Libertarian National Committee Executive Director Wes Benedict issued the following statement:

The Libertarian Party condemns bigotry as irrational and repugnant, and offers its condolences to the family of the woman killed in Charlottesville, Va.

There is no room for racists and bigots in the Libertarian Party. If there are white nationalists who — inappropriately — are members of the Libertarian Party, I ask them to submit their resignations today. We don’t want them to associate with the Libertarian Party, and we don’t want their money. I’m not expecting many resignations, because our membership already knows this well.

The Libertarian Party Platform states, “We condemn bigotry as irrational and repugnant. Government should neither deny nor abridge any individual’s human right based upon sex, wealth, ethnicity, creed, age, national origin, personal habits, political preference, or sexual orientation.”

The Libertarian Party is tolerant and accepting, supporting civil liberties, gay marriage, and freedom of religion for all, including Jews, Muslims, Christians, and atheists. The Libertarian Party supports open borders, civil liberties, racial diversity, and free trade — things that white nationalists abhor.

I think many people in America are worried about jobs and security, and feel compelled to do something about it. Years of inflammatory messaging from Republican and Democratic leadership have poisoned the well of civil discourse, and unfortunately, much of what the extremists on both the left and right are asking for will make matters worse.

Republican leaders have demonized immigrants and free trade, and have scared people into thinking that free trade and immigration will cost current citizens their jobs and their standard of living. Yet countries with free trade and immigration have the highest standards of living in the world, and those without freedom of movement and exchange have the lowest. If politicians are truly interested in improving American prosperity, they need to brush up on their understanding of “gains from trade” and “comparative advantage,” then stop goading their supporters into supporting counterproductive policies. Protectionist policies are irrational and cowardly, and will make America weaker.

Democratic leaders have demonized businesses and denounced people who support eliminating minimum wage and licensing laws. Ending the minimum wage will make it easier for everyone to get a job, especially those with the least skills who most desperately need to gain work experience. Ending licensing laws will make it easier for everyone who still can’t get a job, or who feels underpaid, to start their own businesses.

Democratic and Republican leaders have supported billions of dollars in subsidies for billionaires like Elon Musk and the wealthy who can afford his cars and solar panels, while driving up the cost of cars and electricity for middle-class and low-income Americans. It’s no surprise that disaffected people on both the left and right mistrust big business. All corporate welfare should be eliminated.

More government is not the answer for those who are scared and hurting on the right or the left, and violence between the two groups is certainly not the answer.

The Libertarian Party has whites, blacks, browns, gays, heterosexuals, Christians, atheists, Muslims, and Jews in its leadership, as candidates for public office, and within its membership. Libertarians work together peacefully and oppose the initiation of force to achieve social or political goals. Libertarians don’t all agree on the meaning of life, or which behavior is proper or moral, but we do agree on the proper role of government in our lives.

Race wars, class wars, religious wars, and even foreign wars are not inevitable. Stay home from the protests and check out the Libertarian Party. A more Libertarian America will be a more prosperous, peaceful, and diverse America.