Posted at LP.org
The following resolution was passed by the Libertarian National Committee on Dec. 7, 2008 at its quarterly board meeting:
RESOLUTION CONDEMNING DOMESTIC DEPLOYMENT OF THE U.S. MILITARYWHEREAS, the domestic deployment of 20,000 uniformed military personnel planned by the United States government undermines the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which forbids the use of the military for domestic policing; and,
WHEREAS, such a deployment is an alarming example of the increasing militarization of our society; and,
WHEREAS, the increasing use of active duty military personnel, has led, and will lead, to the abuse of American civil liberties, such as violations of the Fourth Amendment; and,
WHEREAS, a state’s National Guard – not active duty members of Army combat units – is the appropriate authority to handle local emergencies and disasters should they arise; and,
WHEREAS, the use of the 3rd Infantry Division 1st Brigade Combat Team during a time of war puts further tension on an already strained U.S. military.
THEREFORE, be it resolved, the Libertarian National Committee and its undersigned members hereby condemn the plans of the federal government to deploy 20,000 active duty members of the U.S. military to serve, for whatever reason, domestically in the United States. Furthermore, the Libertarian National Committee calls for the immediate abandonment of these plans, and instead suggests that should an emergency response team comprised of members other than local emergency responders (fire, police, HAZMAT) be developed and trained, it consist of members of the National Guard – not active duty personnel of the United States military.
The Libertarian National Committee calls for the citizens of the United States to oppose this militarization of our society, and its encroachment on American civil liberties, to their local, state and federal representatives.
What Rachel said.
As Gene said – I preferred Mary’s language, but this one passed unanimously, with little hassle.
WOOOHOOOO!
A parliamentary point to consider when this passed: the question was to pass it without objection. Keaton objected, forcing a roll call vote, which was unanimous. The force of the roll call vote put every single LNC member on record as supporting it or not instead of running and hiding behind silence.
Something to keep in mind for any procedure-oriented folks.
Im just shocked they actually passed it and didnt let the opportunity pass like usual:)
I disagree that the national guard, which is itself a nationalised and militarised version of the general militia – the true security of a free country and free people being the people themselves armed as militia – is any sort of appropriate group for responding to emergencies. This resolution reads very poorly. It is a bit better than nothing.
Gene, where would I find Mary’s proposed text?
The ex-comm of the Libertarian Party of the CSRA here in Georgia was going to present a similar resolution to our quarterly meeting on Saturday, but we will substitute this one for it with the addition that we will call on the LPGa to adopt the resolution and will forward the resolution to Georgia’s congressional delegation.
I liked Ruwart’s version better, but this one is good enough and makes the point. I’m glad the LNC passed this resolution, but am interested in seeing how much traction this gets. I’d also like to see state and local affiliates adopt this resolution as their own (with appropriate modifications, of course) and send it to the media. In fact, I will ask my county LP to do this exact thing.