New DNA collection raises privacy concerns

The Libertarian Party issued a statement from Executive Director Shane Cory following the announcement of the federal government’s new practice of collecting DNA data from people arrested, though not convicted, for federal offenses:

“The new practice of collecting DNA data from people arrested for federal crimes raises serious privacy concerns. The government will now be compiling a databank from people arrested, though not convicted, of any federal crime. Therefore, if you are detained for a federal crime, even a minor offense in a national park, you will have your DNA stored forever with the federal government. This is a sad day for privacy rights in a country that used to value the idea of ‘innocent until proven guilty.’ However, this comes as no surprise given this Republican administration’s eagerness to increase the power and scope of the federal government.”

Eric Sundwall Interviews Mike Gravel About Libertarian Party

Eric Sundwall is a member of the Libertarian Party National Committee. He also has a cable TV show in New York state. This is the Sundwall interview with Mike Gravel, conducted April 1. Gravel has long been intensely interested in changing the U.S. form of government so that ordinary people have more.

Five years of forever war

On the five-year anniversary of the beginning of the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq, the Libertarian Party offers the following statement by Executive Director Shane Cory:

It is with a heavy heart that I woke up on March 19, 2008, in a country still at war in Iraq, now five years after it first began. It is also with great disappointment that neither Republicans nor Democrats have provided a plan to end what is shaping up to be a “forever war.” On this five-year anniversary of the invasion of Iraq, the Libertarian Party renews our call to bring American troops home without undue delay. May the courage and sacrifice of the 3,990 soldiers who have died in Iraq while serving their country never be forgotten.

The Libertarian Party is America’s third largest political party, founded in 1971 as an alternative to the two main political parties. You can find more information on the Libertarian Party by visiting www.lp.org. The Libertarian Party proudly stands for smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.