Idealism or Hypocrisy?
Posted by Bob Clasen
Was not Bush's Inaugural Address a noble summary of excellent ideals for American foreign policy?
_________________
If you did not hear or read Bush's Inaugural Address,
I post some excerpts below for your consideration.
_________________
Why cannot Democrats and Republicans unite behind such a vision, even if they differ on the details of its implementation? Is there such a fundamental difference in vision between Democrats and Republicans that this speech evokes admiration in one but not the other?
I listened to one self-described Democrat arguing on talk radio that all ideals are mere foolishness and a cover for the harsh reality of truth: the fight for power. He argued that there is no fundamental difference between America and any other country: they all are merely seeking power. We moved into Iraq for one reason: to grab power (and he was not critical of such a motive). What he was critical of was the hypocrisy of those who claimed they believed that America sincerely cared about the freedom of those in a different country. In short, from a philosophical perspective, Republicans were hypocritical and self-deluded in claiming to be idealists working for Good and fighting Evil.
This skeptical Democrat was quite sure that Good and Evil were illusions; the only true reality was Power. Therefore, no matter what absurd talk Bush might make about supporting freedom and democracy and the rights of men, it was all a smokescrean to cover the truth: the raw struggle for power which is the only reality. Is not this the same viewpoint we encounter among our skeptical, cynical friends in Europe? Since America is no different than any other country, what right do we have to criticize dictatorships? Since we are all morally corrupt, no one has the right to judge anyone else.
Democrats enjoy the game of rooting out hypocrisy: exposing people who do not fully live up to their moral ideals. Democrats have become immune to the charge of hypocrisy. A person with no ideals cannot be found to have violated any of them.
Since Democrat intellectuals no longer believe in God or Good and Evil, the only thing remaining is power. The center of power in society is government. So Democrats wish to rule by means of the power of government. But if Democrats no longer believe in good and evil, why should I feel comfortable entrusting them with the power of the state over me, especially the kind of Socialist State they seem to prefer? Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The modern Democrat's brand of cynical skepticism makes me lean toward a libertarian suspicion of the power of the state, not any trust of people whose swollen egos drive them to pursue political power over others.
_______________________________
Excerpts from Bush's Inaugural Address:
________________________________
For a half century, America defended our own freedom by standing watch on distant borders. After the shipwreck of communism came years of relative quiet, years of repose, years of sabbatical - and then there came a day of fire. We have seen our vulnerability - and we have seen its deepest source.
For as long as whole regions of the world simmer in resentment and tyranny - prone to ideologies that feed hatred and excuse murder - violence will gather, and multiply in destructive power, and cross the most defended borders, and raise a mortal threat.
There is only one force of history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment, and expose the pretensions of tyrants, and reward the hopes of the decent and tolerant, and that is the force of human freedom. We are led, by events and common sense, to one conclusion: The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world.
America's vital interests and our deepest beliefs are now one. From the day of our Founding, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this earth has rights, and dignity, and matchless value, because they bear the image of the Maker of Heaven and earth. Across the generations we have proclaimed the imperative of self-government, because no one is fit to be a master, and no one deserves to be a slave.
Advancing these ideals is the mission that created our Nation. It is the honorable achievement of our fathers. Now it is the urgent requirement of our nation's security, and the calling of our time. So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world.
This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force of arms when necessary. Freedom, by its nature, must be chosen, and defended by citizens, and sustained by the rule of law and the protection of minorities. And when the soul of a nation finally speaks, the institutions that arise may reflect customs and traditions very different from our own.
America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom, and make their own way. The great objective of ending tyranny is the concentrated work of generations. The difficulty of the task is no excuse for avoiding it.
America's influence is not unlimited, but fortunately for the oppressed, America's influence is considerable, and we will use it confidently in freedom's cause. My most solemn duty is to protect this nation and its people against further attacks and emerging threats. Some have unwisely chosen to test America's resolve, and have found it firm.
We will persistently clarify the choice before every ruler and every nation: The moral choice between oppression, which is always wrong, and freedom, which is eternally right. America will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains, or that women welcome humiliation and servitude, or that any human being aspires to live at the mercy of bullies.
We will encourage reform in other governments by making clear that success in our relations will require the decent treatment of their own people. America's belief in human dignity will guide our policies, yet rights must be more than the grudging concessions of dictators; they are secured by free dissent and the participation of the governed. In the long run, there is no justice without freedom, and there can be no human rights without human liberty.
Some, I know, have questioned the global appeal of liberty - though this time in history, four decades defined by the swiftest advance of freedom ever seen, is an odd time for doubt.
Americans, of all people, should never be surprised by the power of our ideals. Eventually, the call of freedom comes to every mind and every soul. We do not accept the existence of permanent tyranny because we do not accept the possibility of permanent slavery. Liberty will come to those who love it.
Today, America speaks anew to the peoples of the world: All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you. Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country. The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it."
The leaders of governments with long habits of control need to know: To serve your people you must learn to trust them. Start on this journey of progress and justice, and America will walk at your side. And all the allies of the United States can know: we honor your friendship, we rely on your counsel, and we depend on your help. Division among free nations is a primary goal of freedom's enemies. The concerted effort of free nations to promote democracy is a prelude to our enemies' defeat.
_______________________________
Was not Bush's Inaugural Address a noble summary of excellent ideals for American foreign policy?
_________________
If you did not hear or read Bush's Inaugural Address,
I post some excerpts below for your consideration.
_________________
Why cannot Democrats and Republicans unite behind such a vision, even if they differ on the details of its implementation? Is there such a fundamental difference in vision between Democrats and Republicans that this speech evokes admiration in one but not the other?
I listened to one self-described Democrat arguing on talk radio that all ideals are mere foolishness and a cover for the harsh reality of truth: the fight for power. He argued that there is no fundamental difference between America and any other country: they all are merely seeking power. We moved into Iraq for one reason: to grab power (and he was not critical of such a motive). What he was critical of was the hypocrisy of those who claimed they believed that America sincerely cared about the freedom of those in a different country. In short, from a philosophical perspective, Republicans were hypocritical and self-deluded in claiming to be idealists working for Good and fighting Evil.
This skeptical Democrat was quite sure that Good and Evil were illusions; the only true reality was Power. Therefore, no matter what absurd talk Bush might make about supporting freedom and democracy and the rights of men, it was all a smokescrean to cover the truth: the raw struggle for power which is the only reality. Is not this the same viewpoint we encounter among our skeptical, cynical friends in Europe? Since America is no different than any other country, what right do we have to criticize dictatorships? Since we are all morally corrupt, no one has the right to judge anyone else.
Democrats enjoy the game of rooting out hypocrisy: exposing people who do not fully live up to their moral ideals. Democrats have become immune to the charge of hypocrisy. A person with no ideals cannot be found to have violated any of them.
Since Democrat intellectuals no longer believe in God or Good and Evil, the only thing remaining is power. The center of power in society is government. So Democrats wish to rule by means of the power of government. But if Democrats no longer believe in good and evil, why should I feel comfortable entrusting them with the power of the state over me, especially the kind of Socialist State they seem to prefer? Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. The modern Democrat's brand of cynical skepticism makes me lean toward a libertarian suspicion of the power of the state, not any trust of people whose swollen egos drive them to pursue political power over others.
_______________________________
Excerpts from Bush's Inaugural Address:
________________________________
For a half century, America defended our own freedom by standing watch on distant borders. After the shipwreck of communism came years of relative quiet, years of repose, years of sabbatical - and then there came a day of fire. We have seen our vulnerability - and we have seen its deepest source.
For as long as whole regions of the world simmer in resentment and tyranny - prone to ideologies that feed hatred and excuse murder - violence will gather, and multiply in destructive power, and cross the most defended borders, and raise a mortal threat.
There is only one force of history that can break the reign of hatred and resentment, and expose the pretensions of tyrants, and reward the hopes of the decent and tolerant, and that is the force of human freedom. We are led, by events and common sense, to one conclusion: The survival of liberty in our land increasingly depends on the success of liberty in other lands. The best hope for peace in our world is the expansion of freedom in all the world.
America's vital interests and our deepest beliefs are now one. From the day of our Founding, we have proclaimed that every man and woman on this earth has rights, and dignity, and matchless value, because they bear the image of the Maker of Heaven and earth. Across the generations we have proclaimed the imperative of self-government, because no one is fit to be a master, and no one deserves to be a slave.
Advancing these ideals is the mission that created our Nation. It is the honorable achievement of our fathers. Now it is the urgent requirement of our nation's security, and the calling of our time. So it is the policy of the United States to seek and support the growth of democratic movements and institutions in every nation and culture, with the ultimate goal of ending tyranny in our world.
This is not primarily the task of arms, though we will defend ourselves and our friends by force of arms when necessary. Freedom, by its nature, must be chosen, and defended by citizens, and sustained by the rule of law and the protection of minorities. And when the soul of a nation finally speaks, the institutions that arise may reflect customs and traditions very different from our own.
America will not impose our own style of government on the unwilling. Our goal instead is to help others find their own voice, attain their own freedom, and make their own way. The great objective of ending tyranny is the concentrated work of generations. The difficulty of the task is no excuse for avoiding it.
America's influence is not unlimited, but fortunately for the oppressed, America's influence is considerable, and we will use it confidently in freedom's cause. My most solemn duty is to protect this nation and its people against further attacks and emerging threats. Some have unwisely chosen to test America's resolve, and have found it firm.
We will persistently clarify the choice before every ruler and every nation: The moral choice between oppression, which is always wrong, and freedom, which is eternally right. America will not pretend that jailed dissidents prefer their chains, or that women welcome humiliation and servitude, or that any human being aspires to live at the mercy of bullies.
We will encourage reform in other governments by making clear that success in our relations will require the decent treatment of their own people. America's belief in human dignity will guide our policies, yet rights must be more than the grudging concessions of dictators; they are secured by free dissent and the participation of the governed. In the long run, there is no justice without freedom, and there can be no human rights without human liberty.
Some, I know, have questioned the global appeal of liberty - though this time in history, four decades defined by the swiftest advance of freedom ever seen, is an odd time for doubt.
Americans, of all people, should never be surprised by the power of our ideals. Eventually, the call of freedom comes to every mind and every soul. We do not accept the existence of permanent tyranny because we do not accept the possibility of permanent slavery. Liberty will come to those who love it.
Today, America speaks anew to the peoples of the world: All who live in tyranny and hopelessness can know: the United States will not ignore your oppression, or excuse your oppressors. When you stand for your liberty, we will stand with you. Democratic reformers facing repression, prison, or exile can know: America sees you for who you are: the future leaders of your free country. The rulers of outlaw regimes can know that we still believe as Abraham Lincoln did: "Those who deny freedom to others deserve it not for themselves; and, under the rule of a just God, cannot long retain it."
The leaders of governments with long habits of control need to know: To serve your people you must learn to trust them. Start on this journey of progress and justice, and America will walk at your side. And all the allies of the United States can know: we honor your friendship, we rely on your counsel, and we depend on your help. Division among free nations is a primary goal of freedom's enemies. The concerted effort of free nations to promote democracy is a prelude to our enemies' defeat.
_______________________________
Comments
Some how I have been blocked out of my password and couldn't reply.
First, if you have been to the PNAC site, you can see there fingerprints all over this. Is it a logical leap to say that our war on terrorism will be solved by being idealists?
We have done business with bastards our entire nation's history. If our liberation in Iraq leads to an Iranian like theocracy, this will have been a giant step backwards.
I am reading a book called Charlie Wilson's War. This is a facinating summary of our covert war against the Soviets in Afganistan. How did a bunch of freedom fighters/insurgents defeat the vastly more powerful Soviet 40th division. They won through perserverance and a lot of US paid for weapons. However, at the beginning of the conflict, Pakistan and the US were supplying them mainly WWI vintange rifles. They held out for years.
As we supplied more sophisticated weapons, the Soviets upped the ante by bringing their elite special forces...Ultimately, the cost (23,000 lives) was too great and they pulled out. One of the statistics the CIA felt tipped the advantage to the Afgans was there willingness to die and that 100,000 in US weapons could destroy 10x to 100x that amount in Soviet weapons.
Let's hope the country comes together after this election or this could break the bank.
I am much more in favor of surgical strikes than huge troop commitments. Containment, not control.