LP Monday Message: Libertarians want to end, not escalate, war in Afghanistan

September 21, 2009

Dear Friend of Liberty,

You may have heard today’s prominent news stories about President Obama’s military commander in Afghanistan, Stanley McChrystal, and his request to greatly increase the presence of U.S. armed forces there.

The Libertarian Party opposes this plan. We want to end the war, not escalate it.

In September 2008, the Libertarian National Committee adopted this resolution:

WHEREAS the government of the United States should return to its historical libertarian tradition of avoiding entangling alliances, foreign quarrels, and military adventures; and

WHEREAS the stability and security of Afghanistan lie outside the jurisdiction of the government of the United States; and

WHEREAS the Libertarian Party recognizes that the only legitimate role of the military is to defend America against direct attack or the imminent threat of attack;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Libertarian National Committee calls on the government of the United States to withdraw the armed forces of the United States from Afghanistan, without undue delay.

Democrats often claim to oppose foreign wars. But after eight months in total control of Congress and the White House, Democrats have done nothing to end the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

I hope you will support us in our efforts to oppose this war.

Sincerely,

Wes Benedict
Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee

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