Response from the Libertarian Party to the terrorist attacks of September 11

[September 12] Statement by James W. Lark, National Chairman of the Libertarian Party:

On behalf of the Libertarian Party, I wish to express our profound sorrow and grief for the tragic loss of life and suffering caused by yesterday's terrorist attacks. Our hearts go out to the victims and their grieving families and friends. Nothing we say can ease the devastation and sense of loss they feel -- and that every other American certainly shares -- but we stand with them in mourning the loss of friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, loved ones, and fellow citizens.

The Libertarian Party condemns the vicious and barbaric attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. There is no excuse for such savage acts. No legitimate political or religious ideology can justify the murder of thousands of innocent people. These actions, and the revulsion they cause to all decent people around the world, demonstrate in the starkest way possible that the initiation of force is never an appropriate way to settle political or social differences. The result of such violence is more hatred, more grieving relatives and friends, more tombstones -- and, ultimately, more violence. Libertarians unequivocally reject the initiation of force as a solution to the disagreements between people and between governments.

The Libertarian Party calls for justice to be meted out to the terrorists responsible for the attacks. However, we encourage the United States government to be sure that any response is appropriate and measured. Action should not be taken that will cause innocent people in other countries to be killed because of the actions of terrorists. Such a response would only continue the cycle of violence and revenge.

The Libertarian Party calls on all Libertarians to aid our fellow Americans who have suffered from this horrible tragedy: Donate blood for the victims fighting for their lives in hospitals in New York and Washington, DC. Contribute to the charities that will assist the families and relatives. If you live near where the attacks took place, volunteer to assist in rescue or recovery efforts, as appropriate. And if you know any of the victims' families, offer solace and support in any way you can. Now is a time for all Libertarians to stand together to help those who are suffering.

The Libertarian Party calls on all Americans to act with tolerance and kindness in the days to follow. A natural reaction after such a tragedy is to find a scapegoat -- to blame Arab-Americans, or individuals who practice the Islamic faith, or other people who are in some way different. We must rise above that impulse. If Americans turn down a path of hatred and intolerance, then the terrorists will have won.

That's not the only way terrorists can win. In the past, some have responded to terrorism with proposals to restrict the civil liberties of Americans. We must resist that tendency. The fundamental rights that define the very essence of America should not be destroyed in an effort to deal with terrorism or any other problem. Citizens must remain ever vigilant that terrorists don't win by turning America into the kind of nation where our cherished freedoms are only a fading memory.

Finally, the Libertarian Party hopes these attacks will elicit a thoughtful national discussion about how we can prevent similar tragedies in the future. Of course, there is no way to guarantee that evil will not strike again. However, a foreign policy that limits our intervention in the affairs and quarrels of other nations is a foreign policy that will reduce the chance that terrorists will want to strike at America. Peace and free trade with all nations, and entangling alliances with none, is a time-honored prescription for an America that is at peace with the world, and for a nation that has little to fear from the savage and bloodthirsty actions of terrorists.

Again, our hearts go out to the thousands of Americans who suffered a loss during the terrible events of September 11, 2001. It is a tragic day that will live in our memories -- but is also a day that will allow the best of America to shine through by virtue of our response.