Today, on this solemn Memorial Day, we gather to honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great nation. It is a day of remembrance, reflection, and gratitude. But it is also a day to contemplate the future and consider how we can best honor their memory.
As Libertarians, we believe in the fundamental principles of individual liberty, limited government, and non-aggression. We hold dear the values of peace, prosperity, and freedom. And on this day, we cannot help but reflect on the cost of war, both in terms of lives lost and the erosion of our cherished liberties.
For far too long, our nation has been entangled in endless wars; conflicts that seem to have no clear purpose or end in sight. We have seen our brave men and women sent to foreign lands, risking their lives and leaving their families behind, only to be caught in a cycle of violence and instability.
It is time for Iowans to advocate for a new path—a path that leads us away from perpetual warfare and towards a future of peace and prosperity. It is time to reevaluate our military engagements, to question the motives behind them, and to demand transparency and accountability from our leaders.
We must recognize that military intervention should always be a last resort, reserved for situations where our national security is genuinely threatened. Our military should not be used as a tool for nation-building or to enforce our will upon other nations. Let us remember the wise words of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who warned us about the dangers of the military-industrial complex and the need to guard against its influence.
To end the endless wars, we must foster a culture of diplomacy, cooperation, and respect for the sovereignty of other nations. We should work tirelessly to find peaceful solutions to conflicts, to engage in dialogue rather than resorting to military force. By championing diplomacy, we can build bridges instead of walls, and create a world where conflicts are resolved through negotiation rather than violence.
Furthermore, we must hold our elected officials accountable for their decisions regarding military engagements. We must demand transparency and public debate before committing our troops to battle. War should never be a decision made lightly, and the voices of the people must be heard in these critical moments.
Today, as we remember the fallen, let us also remember their hopes and dreams for a better future. Let us honor their memory by working toward a nation that cherishes peace and seeks to resolve conflicts through peaceful means. Let us be vigilant in protecting our liberties and ensuring that our military is used wisely and judiciously.
I call upon each and every one of you to join me in this pursuit of a more peaceful and prosperous future. Let us stand united in our commitment to ending endless wars and promoting a foreign policy that upholds the principles of liberty and justice for all.
Thank you, and may we never forget the sacrifices of those who have given everything in service to our nation.
In Liberty,
Jules Cutler
Chair, Libertarian Party of Iowa
