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Take it backAmerican Shame
As a general rule, I’m aware that America’s handling of the “war on terror” (whatever that label means) has seriously damaged the country’s reputation. However, that was largely an abstract awareness; I didn’t see any concrete consequences beyond opinion polls and op-ed pieces. Then, last night, I heard a representative of Pakistan being interviewed on the radio. The interviewer asked questions about Pakistan’s recent troubles with suspension of the constitution and dismissal of the chief justice of the supreme court. In response, the representative trotted forth various arguments about stability, which didn’t really impress me. However, when the interviewer pressed, the representative got aggressive. He said that the U.S. couldn’t lecture Pakistan on the rule of law and sanctity of the courts, when the U.S. itself had established prisons where people could be held without being charged. He also argued that everything that was happening in Pakistan now was a direct result of the “war on terror.” Pakistan had been threatened, and had gone along with the United States. It was his contention that, if Pakistan repudiated the U.S., there would be dancing in the streets, rather than the rioting we see today.
Frankly, I’m not sure I buy his analogy to the U.S., and, even if I did, that wouldn’t make it a valid argument. However, the fact that the analogy can even be drawn is something that makes me deeply ashamed of how my country has behaved. I only wish that people in actual positions of power would make similar reflections, and put an end to the policies which are currently doing such damage to the country’s reputation.
As a note, posts like this are one of the benefits of eclectic blogging. Normally, I blog here about legal issues related to information security and data privacy. A post like this wouldn’t really be appropriate there. However, given the more eclectic nature of Metlin, I think this post fits in just fine – which I think is a big benefit for this blog.
Prasenjeet Said,
November 8, 2007 @ 2:47 pm
One can’t stop doing what’s necessary because of possible criticism from the world’s most dysfunctional countries. You’ll notice that this necessity to be purer than Caesar’s wife has never bothered European governments, who routinely reserve very broad powers to themselves (and use it from time to time, too).
That said, I do agree that a new administration will have to work at putting a kinder, gentler face on America — it’s just good business, and as President Coolidge once said, the business of America is business.
kkiyer Said,
November 8, 2007 @ 11:31 pm
I dont feel that politician was wrong..infact it is america which should be ashamed .instead of joining with india to fight terrorism it chose a dictator like musharaf..USA is known to encourage dictators who at some point of time turn against them which the history itself shows..America is paying a big price for its follies like Iraq war and its not long before its dollar will not be a international Currency due to enormous deficits.Bush policies have been a major disaster for US and its Economy .USA should join hands with democracies rather than dictators and should set aside its self interest and selfishness.I would rather trust any other nation than USA because of its bullying nature..
Milorad Said,
November 9, 2007 @ 3:13 am
This post was well balanced so I don’t feel the need to sink in the boot in any way. However, I do want to respond to Prasenjeet above.
Interestingly too no other country beats its collective chest about how just it is, and how freedom-loving etc.
When’s the last time you heard Swedes say “we’re the greatest nation on earth”? Despite their collective quality of life being higher than the US. When’s the last time you heard people from Montreal claiming their city is the greatest city on earth, despite winning ‘most livable city’ for almost a solid decade.
You Americans beat your chests about how great you are all the time. If you didn’t do that, nobody would bother holding you to your own lofty standards.
You shouldn’t compare yourself with others, because that’s futile. Instead compare the actual America with the sales pitch and propaganda.
Hold yourselves to your own standards, and the rest of us won’t say a word.