It has become very clear in recent weeks that the Libertarian Party Leadership just can’t keep their feet out of their mouths…and like it that way. This should come as no surprise coming from the same party who quotes the Satanic Temple Tenents during A Christian Holy week, sells their principles in a pay to play scheme, or announces that abortion is a non-issue to a party which is clearly divided in the issue.
In the latest incident, Libertarian Party Vice Chairman Arvin Vohra had the following to say regarding troops and veterans.
A common excuse to join the military, despite disagreeing with every single thing that it does: the military pays for college.
Translation: I agreed to kill innocent people because I wanted the money.
That type of decisionmaking is below the lowest threshold of any kind of morality that I know of.
Financial benefits do not justify killing strangers and destroying countries.
Before you join the military, the DEA, or other organizations that use violence, first decide if you actually agree with their mission. If you do not, “I wanted the money” is not a moral excuse at all.
#MilitaryIntelligence
Of course the internet reacted in the predictable ways. Some started calling Vohra names. Some stuck by his side. Others tried keeping the peace and helping each other see the other point of view.
We know one thing: active duty troops overwhelmingly supported Gary Johnson, Libertarian candidate for president in 2016. If they are new to the party, what message do you think this sends them, coming from a party figurehead? Many troops (who haven’t murdered anyone) now disagree with conflicts they participated in – both past and present – after seeing things from the inside. They once thought they were doing the right thing. While they might not be proud of the conflicts they were involved in, they are still proud, or at least not completely ashamed, of their service for one way or another. Although the military is used for many atrocities, it also accomplishes some good. With Veteran suicide rates at an all time high, we should be not be prying away the last shred of pride and dignity they may have left. Instead we should be empowering them and sending them forward with a new mission: to fight for liberty.
Mr Vohra should stop to take the temperature of the room before making a statement of this nature. He may or may not be talking to some underage folks who would maybe consider joining the military at some point in the future…who knows. Who he is definitely talking to, however, are tons of active duty service members and Veterans already in the libertarian party who already face adversity from fellow members. Their service usually is what LED them to libertarianism. They look to LP leadership for guidance and direction.
“It’s frustrating because many of us are “converted” in part because of our experiences. I’d say, if we have joined the LP, we don’t agree with the way the military is used either. We were all once less informed and individually minded. Holding our past decisions against us is not conducive to our joint cause.” states one veteran from Tennessee.
“As a registered Libertarian and current reservist I am shocked by the comments made by our vice chair. Personally I think Mr Vohra should step down.
This is not a freedom of speech issue, but rather a fundamental misunderstanding of the armed forces. How am I supposed to explain this to my battle buddies?” states a service member.
A short time ago, Vohra was soliciting from LP Veterans reasons why they enlisted in the military. The responses were thoughtful, honest, and respectful. It seemed as if the LP was finally going to do some smart outreach.
We should have known better… We deserve better.
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