georgephillip
Diamond Member
Is the Fourth about celebrating US values like human rights, or has the US "consistently chosen national interests over rights?"
"Michael Barnett is a professor of international affairs and political science at George Washington University. He is the author, most recently, of 'The Empire of Humanity: A History of Humanitarianism.'
"(CNN) -- Independence Day is a celebration not just of America's independence, but also of the values that are important to our nation, like liberty, democracy and human rights..."
The professor begins his short essay by dismissing President Carter's concern that the US should be a little less "self-congratulatory and a little more self-critical" when it comes to evaluating the "moral leadership" it provides to the rest of the world.
"Even in better days, the United States has often made rotten compromises in the name of security. Simply put, the United States has championed human rights when it sees no damage to its security and economic interests. But when human rights are perceived as potentially detrimental to national interests, the United States has consistently chosen interests over values."
Simple enough?
If not, consider spending Labor Day in Afghanistan or Honduras.
Is America the moral leader in the world? - CNN.com
"Michael Barnett is a professor of international affairs and political science at George Washington University. He is the author, most recently, of 'The Empire of Humanity: A History of Humanitarianism.'
"(CNN) -- Independence Day is a celebration not just of America's independence, but also of the values that are important to our nation, like liberty, democracy and human rights..."
The professor begins his short essay by dismissing President Carter's concern that the US should be a little less "self-congratulatory and a little more self-critical" when it comes to evaluating the "moral leadership" it provides to the rest of the world.
"Even in better days, the United States has often made rotten compromises in the name of security. Simply put, the United States has championed human rights when it sees no damage to its security and economic interests. But when human rights are perceived as potentially detrimental to national interests, the United States has consistently chosen interests over values."
Simple enough?
If not, consider spending Labor Day in Afghanistan or Honduras.
Is America the moral leader in the world? - CNN.com