"I sometimes notice that many Christians around me talk about forgiveness, but when foreigners harm the United States, even a little bit, they are quick to demand revenge and inflicting punishment. I think that the concept of forgiveness sometimes applies well to foreign policy too."
As a libertarian minded individual and four tour Iraq War veteran, I will be the first to say that the United States needs to stay out of the internal affairs of other nations and that we have a very public habit of not doing so. I believe Republicans are too quick to beat the war drum, and many Democrats aren't any better. This is obvious due to the fact that after promises to end the war, we are still bogged down in the middle east a year into the current administration's tenure. However, to say we should forgive those who harm the U.S. is, I believe, irresponsible. The Director's use of the phrase "even a little bit" bothers me as well. Harm, to any extent or degree, is harm. The Libertarian Party's Platform is clear on this issue:
1.6 Self-Defense
The only legitimate use of force is in defense of individual rights — life, liberty, and justly acquired property — against aggression.
3.1 National Defense
We support the maintenance of a sufficient military to defend the United States against aggression.
3.3 International Affairs
American foreign policy should seek an America at peace with the world and its defense against attack from abroad.
Not to sound "hawkish" - I consider it the veteran in me, but we, not as Democrats, Republicans, Libertarians, etc, but as Americans have a duty to defend this country against aggression. Defending this country against aggression and policing the world are two different things.
Aaron Yeargan
Hampstead, NC
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