Middle East Election Fraud

First we had Iran, and now Afghanistan. I cannot understand, however, why their was such wide condemnation of Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and the Iranian government in the news media, but there is no such indignation over allegations of vote rigging in Afghanistan.

So what is the difference in these two cases? Iran has been designated a "rogue regime" by our state and media overlords. Afghanistan was a "rogue regime" until it was duly conquered liberated by the United States government. And as we all know, being the U.S. government means never having to admit you're wrong. They cannot admit that trying to impose democracy at gunpoint was bound to have problems, and they cannot admit that there are striking parallels between the elections in Iran and Afghanistan.

The U.S. will take a wait-and-see approach to the election. As Special Envoy to Afghanistan Richard Holbrooke said: "The United States and the international community will respect the process set up by Afghanistan itself." Oh, okay. As long as that system was made available to the Afghan people without the outside help of the United States or any other foreign government, I guess it is all right.

It seems to me there are two ways of looking at all of this. First, the region is generally unstable, and there is no reason we should be wasting our money trying to promote fair elections there; or second, foreign involvement in the region has contributed to the instability and our continued presence will only ensure more turmoil and questioned elections.

How Many Americans Have to Die in Iraq?

We should continually ask ourselves that question. Are 4,087 dead and 30,333 wounded not enough to realize there has been enough blood spilled? Remind yourself of the lives lost to this unnecessary occupation by visiting the casualties page at AntiWar.com. We all need a good slap in the face now and then. If that isn't good enough, then have a glance at the faces of those who've died.

Congratulations to Bob Barr

Bob Barr just won the nomination to be the Libertarian Party's 2008 presidential candidate. As a Republican and libertarian I saw Ron Paul as the perfect candidate this election cycle. I still support Dr. Paul and he may still get my vote in November. But there is no chance I will support John McCain. From campaign finance to the war in Iraq to immigration policy McCain has been on the opposite side of true conservatives and libertarians. Bob Barr will offer us another option. He is a former Republican Congressman from Georgia so we know he can get Republican and broad-based support. He can also give an outlet for those who don't want to write in Ron Paul come November.

I still haven't made up my mind who I am voting for, but I can say that Bob Barr is near the top of the list. Congratulations to him and the Libertarian Party. Visit his website to learn more.

Yes, We Brought Freedom to Iraq

Neocons love to list off the many reasons why it was good to liberate Iraq. Of course Islam takes a lot of heat. Subjugation of women is a big one for lots of neoconservatives. Many Christian neocons believe we need to overthrow all governments that have Muslims within their ranks; if we don't do it, they will come over here and make our women wear burkhas and subject us to Sharia law.

Our occupation of Iraq, however, has led to an increase in the persecution of Christians and galvanization of the more radical Muslims. A perfect example is here. Archbishop Paulos Faraj Rahho of Mosul, whose body was found yesterday, was one of the highest Catholic clergymen in Iraq. Our invasion and occupation did not bring freedom; if anything it has brought out the more brutal elements.

Please, fellow Christians, if you still support this war, just look at the impact it is having on Christians in that part of the world.

Lew Rockwell on Antiwar Radio

I just got around to listening to this interview today. It is a great survey of all topics important to libertarians: war, economics, political philosophy. Lots of memorable insights during this hour long interview.

Listen here.

Return to Isolationism

My article for the current issue of The Kenyon Observer is now online at out brand-new website. Here is the opening paragraph:

"American foreign policy has become infused with an air of self-righteousness and moral superiority. We have long since strayed from the advice of Thomas Jefferson, that it is best to maintain 'peace, commerce, and honest friendship with all nations, entangling alliances with none.' Foreign adventurism, never-ending war, and complex alliances have entirely perverted the foundation of this country’s foreign policy."

Read the Rest.

Merry Christmas

From my favorite movie:

Great Ad Suppoting Ron Paul

I just saw a link to this new ad at LewRockwell.com

Ron Paul is the only GOP that gets it about Iraq: