Isolationist Libertarians
JGELT
"Isolationist" in nature. My initial reaction was, "what's wrong with
isolationism?" In talking with a group of people on the subject I was
surprised to find out that the majority believed that World War II occured
because of isolationism and that had America been more involved in world
affairs that most of it would not have happened.
If you believe this to be a fact, consider the following:
1. Our current overseas basing system has no historical precedent. Prior
to WWII nations who stationed troops abroad did so in areas they had
captured and/or colonized. Deployments on the behalf of an ally were
limited in scope with the exception of certain feudal vassal states.
Follwing WWI France was considered more than a match for Germany and it's
national pride would not have allowed for the permanent stationing of an
outside army. Thus we could not have been forward deployed to counter
German invasions.
2. Nor could we have rushed to the aid of France. From the time that
Poland was invaded to the point when France had been defeated was 10
Months. Recall the gulf war. With Modern transport Aircraft, fast
sealift vessals, forward positioned equipment and manpower - it took us 6
months to postion 500,000 troops. How long would have such a deployment
taken in 1939? I don't know but certainly longer. In addition, during
the period between Poland and France it was considered very unlikely that
Germany would attack France - the period known as Sitskrieg and phoney
war.
3. Would the U.S. having a large and capable military detered Germeny or
Japan? Very doubtful. Even when the U.S. has been heavily armed many
potential foes are willing to consider the risk of incurring our wrath.
Why? We are completely unpredictable. Who knows when the U.S. will
decide to aid or ignore? We can't even answer that. Japan knew well that
we would never do anything to stop their wars in Korea and China. Germany
could reasonably assume that the only help the U.S. would provide would be
material aid - not to mention that Hitler did not take us seriously - he
considered us a race of inferior mongrels.
4. If we were more active could we have stopped the revenge treaties that
the allies imposed on Germany? We tried and failed.
I do not completely support the Libertarins fully in all aspects of their
idea of the military and foreign policy. I think that if the LP did win
the government that they would find they may have to adjust some of their
plans a bit. Can we bring home the majority of the people currently
overseas? You bet we can - and should. If anyone is interested on the
areas I differ with the LP on, please indiacte your interest and I will
ramble on at length.