michael.h.wilson wrote:
MW) as far as I know no party has specifically called for an end of the deployment of U.S. troops abroad (MW
This policy doesn't really meet my criteria -- supported by 60% of Americans, 60% of Libertarians, not traditionally advocated by the LP, and not advocated by any of the other top four parties.
First, the Constitution party effectively already advocates this: "immediately terminate American military presence in all foreign countries where such U.S. presence constitutes an invitation for this nation to become involved in, or further participate in, foreign wars."
Second, the LP Platform has traditionally advocated this position: "End the practice of stationing American military troops overseas. We make no exceptions to the above." The current Platform still says "The United States government should return to the historic libertarian tradition of avoiding entangling alliances, abstaining totally from foreign quarrels and imperialist adventures".
Third, nowhere near 60% of Americans support such a position. As of Dec 2007, only 28% of Americans said we should "withdraw all of its troops from Iraq as rapidly as possible, starting now", and only 59% thought there should be any timetable at all for withdrawal. I would guess that under 25% of Americans would agree with this position.
Finally, I seriously doubt that 60% of LP members would say we should end all deployment of U.S. troops abroad. 60% of NatCon delegates might say that, but I bet you wouldn't get the 67% needed for a resoluton that said it.
So it looks like my $1000 is still up for grabs. :-)
