The American Spectator

. I enjoyed it immensely. I am 34 and used to think that I was a Libertarian although I never voted for anyone in their Party. However, as I learned more about them, the further I distanced myself from them ideologically. Interestingly enough, probably the best essay ever written about them was done by Leonard Peikoff — a follower of Ayn Rand. He wrote the essay, “Libertarianism: The Perversion of Liberty.” I say, “Interestingly enough” because although Ayn Rand and her followers are considered “right-wingers,” they are pro-abortion and atheists — much like Libertarians — go figure. Thanks for the great article. br> — Edward Dentzel br> Las Vegas, Nevada /p> p> In the past I have split my vote between Republicans and Libertarian since I respected a lot of their views and I really hated the RINOs. I tended to vote for them at the lower office levels to at least help them at the grass roots level. Not this time, however. Their leadership seems to have no concept of war and what it takes to win it. They don’t understand how dangerous Kerry is and could become. I voted straight Republican party ticket during early voting. I have the feeling that a lot of people have lost sympathy with the Libertarians because things are too serious to throw away any vote that would keep Kerry out and Bush in. The left wing of the Democratic party must be destroyed politically. br> — Douglas Chandler br> Dallas, Texas /p>

John Tabin mocks Libertarians for espousing non-interventionism. He also says that former Libertarian presidential candidate Harry Browne and the Libertarian Party are “non-traditional” regarding foreign affairs.

I fail to see how subscribing to a Jeffersonian foreign policy of “peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none” is “non-traditional.” Nor do I see what’s “non-traditional” about agreeing with John Quincy Adams that America shouldn’t go abroad “in search of monsters to destroy.”

Why was it acceptable to warn before 9/11 that a reckless U.S. foreign policy would inevitably cause retaliation, but it’s not acceptable to point to that reckless policy after 9/11? Libertarians such as Harry Browne should be applauded for publicly trying to avert another tragedy no matter what the personal costs — instead of encouraging one by supporting new foreign blunders.

p>Finally, Tabin says that “there’s nothing inherently libertarian” about a nonviolent foreign policy. Wrong. As Randolph Bourne said, “War is the health of the State.” And a strong, healthy State is never one that’s respectful of individual freedom. br> —