Membership in the Libertarian Party requires signing the principle of non aggression which means that you oppose the initiation of force to achieve political or social goals. Since signing this pledge is the first step you must take in becoming a capital "L" Libertarian, it seems appropriate for us Libertarians to point out when our government is initiating force to accomplish its goals. Well, pointing out when our government initiates force to accomplish its goals is a gargantuan task; however, a group in our state has made it their job to uncover the abuses of government, specifically regarding torture. North Carolina Stop Torture Now investigates and reports on the use of resources in our state that go toward "a global system of detention outside the law, illegal prisoner transfers (rendition), and torture."

Since the so-called "war on terror" began after 9/11, our government has used one terrorist attack to justify further conflict in the Middle East and to abuse an emotionally-charged situation by circumventing the US Constitution--resulting in a loss of rights for US citizens and a decrease in credibility around the globe. It is the citizens' responsibility to hold the government accountable for its actions, and North Carolina Stop Torture Now is one group committed to doing so. Christina Cowger and Jess Porta of North Carolina Stop Torture Now will be presenting as part of our next Haywood County Libertarian Party Meeting.