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To: Wonder Warthog
Good link. I was surprised and interested to read this press release.

In turn, I suggest that you try this link:http://www.fff.org/comment/ed1101a.asp

This is Hornbergers comments in 10/01 about the War on Terror.

So, interestingly, two of the leading lights of libertarianism (Browne and Hornberger) are foursquare against the War on Terror. The "rank and file" however and less opposed to the WOT. They support it with majorities but not overwhelming ones. And they support it with qualifications.

Here is my attempt to summarize. Some libertarians, but not all, support the War on Terror. Libertarians support the War on Terror less completely than does the American public at large (even Democrats). They also impose more qualifications on their support than do most Americans. (Such as opposition to measures such as the Patriot Act). Libertarians, despite this support of the WOT, still retain their traditional attitude of distrust and (yes) hatred of the US government.

Now I hope I have accurately stated the case. I agree that the situation is not black and white (as perhaps I had originally held) but rather highly nuanced and needing the details examined.

Now on a personal note, here is what happened to me as a result of 9/11. Prior to that, like most libertarians, I too was highly suspicious of the US government and basically in opposition to it. 9/11 cleared my eyes (at least that is how I see it now). The USA clearly has many many flaws. I still oppose government policy in most of the same areas I always have. However, I now see that, despite these flaws, the USA is a pretty incredible place - the greatest country in human history. By insisting on perfection, we can make the perfect the enemy of the good.

Yes, perhaps it is possible to tear down the US (as the leftists perpetually do). But when it is gone what shall replace it. Again the US is mankind's brightest hope and I wish primarily to support it not tear it down. Yes I will continue to criticize it but in a more constructive way. And I will realize that it is a long term battle in which America is not the enemy. The enemy is the Left, both domestically and abroad.

115 posted on 11/19/2002 4:09:34 PM PST by hscott
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To: hscott
"Now I hope I have accurately stated the case. I agree that the situation is not black and white (as perhaps I had originally held) but rather highly nuanced and needing the details examined."

You have not. NINETY-FOUR PERCENT is not "some libertarians". What that says is that the OVERWHELMING MAJORITY of libertarians support the War on Terror. They have major reservations about some of the specific actions (loss of civil liberties) suggested as part of that war, but they DO support the war. HUGE majorities support military action.

You are simply wrong, and unwilling to admit it.

117 posted on 11/19/2002 4:58:18 PM PST by Wonder Warthog
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