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HARRY BROWNE: "When will we learn?"
WorldNetDaily.com ^ | September 12, 2001 | Harry Browne

Posted on 09/12/2001 12:31:51 AM PDT by ouroboros

Wednesday, September 12, 2001


Harry Browne Harry Browne
When will we learn?


By Harry Browne


© 2001 WorldNetDaily.com

The terrorist attacks against America comprise a horrible tragedy. But they shouldn't be a surprise.

It is well known that in war, the first casualty is truth – that during any war truth is forsaken for propaganda. But sanity was a prior casualty: it was the loss of sanity that led to war in the first place.

Our foreign policy has been insane for decades. It was only a matter of time until Americans would have to suffer personally for it. It is a terrible tragedy of life that the innocent so often have to suffer for the sins of the guilty.

When will we learn that we can't allow our politicians to bully the world without someone bullying back eventually?

President Bush has authorized continued bombing of innocent people in Iraq. President Clinton bombed innocent people in the Sudan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Serbia. President Bush, senior, invaded Iraq and Panama. President Reagan bombed innocent people in Libya and invaded Grenada. And on and on it goes.

Did we think the people who lost their families and friends and property in all that destruction would love America for what happened?

When will we learn that violence always begets violence?

Teaching lessons

Supposedly, Reagan bombed Libya to teach Muammar al-Qaddafi a lesson about terrorism. But shortly thereafter a TWA plane was destroyed over Scotland, and our government is convinced it was Libyans who did it.

When will we learn that "teaching someone a lesson" never teaches anything but resentment – that it only inspires the recipient to greater acts of defiance.

How many times on Tuesday did we hear someone describe the terrorist attacks as "cowardly acts"? But as misguided and despicable as they were, they were anything but cowardly. The people who committed them knowingly gave their lives for whatever stupid beliefs they held.

But what about the American presidents who order bombings of innocent people – while the presidents remain completely insulated from any danger? What would you call their acts?

When will we learn that forsaking truth and reason in the heat of battle almost always assures that we will lose the battle?

Losing our last freedoms

And now, as sure as night follows day, we will be told we must give up more of our freedoms to avenge what never should have happened in the first place.

When will we learn that it makes no sense to give up our freedoms in the name of freedom?

What to do?

What should be done?

First of all, stop the hysteria. Stand back and ask how this could have happened. Ask how a prosperous country isolated by two oceans could have so embroiled itself in other people's business that someone would want to do us harm. Even sitting in the middle of Europe, Switzerland isn't beset by terrorist attacks, because the Swiss mind their own business.

Second, resolve that we won't let our leaders use this occasion to commit their own terrorist acts upon more innocent people, foreign and domestic, that will inspire more terrorist attacks in the future.

Third, find a way, with enforceable constitutional limits, to prevent our leaders from ever again provoking this kind of anger against America.

Patriotism?

There are those who will say this article is unpatriotic and un-American – that this is not a time to question our country or our leaders.

When will we learn that without freedom and sanity, there is no reason to be patriotic?


Harry Browne was the 2000 Libertarian presidential candidate. More of his articles can be read at HarryBrowne.org, and his books are available at HBBooks.com.


TOPICS: Editorial; Foreign Affairs
KEYWORDS:
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Comment #21 Removed by Moderator

To: ouroboros
Browne is a fool, and a simple minded one too.Spare us all from the naivety of a righteous libertarian, the type that possess perfect 20/20 hindsight.
22 posted on 09/12/2001 1:06:48 AM PDT by habs4ever
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To: Hannibal Heyes
When did the last terrorist incident take place in, say, Zurich? Or Lucerne? Anywhere in Switzerland?

A real bad example. Many of these European governments have been allowing safe passage for known terrorists THROUGH their countries for decades. The theory being that as long as they don't hassle them, they'll continue on to someone ELSE's country to rob and murder. They are essentially moral-cowards, as Harry Browne is, so it's a perfect match for him to be lauding Switzerland!

23 posted on 09/12/2001 1:09:34 AM PDT by Cultural Jihad
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To: habs4ever
Spare us all from the naivety of a righteous libertarian, the type that possess perfect 20/20 hindsight. He and other libertarians have been saying this for years.
24 posted on 09/12/2001 1:14:58 AM PDT by Optimus Gladius
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To: Hannibal Heyes
could you explain why they havn't been to war for hundreds of years? When did the last terrorist incident take place in, say, Zurich? Or Lucerne? Anywhere in Switzerland?

1) Its geography
2) It's inconsequential in terms of strategic importance.

It's a beautiful country, but that's about it.

25 posted on 09/12/2001 1:21:29 AM PDT by zarf
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Comment #26 Removed by Moderator

To: ouroboros
In times of war we find out who the traitors and who the patriots are. Browne is a traitor.
27 posted on 09/12/2001 1:33:00 AM PDT by #3Fan
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To: Cultural Jihad
Libertarians have to think this way. After all they would get rid of the government, or most of it.

Of course when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbour we should have collectively grabbed our ankles and shouted,
"Thank you, may we have another?!"

28 posted on 09/12/2001 1:33:45 AM PDT by BigWaveBetty
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To: Kaptain Kanada
The Nazis never dared attempt to conquer Switzerland,...

Because the Swiss were financing them.

29 posted on 09/12/2001 1:34:13 AM PDT by #3Fan
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Comment #30 Removed by Moderator

To: Optimus Gladius
This "enlightened" statement coming from someone named Jihad. Mr. Browne makes some good points, which nobody else is making because they're too busy calling for more violence and government intrusion.

Well what we have BEEN doing all these years is NOT working. Could that be any more clear?

I voted for Harry, and I'm proud of it!

31 posted on 09/12/2001 1:43:37 AM PDT by Justis
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Comment #32 Removed by Moderator

To: habs4ever
Spare us all from the naivety of a righteous libertarian, the type that possess perfect 20/20 hindsight.

Hindsight??? LOL... we've been warning you for years.

The US should not be playing the world's policeman, sticking it's nose (UnConstitutionally, I might add) in other peoples affairs.

This does not excuse the attacks today - but if you want avoid repeats, for real... stop meddling in the affairs of other nations.

33 posted on 09/12/2001 1:46:10 AM PDT by DAnconia55
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To: Deb
Is there any tragedy that can keep you from beating your chests and clucking?

That's a rhetorical question, right?

34 posted on 09/12/2001 1:47:37 AM PDT by L.N. Smithee
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To: xm177e2
Harry Brown needs to be dropped into Osamas camp right before the fuel-air bomb goes off.
35 posted on 09/12/2001 1:48:59 AM PDT by WolfsView
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To: ouroboros

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman


Worldwide Caution

September 7, 2001

Over the last several months, the U.S. Government has learned that U.S. citizens and interests abroad may be at increased risk of a terrorist action from extremist groups. In addition, we have received unconfirmed information that terrorist actions may be taken against U.S. military facilities and/or establishments frequented by U.S. military personnel in Korea and Japan. We are also concerned about information we received in May 2001 that American citizens may be the target of a terrorist threat from extremist groups with links to Usama Bin Ladin's Al-Qaida organization. In the past, such individuals have not distinguished between official and civilian targets. As always, we take this information seriously. U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert.

U.S. citizens are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness to reduce their vulnerability. Americans should maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required travel, and treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with suspicion. In addition, American citizens are also urged to avoid contact with any suspicious, unfamiliar objects, and to report the presence of the objects to local authorities. Vehicles should not be left unattended, if at all possible, and should be kept locked at all times. U.S. Government personnel overseas have been advised to take the same precautions. In addition, U.S. Government facilities have and will continue to temporarily close or suspend public services as necessary to review their security posture and ensure its adequacy.

U.S. citizens planning to travel abroad should consult the Department of State's Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, and regional travel brochures, all of which are available at the Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov. We will continue to provide updated information should it become available. American citizens overseas may contact the American Citizens Services unit of the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate by telephone or fax for up-to-date information on security conditions. In addition, American citizens in need of emergency assistance should telephone the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before visiting the Embassy or Consulate.

Department of State travel information and publications are available at Internet address: http://travel.state.gov. U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touch-tone telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.

This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement - Worldwide Caution of June 22, 2001 to inform U.S. citizens of unconfirmed threats against U.S. military facilities, personnel and establishments frequented by U.S. military personnel. This Public Announcement expires on December 22, 2001.

36 posted on 09/12/2001 1:52:23 AM PDT by KneelBeforeZod
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To: ouroboros
I'll agree with Mr. Brown on this one...our attacks, coming seemingly at random, as it were, just provide grist for the Arab propaganda mills.
37 posted on 09/12/2001 1:53:29 AM PDT by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
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To: L.N. Smithee
I guess.
38 posted on 09/12/2001 1:55:46 AM PDT by Deb
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To: lone stranger
Remember when Monica Lewinsky was going to testify before the grand jury? Within that very hour Clinton sent American pilots to bomb a pharmaceutical factory in the Sudan. We murdered people that day.

If you remember correctly, although the Sudan bombing was done hastily and with evidence so flimsy that Stone Phillips took the Clinton Administration to task, it was supposedly in retaliation for a two-pronged terrorist attack on the American embassies in Kenya and Tanzania.

If the target of the attack was the actual perpetrator of the terrorist bombing, would you be making reference to it now?

39 posted on 09/12/2001 1:58:21 AM PDT by L.N. Smithee
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To: ouroboros
Harry Browne for Secretary of state!
40 posted on 09/12/2001 2:00:09 AM PDT by St.Chuck
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