Pulling out of Afghanistan as leftwing Libertarians are proposing, a Human Rights catastrophe

by Eric Dondero

Time Magazine is running a shocking photo on its front cover for this week's edition. As the editors explain:

Our cover image this week is powerful, shocking and disturbing. It is a portrait of Aisha, a shy 18-year-old Afghan woman who was sentenced by a Taliban commander to have her nose and ears cut off for fleeing her abusive in-laws. Aisha posed for the picture and says she wants the world to see the effect a Taliban resurgence would have on the women of Afghanistan, many of whom have flourished in the past few years. Her picture is accompanied by a powerful story by our own Aryn Baker on how Afghan women have embraced the freedoms that have come from the defeat of the Taliban — and how they fear a Taliban revival.

The non-interventionist wing of the libertarian movement wants an immediate pull-out of Afghanistan. The Ron Paul movement, Lew Rockwell and his followers, Justin Raimondo and Eric Garris at AntiWar.com, most Libertarian Party members, even many at Reason and Cato, all ignore the human rights catastrophe that would undoubtably follow.

As Raimondo has explained:

This war in Afghanistan has no convincing rationale, and no one can explain it – its goals, or what “victory” means, except as a) a war of retribution against enemies who have long since fled the scene, or b) a means of surrounding the Iranians, and a pretext for extending US influence into Central Asia.

Human Rights does not fit the leftwing libertarian template. It's an inconvenience to their carefully crafted philosphy. Historical events such as the Jewish Holocaust in Europe, Stalin's mass starvation of the Ukrainiuns in the 1930s, the Armenian genocide by the Islamist Turks, Mao's murderous agrarian revolution, and the killing fields of Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, are ignored by the non-interventionists. All instances where American pacifism and non-intervention helped to cause murder on a scale never before seen in human history.

No doubt, the non-interventionists will similarly ignore the threat of the Taliban to Afghani citizens, with an American pull-out.

To the non-interventionists, protecting the rights of young women from having their ears and noses cut off is not enough of a "rationale" for keeping our troops in this war-torn South Asia country.

(H/t HotAir)

Libertarian candidate in Maryland says incumbent Republican just too damned old

But he agrees with him on 90% of the issues

From Eric Dondero:

Daniel Massey is running for US Congress in Maryland's 6th District - Western Maryland. He is challenging longtime incumbent Republican Roscoe Bartlett. But it's not issues so much that the Libertarian disagrees with the Republican on; it's his age. Bartlett is 79.

From the Frederick News-Post, "Libertarian candidate enters congressional race" July 30:

Daniel S. Massey's top campaign issue is stopping federal government spending.
Massey, a Washington County resident, is running as the Libertarian candidate for U.S. Congress in the 6th District. The district, which includes Frederick County, is represented by incumbent U.S. Rep. Roscoe Bartlett, a Republican seeking his 10th term.

Massey, a first-time office seeker, said he agrees with Bartlett's stance on 90 percent of the issues, but he thinks Bartlett is too old.

"His age has gotten up there too much, and I think that's a detriment to our district -- to have someone who doesn't have the energy or drive to make changes," Massey said.

In many ways, Bartlett is considered a "Ron Paul Republican" - paleo-conservative on foreign policy, and economics. The Texas Congressman recently held a fundraiser for Bartlett in his District.

Michigan Gov's race, Libertarian voting for Republican Mike Cox

Gotta "make sure we get the Democrats out"

From Eric Dondero:

The Detroit Free Press has a new poll out for the Governor's race on the GOP side. It shows the three top contenders in a virtual dead heat; Cong. Pete Hoekstra, AG Mike Cox, and businessman Rick Snyder. Interestingly, the FP interviewed a number of Michigan voters. One, who described himself as a "libertarian," said he was voting for Cox.

From the Detroit Free Press "In Michigan governor race, GOP has 3-way toss-up; None of leading 3 candidates has lock on any 1 type of voter" July 30:

Eric Pfund, 37, of Linwood said he probably will vote for Cox. Pfund said he supports the attorney general's efforts to defend gun rights and support the Arizona immigration law. Pfund said he considers himself a conservative or libertarian, rather than a Republican, but he's voting Republican "to make sure we get the Democrats out."

BREAKING!! Feingold falls behind Ron Johnson in Wisconsin

From Eric Dondero:

We have been closely following the Senate race in Wisconsin between ultra-leftist Democrat incumbent Senator Russ Feingold and his challenger Republican Ron Johnson. This is the ultimate match-up between a Socialist, AntiWar Democrat and a Right Libertarian, Pro-Defense, devotee of Ayn Rand.

Now this poll released overnight from Rasmussen:

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of Likely Voters in Wisconsin shows Johnson with 48% support. Feingold, a member of the Senate since 1993, again picks up 46% of the vote. Two percent (2%) favor another candidate in the race, and five percent (5%) are undecided.

Not too mention this was a race not on the radar screen of most political pundits as a likely turnover to the Republicans. A Johnson win over Feingold moves the GOP one step closer to the magic 50 number in the Senate.

Sharron Angle's political activism started in the Home School movement

by Paul Jacob

Sharron Angle, who is running for U.S. Senate against Harry Reid, the majority leader seeking a fifth term, had a very good reason for entering politics. The powers that be wouldn’t leave her be.

In his column “Candidate Nobody Is Not to Be Underestimated,” George Will reports that the roots of the grandmother’s current campaign lie three decades in the past.

Her son was being forced to repeat kindergarten, so she decided to teach him herself. But although homeschooling was legal in Nevada, you couldn’t do it unless you lived at least 50 miles from a public school.

Angle and other parents trooped to the state legislature to demand change. One job-holder there, annoyed by this torrent of interest by mere citizens in legislative doings, said if he’d “known there would be 500 people here instead of 50 and it would take five hours instead of 30 minutes, I would have thrown it [the legislation] in my drawer, and it would never have seen the light of day.” Angle has been “politically incandescent” ever since.

I like this story for many reasons, in part because my wife and I have home-schooled our kids. One thing you have to teach the young is not to expect politicians to look out for your genuine best interests.

Another is that vigilance is the price of liberty.

A third is that if you want something done right, often you have to do it yourself.

Paul Jacob is a longtime libertarian political activist; a one-time Draft Resistor, fmr. National Director of the Libertarian Party, and fmr. President of US Term Limits.

Split on the libertarian Right - Washington State GOP Primary for Senate

GOP libertarians Palin and Paul back Didier; GOP libertarian DeMint goes with Rossi

From Eric Dondero:

Both Sarah Palin and Ron Paul have enthusiastically endorsed the candidacy of former NFL great Clint Didier for US Senate, against incumbent Dem Patty Murray. Now a stunner. Jim DeMint, a stalwart libertarian-conservative and Tea Party leader has endorsed Didier's opponent Dino Rossi.

From the Seattle PI:

Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina, a Tea Party champion from the GOP right, is endorsing Republican Dino Rossi in his bid to unseat three-term Democratic Sen. Patty Murray.

DeMint has been backing anti-establishment insurgents in Republican primaries: He supported libertarian Rand Paul for the Kentucky Senate nomination, and former legislator Sharron Angle in Nevada.

"When I met with Dino a couple months ago, he made it clear he was only interested in running if Republicans were serious about saving our country from fiscal collapse," DeMint said in a statement.

Ross is a former two-time GOP nominee for WA Governor against Christine Gregoire. Polls show Rossi and Didier in a virtual dead heat, but both ahead by 2 to 3 points over Murray.

Note - the Republican Liberty Caucus, which represents the libertarian wing of the GOP, has not made an endorsement in this primary race.

Andre Traversa Presents Libertarian Politics Live: Guest Alfonso Aguilar

Alfonso Aguilar from the Latino Partnership for Conservative Principles. He will be talking about conservative outreach to Hispanics. We will also be discussing SB1070. Host Andre Traversa, co-host Jim Lagnese

Call in at 1-646-915-9887

Stream here.

Thank you for reading this blog.

New ad by libertarian-leaning/Tea Party Republican Frank Guinta

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Frank Guinta, former Mayor of Manchester, is the Republican nominee for US Congress - New Hampshire CD 1

Ron Johnson for Senate says Feingold opposes Victory in Afghanistan

From Eric Dondero:

A conservative blog out of Wisconsin had the opportunity to interview libertarian Republican for US Senate Ron Johnson. The Republican Senate candidate challenging Russ Feingold is heavily backed by fiscal conservative stalwart Sen. Jim DeMint.

George Will in a syndicated column last month called Johnson an a hardline capitalist and Ayn Rand devotee: "the idea of running for office never crossed Ron Johnson's mind. He was, however, dry tinder -- he calls Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" his "foundational book." His main focus as a candidate has been the country's enormous debt and cutting the tax burden for Americans, and small business. But now Johnson's giving indications on his foreign policy beliefs, as well. They are indeed views that clash with those of ultra-leftist "Moveon.org" backed Russ Feingold.

LettersinaBottle blog:

I’m very concerned about President Obama, the way he even announced the strategy, the fact that he announces the surge and the next sentence after that, he says, “Oh, by the way, we’re going to pull out in 16 months.” To me, the Taliban strategy is to surge 16 months and a day. And particularly in a conflict like Afghanistan, where we need the villagers to feel confident that, you know, whoever – that we’re going to be there for victory and that we’re committed to that. Because let’s face it, we’ve got the Taliban that’ll happily move into those villages and, you know, enact some retribution on anybody that sided with the other side. So, my concern is that President Obama has set us up for failure, quite honestly; and that’s not what you do when you’re going to commit our fine young men and women into battle. So, you know, highly concerned about his particular strategy.

I would like to achieve victory in Afghanistan. I mean, I’d like to finish off the job; I mean, I’d like to be able to say that, you know, we’ve cleaned up another nest of terrorists, quite honestly. But I’m just, again, very concerned about the direction of, you know, this policy under this president. The only thing that kind of keeps me supportive of it is the fact that we have David Petraeus. Which, by the way, Russ Feingold was one of only twenty Senators that refused to condemn the ad by Moveon.org that called him “David Betray-us.” I don’t think that’s a real way – a real shining moment in Senator Feingold’s voting record, quite honestly.

Center-Right Parties surge to lead in Sweden

Swedish Democrats look to enter Parliament

By Clifford F. Thies

In 2006, a four-party, center-right coalition achieved a wafer thin majority in the Swedish national parliament. Almost immediately, the Social Democrats and their erstwhile coalition partners - the Left Party and the Greens - surged to a lead in opinions polls. Progress in restoring the Swedish economy to a market-orientation appeared to be in jeopardy.

According to the Wall Street Journal / Heritage Foundation index of economic freedom, the Swedish economy had dramatically improved from 61 in 1995 to 70 in 2005. During the most recent years, it has improved further, to 72 in the latest assessment. In contrast, the United States economy, which had improved from 77 in 1995 to 79 in 2001, and, further improved to 81 in 2009, fell back to 78 after the first year of the new Obama Administration. With even more regulations and tax increases enacted this year, the economic freedom rating of the U.S. is sure to fall even further in the next assessment. Would the socialist left accomplish in Sweden what it is accomplishing in the United States in terms of rolling back market-oriented reforms and ruining the economy? Or, would the center-right parties rebound so as to be able, after this September’s election, to continue to advance the reform agenda, possibility to overtake the emerging USSA (United Socialist States of America)?

As the accompanying chart shows, the parties of the center-right in Sweden, now to include the Democratic Party, have jumped ahead of the parties of the left. These parties include the four parties currently forming the ruling coalition (the Christian Democrats and the Center, Moderate and Peoples parties), as well as the Democrats. The largest party of these five is the Moderate Party. This party is a neo-liberal party, i.e., a fusion of market-liberalism and conservatism. It refers to itself as the “New Moderates” because its aim is to revive the market as well as other social-intermediating institutions of a free society within a country that had become famous not only for democratic-socialism, but for the breakdown of the economic vibrancy, family and community life previously associated with the Swedish people.

Among the potential problems for organizing a five-party coalition is the issue of immigration. The Center Party, which was formerly a party representing agrarian interests, has evolved into something of a libertarian party, representing small business interests as well as small landholders. It is also a green party, being favorably disposed to issuing green cards to immigrants. The Peoples Party, a market liberal party, has also evolved into something of a libertarian party, and favors the integration of immigrants into Swedish life, including establishing language and work requirements. The Democrats, on the other hand, come across as opposing immigration. It may be possible to reconcile these divergent viewpoints; but, as the Dutch are showing us, it may be difficult.

Ayn Rand a prime inspiration for Republican Budget Proposal

From Eric Dondero:

Steven Benen of the far left Washington Monthly gives a snarky yet somewhat accurate description of House Budget Comm. ranking Republican member Rep. Paul Ryan's proposal.

From the Washington Monthly, "ARE REPUBLICANS ON BOARD WITH RYAN'S RADICAL ROADMAP?....":

I'm inclined to give Paul Ryan, a devoted fan of Ayn Rand's novels, at least some credit for putting his beliefs on paper, and subjecting them to public scrutiny. He has a plan to radically transform governmental institutions and Americans' way of life, and he's not afraid to say so.

Indeed, many on the right are on board with the radical Ryan plan. Jonah Goldberg loves it, and when it comes to deficit reduction, House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) described Ryan's proposed $1.3 trillion in potential cuts as "a pretty good list of options."

it privatizes Social Security; it eliminates Medicare, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and most of Medicaid; and it wouldn't actually get rid of the deficit anyway. The whole plan offers a breathtaking vision of how the government would operate in the 21st century if conservative Republicans had their way.

DNC Chair accuses Republican Party of turning into the Libertarian Party

Privatize Social Security... end Medicare... shut down government agencies

From Eric Dondero:

Some hardened Libertarians might be a bit surprised by the new description of the Republican Party by Democrat National Committee Chairman Tom Kaine.

From the AP "Dems election strategy: Equate GOP and tea party" July 27:

"The Republican Party agenda has become the tea party agenda, and vice versa," Kaine said.

If the GOP were to retake the House and Senate, they would try to privatize Social Security, end Medicare and shutter those two federal agencies, he said.

"We're determined to make sure Americans understand this," Kaine said.

Libertarian Wayne Root comes out against Mosque at Ground Zero

Should Americans have the right to build a Church or Synagogue at Mecca?

by Wayne Allyn Root

As one of America's leading Libertarian thinkers, perhaps I'm always expected to give the "Libertarian answer" to every issue. But sometimes one has to speak not as a Libertarian, Republican or Democrat, but rather as an American- preferably a common sense American. The issue of allowing a mosque to be built in the shadow of the 9/11 terrorist tragedy is one of those times.

The answer is simple for a common sense American- I support religious freedom, as all Americans should. But this is not a case of religious freedom. Yes, Muslims can build their mosque virtually anywhere in America- despite 9/11...despite the Times Square bomber...despite plots by Islamic extremists to blow up the New York subway system...despite everything happening in Iran, Iraq, and Afghanistan. That's what makes our country great. We do in fact support religious freedom. You can build a mosque virtually anywhere in America.

However, there are also the rights and sensibilities of others to consider in a free society.

Does "religious freedom" mean hate groups should build statues to Hitler in front of Jewish temples in America? Should Americans raise money to build Jewish temples and Christian churches at Mecca? Should Japan build a statue to the bravery of their pilots at Pearl Harbor? Should the U.S. build a statue to the bravery of our pilots at the site of Hiroshima? Aren't those examples all about "freedom of expression," "religious freedom" and property rights? Perhaps, but is it too much to ask for a little consideration and respect toward others?

This proposed building of a mosque on hallowed ground is an ATROSITY towards America. To build a celebration of Islam within steps of 9/11 does nothing to increase religious freedom...it inspires hatred, divides our cultures, and increases the odds of violence and hate crimes. Common sense suggests this mosque, being built in this specific location, is NOT being built as a sign of friendship between Muslims and Americans...but rather as a sign of the lack of respect...a belief in our weakness...and an attempt to embarrass and belittle us. The financial district of Manhattan is not a residential area with a large number of Muslim residents for the mosque to serve. Therefore common sense suggests that the only possible reason to build it there (rather than in Brooklyn or Queens where there are large Muslim populations) is to show Muslim contempt for Americans by building a monument to Islam in the shadow of the site of their greatest triumph over America.

Privately funded or backed by Foreign Governments?

It is an offense to build a mosque in that location- an offense to all Americans (including Muslim Americans), all Christians and Jews, all relatives of 3000 dead heroes at the World Trade Center.

Yes, private individuals and organizations have the right to build houses of worship with their own funds. But one has to wonder where the money is coming from to build a 15-story building on some of the most expensive real estate in the country. We Americans believe in the separation of Church and State. If it turns out that this project is sponsored by a foreign government -- either directly or through a state-sponsored organization that engages in terrorism -- than the idea of this being an issue of religious freedom is a sham and an argument can be made that our Constitution would actually prohibit this mosque from being built.

However, if this is privately funded by parties with no ties to a foreign government, I have to believe that we have enough people in this country who are offended by the prospect of a mosque at Ground Zero, that the money can be raised to buy this land at a fair price from the owners. I know I'd be the first to contribute to a foundation to keep this sacred land from ever being desecrated by a symbol of the very groups that attacked America on 9/11.

We can also put public pressure on the property owners to sell to this new patriotic foundation funded by Americans. We can organize massive protests, filling the streets surrounding this property with patriotic Americans concerned that the hallowed ground of 9/11never be used as a political tool to taunt or embarrass the United States, or as a place to preach intolerance towards Americans. I, for one, am ready to fly 3000 miles to New York to join the protest.

These are the only rational answers for common sense patriotic Americans who still believe in a free society. In situations like this, none of us can afford to be Libertarians, Republicans, Democrats, or politicians of any stripe. We are all proud Americans.

Editor's Note - Wayne Root was the 2008 Libertarian Vice-Presidential candidate. He is currently an At-Large Member of the Libertarian National Committee, and Chair of the Libertarian Committee for Congressional candidates.

Alaska Independence Party - Libertarian Party - Sarah & Todd Palin connection

by Eric Dondero

The Independent Political Report (IPR) is reporting this morning that the Alaska Libertarian Party and the Alaska Independence Party have agreed to form a "new bipartisan coalition."

at least in the battle for four seats in the Alaska Legislature, including that of Speaker of the House. The Alaskan Independence Party (AIP) and the Alaska Libertarian Party (ALP) have both agreed to endorse and support each others candidates for the Alaska Legislature this year.

There are three Alaska Libertarian Party candidates, Robert Clift in HD21 in Anchorage, Harley Brown in HD25 in Spenard/Jewell Lake and Scott Kohlhaas in HD20 in Mountainvie (photo - right), Russian Jack and Northeast Anchorage. There is one Alaskan Independence Party candidate, Ray Southwell, RN of Nikiski, who is challenging Alaska Speaker of the House, Milke Chenault in House District 34. Southwell said, “Isn’t it time that like minded people from all political persuasions band together in defense of our liberties by electing those who will hold our government accountable?”

Although IPR describes this as a "new" coalition, this has been done before. The Alaska Independence Party in many ways emerged out of the Libertarian Party of Alaska in the 1980s. The LPA got immersed in a huge scandal over a raffle for a sea plane which ran awray of state election laws. For years after, Libertarian candidate ran on the "Independence" ticket. The Party itself is said to have been formed by former members and fellow travelers of the Libertarian Party.

As is well known, Todd Palin was a dues-paying member of the AIP for years. Sarah Palin herself was often an attendee at AIP events, and even produced a video for an AIP convention welcoming attendees as Governor. Of course, Sarah Palin's political mentor was former Alaska Governor Wally Hickel, twice elected on the AIP ticket.

Added to the connections, Rob Clift listed above as helping for forge the coalition between AIP and the LPA, is the very individual who invited Sarah Palin to be a guest speaker at two Libertarian Party of Alaska local supper club meetings held in Anchorage in 2005/06.

In that election year, the leadership of the LPA, including then State LP Chair Jason Dowell publicly endorsed Palin, and worked as volunteers for her campaign. Sarah Palin's opponent for Governor on the ballot Billy Toien, good naturedly endorsed her too the last 3 days of the election.

Briefly in the 2008 Presidential campaign, the Palins were slammed by the liberal media for their attachment to the AIP. Though, suspiciously, their connections to the Libertarian Party of Alaska were largely ignored.

Now the connections may be resurfacing, in an effort to connect Palin and the Tea Party to extremist of "fringe" movements. Progressive Nation and Huffington Post are reporting "The Alaskan Independence Party, The Tea Party Before There Was A Tea Party":

If you like the Tea Party, you gotta love the Alaskan Independence Party, so why has it been shunned even by Alaska politicians?

Onetime Gov. Sarah Palin sort of started this when she was running for vice president back in 2008...

Todd Palin, the husband of ex-Gov. Sarah, was for years a registered AIP party member, and now he’s helping out with the campaign of Tea Partier Miller.

Note - Joe Miller was a guest on "Libertarian Politics Live" (LPL) two weeks ago, the radio show for this blog hosted by Andre Traversa and Jim "Right Guy" Lagnese.

Sarah Palin endorsed Miller (photo) over incumbent Republican Lisa Murkowski on her Facebook page last month.

Sarah Palin's ties to the Libertarian Party of Alaska do not fit the agendas of either the third party advocate folks at IPR, nor the liberal media types at HuffPo and Progressive Nation, which prefer to paint her as a "religious conservative," rather than a Libertarian. So, interestingly enough, her and her husband's ties to AIP are played up, but her ties to the LP are ignored.

Disclosure - I am a longtime friend of Scott Kolhaas, and worked closely with Rob Clift in 2005/06 in Anchorage on a local initiative. I also served as a volunteer in Sarah Palin's campaign for Governor the last few weeks of the election.

Republicans poised to take Colorado Senate seat with either Buck or Norton

LR FOLLOW-UP

From Eric Dondero:

We've been following the very Hot! Colorado Senate primary race between Jane Norton and Michael Bennet these past few weeks. Now comes word that either candidate would handily defeat both incumbent Democrat Michael Bennet or his challenger Andrew Romanoff.

From Hedgehog:

US SENATE – COLORADO (Rasmussen)

Jane Norton (R) 48%
Michael Bennet (D) 39%

Ken Buck (R) 48%
Michael Bennet (D-inc) 42%

Jane Norton (R) 44%
Andrew Romanoff (D) 40%

Ken Buck (R) 48%
Andrew Romanoff (D) 42

Editor's Note - we here at LR support both Buck and Norton. The RLC has not made an endorsement in this race.