doubt that taking all our troops out of the Middle East will make the Muslim Extremists stop hating us.
It's getting harder and harder to be a Libertarian these days.
This is why I'm a small-l libertarian instead of a Large-L one.
I know my dog would be safe...the other neighbor's PETA.
Once more confirmed that Libertarians are juvenile fools.
Actually, when it comes to foreign policy, the two don't seem to be too far off.
Confirmed again, Losertarians are Moore-ons!
I agree with many Libertarian positions, but this is not one of them. It's also why we must never elect one to the Presidency.
Who cares what these lamebrains think?
I have always found it hilarious that whenever you confront a libertarian about his ridiculous views on defense his stock answer is to say, "Ever heard of Vietnam ?", apparently implying that a militia is all that is needed.
Hey, the NVA and Viet Cong paid a horrendous human cost for their victory. They lived in tunnels and caves in the Iron Triangle for ten years. Would libertarians live in tunnels and caves for ten minutes ? Would people imbued with the philosophy that they don't owe anyone anything suffer and sacrifice and die the way the NVA and Viet Cong did ?
LOL! That what I was thinking!!! ;)
LOL
I feel the same way about republicans.
"Instead of making America safer, Republicans and Democrats have opted once again to make government bigger,"
True Statement
And they wonder why the mainstream considers Libertarians kooks and flakes.
This is without question, one of the stupidest articles I have ever read.
Cheers,
knews hound
I agree completely. This guy's Presidential campaign site is a nutjob wishlist for campaign positions - everything from recognizing the "secret Constitutional amendment" to treating 9/11 as merely a criminal matter for the Manhattan district attorney's office to investigate.
Besides, the most effective way to prevent terrorism is converting to Islam and submitting to Sharia law and the rule of the successors of the Prophet. That's what our enemies want, and the only thing that will satisfy them. The Libertarians don't want to believe that's true, and I can't really blame them for wishing that it wasn't so. But the rest of us have to live in the real world.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.