WASHINGTON D.C. — Leaders of the United States Pirate Party condemned the “Rage Against The War Machine” rally that took place on February 19th.
The rally was hosted jointly by the Libertarian Party and People’s Party and billed itself as an anti-war event critical of the United States and its handling of the War in Ukraine. Detractors of the event have claimed that the rally’s demands are untenable and that speakers and attendees promoted a pro-Russia sentiment.
This is the full statement:
”This rally amounted to nothing more than cheering on an aggressor. We cannot allow this perversion of the anti-war movement to take place unchallenged.
Let us make one thing clear: The Russian Federation started this war with its invasion of Ukraine. Not the USA, not NATO, not Ukraine. Russia. The anti-war stance in this case is easy. Russia, not Ukraine, should put down its arms
One can be critical of our country’s foreign policy. We even encourage it. Unfortunately, there exists a breed of con artist who exploits this to promote other flawed world orders that we want nothing to do with.”
Drew Bingaman, former chair of the Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania, issued his own personal statement. “This rally is clear evidence that the Libertarian Party is no longer a force for ‘liberty in our lifetime’. The Russian regime is attempting to revive the Soviet empire. Supporting their
invasion of another sovereign nation, and advocating for that nation to surrender, is NOT
Anti-war.” Bingaman currently chairs the Pennsylvania Pirate Party.
About The United States Pirate Party: The United States Pirate Party (USPP) is a minor
political party founded in 2006 – initially to promote copyright reform. The party has been
described as a coalition of left-libertarians, progressives, and radical centrists. The USPP is a
member of Pirate Parties International, a non-governmental organization dedicated to the
spread of Pirate Politics. Visit uspirates.org for more information.
On the bright side, when Rachel Maddow discussed all the crazies at the rally, and a few other people, she left the LP’s name out of it.
Given the information about the connections to Russian funding for some of the speakers at the anti-war rally, I can’t help but feel like we need to question the authenticity of the event. It’s important to remain vigilant against attempts to use public demonstrations for hidden agendas.
You can read more about the funding and support for the event https://www.rageagainstwar.org/