Freedom And Independence Holiday Series: 6. Lack Of Accountability
Freedom And Independence Holiday
On this Freedom And Independence Holiday season that runs from Juneteenth to Independence Day(June 19 to July 4), as we strive for a more perfect union, we celebrate our victories over governments that took our independence and individual freedoms. This is also the season to look critically at our government and its control over us, and to sound the alarm on the threat that centralizing this governmental control has on our freedom and independence. This is the perfect season to look at government from the libertarian perspective, for all humans are created equal!
As a libertarian, I am here to sound the alarm on the threat our federal government is to our independence and freedoms. So, from a libertarian perspective, I will address several threats posed by the federal government in a series of articles. These threats have been proven to be detrimental to individual liberty and the principles of libertarianism.
The good news is that each day is a new day to turn the titanic around and promote more freedom and independence. On this Independence Day, resolve to join the voting rebellion! Use your rebellious independence and Join the Libertarian Party today and celebrate and defend our freedoms and independence.
Now, let’s delve into the sixth concern, and final article, in this series, lack of accountability.
Federal Government Lack Of Accountability Threat Alert
Libertarians criticize the lack of accountability within the federal government. We argue that the size and complexity of the bureaucracy make it difficult for individuals to hold government officials accountable for their actions. We advocate for transparency, limited terms for elected officials, and increased citizen oversight to ensure a more accountable and responsive government. We will examine just a few instances of these egregious violations of our civil liberties now.
Operation Fast and Furious: In 2009-2011, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) implemented an operation known as “Fast and Furious.” The operation involved the sale of firearms to suspected straw purchasers, with the intent of tracing the weapons to Mexican drug cartels. However, the operation went awry, and many firearms ended up unaccounted for, including one found at the crime scene where a U.S. Border Patrol agent was killed. The lack of accountability in this operation led to severe criticism of the ATF and its leadership.
Veterans Affairs (VA) Waitlist Scandal: In 2014, a scandal erupted when it was revealed that some VA medical facilities were manipulating patient appointment schedules to conceal long wait times for veterans seeking healthcare services. This resulted in delayed treatment and potential harm to veterans. The lack of accountability within the VA was highlighted, as employees responsible for the misconduct faced minimal consequences, and there were concerns about systemic issues within the agency’s management and oversight.
2013 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Targeting Controversy: In 2013, it was revealed that the IRS had targeted conservative political groups applying for tax-exempt status. The IRS subjected these groups to excessive scrutiny, delays, and inappropriate requests for information. The scandal raised concerns about the lack of accountability and political bias within the agency. While investigations were conducted, there was insufficient accountability for those involved in the targeting, and some expressed concerns about a lack of transparency in the IRS’s operations.
COVID-19 Pandemic Response: The global COVID-19 pandemic brought to light various accountability concerns within the federal government’s response. There were controversies surrounding the distribution of medical supplies, testing protocols, and information dissemination. Issues such as delays, mismanagement, and conflicting messaging raised concerns about the lack of accountability and coordination within federal agencies involved in the pandemic response. The subsequent investigations and reviews were insufficient to address these accountability gaps and improve future responses to public health emergencies.
FISA Warrant Abuses: In 2019, a report by the Department of Justice Inspector General revealed significant errors and omissions in the FBI’s applications for Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) warrants related to the investigation of potential ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. The report found that FBI officials made material misstatements and withheld important information from the FISA court, which raised concerns about the integrity and accountability of the FBI’s investigation. The FISA warrant abuses highlighted the bias and politicization in the leadership in the FBI and the need for stronger oversight and accountability mechanisms within the FBI.
Disastrous Afghanistan Withdrawal: The withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in 2021 highlighted significant concerns about the lack of accountability within the federal government. Several aspects contributed to this lack of accountability:
-The decision to withdraw from Afghanistan was made by the executive branch, primarily the President and his advisors. The decision-making process lacked transparency, with limited input from Congress and minimal public engagement. The absence of a comprehensive plan for the withdrawal, including contingencies and provisions for the safety of Afghan allies, raised questions about the accountability of those involved in the decision-making process.
-The rapid collapse of the Afghan government and the resurgence of the Taliban following the withdrawal raised concerns about intelligence failures. The U.S. intelligence community appeared to have underestimated the speed and extent of the Taliban’s advances, leading to a lack of preparedness and contingency plans. The failure to accurately assess the situation and provide timely and reliable information eroded trust in the intelligence agencies and highlighted the need for accountability in their analysis and reporting.
-The chaotic evacuation process from Afghanistan further exposed the lack of accountability within the federal government. Delays, coordination issues, and a lack of clarity in communication resulted in a humanitarian crisis, leaving many Americans and vulnerable Afghan allies stranded. The failure to ensure the safety and timely evacuation of individuals who had supported the U.S. mission in Afghanistan raised serious concerns about accountability for the decisions and actions taken during the withdrawal.
-During the final days of the Afghanistan withdrawal in August 2021, a deadly attack took place outside the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, resulting in the deaths of numerous service members. The attack was carried out by the terrorist group ISIS-K (Islamic State Khorasan Province), an affiliate of the Islamic State (IS) in Afghanistan and Pakistan. It involved two suicide bombers who detonated explosive devices near the airport’s Abbey Gate and the nearby Baron Hotel. The service members killed were primarily U.S. Marines and U.S. Army soldiers who were providing security and assistance as part of the evacuation efforts. Questions were raised about security and intelligence failures that may have allowed the terrorists to carry out the attack, including why the threat was not adequately assessed, why vulnerable areas were not better protected, and whether there were any intelligence gaps or miscommunications that hindered the prevention of the attack. No military or government officials were held accountable for these unnecessary deaths, adding to the grave concern of lack of accountability in the leadership of our military.
HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!
Now that we have honored our Freedom and Independence Holiday Season with a sober examination of the danger posed by this federal government of ours, it is time to celebrate the unity and meaning our freedoms and independence make possible. Our freedoms from force/oppression, and our independence powerful enough to reject the intrusion of the United States Federal Government!
On this season of Independence and freedom, let us keep the libertarian perspective on federal government power threat alive and kicking. HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY ON THIS 4TH OF JULY! As always… For liberty! For the voting rebellion!
One thought on “Freedom And Independence Holiday Series: 6. Lack Of Accountability”