From: The Libertarian Party of Georgia –
The August 2014 shooting death of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo. has once again fanned the flames of anger, frustration and outrage by yet another community in America.
Across the nation the public is witnessing the militarization of our police and the increased awareness of excessive force, shootings and killing of innocent people. While we wait for the shooting investigation to unfold, the Libertarian Party offers insight into the matter.
Doug Craig chairman of the Libertarian Party of Georgia said the state should reexamine law enforcement practices and the militarization of local police force.
“The war on drugs continues to be the main catalyst for the abuse of power and excessive force we see in the streets of this country and state”, said Doug Craig. “From the killing of Kathryn Johnston to the Habersham County baby “Bou Bou” who was brutally wounded to thousands of other cases that rarely make the headline news, the war on drugs has led to death and misery.”
According to Craig, the atrocities we are witnessing undermines respect for law enforcement and breeds distrust. Law enforcement needs the cooperation of the citizens to help protect our property and our lives. A shoot first and ask questions later mentality is not an acceptable practice in this state.
“We recognize that most who serve in law enforcement are dedicated to protecting and serving our community. What we are questioning is the tactics being taught and the lack of accountability that sparked the incident in Ferguson. We also expect accountability for those who riot, loot and destroy property and have denied business owners the ability to conduct business”, Craig continued.
Another concern raised by Craig is the detention and arrest of reporters and others documenting the events as they unfold. The right to peacefully assemble should be allowed without interference from the government. The restrictions of these rights will only lead to more unrest and rioting.
Our Position: The Libertarian Party has long advocated for an end to the failed and dangerous War on Drugs. Twenty-seven Libertarian candidates running for federal office in 2014, and many more running for state and local office across the country, have pledged to end the War on Drugs if elected including both Georgia Libertarian candidates for Senate and Governor by way of Amanda Swafford and Andrew Hunt respectively.
