Dear Friend of Liberty,

I hope you've had a nice summer and are enjoying a relaxing Labor Day.

The tenth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy will be next Sunday. I am deeply sorry for those killed or hurt, their friends and family members, and others who have had to deal with the aftermath.

It's impossible to turn back time, but Libertarians have warned for decades that an aggressive foreign policy often creates resentment that may incite terrorism. Our platform states:

3.3 International Affairs
"American foreign policy should seek an America at peace with the world. Our foreign policy should emphasize defense against attack from abroad and enhance the likelihood of peace by avoiding foreign entanglements. We would end the current U.S. government policy of foreign intervention, including military and economic aid. We recognize the right of all people to resist tyranny and defend themselves and their rights. We condemn the use of force, and especially the use of terrorism, against the innocent, regardless of whether such acts are committed by governments or by political or revolutionary groups."

A review of some of the negative consequences of an aggressive foreign policy:

• 9/11: the deaths of thousands of Americans and others
• The Patriot Act
• The Wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and the deaths of soldiers and civilians
• Trillions in government spending
• Setting bad precedents for future governments, both domestic and foreign

It is long past time to bring our troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan.

If you expect to attend any rallies or other politically-oriented public events in the next couple of weeks, I encourage you to remind people about the Libertarian Party and what we stand for.

Sincerely,
Wes Benedict
Executive Director
Libertarian National Committee